A question popped up yesterday on Ask Metafilter for recommendations of instrumental rock, pop, electro, whatever "just no vocals" from the past 5 years. Highly recommend checking out the entire thread, but I thought I'd post my own responses here for posterity. Many of these have been featured here before, but many haven't. Great stuff … Continue reading Instrumental throwdown: Check these out
Tag: bandcamp
Saturday sounds: Nightmares on Wax, Buckethead
Two discs from the back catalog to talk about today, In a Space Outta Sound by Nightmares on Wax and Forgotten Library from Buckethead. In a Space Outta Sound (2006) by Nightmares on Wax (★★★) The entire album is a fantastic trip, but "I Am You" is a must-listen cut that brings a lot of … Continue reading Saturday sounds: Nightmares on Wax, Buckethead
August 2021 Bandcamp Friday suggestions: ZENKA, Information Society, Harmony Woods, The Robotic Hands of God & more
Once again, Bandcamp Friday is upon us. It's a good time to snag anything you've had your eye on from Bandcamp, and if you haven't had your eye on anything? Well, I have suggestions! Each single or album has a rating, using a modified Robert Christgau scale. Also check out my earlier recommendations from March. … Continue reading August 2021 Bandcamp Friday suggestions: ZENKA, Information Society, Harmony Woods, The Robotic Hands of God & more
Bill Laswell & Pete Namlook: Psychonavigation 1-5
Bill Laswell's discography is intimidating, and I've been grappling with it for a few years now. This week I decided to sit down and give the entire five album Psychonavigation series a listen. It's a trippy, bass-y journey that won't work for everybody, but has a fair amount to offer for fans of experimental ambient … Continue reading Bill Laswell & Pete Namlook: Psychonavigation 1-5
Saturday singles: Ministry “Good Trouble,” Theon Cross “We Go Again”
Catching up on new music today and two singles grabbed my attention above the rest, a single from Theon Cross and a cut from Ministry for their upcoming album Moral Hygiene. Theon Cross: "We Go Again" Theon Cross is a jazz tuba player, and his 2019 LP Fyah is a must-hear for anybody who wants … Continue reading Saturday singles: Ministry “Good Trouble,” Theon Cross “We Go Again”
Jukebox selections: Earthspace, Kill Shelter + Antipole, Sunny War “Staying Alive” cover & much more
It's another Bandcamp Friday! Time to fill up the cart and bring home some great tunes. Looking for a few ideas? Check out some of these albums and artists. Lagniappe Sessions (EP) by Sunny War Spotted this one on Cover Me, I think, a few weeks ago. The entire EP is made up of covers, … Continue reading Jukebox selections: Earthspace, Kill Shelter + Antipole, Sunny War “Staying Alive” cover & much more
Digital crate digging: Searching Spotify by label, genre, year and more
Spotify is a great tool for music discovery, but some of the exploration tools aren't obvious. If you want to search for something by song title or artist, that sort of thing, no problem. But there are other ways I like to explore new music, like by music label or genre. You can do that … Continue reading Digital crate digging: Searching Spotify by label, genre, year and more
Bandcamp Friday recommendations: Eliza Rickman, Stickster, Renssy Rios, and much more
It's Bandcamp Friday! Bandcamp has been waiving revenue share on the 1st Friday of each month to help artists who've had their incomes seriously impacted by the pandemic. Reminder from Bandcamp, "here’s something to keep in mind: on Bandcamp Fridays, an average of 93% of your money reaches the artist/label (after payment processor fees). When … Continue reading Bandcamp Friday recommendations: Eliza Rickman, Stickster, Renssy Rios, and much more
Amyl and the Sniffers, Fraidycat web follower, Mogwai
Let's shake some of my browser tabs and see what falls out. Fraidycat web follower / feed reader RSS has been on the decline since Google snuffed Google Reader. Many sites, these days, don't even support RSS. It's a problem. One solution that might fit the bill for many users is Fraidycat. It comes as … Continue reading Amyl and the Sniffers, Fraidycat web follower, Mogwai
Ikebe Shakedown delivers cinematic instrumental funk
Ikebe Shakedown is another Bandcamp discovery. The band specializes in cinematic soul, an instrumental brand of soul/funk that feels like it should be straight out of a 70s cop or heist movie or a Tarantino soundtrack. The band does burning jams and introspective cuts that feel like instant classics. If you aren't moved by their … Continue reading Ikebe Shakedown delivers cinematic instrumental funk