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Alan RantaPopMatters Contributing EditorAbout Alan Ranta Alan’s mother raised him on a solid diet of Frank Zappa and the Beatles, so classic rock is the cornerstone of his aesthetic. In the late ‘90s, he formed an unhealthy addiction to used records and he fell into hip-hop, indie and alt-rock, and all manner of electronic sound, and he has recently been immersed in funk, classical, and ethnomusicology. Since he started writing reviews for RateYourMusic in 2002, he has gone on to write for such publications as PopMatters, TinyMixTapes, the Skinny, and the Nerve Magazine. He is currently working towards a BFA in contemporary music at Simon Fraser University. Features
Hey Buddy, Got a Spare Time Machine? Ask Pepe DeluxéThe day will come when Spare Time Machine is revered as the masterpiece it is by the crowd it deserves. Luckily, Tomi Paajaanen and James Spectrum have this happy pill to keep them sane until that day arrives. [1 October 2009] Columns
Mix #1: VancouverWelcome to the new Soundscape Mixtape Series where we step beyond criticism. In the great tradition of the mixtape, we are going to present these explorations with their actual sound. [4 February 2010] (more Soundscape) Reviews
Seasick Steve: Man From Another TimeYou will not find anyone in the music business today who is more real than this back porch blues man. [3 February 2010] 
Kikumoto Allstars: House MusicIf you played this Australian/German house record for someone and did not announce when it was made, it's highly unlikely that they would guess it was anything but a forgotten late '80s classic. [19 October 2009] 
Various Artists: Harbour Boat Trips 01This mostly non-electronic mix gives greater insight into what makes Trentemøller tick without regurgitating the top like-minded singles of the day. [6 October 2009] 
Zero 7: Yeah GhostFans coming to the UK chill duo's fourth full-length expecting a Zero 7 album will likely find this desperate attempt to change direction thoroughly disorienting and/or frustrating. [2 October 2009] 
Gesellschaft Zur Emanzipation Des Samples: CirculationsWhile the artistic originality and worth of Girl Talk and The Grey Album are still arguable, there is no question about Circulations that wasn't answered by Pierre Schaeffer over 60 years ago. [1 October 2009] 
Great Bloomers: Speak of TroubleA forgettable country/folk/indie product of the glossy press release distillation process that collects marginal contemporary influences like merit badges [27 September 2009] 
Damian Lazarus: Smoke the Monster OutThe cute and creepy debut from the founder of Crosstown Rebels is a good album to start building a career as a producer on. [25 September 2009] 
Boogie Boarder: Pizza HeroThis record contains the perfect kind of fuzzy garage rock to smoke a joint and get stupid to, no more, no less. [15 September 2009] 
Eric Copeland: Alien in a Garbage DumpThis Black Dice member's collection of previously vinyl-only sound collage EPs is best enjoyed as an experiment rather than a possible purveyor of memorable singles and easy fun. [14 September 2009] 
Louderbach: AutumnOn the road to goth-techno hell, Louderbach will have you looking for the Urceus Exit. [10 September 2009] 
Kylie Auldist: Made of StoneAuldist returns with the Bamboos and restores the sanctity of the female soul singer with her glorious sophomore record. [8 September 2009] 
Wisp: The Shimmering HourReid Dunn's debut long-player for Rephlex is full of juicy bass and cleanly separated glitch, but he manages to blend these ingredients into a brick wall rather than using them to break that wall down. 
Dirt Crew: BlowAbleton Live is capable of much more than this uninspired rehashing of old techno sounds. [7 September 2009] 
Brian Glaze: Green LivingThis album may be as good as anything by Franz Ferdinand, but it's hard to tell for sure since it sounds like it was entirely recorded through a set of Behringer headphones to a used cassette. [27 August 2009] 
Larry Tee: Club BaddDo yourself a favor and only listen to "I Love U" and the righteous dubstep remix of "Hipster Girl" that Evol Intent leaked somewhere online. The rest of this electroclash tragedy truthfully lives out the album title. [7 August 2009] 
Machinedrum: Want to 1 2?Most of Travis Stewart's fourth Machinedrum album sounds noisy, and it is hard to tell how much of the distortion is purposeful glitch-hop or generally lazy. It's not his best work. [20 July 2009] 
Voodeux: The ParanormalThe debut horror-techno album from Tanner Ross and KiloWatts will run its greasy hand up your spine and swallow your soul. [14 July 2009] 
Battlehooch: PiecechowWhatever talent and polish San Francisco's Battlehooch obviously lack, they almost make up for with an anything-goes '60s garage rock attitude and a spunky dose of DIY absurdity. [10 July 2009] 
Weinland: Breaks in the SunThis Portland indie band's second album proves they can wing it in the studio and walk away with an album on par with their more calculated material. [26 June 2009] 
Pixel: The DriveHeartbeats laid over the warble of old ceiling fans and amplifier hum. [24 June 2009] 
Kleinschmager Audio: AudiologyThese ten taut oddball minimal masterpieces will silence all doubts about the quality of Kleinschmager Audio and their up-and-coming label, Rrygular. [21 June 2009] 
Nosaj Thing: DriftIt's a fabulous introduction to a burgeoning beat-making talent, one of the finest since edIT's Crying Over Pros For No Reason. [18 June 2009] 
Viva Voce: Rose CityDespite a few mix-tape worthy moments, the band's fifth indie-pop full-length is one of its weakest-overall efforts yet. 
