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D_Davis
01-04-2010, 05:09 PM
If anyone would like to join me on my quest for great, free, mostly CC Licensed music during this year, here is the place to do so.

I'll be updating with interesting things, and I encourage everyone into good music to check out the recordings. I will also make an effort to include many more releases outside of my normal ambient/electronic/experiment niche. I know of a few solid hip hop and indie-rock netlabels, so I will be sure to mention the good stuff from these.

Indexed in this first post will be links to the all of the various netlabels I review. I'll probably just populate the list as a good release becomes available.


Netlabels

Phantom Channel (http://phantomchannel.bandcamp.com/)
BFW Recordings (http://www.bfwrecordings.com/)
Circles and Lines (http://www.circlesandlines.org/index.html)
Skrowmedia (http://skrowmedia.com/skrow/)
Kahvi (http://www.kahvi.org)
Inglorious Ocean (http://ingloriousocean.bandcamp.com/)
Passage (http://www.passagemusic.net/)
Thinner (http://www.thinner.cc/pages/home.php)

D_Davis
01-04-2010, 05:14 PM
Language of Landscape - Memories Fade Under a Shallow Autumn Snow

http://bandcamp.com/files/22/28/222833140-1.jpg (http://phantomchannel.bandcamp.com/)

Language of Landscape includes Chris Tenz, whose album Forlorn Memories was one of the best albums I heard in 2009. This release is the first I've heard in 2010, and it sets the tone perfectly. I've listened to it 2 times already this morning.

Tenz, along with his partner Cory Zaradur, elevate subtlety and nuance to a new level. Or you could say, they take it down a few notches. This album is very, very quiet, and minimal. The three compositions are made of little more than treated piano and guitar swells. The softly ambling melodies and harmonies drift along like snow flakes in a windless environment.

D_Davis
01-05-2010, 02:30 AM
Hollydrift - Wreath Of Algoma

http://www.bfwrecordings.com/images/wreath200.jpg (http://www.bfwrecordings.com/releases/Hollydrift-WreathOfAlgoma.php)

Wow. Awesome.

Fans of Dalek, Robert Loop, Medicine, shoegazer, noise...check this out. Very cool. It's electronic-shoegazer with spoken word, a ton of loops, fuzz, drum machine, and some very dense synth work. This is a totally new netlabel discovery for me, so I am really looking forward to diving into their back-catalog. But if this first release for 2010 is any indication, it's going to be a very good year of musical discoveries.

"Royal Academy of Summer" (http://ia341302.us.archive.org/2/items/Hollydrift-WreathOfAlgoma/Hollydrift-2RoyalAcademyofSummer.mp3)
"Great Northern Day" (http://sosq2-media.yoddha.anorg.net/BFWrecordings/BFW030/Hollydrift-1GreatNorthernDay.mp3)

D_Davis
01-08-2010, 09:08 PM
So I think that Language of Landscape album will be one of my favorites this year. It's stunningly beautiful.

D_Davis
01-10-2010, 12:36 AM
Fans of Spacemen 3 et al. check these out.

2 newly remastered EPs from The Sirago 17. Recorded on 4-track many years ago, Chris Reid has finally (thank god) seen fit to release these in digital form.

Bedspins EP 1
http://www.rottingamerica.com/rot/images/covers/rot-nl-001.jpg (http://www.rottingamerica.com/rot/html/discography/remasters/bedspins.html)

Bedspins EP 2
http://www.rottingamerica.com/rot/images/covers/rot-nl-002.jpg (http://www.rottingamerica.com/rot/html/discography/remasters/bedspins_ep2.html)

D_Davis
01-11-2010, 02:54 PM
The CC Community has made Mondays into something special - Free Music Mondays.

For those of you on Twitter, look for the hashtag: #MusicMonday, and follow the links to great discoveries.

D_Davis
01-11-2010, 09:36 PM
Woah, dude. I'm totally trippin'....

http://www.irieonair.com/releases/irie002/irie002-frontsmall.jpg (http://www.irieonair.com/fr/dub/104-irie002.html)

I'm surprised that I haven't found more good dub released on the net. This album, from Dub Engine, is the second release for a new netlabel - Irie on Air. It's a very good album of modern dub. From what I can tell these are original compositions recorded in a dub-style, as opposed to more traditional dub in which old classic reggae songs are remixed and mastered.

"Dubcat is Coming To Town" is a really cool tune. Check it out.

D_Davis
01-12-2010, 02:12 PM
Some dude called Carl Sagan's Ghost put out a new album today.

The Colonial Spa EP

http://ia341305.us.archive.org/2/items/LUXXAr051501-01/00_-_Colonial_Spa_EP_-_Image_1_Front.jpg

http://ia341305.us.archive.org/2/items/LUXXAr051501-01/00_-_Colonial_Spa_EP_-_Image_2_Back.jpg (http://www.archive.org/details/LUXXAr051501-01)

This is the first in a series of EPs focusing on music as place.

Enjoy.

D_Davis
01-14-2010, 07:54 PM
Ellipse/Saffron Slumber - Split EP - Translucence

http://skrowmedia.com/skrow/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/cover.jpg (http://skrowmedia.com/skrow/audio-releases/skrow026/)

Saffron Slumber is a musician with whom I've developed an on-line friendship. His music is very good; it's dense, exquisitely textured, and extremely moody. This EP showcases these qualities in great detail, and it has also introduced me to the droned-out sounds of Ellipse - an artist I hope to learn more about.

