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SPOTLIGHT 245
26/04/2010 12:04
the Spot Light #245
d.d. Monday, April 26th, 2010
NEW RELEASES
CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS
NIGHTSTALKER - SUPERFREAK (LP/HEADSPIN) A great new Headspin release! Nightstalker's 'Superfreak' has come to set the whole hard rock scene ablaze with its sheer magnitude and psychedelic delirium! Raw rock'n'roll simplicity, stunning riffs and electric haze are what have kept one of the top bands from Greece going for more than 15 years. Limited editions on black and coloured vinyl, housed in deluxe gatefold sleeve with printed innerbag! Highly recommended to fans of a.o. Motörhead, Monster Magnet and Black Sabbath.
ROY KAY COMBO - I'M HOOKED (10"/SLEAZY) This cool 10" platter by The Ray Kay Combo offers ten catchy tracks, among which 'Boom!', 'Midnight Station', 'Love To Spare' and the title track.
CHROME DOME - CHROME DOME (CD/LEXICON DEVIL) A notable debut by a band from Melbourne. Influenced by legendary cult bands of yesteryear such as Nervous Gender and the Screamers, as well as Suicide and Melbourne's own Primitive Calculators, Chrome Dome have nailed down the sound of 21st-century synth-punk to a fine art. Like their forebears, Chrome Dome "rock" like a garage band and sings songs of love and despair: they just don't use any guitars. Here are seven tracks at just under 20 minutes, all housed in a swish black & silver wallet at a nice price.
PENS - LOVE RULES (7"/DE STIJL) Pens are three girls that take an old school approach to a hum and riff and add their own who gives a fuck homemade panache. Tuck yourself into bed with some warm milk and cookies and throw this new single on the platter in repeat mode. Nighty night! What more is there to say? It's better than most of the shit that gets the rave up.
ANGUS MACLISE - THE CLOUD DOCTRINE (2CD/SUB ROSA) Reissue! 159 Minutes of minimal electronic music, readings, soundtracks from the archives of Angus Maclise 1963-1976, featuring Tony Conrad, John Cale and others. Rare music, performance, soundtracks, spoken words by a seminal poet and musician, active in the New York avant-garde scene of the 60's (he was the first drummer of the Velvet Underground).
REQUIEM - THE STORY 1985-1992 (2CD/BLOODROCK) In 1985 guitar player Mario "The Black" Di Donato left Unreal Terror to work on a new stylistic musical concept that would become the trademark of his next productions. This double CD is a collection of his pre-'The Black' period 1985-1992, including many rare and cassette only tracks. Requiem have lain buried for almost twenty years but the fact doesn't lower the charm and the historical relevance of their records which, then and now, are evidence of the value of an Italian way to the dark sound not dependent on any foreign reality.
EXPECTED RELEASES
CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS
LUSHUS - BAREFOOT (CD-LP/KATZWIJM) After six years of European underground tours (live) albums and a vinyl EP, Lushus is delighted to present the self-proclaimed masterpiece: "Barefoot". On this album the band sounds more adventurous than ever. The sound is layered, lush and diverse. Lushus slides, grinds, bashes and slips her way through eleven fantastic adventures. Nu-wave, (post) rock, indie-pop, Latin and punk alternate fast. The band consists of two charming bass players and a characteristic drummer. Lushus are known for their energetic, expressive, light hearted and extravagant shows. They have the power to seduce a crowd with musical abundance and powerful silence.
LONESOME DRIFTER - EAGER BOY (LP/NORTON) Sixteen song vinyl roundup on Tommy Johnson, the legendary Lonesome Drifter culled from the vaults of Shreveport's Ram Records. His 1958 single Eager Boy stands as one of the most sought after rockabilly records of all time. The Drifters haunting vocals and stark instrumentation make him one of the truly unique figures in rockabilly and hillbilly music. This is real bone chilling stuff! For fans of Hasil Adkins Moon over Madison and Charlie Feather's 'Uh Huh Honey' albums.
ROY HEAD & THE TRAITS - LIVE IT UP (CD-LP/NORTON) Dig this! Norton has rounded up the earliest recordings by the inimitable Texas mad man Roy Head along with the original Traits! These sixteen 1958-62 sides (including one unissued cut) were waxed for the TNT and Renner labels long before Roy hit the big time with 'Treat Her Right'! Tracks like 'One More Time' epitomize wild early Texas rock n roll! Live it up indeed!