Gareth Dickson: Collected WorksYou can either buy this, or play Nick Drake's Pink Moon at half-speed. [17 June 2009] 
Andromeda Mega Express Orchestra: Take Off!This impressive orchestral jazz pop debut is like Danny Elfmann, Duke Ellington, and David Axelrod taking turns conducting the Degenerate Art Ensemble. [14 June 2009] 
Oliver Huntemann: H-3A decent progressive house record stuck in this long-time DJ's old ways. [11 June 2009] 
Busdriver: Jhelli BeamThe latest from Regan Farquhar would be a train wreck in the hands of a lesser man. Instead, fans are treated to another dose of verbal head-trip conscious rap with a side of phat. [8 June 2009] 
Graham Coxon: The Spinning TopIt's a thing of beauty to see one of the best guitarists in recorded history reach his creative peak after so many years of effort and doubt. [4 June 2009] 
Boxcutter: Arecibo MessageBarry Lynn's 2006 debut Oneiric stuck to the dubstep formula, but he opened up his palette for Glyphic the next year. That IDM progression is fully embraced and articulated on his latest and greatest. [3 June 2009] 
Paul Bryan:Listen OfSpiritually influenced by Motown and the British invasion, the results of this Brazilian anomaly fall into the turf of Gilbert Sullivan, Burt Bacharach, and Elton John. [1 June 2009] 
The Lava Children:The Lava Children EPChildren shouldn't play with fire, but lava is apparently awesome for burgeoning creativity in the retro rock realm. [21 May 2009] 
British Sea Power: Man of Aran OSTProps for the effort, but the likes of Mogwai, Kinski, Mono, and Sigur Rós all do this kind of instrumental indie rock better. 
Nathan Fake: Hard IslandsFake's sophomore album of progressive techno hits hard and tweaks until all who stand in its wake are titillated to the gooey brink of orgasm and beyond. [20 May 2009] 
Azaxx: The Exotic Delight BayThe French producer's debut album is a butt-wiggling party in a box as sure to please South America as Brighton. [19 May 2009] 
Eminem: RelapseSome people grow up, and others just get older. Em may be closing in on 40, but his rhymes are more immature than ever. It's getting sad -- Flava Flav sad. 
Great Scott: The Grand Conspiracy EPThis EP is good party butt-shaking nu-breaks juice as is, but it needs more work to hold the attention of repeat listenings. [18 May 2009] 
Cloudc: CloudcApparently much if not all of this eponymous ambient techno debut was recorded live, but it needs a little more work to achieve something great for the home listener. [13 May 2009] 
Subvert: Speaker Humpin’ EPConsidering the EP's title and that the blatant Bassnectar bass is faithfully rendered guttural orgasmic warp, you have to give it some respect 
Ras G: Brotha From Another PlanetThis spaced out instrumental hip-hop outing is not memorable enough stick with you for the long haul, but it will at least get you within hitchhiking distance of outer space. [10 May 2009] 
Various Artists: Acid DreamsThis 1980 compilation of '60s garage rock and pre-punk snarl is still a nice package that hasn't lost any of it's luster over time, but a better quality copy would be nice. [30 April 2009] 
Prefuse 73: Everything She Touched Turned AmpexianHeron's best work since One Word Extinguisher is a true album experience, meant to be played start to finish in one uninterrupted session for maximum enjoyment. 
Asher Roth:Asleep in the Bread AisleHe may be pretty fly for a white guy, but he's got a long way to go if he wants to hang with the big boys longer than his album is in the charts. [29 April 2009] 
Tosca: No HassleNext to this, Tosca's fifth record of blunted chill, Prozac looks like a double-shot espresso. 
DJ Hell: TeufelswerkThe best album yet from one of Germany's biggest DJs is still lacking. [27 April 2009] 
Seventh Swami: Here For NowThis debut is very close, but he's one more illusion destroying mushroom experience and another album away from electronic greatness. [23 April 2009] 
Common Market: The Winter’s End EPRA Scion namedrops NHL hall of famer and former all-time points leader Geordie Howe. As an old school Canadian hockey fan, I have to like this EP. The fact it is Common Market's best work yet makes that easier for me. [22 April 2009] 
Yes: Symphonic LiveIt's a solid concert from 2001, but it won't be converting a new generation of fans. [21 April 2009] 
Stonephace: StonephaceThis nu-jazz super group debut makes Madlib's Yesterdays New Quintet project seem as straight lace as a "Just Say No" ad. [20 April 2009] 
Kinny: Idle Forest of Chit ChatNo matter who provides the funky instrumental, be it TM Juke or Nostalgia 77, the gripping voice of Caitlin "Kinny" Simpson shines through [19 April 2009] 
Gui Boratto: Take My Breath AwayCritics practically did back flips for The Field's From Here We Go Sublime in 2007, and so they should for this. [7 April 2009] 
Spoonbill: ZoomorphicOne of the quirkiest and funkiest folk-glitch albums ever made. [5 April 2009] 
Nostalgia 77 Sessions: Vol. 1 featuring Keith and Julie TippettThis jazz explosion has more fun and variety than three Matthew Shipp albums combined. 