The opening track - Drifting Endless Ethereal - comes from Ellipse. Like the title suggests, the music here drifts and ambles along, slowly metamorphosing as it ebbs and flows from form to form. As it fades away into the distance, Saffron Slumber's first piece - Viscosity - fades into the stereofield. The moment created by this long transition is one of pure ambient brilliance.

D_Davis
01-15-2010, 04:54 AM
What a great day for music.

First, a new EP from Saffron Slumber. And then, a new one from Doyeq. To tell you the truth, I'll be happy this year if I hear another album this good. A full write up is coming soon, but if you like minimal electronic/ambient at all, just get this album. An absolute masterpiece - minimal electronica with perfectly selected violin, piano, and upright bass samples. It's like Doyeq heard everything else released in the last 6 months and said, "Oh yeah? Big deal."

Doyeq - Eyelashes Of Lanterns

http://www.passagemusic.net/assets/images/pass003_mid.jpg
(http://www.passagemusic.net/index.php?id=2)

D_Davis
01-22-2010, 06:35 AM
Vidasm - Good Night EP

http://www.circlesandlines.org/images/candl14_artwork.jpg (http://www.circlesandlines.org/candl14.html)

It's been a little bit of a slow week on my part, but I'm back with an excellent find - and what do you know? It's a Russian electronic artist. Seems like there are a ton of interesting and worthwhile electronic releases hailing from Russia lately. It must be something about that somewhat harsh, stark environment. I don't know, but whatever it is I'm glad it's working, because in addition to the amazing stuff from the Electronica RU (http://electronicalabel.ru/) label, this small outfit, Circles and Lines (http://www.circlesandlines.org/index.html), is releasing some cool stuff.

This release comes from Vidasm, and it comes highly recommended.
It's a bubbly mix of minimal techno, ambient dub, and lounge music, complete with breathy female vocals, half talking, half singing. The music has a sticky quality to it; it sounds gooey, sucking you into its quirky electronic rhythms. It's all very playful, but not too whimsical or cloy. The third track "Salia" is a real standout. Definitely worthy of your time.

D_Davis
01-26-2010, 06:02 PM
Pelican Daughters - Fishbones and Wishbones

http://ia311229.us.archive.org/3/items/442-net-008/fishbones-and-wishbones-cover-183_thumb.jpg?cnt=0 (http://www.archive.org/details/442-net-008)

Fans of strange music...check this out. Reminds me a bit of early Brian Eno mixed with some Wolfgang Press, Colourbox, and other oddball '80s new wave. Totally cool, a little creepy, and highly inventive.

from archive.org:

"Between 1986 and 1988, using Portastudio technology, the Pelican Daughters were birthed with a collection of atmospheric and moody tracks at odds with the popular culture around them, but definitely pointing to the future. Some of those tracks were released on cassette in 1988 on the Cosmic Conspiracy Productions label and was then picked up by Kim Cascone's Silent Records for release on CD in 1991 with added tracks - the format found here. Long out of print and almost impossible to find, 4-4-2 Music is proud to put the album back into circulation - this time completely free and in .wav format."

D_Davis
01-27-2010, 07:45 PM
Bi-Polar Bear - Today I found Happy

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wRiDbqzpdb4/SxrZyaGWJPI/AAAAAAAAAeY/7YpY0vjYwX4/s400/Album_Cover_Front.jpg (http://settingworldrecords.com/todayifoundhappy.php)

Not CC-licensed, but a free album none-the-less. Pretty good hip-hop. A little more mainstream sounding than the stuff I am usually interested in, but I dig it. Except for the 1st track. It's a very odd way to start out the album, and it doesn't represent what is to come at all.

D_Davis
01-28-2010, 03:14 PM
Vlantis - Super Battlestation Robot

http://bandcamp.com/files/23/74/2374352189-1.jpg (http://vlantis.bandcamp.com/album/super-battlestation-robot)

A fun, quirky, catchy romp into SF-anime land. It's the Zambonies meets Ween and early Trans Am, energized by a punk-Jpop-new wave aesthetic. The final track, "The Last Flight Home" is a real standout here, and it is simply a superb little electro-indie tune.

D_Davis
02-04-2010, 07:18 PM
Durlin Lurt - Him Jenson

http://www.deftune.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/1HJ_resize.jpg
(http://www.deftune.com/2010/01/leaving-records-free-album-release-durlin-lurt-jenson/)
A superb deejay-centric album. 26 tracks, one for each letter of the alphabet, and each one comprised of mixed-up samples, quirky one-liners, broken break beats, groovy rhythms, and a ton of style.

This is one remarkable trip from beginning to end. Not to be missed.

D_Davis
02-04-2010, 09:13 PM
Henrik Jose - The Little Things EP

http://www.23seconds.org/the%20little%20things%20ep.jpg (http://www.23seconds.org/041.htm)

Synth-pop. Electro-acoustic. Whatever you call it, one thing is clear: this is good music. I've been listening to it all morning, and it's turned one bummer of a day into something far, far better. It's incredibly well produced, and the songs are interesting, complete with infectious rhythms, catchy melodies, shimmering textures, and creative arrangements.

"We Own This Thing" (http://www.23seconds.org/05%20-%20We%20Own%20This%20Thing.mp3 )
"Magnet in My Mouth" (http://www.23seconds.org/04%20-%20Magnet%20In%20My%20Mouth.mp 3)

Dead & Messed Up
02-08-2010, 03:01 AM
DD, thanks so much for posting all of these. I've only listened to two so far.