SPACE DEBRIS - LIVE GHOSTS (2LP/GREEN BRAIN) Limited edition double LP version of the 2009 live album from this German outfit that fully, completely, totally embraces early 70's heavy psychedelic, progressive krautrock. The music is all instrumental with tracks ranging from six to twenty minutes. These guys really know how to lay down a groove, with a stylistic platter covering heavy prog-psych, to acid rock, and funk and groove laden jamming psychedelia with prog and jazz influences. This 2LP set has 3 bonus live tracks presented on side 4! Housed in a nice gatefold sleeve.
XELA - THE DIVINE (LP/DEKORDER) 'The Divine' marks the second phase in the trilogy proposed by John Twells aka Xela. This LP finds itself trapped in an abandoned church somewhere in a damp Southern wilderness. Church bells chime and rattle through the record's first piece, echoing and distorting through a fog of chattering voices and prayers. Tape loops stumble over tape loops and the solemn, ecclesiastical drone slowly decomposes into thick, crackling noise. Through the mists choirs sing, heralding the introduction of the second side, which takes the human voice into cavernous and smudged, yet strangely alluring territories.
AAN - I COULD BE GIRL FOR YOU EP (CD/INFINITE FRONT)Aan's first official release offers five songs with two vignettes hidden in the negative spaces between tracks. This very interesting EP opens with 'Wet and Dripping', a murder ballad inspired by infidelity. The songs howling multi-tracked vocals burst over angular guitars, organ grinder synth colours and scissoring hi-hats. 'Heart Is The Ocean' follows quickly with a similar intensity, but spans out across electronic washes and searing guitars. The track is six minutes of textural exploration and concise pop.
IIBIIS ROOGE - IIBIIS ROOGE (LP/DEKORDER) Iibiis Rooge is the new super-astral duo team bringing together the mysterious High Wolf (Not Not Fun Records, Winged Sun) with the seminal talents of Mr. Neil Campbell, better known these days as Astral Social Club (Fat Cat, VHF, Qbico, Textile a.o.) and (ex-) member of Vibracathedral Orchestra, A-Band, and other obscure/legendary outfits. The new self-titled LP is the debut album of the band (don't call it "project") combining modern psychedelic High Wolf jams with the fucked up yet refined electronics and techno-infused beat choppery of the Astral Social Club - the result being a lot more then you might have expected from the two, transcending their combined talents into a multicoloured supernova.
KING KONG DING DONG - YOUTH CULTURE INDEX (LP/DEKORDER) Their first full length album, recorded in various bedrooms, basements and other improvised recording spaces. Using samplers, de-tuned guitars found in the trash, and stand-up drumming with random melodic percussion, Philadelphia based group King Kong Ding Dong make tribal, dreamy/nightmarish music with hints of pop. The music incorporates drone experimentation, whammy bar tone bending, and 4- track sound manipulation. The group shares members with A Sunny Day in Glasgow, but does not share the same sound, instrumentation, nor set musical concept. These are the perfect summer jams and the CD-r release has already been made Record of the Week over at Aquarius Records and praised by a bunch of influential online blogs.
DING-DONGS - DING-DONGS (CD-LP/NORTON) "Ding Dong!" "Whos there?" "Mark Sultan and Bloodshot Bill!" BBQ and BB sweat out thirteen action packed party stompers about girls, werewolves, gypsies and toilets! These Canadian titans have teamed up for a flat out wild round of rock n roll insanity! Prepare to get stuffed with the Ding-Dongs!
ALUK TODOLO - FINSTERNIS (LP/PUBLIC GUILT) Aluk Todolo, with members who also play in Gunslingers and Diamatregon. are a recondite creature. Part occult black metal fiend and part snide kraut menace. Somehow the doppelganger works and 'Finsternis' proves for a second time there is brilliance in the absence of light. Finsternis is the German word for eclipse, mimetic of cyclic elements, phases and unphases, endless re-beginnings, broken circles and perfect circles. A dangerous, noxious coil of all things black. 180 gram vinyl in a sleeve adorned with new black & metallic silver artwork from the band.
DELTA RHYTHM SECTION - IN THE BAG (LP/MOCAMBO) This new full length, limited edition, vinyl-only album by the Delta Rhythm Section surely is any rare groove lovers dream-come-true. The obscure group is one of the last and best kept secrets of the deep funk movement. Better forget the clones: these are serious break-heavy, creative, danceable & raw funky sounds that will leave you breathless and redefine the genre soul-jazz in just 36 minutes. Beautifully manufactured high-quality vinyl. Barcode- and internet-free-address old-style jacket.
RAYMOND DIJKSTRA - L'OPUS L'H (LP/DEKORDER) Dutch artist/musician Raymond Dijkstra is one of the most radical and original composers around today. With a clear DIY ethos and self-imposed restrictions he has created a singular universe all by himself.