James Murray: Where Edges MeetApparently, they meet in the downtempo safety zone. I would have figured biker bars, where it's edgy. [2 April 2009] 
Misled Children: The Misled Children Meet Odean PopeNot misled, not children, not The Pope, not remarkable, but all boom-bap jazz and choice sax. [1 April 2009] 
Andy Duguid: BelieveThis debut house record is simply too predictable and unoriginal to make any impact outside of Ibiza and the Ministry of Sound, though it will receive lots of play in those hellholes. [30 March 2009] 
Wounded Knee: Shimmering New VistasYou might not remember the Alamo, but you will remember Wounded Knee's proper Benbecula debut. [25 March 2009] 
The Balky Mule: The Length of the RailDon't balk a gift mule because of the length of its rail. This is Barrett-esque brilliance. [22 March 2009] 
Tim Exile: Listening TreeIf you like Depeche Mode more than glitchy IDM and intelligent drum and bass, I guess this is for you. [19 March 2009] 
The Show Is the Rainbow: Wet FistAll the tools for a DIY pop culture movement are here in one form or another. [18 March 2009] 
Flössin: Serpents EPIt's a bit of a struggle to recognize the genius through all the seemingly random and certainly piercing noise. [17 March 2009] 
Kelly Joe Phelps: Western BellIt could be the whiskey and absinthe talking, but I believe there is something undeniably moving about the eighth Phelps full-length. [15 March 2009] 
Various Artists: Ghostly SwimThis displays one of the finest indie labels in the world at the very top of its game. [12 March 2009] 
Misc.: Happiness Is EasySaid to explore the same aural territory as Explosions in the Sky and Mogwai, Badman boss Dylan Mageirek's solo debut falls a little short, just by a hair. [11 March 2009] 
Broadway Project: One Divided SoulDan Berridge's fourth LP of cinematic downtempo will grab your undivided attention. [10 March 2009] 
Christer: TechnaCome explore the vapid, unfocussed side of electropop, if you can find it through all that hair. [8 March 2009] 
Shuttle: Tunnel/Rotten GutsThis will stand as one of the best electronic singles of 2009. [5 March 2009] 
Bibio: Vignetting the CompostBibio's third album of fuzzy nostalgia is like God rubbing your tummy on a Christmas morning. [4 March 2009] 
Maus Haus: Lark MarvelsA vaguely nostalgic trip that grants you the room to go crazy without feeling to need shove you over the edge. [3 March 2009] 
Various Artists: 4 Women No Cry Vol. 3Gudrun Gut delivers yet another truly intriguing variety of tearless ladies. [26 February 2009] 
The Kilimanjaro Darkjazz Ensemble: Mutations EPBong-Ra's side project will slide its greasy post-rock, drone jazz fingers up your spine and linger there until you like it. [25 February 2009] 
Male: All Are WelcomeThis ambient post-rock collective is a true experience, music you let happen around you, to drift in and out of as the feelings move you to where ever you are meant to be. [16 February 2009] 
Noah23: Rock, Paper, ScissorsA solid Canadian indie hip-hop effort easily on par with his southern equivalents. [12 February 2009] 
Tiago La: Tiago La Is Losing the PlotAs a teaser for his upcoming full-length debut, this eponymous EP does the trick. Color me teased. [10 February 2009] 
Mr. Oizo: Lambs AngerThe French producer's regrettable downward slide continues with his horrifically trite third full-length release. [4 February 2009] 
Subhumans: Death Was Too KindWithout a doubt, these ten songs place the Subhumans along side D.O.A. and NoMeansNo as pillars of Canadian punk history. [3 February 2009] 
Sweatshop Union: Water StreetThese are the words of the street, not those trying only to milk it for profit, and they will survive the collective's move from Vancouver to San Francisco. [29 January 2009] 
Geoff Berner: Klezmer MongrelsCanada's answer to Gogol Bordello returns with more drunken accordion debauchery. [21 January 2009] 
The Longwalls: Field Guide For The Zombie SurvivalistIt could be the soundtrack to your next post-apocalyptic made for TV movie, but, outside of the ironic horror genre faithful, this album will not make much of an impact. [20 January 2009] 
Trentemøller: Live in Concert EPCasual fans shouldn't bother checking this release out. Only completists and those who were actually at the Roskilde Festival in 2007 need apply. [19 January 2009] 
Tipsy: BuzzzSome seven years in the making, Tipsy finally returns to revitalize the space lounge swinger in all of us. [14 January 2009] 
JW Farquhar: The Formal FemaleThis rare 1972 4-track recording puts cheese and a drum machine with JW's lo-fi, post-divorce whine. [12 January 2009] 
Clue To Kalo: Lily PerdidaWith his third album, Mark Mitchell's fully realized basement electronic psych-pop is now easily in the same league as Her Space Holiday. [8 January 2009] 
The Golden Hands Before God Conducts Incredible Magic Band & The Spirits: HereThe album does not follow through on the promise that the name of the band makes. It gets the job done, but you won't see spirits, incredible magic, god, or anything terribly remarkable. [14 December 2008] 
Mike Monday: Songs Without Words Part 1Everyone will like Monday's sophomore record, as he takes a big step forward into the role of genre-bending electronic guru. [9 December 2008] 
Extrawelt: Schöne Neue ExtraweltThis debut LP strikes down upon thee with great intricacy and furious techno those who would attempt to placate and distract the masses with catalog loops in cookie cutter forms. [8 December 2008] 
Radioactive Man: GrowlIt's up and atom again for one of the Two Lone Swordsmen's third solo record. [24 November 2008] 
Camper Van Beethoven: Popular Songs of Great Enduring Strength and BeautyPopular is a point of debate, but the best picks from the legendary indie slacker outfit's catalogue still spreads strength and beauty across college radio stations to this day. [21 November 2008] 
Ave.To: Three Way IntersectionA hip-hop record bolstered by a plethora of live instrumentation shouldn't be this forgettable, but there is real promise here that you don't have to try to hear. [3 November 2008] 
OceanLab: Sirens Of The SeaIbiza beats and subtle politics don't mix well on the long-awaited collab between Above & Beyond and vocalist Justine Suissa [22 October 2008] 
Infinite Livez vs. Stade: Morgan Freeman’s Psychedelic SemenIf being musically adventurous, purposefully annoying, and mildly funny meant a great album, the second collaboration 'tween Switzerland's Stade and the UK's Stephen Henry would be a tour de force. [8 October 2008] 
Rain: RainAnother lone release from coulda-been contenders in the power pop/prog vein quashed by an ignorant label in 1971. [1 October 2008] 
DJ Woody: Selected Works 2002-2006No, not the turntablist or the hundred other artists named DJ Woody on Discogs, this plucky German is here to bore you to tears with banal club techno as unimaginative as his name. [26 September 2008] 
Venetian Snares: DetrimentalistWinnepeg's golden boy of breakcore blitzkrieg unleashes an opus to the drum and bass aesthetic with his 20th-odd long-player. [25 September 2008] 
Heartthrob: Dear Painter, Paint MeThis 23-minute teaser is almost enough to make one want to investigate the actual debut of pounding minimal techno from Jesse Siminski. 
