tail end of the year...

DFA Holiday Mix 2005
Ace quick and dirty mix from one of this years most celebrated record labels, even though they only seem to have about 3 bands on the label: LCD SoundSystem, someone called Juan Maclean, and for some reason which I just can't work out why, avant-garde noise-meisters Black Dice. Very good mix, makes you want to dance (always a good sign in a mix), and it only costs about 3 quid! This track is from the slightly harder end of the mix

MP3: tribulations (tiga remix)

Lightning Bolt - Hypermagic Mountain
Lightning Bolt are a very odd metal band, they don't bother with guitars - no need, just throw as many distortion pedals as you can at the bass. They dress as superheroes, and have been known to perform gigs in the audience of other bands, and in back alleys. There singer seems to be singing through a microphone that costs less than a tenner, and they are prone to improvistation. It really shouldn't work, but it really does, honest!

MP3: Birdy

65daysofstatic - One Time For All Time
I've heard this band described as Mogwai mixed by Squarepusher, not sure about that. To be honest I think they've got more in common with someone like Linkin Park, but without the vocals, and maybe a bit louder. No, scrub that, alot louder. I should be loving this album, but I'm not sure, it hints at greatness at times and I've heard that they are pretty amazing live. I await further releases with interest.

MP3: Drove Through Ghosts To Get Here


Jackie-O Motherfucker - Flags of the Sacred Harp
Worse band name ever! Think I've mentioned this before... Anyway, on this CD they tackle some traditional American folk songs, to a pretty successful end. Gently ambient droning meets some good old mournful country music. Very nice

MP3: Hey Mr Sky

Nettle - Build a Fort, Set That on Fire
Nettle is DJ /ruptures band, there pretty similar to what he normally does but maybe less hip-hoppy. For want of a better word it's world music mixed with noise - not exactly easy listening, but definitely worth your time.

MP3: Serranito

Nettle - Firecamp Stories Remixes
Remix album of the above Nettle album, where there already fractured songs are broken around and fucked up even more. I thoroughly endorse this sort of behaviour.

MP3: The Ballard of Jimmy Hollin is More Awkward Than That