Dungen – Ta Det Lungt (Subliminal Sounds)
Released O/S late last year, re-issued and expanded in 2005, this gem of an album is best described as a uncompromising, multifaceted musical trip straight in to your head and deep out into the Swedish forests. The title translates to “Take It Easy” and is the brainchild of Gustav Ejstes who grew up in a big 17th century house in the little village Lanna in Vastergotland, Sweden. His musician father opened his ears to the sound of Swedish folk rock from the 60′s and 70′s and duely inspired, Ejstes recorded this psychedelic gem in a house in the woods of Smaland.
It’s an album that keeps on giving, each listen uncovering new sonic thrills. I think the fact that it is sung entirely in Swedish only ads to it’s mystique. This album sounds like 1968 all over again. Recommended
Today – Superpitcher (Kompakt)
“Mope house” maestro, Superpitcher takes us on a ride like a dewy morning maladie along the German autobahn of our minds (hmmmmm…well) with the most impressive mix set I heard this year. Equally wistful and brooding, multi-textured, chunky grooves all seamlessly programmed in the way that only a true music lover could concieve, all the while holding tension and utterly surprising the listener at each turn.
I really dig this mid-tempo ride as it avoids everything I despise about the nasty cavalcade of DJ mix cd’s that have drowned the music market over the years. Featuring the pick of the Kompakt roster as well as similar Euro soul-tech brothers in arms such as DJ Koze, Wighnomy Bros, Max Mohr, Triola and Sebastien Tellier, this mix runs a close second to Michael Mayer’s legendary “Immer”.
Black Mountain – Black Mountain (Jagjaguwar)
From a sleazy darkness comes a new groove infatuated with rock, drugs, cum and the blues – once heard, not easily forgotten. Equal parts Led Zepplin, Velvets and the belief in the JB’s “on the one”theory, this is not modern music. Rather it’s an arresting assault dragged from the sludge of an ancient mud. Lead by Stephen McBean and a group of fellow health care workers, Black Mountain are the anti-Wolfmother if you please. One to turn up loud and impress/scare your mates with. Check out the Pink Mountaintops as well, also lead by McBean and equally as impressive.
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