Kings of Leon: Only by the NightA return to their Southern Strokes roots with a banal serving of typically unemotional, formulaic stadium rock for hipsters who could care less. [23 September 2008] 
The Mole: As High As The SkyThe universe conspired to force expatriate Vancouverite Colin De La Plante to create his disco informed deep house debut exactly as it is. This is proof of a love greater than ourselves. 
All That The Name Implies: All That The Name ImpliesIt's a hippy drum circle from the late '60s, and Richie Havens just drop out of a cloud with the good stuff, but you won't need four hits of sunshine acid to dig it. [22 September 2008] 
Justine: JustineThe term "lost classic" gets tossed around a lot, but the lone orchestral pop release from London's Justine can be classified as nothing else. [19 September 2008] 
Nat Kendall: Presents Songbird SingFluffy R&B, indie folk, and electronica are made to sound like natural associates with this sophomore effort. [18 September 2008] 
The Revisionists: The RevisionistsFormer Tonic bandmates recycle their vision of late '70s radio punk into a well formed but forgettable debut. [15 September 2008] 
The M’s: Real Close OnesBeing naked alone is apparently wrong, but you can listen to the M's third album of retro-pop in any social situation. [20 August 2008] 
K’naan: The Dusty Foot PhilosopherIn a market dominated by criminal sociopaths, this Somali-Canadian refugee rapper took the road less traveled. [15 August 2008] 
John Matthias: Stories From the WatercoolerThe sophomore electro-folk record from Thom Yorke's former bandmate gracefully justifies the Counter sublabel. [12 August 2008] 
Marek Bois: Boissche UntiefenClassic presets and carefully manicured samples mark the promising debut of Niklas Worgt's solo project. [11 August 2008] 
Benga: Diary of an Afro WarriorHo hum, another day at the office for dubstep's new golden boy. I would hit that blunt, but I think I'd just fall asleep. [5 August 2008] 
Dame Grease: Goon MusikThe solo debut from DMX's beatsmith ends up being messy rather than dirty. [4 August 2008] 
Mad EP: Bass.HedThe fourth full-length from Matthew Peters is the phattest electronic hip-hop record Germany has ever known. [31 July 2008] 
Capitol K: Libertania / Go Go GoMore happy, chirpy folktronic rock from Planet Mu's former prodigy. [30 July 2008] 
Kail: True Hollywood SquaresIf all goes to destiny, this concept album debut should see Kail land on the outskirts of the mainstream while keeping the indie elite happy. [29 July 2008] 
The Egg: /ForwardsThe production on thus fluffy electronic release is fine, but the vocals swiftly undo their modest gains. [28 July 2008] 
Mark Farina: Fabric 40The longtime Chicago house deejay delivers a level mix of adequate background joy with his Fabric debut. [25 July 2008] 
Pivot: In The BloodLet us celebrate the newest Warp signing with the adding of abstract electronics and Australian post-rock. [24 July 2008] 
Demian: DemianThe industry boned another one when it forced Bubble Puppy to become Demian to become a footnote in classic Texas hard rock. [23 July 2008] 
2562: AerialDave Huismans makes it easy to see why dubstep is all the rage in '08 with his debut full-length. 
