Kinski - Alpine Static (2005)

Kinski are an energic rock band from Seattle and their sound is a mixture between Hawkwind, Sonic Youth and Acid Mothers Temple. This is one of their best efforts.
Enjoy!

Cathal Coughlan - Black River Falls (2000)
Cathal Coughlan is a former member of Microdisney (with Sean O'Hagan of The High Llamas) and the Fatima Mansions and "Black River Falls" was his 2nd solo effort.
A deeply somber folkish record.

The role model this time out seems to be less Scott Walker than noted Walker disciple Nick Cave in Johnny Cash mode. (Taken from AMG)

Leo Kottke - Live (1995)

Another outstanding record by Leo Kottke: a live solo recording made in 1995 at the Fox Theater in Boulder, Colorado.

Kendra Smith - Five Ways of Disappearing (1995)

Kendra Smith was a founding member of the Dream Syndicate and Opal and this is one of the few solo records available from her.
I will post Opal's "Happy Nightmare Baby" soon.

Pete Namlook & Klaus Schulze - The Dark Side of the Moog (1994)

Pete Namlook & Klaus Schulze - The Dark Side of the Moog II (1995)

Two generations of electronic musicians are combining perfectly here!
These are the 1st two volumes of the "The Dark Side of the Moog" series created by Namlook and Schulze, though, in some volumes, they also have the collaboration of Bill Laswell.
Enjoy!

Joby Talbot - The Dying Swan (Music for 1 to 7 Players) (2002)

Joby Talbot became quite well known as arranger, conducter and performer of The Divine Comedy in such excellent records as "Casanova", "Fin de Siècle" or "Absent Friends". He has also written cinema and TV soundtracks along with some more classical stuff wich is what we're talking about here.

The materials and processes he uses are generally simple and transparent, but effective. The results are frequently moving, and often beautiful. (Taken from the Gramophone Magazine)

Gavin Bryars - Vita Nova (1994)

The english composer Gavin Bryars began his career as a jazz bassist with Joseph Holbrooke, Derek Bailey and Tony Oxley.
"Vita Nova" is a wonderful record and the two last compositions - "Four Elements" and "Sub Rosa" - are simply haunting!

Bel Canto - White-Out Conditions (1987)

Bel Canto - Birds of Passage (1990)

Bel Canto - Shimmering, Warm & Bright (1992)

Here are the first three records by this norwegian band that was formed in 1986. They've had in their original line-up the musician Geir Jenssen who left the group to pursue a solo career with his experimental/techno project Biosphere.
Many resemblances to the 4AD sound.

A.C. Marias - One of Our Girls (Has Gone Missing) (1989)

A.C. Marias was a solo project by Dome/Wire collaborator Angela Conway and this record was her only full length release.
She was assisted here by Bruce Gilbert, Barry Adamson, Rowland S. Howard, John Fryer and Gareth Jones.

The Comsat Angels - Time Considered as a Helix of Semi-Precious Stones - The BBC Sessions 1979/1984 (1992)
One of the most amazing bands of the post-punk era, along with The Sound, The Cure or The Chameleons.
This is a compilation of BBC sessions recorded between 1979 and 1984, containing such classic themes as "Eye of the Lens", "Independence Day", "Gone" or "Dark Parade".
Enjoy!

The Danse Society - Heaven Is Waiting (1984)
Here's a 2002 reissue with 5 bonus tracks of the classic album "Heaven Is Waiting" by the goth rockers The Danse Society.
It will appeal to fans of Clan of Xymox.

Pieter Nooten & Michael Brook - Sleeps With the Fishes (1987)
"Sleeps With the Fishes" was Pieter Nooten's 1st album since he had left Clan of Xymox.
With some interpretations of Xymox themes along with new ones as well, this 4AD release had the participation of guitarist Michael Brook (and Brian Eno's collaboration!).
An excellent dark, ambient record.

It's hard to imagine this collaboration between Pieter Nooten and ambient, experimental guitarist Michael Brook working any better. (Taken from AMG)

The Aloof - Cover the Crime (1994)

The Aloof - Sinking (1996)

The Aloof - Seeking Pleasure (1998)

The Aloof - This Constant Chase for Thrills (1999)

Here's a wonderful band from the prolific dance movement of the 90's.
Actually, my favourite record of The Aloof is the less dance oriented one - "Seeking Pleasure" - which is really an amazing alternative rock album almost with no sign of electronics.
Don't miss it!

Jacaszek - Treny (2008)

Polish musician and producer Michal Jacaszek released last year his 3rd album, "Treny".
Some resemblances to the work of Murcof.

Somewhere deep beneath the junction where classical, electronica and ambient meet. (Taken from The Wire)

V/A - Double Articulation (1997)

"Double Articulation" is the remix album of the french philosopher Gilles Deleuze tribute compilation "Folds and Rhizomes for Gilles Deleuze".
Contributions of Scanner, David Shea, Mouse on Mars, Oval, Main and Tobias Hazan.
Enjoy!

Cinerama - Cinerama Holiday (2002)

Cinerama is The Wedding Present's founder, David Gedge, main project at the moment.
"Cinerama Holiday" is a good introduction to the band, compiling singles and B sides.
Much in the vein of pop bands like Pulp.

Lowlife - Eternity Road-Reflections of Lowlife 1985/1995 (2005)
Lowlife were founded by ex-Cocteau Twins bass player Will Heggie and this wonderful compilation brings us the most memorable tracks by this excellent post-punk outfit.
It will appeal to fans of The Chameleons and The Sound.
Enjoy!