"Languages of Landscape" is inviting stuff, surprisingly lush since, as you point out, it's little more than piano and occasionally guitar. But the sonic space created is inviting. While you compare it to snow falling, it feels a bit to me like a soft, noiseless fire: warm and cozy.

"Colonial Spa" is great. It sometimes echoes "Behind Clouds," but there's also that sense of location that you're striving for (and achieve nicely).

Both have been getting heavy rotation in my iTunes.

D_Davis
02-08-2010, 03:41 AM
DD, thanks so much for posting all of these. I've only listened to two so far.

"Languages of Landscape" is inviting stuff, surprisingly lush since, as you point out, it's little more than piano and occasionally guitar. But the sonic space created is inviting. While you compare it to snow falling, it feels a bit to me like a soft, noiseless fire: warm and cozy.

"Colonial Spa" is great. It sometimes echoes "Behind Clouds," but there's also that sense of location that you're striving for (and achieve nicely).

Both have been getting heavy rotation in my iTunes.

Thanks. Glad you're finding some stuff you like.

I imagine that Language of Landscapes will end up on my year-end top 10. I love that album.

Given what you've liked so far, I highly recommend the Doyeq EP mentioned above, "Eyelashes of Lanterns." It's the best thing I've heard so far this year.

D_Davis
02-08-2010, 03:46 AM
Polaski - 37 Ways

http://www.kahvi.org/images/albums/37_ways_lrg.jpg (http://www.kahvi.org/releases.php?release_number=28 3)

Polaski's 37 Ways is a atmospheric and somewhat cold EP of electronic ambiance. The cover perfectly captures the mood - it feels blue, stark, and somewhat sterile, and yet, strangely, still inviting. The opening track, "Prodigal Son," is the best on the album; it is stunningly beautiful. "The Rabbit Hole," the third track, almost feels out of place here, and yet the more upbeat rhythms and nearly-synth-pop feel adds a welcome amount of levity to the album's concept.

D_Davis
02-10-2010, 08:02 PM
Peterloo Massacre - s/t

http://www.headphonica.com/datas/cover200x200/00_peterloo_massacre__peterloo _massacre__cover_thumbnail.jpg (http://www.headphonica.com/?p=474)

A very interesting album. The vocals may take some time to get used to. The singer's name is KiN, sometimes she sounds like she's in pain, or being squeezed, or quivering. It works though. The music, too, is atypical. The arrangements are creative, and the instrumentation is minimal without being dull. It's quite a bit different than the stuff I've mentioned thus far in this thread.

D_Davis
02-16-2010, 05:04 PM
Emerald Park - For Tomorrow

http://www.23seconds.org/Emerald-park-for-tomorrow.jpg (http://www.23seconds.org/042.htm)

Fans of Asobi Seksu, Yatsura, The Swirlies, Radial Spangle, and Teenage Fan Club looking for their next fix of pop-infused, semi-shoegazer, indie rock can stop looking. Emerald Park's For Tomorrow is here to answer the call. This is a free re-release of the album that includes a few bonus tracks - yes, you get more, and you get it for free. It's a really nice record, and while it may not be remarkable or outstanding in any one area, it is an album that does what it sets out to do with effortless skill. Catchy guitar-based songs punctuated with driving bass-lines and sweet vocals, you've probably heard it before, and already know if you like it or not.

D_Davis
02-18-2010, 06:29 PM
Clem Leek - Snow Tales

http://bandcamp.com/files/27/93/2793388255-1.jpg (http://clemleek.bandcamp.com/)

Clem Leek's Snow Tales is an album birthed of winter and snow. It was recorded in only a few days during the recent blizzard-like conditions in the Eastern United States. Like an expertly-written haiku, Snow Tales deftly captures the essence of its natural surroundings. Each of the 4 compositions, or "Tales," (the album also includes a remix of Tale 3) reflects a different emotion, each stemming from a different kind of snow fall. It is at times playful, somber, and introspective, and would make a perfect combination with the first album mentioned in this thread, The Language of Landscapes.

D_Davis
02-18-2010, 07:29 PM
Milhaven - s/t

http://www.12rec.net/Pix/061_Milhaven_Milhaven_Front_La rge.jpg (http://www.12rec.net/Release_Milhaven_Milhaven_061. htm)

The nice thing about post rock is that if you like some of it, chances are you will probably like all (or most) of it. Much like ambient music albums, post rock albums can blend seamlessly from one to the next, without a lot of variation between them (especially to the more unfamiliar ears). There are definite sounds, motifs, effects, and certain arrangements that define a lot of what post rock has to offer, and Milhaven expertly recreates each of these on its self-titled release. And, since most post rock tends to sound the same, or at least similar enough, why not gravitate towards the stuff that's released for free? Check it out. Chances are you already know if you will like this.

D_Davis
02-19-2010, 11:15 PM
Myth of the Near Future EP - Saffron Slumber, Specta Ciera, and Carl Sagan's Ghost

http://www.circlesandlines.org/images/candl15_artwork.jpg (http://www.circlesandlines.org/candl15.html)

A new split EP from Saffron Slumber, Specta Ciera, and Carl Sagan's Ghost. One ~20 minute track comprised of three separately recorded parts.