Yellow Hand: Yellow HandFeaturing covers of still unreleased Young and Stills demos, many in 1970 thought this was a lost Buffalo Springfield album. More knew better. [22 July 2008] 
Quantic Presenta Flowering Inferno: Death of the RevolutionWill Holland stretches his boundaries to include classic reggae, and the world braces for the second coming of Marley. [18 July 2008] 
Pink Skull: Zeppelin 3If the DFA produced a Royal Trux/Mouse on Mars collaboration, it would forever rid the world of Klaxons. [17 July 2008] 
Alex Moulton: ExodusTime will decide the fate of this classic disco epic with Blade Runner expectations. [15 July 2008] 
Ocote Soul Sounds + Adrian Quesada: The Alchemist ManifestoMartin Perna and Adrian Quesada milk a '70s Staxploitation soundtrack feel to seriously challenge the Dap Kings for the crown. [14 July 2008] Ollo: If Thief EPThe sophomore album from Australia's Beta Band was so great, it would have been stupid not to follow it up with a remix album. Can't fault 'em for trying. [11 July 2008] 
Women: WomenCalgary's most impossible band to Google shows Canada got and understood the Velvet Underground. [7 July 2008] 
Fairport Convention: UnhalfbrickingThough the Convention still releases new music to this day, the essential spirit of their third album has yet to be repeated. [27 June 2008] 
Sasha: The emFire CollectionThough it jumps the gun, this two-disc compilation is essential for fans of Sasha and ambient house in general. [26 June 2008] 
Dosh: Wolves and WishesThe frequent Fog drummer's fourth solo album is his most forward thinking, ambitious effort yet. [23 June 2008] 
Cafeneon: CafeneonAnother year, another fine post-slacker indie rock record from the studio of techno kingpin Cristian Vogel. 
Ian Matthews: If You Saw Thro’ My EyesAfter leaving Fairport Convention and Matthews Southern Comfort, Ian struck gold with his solo folk-rock debut (not literally). [20 June 2008] 
Time Machine: Life Is ExpensiveThe sophomore record from L.A.'s Time Machine is progressive hip-hop at its finest. [18 June 2008] 
Odd Nosdam: Pretty Swell ExplodeThis b-sides and remix compilation shockingly sounds like a complete album, but to be an Odd Nosdam fan is to expect the unusual. [17 June 2008] 
The Orb: The DreamDoctor Patterson thankfully steers the Orb back to its roots on their 10th full-length. Gosh, that's keen. [12 June 2008] 
Montreal: A Summer’s NightRichie Havens drew out the best of Canadian jazz-folk for this forgotten classic. [10 June 2008] 
Bread Love And Dreams: The Strange Tale of Captain Shannon and the Hunchback from GighaBlessed by the original group, this Sunbeam reissue of a lost Scottish acid-folk classic is definitive by all measures. [9 June 2008] 
Kylie Auldist: Just SayAuldist's debut joins the Sharon Jones ranks with the full funky support of the Bamboos. 
Plants And Animals: Parc AvenueThe social scene is on the mend with this impressive classic prog-folk debut from a fledgling Montréal power trio. [5 June 2008] 
B. Dolan: Live EvelThis Rhode Island slam poet showcases a successful mix of Buck 65 and Sage Francis with his moving debut EP. 
Blue Sky Black Death: Late Night CinemaKingston and Young God perform their most cinematic instrumental hip-hop work yet. [3 June 2008] 
Mudhoney: Superfuzz BigmuffWith all the bonus tracks, live shows, and restored order, this Deluxe Edition would, in a perfect world, give Mudhoney the gold record they deserve. [30 May 2008] 
Delon & Dalcan: TanzFinally, the golden boys of French minimal techno bestow us with a well-deserved LP. 
Ready Fire Aim: This Changes NothingStakka and Sage Rider explore their Depeche Mode roots with this debut collaboration. [28 May 2008] 
Pole Folder: DestinationsAs the first release for a new label and the first minimal techno mix from Benoit Franquet, this CD aroused my appetite and set it lovingly back to rest. 
The Herbaliser: Same as It Never WasWith a new look, new label, and fully funkified sound, London's Herbaliser have officially gone to the next level. [27 May 2008] 
Kensington Prairie: Captured In Still LifeVancouver locals join the indie pop party with their endearing debut. [23 May 2008] 
The Dub Pistols: Speakers and TweetersThe West London breaks collective has dumped most of the politics from their last record in lieu of Blondie and The Specials. It's a lateral move at best. [22 May 2008] 
Common Market: Black Patch WarRA Scion and Sabzi follow up their debut with an EP of equally uplifting Bahá'í flavored hip-hop. 
Télépathique: Love and LustWith a little luck and the right promotion, this debut electro EP from Brazil could mark the second coming of Justice. [20 May 2008] 
Dive Index: Mid/AirWill Thomas invites a gaggle of glitch-downtempo pals to Baskin Robbins, but most of them pick vanilla. Is that apathy? 
Lawgiverz: Data Treat EPAfter years of singles, the first EP from R-Kidz and Noize [nu] breaks on through to the other side, and is in the process of building a bridge. [19 May 2008] 
Jack Marchment: Corydon And ManjrekarJack's second Benbecula full-length shows a techno day-tripper on his way to greatness. All in due time, I say. 
Ani DiFranco: Live at Babeville [DVD]The little folksinger cements her reputation as the best live act since the Grateful Dead with a special two-night grand opening of Babeville. [16 May 2008] 
Head Like A Kite: There Is Loud Laughter EverywhereSushirobo guitarist Dave Einmo returns with his second solid solo album of found-sound rocktronica. 
Lyrics Born: Everywhere at OnceTom Shimura's second solo LP is hip-hop soul food, as funky as you wanna be. [15 May 2008] 
Costa Music: Lighter SubjectsNice rarely gets the girl or produces a truly memorable ambient glitch record. [9 May 2008] 
Juno Reactor: Gods and MonstersProps are in order as the seventh full-length from Ben Watkins defies expectations to be his most complete and diverse record yet. [8 May 2008] 
Chevron: Tuff Shite EPJonathan Valentine finally follows up his classic 2005 debut with a myriad of IDM rockers compressed into EP form. Ding ding! [7 May 2008] 
Tim Fite: Fair Ain’t FairShifting gears back from political manifesto to unerring personal exploration, it's a moderately better day for Republicans and a great one for hip-hop fans. [5 May 2008] 
Prolyphic and Reanimator: The Ugly TruthStephen Colbert would wholeheartedly approve of the level of truthiness expelled by this debut indie hip-hop collaboration. 
