John Vanderslice

John Vanderslice may be the worlds nicest rock musician currently touring. I only say this because in our brief conversation before his concert last night at the Empyrean he came across as one of the most genuine people I have met in quite a while. By the end of the show, he was no longer on the stage or even plugged in anymore but rather he was in the audience playing and singing with no mike or amplification. I suppose this may have contributed to the intimate feel of the concert but I think it may have had more to do with his personality as the stories he told from the stage felt more like old friends chatting, hanging out over coffee. There was one minor annoyance as a group of people who were there for the beer and not the concert got a little loud and he rather nicely asked them to be quiet. All told it was an amazing show. I managed to pick up one of the few remaining copies of Moon Colony Bloodbath by John Darnielle (the Mountain Goats) and John Vanderslice. It features a wonderful cover painted by Michael Pajon.

16 Horsepower "Secret South" LP

Out of print forever and issued on vinyl Aug. 09 I had to pick this up. It also has a disk with the surround sound mix of the album. You can't go wrong with David Eugene Edwards' intense brand of Gothic Americana.

Volcano Choir "Unmap" LP

Being a fan of Bon Iver I promptly ran out and picked this up. Now almost 7 months later I am still undecided about this record. I have no problem with experimental music. I listen to and appreciate most everything. Then why is it I cannot get into this record? Perhaps I am too fond of the haunting beauty of For Emma Forever Ago. I do hope that soon I will be able to listen to this record and allow it to stand on its own merit...Maybe another three months.

Tom Waits "Glitter and Doom Live"

As always, Tom Waits is the man. This is a nice live document. Enough said.

Destroyer "City of Daughters" & "Thief" 2xLP Reissue

No more searching for hard to find copies of these rare records by Destroyer... originaly pressed in 300 and 500 copies. A while back Nominal issued "City of Daughters" & "Thief" as a 2xLP. Bejar fans rejoice. You can order it direct from Nominal. Now I just need to get a copy of "Streethawk: A Seduction" on Vinyl and I will be set...

Angels of Light Sing 'Other People'

I recently heard Michael Gira had reformed the Swans and with his solo Record (read: handmade fund raiser/cd/art book/dvd) sold out (and I missed out) I thought I would just have to bust out this Lp. Featuring Akron/Family as his backing band and wait for the latest helping from the Swans... Tasty, Tasty.

Midlake "The Courage of Others"

Another highly anticipated record. While not necessarily a let down, this has only one tempo or mood. Even so, it is painfully beautiful. A delight to listen to. Just don't expect The trials of van occupanther.

Neutral Milk Hotel "In The Aeroplane Over The Sea"

Many people debate the merits of this record... You will either love it or hate it. That said I must confess I think it may be the pinacle of "alternative" music. I was first told of Neutral Milk Hotel by a coworker named Amy. I thought she was yanking my chain with some made up band name like "raisin on a stick" until she dropped a beat up taped copy from a friend of a friend in my lap. I was amazed. Since then I have purchased 2 copies on CD and finaly found a copy on vinyl. And yes I feel it is worth every bit of searching. Musical saw. Horn section. Voice about to crack while being pushed to its limits. Really makes me smile.

Animal Collective "Fall Be KInd" EP

More Audio experiments From Animal Collective..

Apollo Ghosts "Forgotten Triangle" Limited Edition Lathe cut 7"

Lathe cut Low-Fi coolness from Catbird Records and the Apollo Ghosts. This extremely limited special edition of 25 copies sold out in about an hour I hear. Lathe-cutting is a process where records are cut one-at-a-time by hand with a rotary lathe machine. Sweet Huh? This five song ep is still available on CD as well as their full length "Hastings Suprise."

Fulton Lights "Healing Waters"

Check out the great new recording (maxi ep?) from Fulton Lights. 6 songs in 27 minutes including a David Byrne cover. this is a great disc even if it is a little short...

Tom Waits "Swordfishtrombones" lp

Recently I returned to this Waits classic to immerse myself in the brilliance of his songwriting and the freedom with which he began to express himself. Filled with classics, this is a wonderful recording.

Handsome Furs "Face Control" lp

I love this Electro Punk record.

Yo La Tengo "I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One" 2xlp

Laying around in the evening still being punished by summers heat made me want to listen to the reissue of this Yo La Tengo Classic from 1997.