D_Davis
02-21-2010, 05:32 PM
2% - Nowcast

http://archaichorizon.com/cover.php?label_release_code=A H035&width=357&name=front (http://archaichorizon.com/releases/ah035)

Ambient drone-hop.
Drones, ambling soundscapes, delicate melodies, and pleasant atmospheres, all wrapped up with some head-bobbing beats and grooves. Very nice.

D_Davis
02-21-2010, 11:04 PM
Wow.

SinRider's The Finer Things of Lines (http://sosq2-media.yoddha.anorg.net/BFWrecordings/BFW036/01TheFinerThingsofLines.mp3)

D_Davis
02-21-2010, 11:09 PM
SineRider - December Embers

http://www.bfwrecordings.com/images/embers200.jpg (http://www.bfwrecordings.com/releases/SineRider-DecemberEmbers.php)

Yeah, wow. So this whole album is pretty dang brilliant. Big guitars, great drum parts, dense atmosphere, and all around fantastic production and arrangements. Kind of a post-rock/ambient/shoegazer thing. Just get it.

D_Davis
02-25-2010, 02:05 PM
Fase - Give Us a Break

http://airdrop.com/audio/airdropped/airdropped03/airdropped03_art_promo_front.j pg (http://airdrop.com/2010/02/airdropped-03/)

Fans of minimal and dub, check this out. The artists call it Folkimal - it's an incredible juxtaposition of folk-based instrumentation and modern dub and minimal techno production. It's really quite brilliant. There are six total themes with two variations of each, for a total of twelve tracks. It's one of the most unique and adventurous things I've heard this year.

A couple of tunes to check out:

Dear Sheila (A-Side) (http://airdrop.com/audio/airdropped/airdropped03/previews/03.mp3)
Lighter Slide (http://airdrop.com/audio/airdropped/airdropped03/previews/09.mp3)

D_Davis
02-25-2010, 06:32 PM
Gaston Arevalo - Marea

http://www.passagemusic.net/assets/images/pass004_mid.jpg (http://www.passagemusic.net/index.php?id=27)

If Passage keeps up this kind of quality during 2010, they will surely find a place in my top 10 list of netlabels. Earlier this year they released the aforementioned album from Doyeq, Eyelashes of Lanterns, one of the best albums I've heard so far, and now they follow that up with an album almost as good, Marea, from Gaston Arevalo.

Marea is sublime. It is a densely-textured, sonically-interesting excursion into the realms of electronic ambiance. Arvelo deftly combines both old and new techniques, and thus it is an album that I imagine appealing to a wide range of ambient fans. It has the mellow pads and haunting melodies of the old school, mixed in some of the more harsh glitches and noises of the new.

I've been waiting for an album like this, and now it's here. Awesome.

D_Davis
02-25-2010, 07:42 PM
Magical Unicellular Music - Aurora

http://ia360937.us.archive.org/0/items/ca361_mum/ca361_01_front72_thumb.jpg?cnt =0 (http://www.archive.org/details/ca361_mum)

OK fans of long-from drone rock (Neu!, old Stereolab, Acid Mothers Temple, The Necks, etc.) - here's your new favorite album. Two tracks, 45 minutes, probably less than 3 chords. Get ready for some heavy, hypnotic head-bobbing, drone-rock.

This album makes me want to get in a car and drive really far, really fast.

And HOLY CRAP!
This album from 2009...

http://ia311016.us.archive.org/3/items/ca317_mum/ca317_01_front72_thumb.jpg?cnt =0 (http://www.archive.org/details/ca317_mum)

Featuring drums, guitar, and a radio receiver.
Wow. This band rules.

D_Davis
02-25-2010, 10:01 PM
I've been listening to Gaston Arevalo just about all day now. Discovered a couple of his earlier EPs on the Thinner netlabel, and they've pretty much blown my mind. This is minimal/ambient electronica at some of its very, very finest.

Austral (http://www.thinner.cc/pages/releases/releases_detail.php?id=thn109)

Ultramar (http://www.thinner.cc/pages/releases/releases_detail.php?id=thn099)

D_Davis
03-04-2010, 06:37 PM
Fistful of Wistfulness - s/t

http://weareanotherus.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/seaside-girl-01-600px1.jpg (http://weareanotherus.co.uk/?page_id=43)


This is a neat little album; the cover art and title totally capture the mood and sound of the music. It's wistful, playful, nostalgic, and childlike in its simplicity, but not juvenile or amateurish. I can't help but think of Looper a bit, although this isn't quiet as poppy as that, as it does get somewhat murky and dark at times.

D_Davis
03-05-2010, 07:10 PM
Silvercord - Symphony of Sighs

http://earthmantra.com/images/releases/earman117.jpg (http://earthmantra.com/release-detail.php?id=117)

Fans of classic, more traditional ambient music featuring lush pads, soft drones, and ambling melodies, as opposed to the harsher glitches, white noise, and static-y sound of today, will definitely want to check out the latest offering from Silvercord, on the Earth Mantra netlabel. It's beautiful - absolutely gorgeous.

D_Davis
03-12-2010, 05:39 PM
Slow - Strange Dreams

http://www.passagemusic.net/assets/images/pass005_mid.jpg (http://www.passagemusic.net/index.php?id=30)

Well, the Passage netlabel has done it again, and now they're three for three this year. Unbelievable. First came Doyeq's Eyelashes of Lanters, then Gaston Arevalo's Marea, and now comes Slow's Strange Dreams. Each of these albums elevates the electronic/experimental/ambient genre to a whole new level with a unique and striking artistic vision.