Portishead: ThirdOver a decade in the making, this legendary UK trio has buried trip-hop under a pile of creepy analog gear with their painfully long awaited third (duh) album. [28 April 2008] 
Silje Nes: Ames RoomNorway unleashes a bedroom chanteuse of Juana Molina proportions with this debut. [25 April 2008] 
Prosumer & Murat Tepeli: SerenityIf someone took their microphones away, this vocal strangled European micro-house record would not be as lame as it is. [24 April 2008] 
Miguel Migs: Those Things RemixedThose Things gets a justified remixing, which may just be more authentically jive talkin' disco than the original. [21 April 2008] 
Eva Be: Moving Without TravelingBerlin's Eva Be strips the pot from dub and the sex from electronica for her highly synthetic debut album. 
Brent Cash: How Will I Know If I’m AwakeBurt Bacharach changed his name, moved to Georgia, and rediscovered his late '60s form. Who knew? [18 April 2008] 
Various Artists: Members Of The TrickJust so you know, this is an average compilation of German house tracks, not a concept rap album about a prostitute with several penises. [17 April 2008] 
The Brian Jonestown Massacre: My Bloody UndergroundIt's been a wild ride, but the vast talents of Anton Newcombe have finally cracked and dried up in full-length form. [16 April 2008] 
Stuart Davis: Something SimpleCall this Zen and the Art of Sodomizing a Robot in Front of Your Ex-Girlfriend. [15 April 2008] 
Milez Benjiman: Feel GloriousThe funk was with this Illinois trio when they redefined phat for their electro debut. [14 April 2008] 
Triclops!: Out of AfricaAliens team up with the future ghost of Steve Vai to give you political advice in the form of the debut album from San Francisco's newest super-group. [11 April 2008] 
Evol Intent: Era Of DiversionThis Atlanta trio's long-awaited debut is a political cornucopia of jungle, rap, downtempo, acid, and much more. History will remember it as the stuff of legends and revolutions. [10 April 2008] 
Tipper: Tertiary NoiseThis appears to be the final nu breaks release for one of the genre's founders. If it is, it's a classy way to go out. [8 April 2008] 
Various Artists: You Don’t Know: Ninja CutsYou must know about the biggest indie hip-hop and electronic label by now. If you don't, and you'd like to maintain an iota of self-respect, this three CD compilation is a superb starting point. [4 April 2008] 
Brownout: HomenajeGlenn Hall (NHL hall of fame goalie) used to throw up before every game. Legend says the sicker he got, the better he played. Austin's Brownout collective of the Latin funk variety could use a little more unease. [1 April 2008] 
The Quarter After: Changes NearThe spirit of The Byrds is alive and well in the jangle of this classic psychedelic country collective's sophomore record. [28 March 2008] 
The Lions: Jungle Struttin’L.A. managed to pull off a decent old school reggae album. I guess not all of that smog is pollution. [27 March 2008] 
Cobblestone Jazz: 23 SecondsIf you like your jazz with a four-four beat and heavy synths, 23 Seconds won't be long enough for you. [26 March 2008] 
Reverend Organdrum: Hi-Fi StereoThis collection of old movie themes and Booker T. covers sounds like an audition tape for a wedding band. I'd hire them in a second, but I wouldn't sign them to my label. 
Clutchy Hopkins: Walking BackwardsThe mystery of who Clutchy is remains, but the quality of his/her/their organic funk and hip-hop fusion is not up for debate. [25 March 2008] 
Temposhark: The Invisible LineApparently the early '90s didn't cut it for London's Temposhark, who are determined to bring back sexed up electro-pop. Isn't one Pet Shop Boys enough for anyone? [24 March 2008] 
DJ Craze: Fabriclive 38If disco-house and odes to ho-bags are your forte, welcome home. Those looking for an advancement of the three-time DMC champ's irrefutable skills will want to look elsewhere. [21 March 2008] Fidgital: DepartureFinally, a strong challenge to Delerium's crown as kings of Canadian chill. Better break out the blunts and pillows. [19 March 2008] 
Carlos Y Gaby: La Voz Sabia De Los CosmosCome with us now on a journey through time and space, with an intergalactic cruiser full of righteous libidos and zeal for discovery. [17 March 2008] 
Dot Tape Dot: TomavistasIt's about time for the proper US debut of Spain's favourite folktronic pioneer. Well, maybe we could've waited a little while longer. [12 March 2008] 
Daniel Wesley: Sing + DanceVansterdam showcases its ability to have a thoroughly blunted time with a debut from your new dub-rock staple. [11 March 2008] 
Kutiman: KutimanLate '70s disco infused afrobeat funk is the surprising soup de jour for Israeli multi-instrumentalist Ophir Kutiel's eponymous debut. [7 March 2008] 
Ghostland Observatory: Robotique MajestiqueAustin's electro-rock faves stick to their guns for their third LP. Why mess with a good thing? [3 March 2008] 
The Nostalgia 77 Octet: Weapons of Jazz DestructionBenedic Lamdin's third album with his own extremely talented orchestra is about the finest lounge jazz you'll find post-Mingus. [29 February 2008] 
Eugene S. Robinson: FightThe first book from Oxbow's lead singer gets an audio treatment, but it's more bark than bite. 