VARIOUS - GARDEN OF ENO: BRIAN ENO TRIBUTE (LP/LOST RECORDS) Some of the worlds greatest acid/psych bands pay tribute to Brian Eno. Ole Lukkoye, Zen, Iron Bong, Lithium X-Mas, ST-37, Bag, The Whifflers, Deejay Mr. Rid, Pink Filth a.o. perform a very wide variety of Eno songs, from his glam rock early daze through the ambient years to the percussion years and every thing in between. Only 500 copies pressed. (Hand numbered.)
60’s & 70’s & 80’s (RE-)RELEASES AND ARTISTS + OTHER OLDIES
ANDERSEN/PLEYM GROUP - HAVE YOUR OWN FEELING, HAVE YOUR OWN WAY (LP/MAYFAIR) A stunning reissue of one of the rarest private press albums from Norway. The Andersen/Pleym-Group basically was a duo that recorded their sole album in the local school building with the support of some musical, like minded friends. These self penned pop songs reveal a great sense of melody and some clear Beatlesque touches. This reissue comes with 3 Bonustracks plus two inserts, one being a reproduction of the original booklet.
HAIKARA - HAIKARA (LP/MAYFAIR) Released in 1972, Haikara's very rare debut album is one of the most innovative and fascinating albums ever recorded in Finland. Excellent musicianship and composing skills culminate in five long songs, covering dark progressive-folk-rock and progressive-jazz in a very competent and skilful way. Fans of the Canterbury scene, IF and Van der Graaf Generator should definitely check this one out. This is the first official reissue on vinyl, completed by the even rarer insert.
BOBBY FULLER - EL PASO ROCK, VOL. 3 (CD/NORTON) Yes, the long overdue third volume chronicling Bobby's early studio, home and live recordings is due for release soon! Rounds out the three volume series into the ultimate set.
NEWS
SUNNY DAYS is the name of an enjoyable new Spanish label on our distribution list. Their catalogue includes releases on 7" from garage and beat inspired acts s.a. LOS INFRASERES, ZOMBIE VALENTINES, a 10" by The Right Nows and LP'S by the highly rated groups THE SHAKE and LOS IMMEDIATOS.
NORTON RECORDS have announced new 7"es by a.o. GAYE BLADES and GIRLS AT DAWN (split), MELVIN DAVIS (from 1961-1962), KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE (Kim Fowley produced) and TANDOORI KNIGHTS.
And finally, WAH WAH have announced some cool LP-reissues from PHILIPPE BESOMBES ('Libra'), BESOMBES/RIZET ('Pole' 2LP), ROGER BUNN, HELDON and KATCH 22, an obscure UK soft-psych band who recorded their (now reissued) LP for Saga Records (a.o. Five Day Week Straw People).
READING
The latest issue of collectors' magazine PLATENBLAD features an extended article on Swedish psych-folk sensation LISA O PIU. The psych section pays attention to a.o. THE NOMADDS (LP/CD on WAY BACK), COLD SUN (LP/CD 'Dark Shadows' on WORLD IN SOUND) and the delightful sole LP (from the late 60s) by SCHIBBINZ from Argentina, reissued by GUERSSEN.
SELECTED PRESS QUOTES
CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS
LISA O PIU - BEHIND THE BEND (CD-LP/SUBLIMINAL SOUNDS) reviewed by Erwin Zijleman for Krentenuitdepop and Velvet site (translated excerpt) Lisa O Piu do exactly what they're good at, and bewitch the listener with atmospheric, dreamy folk pop with a sense of tradition. reviewed by Gerald van Waes for Psyche van het Folk (translated excerpt) An instant classic!
THEE WYLDE OSCARS - RIGHT, YEAH!! (CD/OFF THE HIP) reviewed by Jan Joost Meertens for Planet Trash (translated excerpt) These Australians mainly draws from the 60s, but at the same time they incorporate the energy of 70s punk into their sound.
JACK ROSE & GLENN JONES - THE THINGS THAT WE USED TO DO (DVD/STRANGE ATTRACTORS AUDIO HOUSE) reviewed by Gerald van Waes for Psyche van het Folk (excerpt) This DVD, I think, will get historical significance and importance.
AMAZING - WAIT FOR A LIGHT TO COME (CD-LP/SUBLIMINAL SOUNDS) reviewed by Storm for FileUnder (translated excerpt) In each of the six track hides a little surprise, which makes this EP a great gift.
