Michael Gendreau - "Voutes" CDR

Being a fan of (and corresponding with, briefly) venerable experimental music/cassette-culture staples Crawling With Tarts back in the early 90's, I was delighted to receive this new work by CWT's Michael Gendreau. First, the unique and individually hand-made packaging (hand-painted digipack, rubber stamped) was instantly appealing to my tactile senses. And the music/sound within? It's two extended pieces - both based on field recordings made at Les Voutes in Paris, France in 2004.
The first variation, 'Voutes', is a raw vibration recording of the arch-shaped vaults under the rue Tolbiac in Paris. It's a lonely sort of sound, sort of hollow and spacious, like little spinning ceramic wheels rolling around in a back room, with the discernible rumble of vehicles overhead. Curious and slightly mysterious in it's abstraction, this piece is somehow relaxing, rather than unsettling or nervous.
The second piece is a live manipulation of the previous recording, with added live feeds and mixing. This one is somehow larger, deeper, and more cavernous. It's a heavier and more sonorous invocation of the same spirit. Exceptional, individual, and provocative soundwork that conveys, if nothing else, that there are worlds within the worlds around us. (Cohort Records)

Michael Gendreau website

"Myrin (Jar City)" (director: Baltasar Kormakur) DVD

An overall satisfying forensic murder-mystery with plenty of twists from 2006, 'Myrin' features Ingvar Eggert Sigurdsson in the lead role as a troubled veteran investigator who is forced to go back decades to unravel the gruesome bludgeoning of a suspected rapist. Solid writing and acting, accurate English subtitles, and the wonderfully gray and isolated climates of the Icelandic countrysides (filmed in Keflavik and Reykjavik) make for an interesting and seldom-seen gem of a film. Worth a watch if you can find it.

Rudy Adrian - "Desert Realms" CD

Inspired by the vast, expansive landscapes of the American Southwest (specifically Arches And Canyons National Parks in Utah), New Zealand-based ambient/electronic composer Adrian has crafted a serene and stately set of audio soundtracks. The opening tracks depict exactly as they imply - 'Saguaro Silhouette', 'Pathway', or 'Circling Hawk' are all richly evocative travelogues of a natural eden. 'Subterranean River' echoes the ebb and flow (and stillness) of the submerged world, whereas 'Cloudburst' brings the life-affirming rains. Adrian's sonorous strings and reverberations are accented in spots by Nick Prosser's Baroque flute, which brings a primitive sense of humanity to the pristine environments. 'Desert Realms' is exactly what the title implies - a set of beautiful, magnificent, and primal soundscapes with a hint of mystery and shadow - ideal for unwinding with or for creating a unique mood to your surroundings. Wonderful work and worth multiple listens. (Lotuspike)

A toast to the new chief!

Ah, it's time to celebrate the election of a new president with a more progressive, positive, and worldly-conscious outlook. How about some new beer to salute the new administration? Aw, hell yeeeeah. This month we have some fine drinkables from some brewing companies close to my heart - Louisville, Kentucky's fine Bluegrass Brewing Company (BBC), which has some amazing food and beers at it's restaurants/brewpubs, and Redhook in scenic Washington state, where I once had a nice drink in the company of some fine friends (hello DF and CE)!

Keep in mind that the votes run from 1 (being absolute swill) to 5 (top-shelf, worthy of a king/queen's inbibery). In the immortal words of Brion Gysin, we're 'here to go'.

RED HOOK - LONG HAMMER INDIA PALE ALE (Portsmouth, NH) - 4

Mmm. A clean and golden beer with a wonderfully rich aroma. First taste is hearty and hoppy - exactly what you'd expect (and demand) from a true IPA. Classic, strong, and Long Hammer hits the spot.

BBC BREWERY - KENTUCKY'S FINEST HORSE PISS BEER (Louisville, KY) - 2

Not to be be confused with the unremarkable Wisconsin-based beer of the same 'Horse Piss' name, BBC's entry pours a faint urine yellow - appropriately enough, with almost no nose. Smells like a mainstream beer, and tastes very plain and watery. This is a lager without much personality. But at least there's no pretense here - what you get is exactly what you'd expect from the name. Methinks the consistently top-notch BBC Brewery is pulling one over with this novelty brew.

RED HOOK - WINTER HOOK WINTER ALE (Portsmouth, NH) - 3

This one pours a rich amber, with limited froth. Taste is hoppy but with an added spice accent - mild but detectable. A very enjoyable ale, sturdy and full-bodied.

BBC Brewery site

Redhook Brewing site

Antony & The Johnsons - "The Crying Light" CD

Antony Hegarty's rise to fame has come sharply, as influential folks like David Tibet (of Current 93), Lou Reed, and Bjork have recognized his genius and talent, either by touring or recording with him. 'The Crying Light' is the third full-length release by Antony and the Johnsons, and it's once again a rich and inspiring collection of gorgeous torch songs with piano, strings, and light instrumentation - all centered around Antony's unique and distinctive falsetto. 'The Crying Light' isn't a light listen, though. The album seems to be a sorrowful lament, with an eye on a more beautiful future -- or, to put it another way, loneliness finding solace in mother nature, or maybe reflections on death, even. In any case, 'One Dove' is particularly effective, with Antony's almost-blues vocals reflecting introspectively into the abyss. 'Kiss My Name' is more rapturous, evoking a (perhaps posthumous) celebration of a life filled with love. 'The Crying Light' as a whole is a passionate depiction of an individual filled with demons and regret, all the while making peace with everything and everyone. An amazing and subtle yet dramatic recording with heart, and that's as much of a recommendation as you should need. (Secretly Canadian)

Yardbirds - "The Story Of The Yardbirds - The Documentary" DVD

Tracing the history of this short-lived (1963-1968) but influential blues-rock supergroup, this hour-length documentary does a fine job covering most of the essential bases. Nearly every pertinent member and associate is interviewed, and a wealth of live and TV footage provides a good understanding of what made this band burn so brightly. Beginning as a sort of tribute to American blues music, the group, which was to feature (future) legendary guitarists Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, and Jimmy Page at different periods, quickly evolved into a leaner pop group with heavier inclinations. They helped to inspire the burgeoning psychedelic scene of the 60's, and later were a precursor to the heavy metal sounds of the 70's. A solid and brief historical documentary, and a must-see for those curious about this fascinating band. (Voiceprint via MVD Visual)

It's a Blixa celebration!

Yesterday (January 12th) marked the 50th birthday of Blixa Bargeld (aka Christian Emmerich), enigmatic and influential frontman of Einsturzende Neubauten, and former guitarist for the Bad Seeds. After over 25 years of Neubauten (and still counting), Blixa is also an accomplished speaker, composer, author, and actor, as well as musician.
In celebration of Blixa's day, this is a rare radio interview done way back on February 07, 1989, for WQHS Radio in Philly. The interviewer's name I don't have, sorry. In this 27-minute interview, Blixa speaks about his role in the Bad Seeds, his friendship with Skinny Puppy, pop music, Pink Floyd and Carl Orff, vegetarianism, and other matters. It's a good interview, definitely worthy of a listen.
For more info and sound samples of Neubauten's ground (and object) breaking music and artworks, visit the official site here.