Fink: Distance And TimeFin Greenall's third album of downtempo folk is a guided iTunes missile. Lookout, charts. [25 February 2008] 
4hero: Morning Changes EPTake the finest cut from Play With the Changes, add four notable remixes, a few instrumentals, and voila! A DJ's dream is reality. [22 February 2008] 
Ridley Bent: Buckles & BootsVancouver's Ridley Bent forsakes the hick-hop of his debut for a totally authentic country storytelling experience that is compelling and accessible enough to win over just about anyone. [21 February 2008] 
Morcheeba: Dive DeepPaul and Ross Godfrey's reign of misogyny and acoustic banality regretfully continues with their second post-Skye Edwards sacrilege. This is not a Morcheeba record. [20 February 2008] 
Chessie: ManifestThe third Chesapeake & Ohio Railway release channels the consistent trainspotting theme through strictly enlightening post-rock tunnels. 
talkingmakesnosense: The Winter DronesDominic Dixon's sophomore release exterminates the rare beats of his debut for a CD full of whispered sweet nothings. [19 February 2008] 
Cheer: Static TrapsThe latest addition to Benbecula's Minerals Series is an ambient journey to the middle of nowhere. Better watch your kidneys. [18 February 2008] 
Tulsa: I Was SubmergedThe mini-album collage of alternative rock, country, and psychedelic influences may convince the better part of Oklahoma to move to Massachusetts. 
Quinn Walker: Laughter’s An Asshole / Lion LandMan eats one too many Coney Island hotdogs, received a telepathic message from Africa's biggest cat, and resets the foundation of freak-folk. Poof! [15 February 2008] 
Public Enemy: Remix of a NationParis takes Rebirth of a Nation back for an ultimately unnecessary do-over. This should be a bonus disk, not a stand-alone. [13 February 2008] 
Ocrilim: AnnwnMick Barr somehow manages to make an hour of aimless metal guitar soloing as boring as it is futile. [12 February 2008] 
TheDeathSet: MFDSBaltimore's MFDS spend more time chanting their name than rehearsing for their debut Ninja Tune single. [11 February 2008] 
Subtle: Yell&IceSurprisingly, Subtle's second album of remixes and reimaginings is as fully realized as the full-length from which is takes its inspiration. [8 February 2008] CFC: Not Even FunnyVictoria's Crap Fartists Cru springs forth from the Canadian wilderness with an old school hip-hop cure for Swollen Members. 
Troll Scientists: Useless ScienceJani and Staffan channel Terence McKenna's exploding elf mushroom for their honourable psy-trance debut. [7 February 2008] 
Mlle Caro & Franck Garcia: Pain DisappearsTheir debut album and first ever for Buzzin' Fly is a remarkable hybrid of micro house and indie pop that has to be heard to be believed. [4 February 2008] 
Food for Animals: BellyThis Baltimore trio's long-awaited debut is so glitchy, it's likely to disintegrate at a moment's notice. [1 February 2008] 
Harri Kakoulli: Bliss Like GoldThe former Squeeze bassist channels his father's passing into a wonderful EP of feel-good world electronic dub. [31 January 2008] 
Ghislain Poirier: No Ground UnderThe real coming out party for Montreal's finest beatsmith burns all the dancehall joints you can handle, and then a couple more. [29 January 2008] 
Museum Pieces: City of Brotherly LoveHalifax's Museum Pieces follow-up their debut post-folk/punk album with a tasty little EP treat -- could use a little more salt. [28 January 2008] 
Ghostland Observatory: Ghostland Observatory [DVD]What these two Southern gentlemen lack in discernable talent, they more than make up for with "spirit". [24 January 2008] 
Hamster Dragster: Songs of Loss and DespairWith this EP, the wonderfully named Hamster Dragster delivers three ear-bleeding covers unfit for human consumption until at least the year 2525. Donna Regina: MoreThe Janssen's Günther and Regina produce their tenth album of throwback chamber pop, which struggles to be likable. [23 January 2008] 
Pig&Dan: ImagineIgor Tchkatuoa and Dan Duncan's first album together in almost a decade of existence as Pig&Dan is an all too perfect textbook example of modern techno circa 2007. I have never seen a textbook at a rave. [22 January 2008] 
Hint: At the DanceThis vinyl-only EP sparkles with all the get-up funk and warped basslines hip-hop and downtempo can handle without becoming speed garage... thank Gawd. [21 January 2008] 
Aluk Todolo: DescensionDescension is a thorough exploration of the crossroads between scratchy, arcane Krautrock and black metal noise. [18 January 2008] 
Christ.: BikeBike is easily the most instantly satisfying downtempo release in Liquid Chris H's already impressive catalogue. It’ll make even the most adamant atheist among us testify that Christ. is lord. [17 January 2008] 
Neverending White Lights: Act 2: The Blood & the Life EternalDaniel Victor's second all-star studded operatic rock masterpiece, fogged in a gleaming '80s production, may make you forget grunge ever happened. [15 January 2008] 
Teki Latex: Party de PlaisirTeki Latex of French rap super group TTC puts the aged in Armageddon with an ode to discothèques, substance abuse, and easy girls, care of plastic '80s production and words simpler than a rejected National Lampoon script. Avoid like herpes. [14 January 2008] 
Dane Cook: Rough Around the EdgesDane Cook's third album of no-brow frat comedy is a monument to Cook's enormous ego, willful ignorance, and mob mentality. Don't confuse hype for talent. [11 January 2008] 
Brian Ellis: The Silver CreatureAnyone who doesn't think technology has the ability to revolutionize, improve, and enable unimaginably creative music is damned by Ellis's second work of molten jazz-fusion. 