Strange Dreams reminded me a bit of Eno's Ambient 4: On Land, in that it presents to the listener an alien landscape that becomes real and tangible through the power of audio. This is an album comprised of auditory snapshots and vivid imagery that swirls around your mind's eye and demands its full attention. Best if listened to in a dark room, at night, on headphones. It's a trip worth taking, and totally worthy of your time.

D_Davis
03-13-2010, 07:15 PM
Here is a preview from the upcoming Carl Sagan's Ghost album, a four-part composition that is of now untitled.

Part 1 (http://carlsagansghost.com/albums/part_1.mp3)

D_Davis
03-16-2010, 03:33 PM
The first user-generated interface for MAAP (Multiple Artist Ambient Project) has been created. You can check it out here:

http://www.andrewdobson.co.uk/maap/

It's very cool. Far more interactive than simply hitting play and messing around with the volume.

Only one track has been finished, but the designer said he will be loading up the rest of the audio at some point. He's also open-sourced the site so anyone else with some XML knowledge can step in and tweak.

Check it out. It's pretty impressive.

D_Davis
03-17-2010, 05:12 PM
Eluvium - Concert Silence

http://old.nabble.com/attachment/27516361/0/infx042lp.jpg (http://www.mediafire.com/?tqydm3ucdyn)

Not CC Licensed. A live bootleg that was released free.

This is an amazing example of live electronic manipulation. Eluvium is one of the most interesting artists in the commercial-ambient field. He mixes together the sounds of the new and the old styles, and his material is usually emotive and engaging.

D_Davis
03-22-2010, 07:19 PM
2 great EPs for you all today. I've been listening to both non-stop this morning, and they are excellent. Both from the same netlabel, BFW Recordings.

False Awakening - So Far, So Close

http://www.bfwrecordings.com/images/close200.jpg (http://www.bfwrecordings.com/releases/FalseAwakening-SoFarSoClose.php)

RIYL Spectrum, or Spacemen 3's softer side. The first track "Through the Ice," is a haunting little number comprised of acoustic guitar and electronic feedback. It's shoegazer without the drums, melodic, and interesting. The second track, "We're Doing Fine" reminds me of some of the original music from Chasing Amy. The album is entirely pleasant, and perfectly creates a soothing mood.


Poodleplay Arkestra - Conversations With Ice Cream Men

http://www.bfwrecordings.com/images/IceCreamMen200.jpg (http://www.bfwrecordings.com/releases/PoodleplayArkestra-ConversationsWithIceCreamMen.p hp)

Conversations With Ice Cream Men is another little EP that is simply a joy to listen to. Soft, electronic rhythms, piano, electric and acoustic guitars, and strange noises combine to create a cycle of music perfectly suited for a cool spring morning. "Happy Dog Barking," is the stand out track here, a composition that wouldn't sound out of place on a Mark Kozelek record, only sans vocals.

D_Davis
03-23-2010, 05:15 PM
Maps and Diagrams - Cubiculo

http://bandcamp.com/files/69/53/695368106-1.jpg (http://fluid-digital.co.uk/)

Sometimes an album cover perfectly captures the essence of its album. Such is the case here. Maps and Diagrams's Cubiculo is a densely textured, mysterious, and somewhat unsettling ambient album, and yet it is also strangely alluring. While listening to the music here it is easy to imagine yourself walking through a dark forest with only an old flashlight to see with. As the beam of light moves to and fro, you may catch glimpses of things that aren't really there - or are they? The sounds are made of electronic experimentation, drones, ambling melodies, and minimal percussion, each part placed with perfection.

Russ
03-23-2010, 06:34 PM
Poodleplay Arkestra was pretty darn good. Thanks (as always) for this wealth of free music

D_Davis
03-23-2010, 07:01 PM
Poodleplay Arkestra was pretty darn good. Thanks (as always) for this wealth of free music

Yeah - I dig it. I've heard three great releases already this week.

D_Davis
03-23-2010, 09:39 PM
Tobrock & Fella Vaughn - Rockafella

http://www.juslikemusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/roca1.jpg (http://www.juslikemusic.com/free-tobrock-fella-vaughn-rockafella/)

A fantastic mix-tape mash-up containing 25 tracks of head-bobbing magic. Don't pass this one up.

D_Davis
03-26-2010, 04:29 PM
Sonni Vaiio - Ambient For Inessa Armand

http://ia301529.us.archive.org/1/items/heavymental.ru_hm04/heavymental.ru_hm04_cover.jpg? cnt=0 (http://www.archive.org/details/heavymental.ru_hm04)

Wow.

I am humbled.

This is a huge, sprawling, epic ambient masterpiece. At 50 tracks, and over 3-hours long, this is one of the grandest ambient-offerings I've ever heard. The music ranges from subtle, minimalist-soundscapes to more beat-orientated chillout, touching upon the glitch and microtonal genres as well. Even if you don't like everything on the album, you could easily pick out enough tracks to make an album that you will love.

D_Davis
03-29-2010, 04:49 PM
Hotel - Segundo Andar

http://testtube.monocromatica.com/releases/tube203/tube203_460.jpg (http://testtube.monocromatica.com/releases/tube203.htm)

Nice instrumental post-rock. Reminds me a bit of early Tortiose, but a little more raw. Some very good bass playing.