60’s & 70’s & 80’s (RE-)RELEASES AND ARTISTS + OTHER OLDIES
GREEN PAJAMAS - COMPLETE BOOK OF HOURS (CD/GREEN MONKEY) reviewed by Wiebren Rijkeboer for Platenblad (translated excerpt) The highlight of Green Pajamas' British sounding flower power-pop and baroque psychedelia is the heart ripping 'The Night Miss Sundby Died', a neo-psychedelic classic.
ANNEKE KONINGS - FEELINGS AND FAIRYTALES (CD/EXCALIBUR MUSIC) reviewed by Peter Marinus for Musicknockout (excerpt) ...Anneke Konings is another example of a forgotten folk-pop jewel. Her music certainly deserves a re-listen.
ROCK ISLAND - ROCK ISLAND (CD/GEARFAB) reviewed by DubbelMono for FileUnder (translated excerpt) Rock Island played a mixture of blues, groovy psychedelia and proto-hardrock.
LIVE
DEWOLFF (REMUSIC) selected dates - April 29: Den Haag, NL (Koninginnenach) / May 5: Leeuwarden, NL (Bevrijdingsfestival) and Groningen, NL (Bevrijdingsdfestival) / May 22: Tilburg (013) / May 30: Landgraaf, NL (Pinkpop) / June 5: Amersfoort (Highlands Festival) / June 26: Wateringen (Nederlanddrie) DEAD BROTHERS (VOODOO RHYTHM) April 29: Eindhoven, NL (Effenaar) / April 30 daytime: Deventer (Burgerweeshuis/Garden party!) + evening: Venlo, NL (Queensday fest) / June 4: Haarlem, NL (Patronaat)
HEX DISPENSERS (ALIEN SNATCH!) May 6: Groningen, NL (Vera) / May 21: Amsterdam, NL (OCCII) / May 23: Kortrijk, B (The Pits)
MAGNAPOP (BASSICK) May 13: Geraardsbergen, B (De Spiraal) / May 14: Maastricht, NL (Muziekgieterij) / May 15: -afternoon- Torhout, B (Masters @ work) / May 15: -evening- Arnhem, NL (Luxor) / May 16: Kasterlee, B (Kastival) / June 25: Amsterdam, NL (Melkweg) / June 26: Waasmunster, B (Vierschaarfeesten) / June 27: Genk (Festival On Stage)
SHEETAH ET LES WEISSMULLER (SCREAMING APPLE) May 22: Amsterdam, NL (OT301/Beatfestival)
C.W. STONEKING (VOODOO RHYTHM) May 29: Eindhoven, NL (Naked Song Festival/Muziek Centrum Frits Philips) / June 4: Haarlem, NL (Patronaat)
GRAVES BROTHERS DELUXE (GREEN COOKIE) June 18: Haarlem (Patronaat)
GÖSTA BERLINGS SAGA (TRANSUBSTANS) July 16: Haarlem, NL (Patronaat) / July 17: to be announced later this month
DUNGEN (SUBLIMINAL SOUNDS) July 17: Tilburg, NL (013) / July 18: Nijmegen (Valkhof/Affaire festival) / July 19: Amsterdam, NL (Paradiso)
KENTIN JIVEK (S.R.) spring-summer 2010
SIENA ROOT (HEAD SPIN, TRANSUBSTANS) June 19: Zwolle (Eureka) t.b.a.
THINGUMA JIG*SAW (DESERTED VILLAGE) 2010 t.b.a.
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Previous editions:
06/09/2010 11:47 SPOTLIGHT 264
30/08/2010 11:42 SPOTLIGHT 263
24/08/2010 11:09 SPOTLIGHT 262
18/08/2010 11:22 SPOTLIGHT 261
09/08/2010 11:31 SPOTLIGHT 260
02/08/2010 11:29 SPOTLIGHT 259
26/07/2010 11:16 SPOTLIGHT 258
20/07/2010 12:06 SPOTLIGHT 257
12/07/2010 12:22 SPOTLIGHT 256
05/07/2010 11:52 SPOTLIGHT 255
29/06/2010 11:34 SPOTLIGHT 254
21/06/2010 11:21 SPOTLIGHT 253
15/06/2010 11:37 SPOTLIGHT 252
07/06/2010 11:43 SPOTLIGHT 251
31/05/2010 11:35 SPOTLIGHT 250
25/05/2010 12:20 SPOTLIGHT 249
19/05/2010 11:48 SPOTLIGHT 248
10/05/2010 11:26 SPOTLIGHT 247
03/05/2010 11:46 SPOTLIGHT 246
19/04/2010 11:42 SPOTLIGHT 244
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