Toshinori Kondo: Silent MelodiesInternational collaborator Toshinori Kondo loses everything but the piercing sound of an electric trumpet for a 48-minute journey to nowhere and back. 
4 Bonjours Parties: Pigments Drift Down to the BrookRemember that next level you were looking for in kitchen sink indie pop? 4 Bonjour's Parties brought it back from Tokyo along with a big jug of ambrosia and a gamma radiated monster or two. [10 January 2008] 
Various Artists: The Harlem ExperimentThe third in a series of experiments, Ropeadope's gaze into Harlem gets the jazz-fusion job done, then leaves work five minutes early. [9 January 2008] 
Songs for Moms: The Worse It Gets the BetterSongs for Moms' debut album strikes a bigger blow for girl power than a hundred Spice Girls comebacks. Come enjoy the actually talented alternative. [8 January 2008] 
Eazy E: Featuring…Eazy E only released one solo album in his brief lifetime. Though highly influential, for better or worse, Featuring ... only shows just how slim the pickings are in his vaults. [4 January 2008] 
Bogdan Raczynski: Alright!Five years in the making, Bogdan's latest IDM full-length stays the manic glitch/jungle fusion course. Also, he hates me. [2 January 2008] Tourettes: Good Evening EverybodyThe Edinburgh power trio's post-Cobain debut EP remembers the '90s with pirates and more mushrooms. Keep reaching for the light, children. [19 December 2007] 
Sole & the Skyrider Band: Sole & the Skyrider BandTim "Sole" Holland puts a band together to lend a tasty organic punch to his biting social commentary. One of the few essential hip-hop albums of 2007. [18 December 2007] 
Preach: TransatlanticThe new kid on Tiësto's block, Preach's club trance album debut plays out like a double-digit sequel. Read: c'est merde! [6 December 2007] 
Fairmont: Coloured in MemoryJacob Fairley's sophomore album as Fairmont secures Border Community as home to the living beat of modern techno. James Holden cannot be stopped. [3 December 2007] 
Reverbaphon: Here Comes EveryoneReverbaphon's fifth work of post-everything folk proves that Scotland refuses to be chained to convention. Freedom!!! [30 November 2007] 
DJ? Acucrack: Humanoids from the DeepJason Novak makes friends with horror and moral terror for DJ? Acucrack's sixth studio album. In the underworld of industrial drum and bass, that's a very good thing. [29 November 2007] 
Degenerate Art Ensemble: Cuckoo CrowSeattle's Degenerate Art Ensemble makes bird the word with their eighth collection of chaos and calamity. 
Take: Earthtones & ConcreteTake's debut glitch-hop full-length will make you twitch like you're watching a children's anime and love every tongue swallowing second of it. [26 November 2007] 
Coral Egan: MagnifyCoral Egan's third album delivers contemporary easy listening jazz and singer-songwriter fodder with a short shelf life. [20 November 2007] 
Younger Brother: The Last Days of GravitySimon Posford (Shpongle) and Benji Vaughan (Prometheus) redefine epic with their sophomore release. In the process, they prove trance isn't just a catchy genre title. [14 November 2007] BlogsMixed Media: Slipped Disc: The Kilimanjaro Darkjazz Ensemble - Here Be Dragons [18 December 2009]Mixed Media: The Best Singles of 2009: Burial and Four Tet - “Moth/Wolf Cub” [10 December 2009]Mixed Media: Deru - Say Goodbye to Useless (new album / video) [19 October 2009]Mixed Media: Joan of Arc - “Flowers” (video)Mixed Media: Breakbeat Era - “Ultra-Obscene” (music of 1999) (video) [8 June 2009]Mixed Media: Ghislain Poirier - “Wha La La Ling feat. Face T” (video) [1 June 2009]Mixed Media: Tosca - “Elitsa” (video) [29 May 2009]Mixed Media: Qua - “Circles” (video) [22 April 2009]Mixed Media: Lithop - “Graf” (video) [2 April 2009]Mixed Media: Nosaj Thing - “1685/Bach” (video)Mixed Media: Tiny Mix Tapes Follows Through On Its Name (MP3, Stream) [27 March 2009]Mixed Media: The Kilimanjaro Darkjazz Ensemble Video Collection (video) [16 March 2009]Mixed Media: The Benbecula Records Video Collection (video) [10 March 2009]Mixed Media: School of Seven Bells - “Half Asleep” (video) [9 March 2009]Mixed Media: Fol Chen - “Cable TV” (video / MP3)Mixed Media: The Pepe Deluxé Spare Time Machine Video Collection (video) [5 March 2009]Mixed Media: Echaskech - “Every Touch” (video) [4 March 2009]Mixed Media: The Sia Some People Have REAL Problems Video Collection (video) [27 February 2009]Mixed Media: Hexstatic vs Kris Menace - “Invader” (video) [25 February 2009]Mixed Media: Kinny - “Enough Said” feat. Quantic Soul Orchestra (video) [24 February 2009]Mixed Media: The BPA - “He’s Frank (Slight Return)” feat. Iggy Pop (video) [3 February 2009]Mixed Media: Fol Chen - “No Wedding Cake” (video) [29 January 2009] |
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