D_Davis
04-01-2010, 11:07 PM
Adam & Alma - Back to the Sea

http://www.23seconds.org/Back-to-the-sea-414.jpg (http://www.23seconds.org/043.htm)


Another lovely release from 23 Seconds. This one is similar in tone and atmosphere to Henrik Jose's amazing EP The Little Things. If you liked that grab this. If you haven't listened to that yet, what's the problem? It's free, and damn good. So is this. Back to the Sea is a beautifully produced little electro-pop gem with great melodies, interesting sounds, and a spacey groove.

D_Davis
04-02-2010, 01:42 AM
Smile For Me, Sun, is the sexiest song about the sun I've ever heard. I think I'm in love with Alma's voice. (http://www.23seconds.org/02%20Smile%20For%20Me,%20Sun.m p3)

Derek
04-04-2010, 05:36 AM
Doyeq's Eyelashes Of Lanterns really is a fantastic album. Love the upright base which gives the album a much-needed warmth and it just fits in great with the album's smooth, cool feel. I'm particularly a fan of the title track for adding the drum kicks which add to the wonderfully complex layering of rhythms and paces. The last two tracks don't quite live up to the first two, but it's all solid stuff and even at a mere 25 minutes, should stand along the year's best when 2010 is done. I will spend the rest of the year giving it a proper pimping. Great reco.

Also listened to the Gastón Arévalo, Maps & Diagrams and SineRider, all of which I liked (in that order). I told you I'd get around to more of these...I'm a little slow. :)

D_Davis
04-04-2010, 03:54 PM
Doyeq's Eyelashes Of Lanterns really is a fantastic album. Love the upright base which gives the album a much-needed warmth and it just fits in great with the album's smooth, cool feel. I'm particularly a fan of the title track for adding the drum kicks which add to the wonderfully complex layering of rhythms and paces. The last two tracks don't quite live up to the first two, but it's all solid stuff and even at a mere 25 minutes, should stand along the year's best when 2010 is done. I will spend the rest of the year giving it a proper pimping. Great reco.

Also listened to the Gastón Arévalo, Maps & Diagrams and SineRider, all of which I liked (in that order). I told you I'd get around to more of these...I'm a little slow. :)

Yeah, I still rank Eyelashes of Lanterns up there. It's an amazing EP. I'm also still totally digging Gaston Arevalo's full-length release; it's so dense and textured.

Maps & Diagrams are quickly becoming one of my favorites. I've listened to most of their stuff now, and a lot of it excellent. Their full-length from last year is also really good (http://www.yukiyaki.org/releases/YkYk019/maps-and-diagrams/The-Giant-Woods). But I think the newest EP is better.

Henrik Jose's The Little Things EP, will also probably remain a top 10 favorite for the year, and, from the same label, "Smile For Me, Sun," by Adam & Alma, could end up being my favorite song of the year.

D_Davis
04-06-2010, 03:39 PM
Denshi - 10pts

http://testtube.monocromatica.com/releases/tube198/tube198_460.jpg (http://testtube.monocromatica.com/releases/tube198.htm)


An absolutely brilliant minimal release. This is micro music taken to the extreme. Rather than explain the process in my own words, here is the description from the netlabel:


«The story behind this album goes back to 2001, when this japanese musician called Yori Denshi found an old mexican vinyl record in the garbage. This record had 10 holes along the grooves (which were obviously some kind of decorative element). So he fed his computer the audio information between the holes via max/msp. And when the needle from the tonearm dropped in a hole, it switched the feeding cycle in the computer.
Denshi then layered the audio tracks in his sequencer and bended, stretched, added echoes and flanger, and turned this otherwise bland recording into a micro-dub, micro-techno album.

The result is here for you to feast on. '10pts' is all about the 10 holes that the old vinyl record had. 10 loops which were the key input to make this album. Enjoy.» - Pedro Leitão

Very, very cool.

Derek and Russ, I think you will both dig the hell out of this one.

Lasse
04-07-2010, 11:49 AM
Don't know how much you're into the whole bit-pop sound, but I recently discovered Rymdkraft, and his tunes are just so catchy and fun. His music is available to download for free through http://www.rymdkraft.com/

D_Davis
04-07-2010, 06:56 PM
Don't know how much you're into the whole bit-pop sound, but I recently discovered Rymdkraft, and his tunes are just so catchy and fun. His music is available to download for free through http://www.rymdkraft.com/

Nice. Never heard of this guy. I'm not a huge fan of all of the chip-tunes stuff, but I like some of it. I'll check this out.

Russ
04-07-2010, 11:31 PM
An absolutely brilliant minimal release. This is micro music taken to the extreme. Rather than explain the process in my own words, here is the description from the netlabel:



Very, very cool.

Derek and Russ, I think you will both dig the hell out of this one.
This sounds remarkably similar to early Stefan Betke's Pole albums (which happens to be some of my favorite stuff ever). As a matter of fact, just add Betke's dubby basslines and you wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

Hmph. As if I needed yet another reason to rep you.

Derek
04-08-2010, 04:52 AM
Yeah, I hear a bit of Fennesz in there too - really great stuff.

D_Davis
04-08-2010, 06:16 AM
This sounds remarkably similar to early Stefan Betke's Pole albums (which happens to be some of my favorite stuff ever). As a matter of fact, just add Betke's dubby basslines and you wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

Hmph. As if I needed yet another reason to rep you.

Never heard of that guy before. Funny you mentioned bass though, because I was thinking that that album needed some. One of my main problems with a lot of the modern ambient/noise is that it lacks low end. A lot of the newer artists seem to run everything through a high-pass filter, and they completely forget about the mid and low-range. One thing I try to do is work with all the ranges.

