Jim O'Rourke - The Visitor (2009)

Jim O'Rourke is best known for his efforts as a multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, and collaborator. Amongst his impressively vast credits and catalog, there is not one particular genre that he has been exclusive to (though he certainly has a slew of avant-garde noise and jazz endeavors). O'Rourke was also a member of Loose Fur with Jeff Tweedy and Glen Kotche of Wilco, as well as Sonic Youth from 2002-2005. Depending on which O'Rourke record you are listening to, you may hear his formidable voice, or he may not make a peep. In this case, he will not be heard in singer/songwriter mode during your acquaintanceship with The Visitor.  

The Visitor is a sombre, yet dreamy 38 minutes of piano, clarinet, banjo, organ, cello, harmonica, drums, and a number of incomparable guitars.

 

Download: http://www.mediafire.com/?yzyymyzkumm

Purchase: http://www.dragcity.com/products/the-visitor

Credits: http://allmusic.com/artist/jim-orourke-p110759/credits/date-asc/

Sailors With Wax Wings

For the sake of throwing a few sub-genres out there, Sailors With Wax Wings harnesses a prodigious combination of shoegaze, noise, post rock, doom, drone, and elements of black metal - so it's really slow. Sold yet?

Project leader, R. Loren (Pyramids, White Moth) and his highly reputable studio lineup (refer to bandcamp), entrance the listener with an album that is entirely textural and hypnotic. The male to female vocal ratio is contrasted perfectly; about as well as its rapid trem-picking over crawling, yet crushing tempos. Each track melds into the next fluently, which results in a 53 minute product that climbs and cascades dynamically for the duration of the record, though seldom reaching a climax. One might think negatively of such a characteristic, but the listening experience actually keeps me on the edge of a very comfortable seat.

bandcamp:

http://sailorswithwaxwings.bandcamp.com/album/sailors-with-wax-wings

physical media:

http://www.bluecollardistro.com/angelovenrecords/categories.php?cPath=1087_1089

Lambchop - Live at XX Merge (2010)

 perfection

Approximately two years ago, I had made a mental note to become familiar with Lambchop's entire discography after buying this live album. Some way or another, I did not follow through right away, but this week has been all about Lambchop. I often become overwhelmed by massive discographies. As a result, I tend to put many artists on hold until I take action and figure out where to begin.

This record is the perfect introduction to your new love for Lambchop. Songwriter Kurt Wagner is quite a quirky fellow. His music has a strong presence of dark humor, wit, and melancholic irony. The lyrics and phrasing are most often narrative but never monotone. His lyrical content and melodies are generally heavyhearted. I especially realize this after finally listening to the studio albums. Sometimes we need some bittersweet sad bastard tunes in our life though. If Lambchop strikes you where it hurts, congratulations on being human! However, most songs on Live At XX Merge have a happier vibe, as they are tailored for a band of eleven highly professional musicians! The live renditions of these songs are also up-tempo in comparison. It's best for putting a giant grin on a face.

Try it out, then look into the studio albums. Backtracking has been a great time this week, especially while comparing the album versions to the live ones. I do not think I would have understood the appeal of Lambchop quite as well if I started from scratch. Live At XX Merge will tell you that you like it!!

National Talk Like A Pirate Day

download:
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=U68NYFF2
purchase:
http://www.mergerecords.com/store/store_detail.php?catalog_id=666