Edward Ka-Spel - Down in the City of Heartbreak & Needles Vol. 2 (1998)

This is Vol. 2 of the DITCOHAN compilation, a collection of songs containing released and unreleased solo material by this "guru" of the dark-cosmic poetry.
I will have in the future some more posts of him and of his band, The Legendary Pink Dots.

Ka-Spel is widely regarded as a genius bordering on madness, which explains the frequent comparisons to Syd Barrett... (Taken from AMG)

The Black Heart Procession - The Spell (2006)

"The Spell" was the 6th album by this San Diego based group formed in 1997.
Lots of excellent melancholic, gloomy and introspective rock.
Don't miss it!

Baxter Dury - Len Parrot's Memorial Lift (2002)

The Wild Swans - Bringing Home the Ashes (1988)

The Wild Swans - Space Flower (1990)

The Wild Swans - Incandescent CD 1 (2003)

The Wild Swans - Incandescent CD 2 (2003)

The Wild Swans is one of the most underrated bands of the 80's.
Here are two originals and a 2 CD compilation containing BBC sessions, live tracks, rare demos, alternative versions and original mixes, recorded between 1981-1986.

The haunting voice of Paul Simpson injects every track with emotional weight; whether he is trying to convey joy or sorrow, his icy baritone chills to the bone. Simpson's dramatic voice vividly illustrates the stories in his songs. (Taken from AMG)

Anekdoten - A Time of Day (2007)

Here's an amazing album by these swedish prog-rockers that started to play in the early 90's. They've had collaboration in the past of the Spiritual Beggars/Opeth keyboardist, Per Wiberg.
"A Time of Day" is their 5th and most recent effort.
A great band and a great record!

Gavin Friday - Each Man Kills the Thing He Loves (1989)

Gavin Friday - Adam 'n' Eve (1992)

Gavin Friday - Shag Tobacco (1995)

A few weeks ago I've posted Friday's version of "Peter & the Wolf".
Now I've opted to add 3 more records from the discography of this Virgin Prunes co-founder.
Three classic masterpieces from wich I choose "Shag Tobacco" as my favourite one.
Don't miss it!

Johannes Brahms - Ein Deutsches Requiem, Op. 45 (1996)

The German Requiem is my favourite work by the romantic composer Johannes Brahms.
Here's a recording conducted by Philippe Herreweghe and released by the french label Harmonia Mundi.
Enjoy!

Blaine L. Reininger - Instrumentals (1987)

An incredibly beautiful record with collaborations of The Durutti Column, Wim Mertens and Reininger's bandmates from Tuxedomoon.

... this collection concentrates on purely instrumental tracks wich for the most part have not appeared on his regular albuns. (Taken from Notes on the Notes)

Sepiatone - In Sepiatone (2001)

Sepiatone are Hugo Race (of The Bad Seeds fame) and Marta Collica and "In Sepiatone" was the first of the two records they've made to date. A really captivating melancholic sound.

Seigmen - Total (1994)

Seigmen became quite famous in their homeland, Norway, with several releases during the 90's from wich I choose "Total" as their most complete effort. There are parts where the combination between the Cure-ish fingered guitars ("Disintegration" era) and some more heavy riffing is perfect!
They still continue to play and they've even recorded a live reunion album in 2006, though it's a shame that there hasn't been any new studio material.

Siglo XX - 1980/1986 (2006)
Here's a compilation of the belgian post-punk band Siglo XX.
Comparisons with Joy Division are inevitable.

Euro Boys - Jet Age (1997)
As promised, here's Euro Boys first record.
Not as contemplative as "Long Day's Flight 'Till Tomorrow", they were really "in for the action" here!
The album's overture is a good proof of that: a cover version of Lalo Schifrin's classic soundtrack "Enter the Dragon".
Don't miss it!

Drop Nineteens - Delaware (1992)

Boston based group Drop Nineteens made two records during their short career in the early 90's.
"Delaware" was their first one and I think it will appeal to fans of Chapterhouse, My Bloody Valentine or Ride.
Enjoy!

Sennen - Widows (2005)

"Widows" was Sennen's first record, and what a great debut!
Their sound is a mix of Mogwai, My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive, among other bands.
Enjoy!

The Wake - Harmony (1982)

The Wake - Here Comes Everybody (1985)
The Wake was the band wich first introduced us to Bobby Gillespie, then as a bass player.
These are 2001 and 2002 reissues of their first 2 records and they contain several tracks originally released as singles and Peel sessions.
Will appeal to fans of Joy Division, Felt, Echo & the Bunnymen...

Klaus Schulze & Lisa Gerrard - Farscape [CD 1] (2008)

Klaus Schulze & Lisa Gerrard - Farscape [CD 2] (2008)
"Farscape" was the first collaboration between space rock wizard Klaus Schulze and Lisa Gerrard.
Due to the prominency of the people involved here, the expectations were a "bit" high, so it might be possible that some of you will get a little disappointed. Still, it is worth listen.

Donna Regina - Late (2003)

One of the finest records by the german indie pop group Donna Regina. Much in the vein of Saint Etienne and One Dove.
Enjoy!

The Moog Cookbook - The Moog Cookbook (1996)

The Moog Cookbook - "Ye Olde Space Bande" (1997)

These two characters made history in the 90's playing cover versions of classic pop/rock anthems such as "Smells Like Teen Spirit", "Are You Gonna Go My Way?", "Ziggy Stardust", "Born to Be Wild" or "Whole Lotta Love", using a wide variety of moog and minimoog synthesizers along with other electronic instruments as well.
They've released only two albuns, so... here they are!

Perrey/Kingsley - The Out Sound From Way In! (The Complete Vanguard Recordings 1) (2001)