Derek
04-08-2010, 06:22 AM
Never heard of that guy before. Funny you mentioned bass though, because I was thinking that that album needed some. One of my main problems with a lot of the modern ambient/noise is that it lacks low end. A lot of the newer artists seem to run everything through a high-pass filter, and they completely forget about the mid and low-range. One thing I try to do is work with all the ranges.

I was thinking the same thing, though it's a minor complaint for an album that unique. One of the reason's I love the self-titled Doyeq track is the bass and drum-kicks.

Pole is awesome. I first got into him with Steingarten from a couple years ago, but recently got around to 1, 2 & 3, all of which were equally good and even more stark and minimalist. Put him high on your list of artists to get to when 2011 hits, you'll love him.

Russ
04-08-2010, 01:49 PM
Pole is awesome. I first got into him with Steingarten from a couple years ago, but recently got around to 1, 2 & 3, all of which were equally good and even more stark and minimalist. Put him high on your list of artists to get to when 2011 hits, you'll love him.
Derek, I highly recommend Pole's 2001 release, R, as it's very much in line with 1, 2 & 3 (I actually like it quite a bit more than 3). It's out-of-print, but you can still pick it up off Amazon for around $8 and some change.

I also see that they've recently re-packaged the first three albums as a 3-disc set, reasonable priced. Daniel, you need this stuff..

D_Davis
04-08-2010, 03:06 PM
Cool. I'll definitely check his stuff out next year. Actually, maybe he's got some stuff streaming on Last FM, or Pandora.

Thanks for the rec!

Russ
04-08-2010, 06:00 PM
Apologies for this final thread derailment, but here ya go:

From Pole 1

v1vTZ_r94PQ

Also from Pole 1

-fQyArWK1A8

From Pole 3

cRvj1aSatDw

D_Davis
04-08-2010, 06:25 PM
Oh man, that Pole 3 track is sticky! Definitely like that. I've been wanting to do some stuff that is a little more dub orientated, and this is some great inspiration. Just don't tell anyone who I ripped off.

;)

D_Davis
04-08-2010, 06:26 PM
Actually, I might contact Denshi and see about doing a remix album. Denshi vs. Carl Sagan's Ghost, in dub or something.

Russ
04-08-2010, 06:35 PM
Actually, I might contact Denshi and see about doing a remix album. Denshi vs. Carl Sagan's Ghost, in dub or something.
That sounds like an excellent idea.

D_Davis
04-14-2010, 09:53 PM
Diving With Digital Dolphins

http://obviousworld.net/images2/obvious_world_-_dolphin_rainforest_eternity.j pg (http://obviousworld.net/dolphins_rainforests_eternity. htm)

A free Mix.

PLAYLIST

Astrowind - Wind Playing Far [Resting Bell restingbell.net]
Electricwest - Foxfire (Hecca Rmx) [Archaic Horizon archaichorizon.com]
2% - Virga [Archaic Horizon archaichorizon.com]
Klitbeats - Gemeinsam [Budabeats]
Electricwest - Vicious Cycle [Archaic Horizon archaichorizon.com]
D-Fried - Weird-o [Phonocake phonocake.org]
Electricwest - The Earth Mother (Electricwest Rmx) [Archaic Horizon archaichorizon.com]
2% - Leeward (Tricia Cline Resculpt mix) [Archaic Horizon archaichorizon.com]
D-Fried - Filbster [Phonocake phonocake.org]
2% - Front [Archaic Horizon archaichorizon.com]
Electricwest - Vicious Cycle (Cheju Rmx) [Archaic Horizon]
Crabnebula - Bids [Bushmen netlabel.co.za]
2% - Tops [Archaic Horizon archaichorizon.com]
D-Fried - Deck [Phonocake phonocake.org]
wAgAwAgA - Nagoya [Acroplane acroplane.org]
Electricwest - Choke [Archaic Horizon archaichorizon.com]
D-Fried - Clouds in Motion [Phonocake phonocake.org]
D-Fried - Constance [Phonocake phonocake.org]
Maps and Diagrams - Shuffel [Yuki Yaki yukiyaki.org]
Humeka - Cycle Cycle [Yuki Yaki yukiyaki.org]
Anri - Transparent [Zimmer www.zimmer-records.org] (http://www.zimmer-records.org])
Electricwest - Never Enough [Archaic Horizon archaichorizon.com]
wAgAwAgA - Calm East [Acroplane acroplane.org]
Sinkfield - Rainbow Patch [Archaic Horizon archaichorizon.com]
Electricwest - Locus Ceruleus (Drexon Field Rmx) [Archaic Horizon archaichorizon.com]
2% - Neaps [Archaic Horizon archaichorizon.com]
Electricwest - At this Depth (Counterspark Rmx) [Archaic Horizon archaichorizon.com]
Electricwest - Scarlet (Coppice Halifax Rmx) [Archaic Horizon archaichorizon.com]
D-Fried - Vacuum [Phonocake phonocake.org]
Carl Sagans Ghost - The Patience of a Saint (i) [Softphase softphase.org]
Carl Sagans Ghost - The Patience of a Saint (ii) [Softphase softphase.org]
Carl Sagans Ghost - The Patience of a Saint (iii) [Softphase softphase.org]
Carl Sagans Ghost - Take a Moment [Softphase softphase.org]

D_Davis
04-20-2010, 03:23 PM
Wormhole Presents... A New Plague of Diseased Language Cocoons Vol. 1 and Vol. 2

http://www.newcocoon.com/images/wh_cover_thumb.jpg (http://www.newcocoon.com/downloads/A_New_Plague_of_Diseased_Langu age_Cocoons_vol1.zip)

http://www.newcocoon.com/images/wormcompvol2.jpg (http://www.newcocoon.com/downloads/wormhole_presents_a_new_plague _of_diseased_language_cocoons_ vol2.zip)

A two volume compilation of some of the best underground hip hop I've ever heard. Each volume contains more than a handful of drop-dead amazing tunes, and enough interesting things peppered through out to make the entire compilation totally worthy of your time. A lot of this stuff is dark and noise, ala cLOUDDEAD and Dalek, but there are also some tracks with killer beats and hooks.

This is why free music was invented.

D_Davis
04-26-2010, 04:09 PM
Bezdna Radio Essentials 016

http://silent.com.md/label/images/BRE016.jpg (http://silent.com.md/label/2010/04/24/bezdna-radio-essentials-016-bre016/)

A new mix of ambient tunes and minimal electronica from the folks over at the Silent Flow Netlabel. Some really nice stuff on here, including a Carl Sagan's Track from At the End of it All. These kinds of compilations are a great way to introduce yourself to a number of CC Licensed artists.

Track Listing:

1. Isma Serrano – Processing [Automatic Behaviour LP, antiritmo #041]
2. Adverb – Efemer [VA - Electronica 2.0, e20]
3. Hoax – Thursday Evening [The Insomnia EP, qnb009]
4. 2% – Leeward [Nowcast, ah035]
5. Stanislav Rubyteno – The Indigo Message [Flight of Imaginations, ave012]
6. Einmusik – Tisuca (Playone and Griboedoff remix) [VA - Second Dive, dplm17]
7. Microfly – Synthetic Rain [format brain:\, candl13]
8. Adamaned.age – Invisible Divider [Whiteout, ps013]
9. [Ur:Neon:Ono] + The Threshold People – Deja-Vu: caustic_RMX [The Tales from the Dead Sun Remixes, plague032]
10. Ernaem – Muddy October [Perceptions, limrec097]
11. Mphm – Magick of Yore [Dominion, y.036]
12. Joe Frawley Ensemble – False Memory [Daughters of Industry, ca330]
13. Maps and Diagrams – Shuffel [The Giant Woods, ykyk019]
14. Silence Drift – Thousand Peaks [Landscapes Through the Viewfinder, ca344]
15. Carl Sagan’s Ghost – The Patience of a Saint III [At the End of it All, sfp10]

D_Davis
04-26-2010, 04:47 PM
Hoax - The Insomnia EP

http://ia341335.us.archive.org/2/items/qnb009TheInsomniaEp/back.jpg?cnt=0 (http://www.archive.org/details/qnb009TheInsomniaEp)

Not a 2010 release....but still....

This is minimal electronica taken to the extreme; it's totally hypnotic and murky, the compositions just kind of seep into your psyche as the steady kick drum and dense textures wash over you. The compositions here might make those on The Field's From Here We Go Sublime seem overly-complex and busy. And that's saying something.

D_Davis
05-01-2010, 06:20 PM
Two new releases from Luxus-Arctica today:

Collaboration No. 1 - At Dawn's Harbor (http://www.archive.org/details/LUXXAr051201-01)

http://luxusarctica.files.wordpress.c om/2010/04/luxxar051201-01.jpg

Featuring new tracks from Carl Sagan's Ghost, Saffron Slumber, Specta Ciera, and Ehrler Vogel. Very dense and atmospheric. Basically, if you like the album art, I think you'll like the music.

And then a new EP from Specta Ciera. This guy is quickly becoming one of my favorite artists, as well as being a friend and collaborator.

Specta Ciera - Wind Shift

http://luxusarctica.files.wordpress.c om/2010/04/luxxar051801-01_front.jpg (http://www.archive.org/details/LUXXAr051801-01)

D_Davis
05-10-2010, 10:21 PM
Analog Workshop - Emporium of Broken Toys

http://testtube.monocromatica.com/releases/tube207/tube207_460.jpg (http://testtube.monocromatica.com/releases/tube207.htm)


Another wonderfully creative and evocative release from the Test Tube netlabel. A times this reminds me of some stuff off of Ghostly International, namely Tycho, but it definitely has a unique voice all of its own. A great mix of electronics, samples, and some live guitar playing (I think). What ever the source of the sounds, the final album is is an accomplishment of electronic composition.

D_Davis
05-10-2010, 10:35 PM
Yeah - the Analog Workshop album = epic win.

D_Davis
05-16-2010, 11:39 PM
Carl Sagan's Ghost - Especially For Them

http://ia331230.us.archive.org/1/items/CarlSagansGhost-EspeciallyForThem/EFTcover.jpg (http://www.bfwrecordings.com/releases/CarlSagansGhost-EspeciallyForThem.php)

New Carl Sagan's Ghost album. I think this is my best work yet. A four-part composition of deep, melodic ambient music.

D_Davis
05-18-2010, 03:43 PM
Success!

Especially for Them is already at over a thousand downloads. That is awesome. BIG thanks to everyone who downloaded and listened.

D_Davis
06-20-2010, 09:30 AM
Haven't had a lot of time this month to discover many new releases, but here's one that is quite good:

Aless - 'i'mmobile

http://www.distancerecordings.com/img/DIST017_250.jpg (http://www.distancerecordings.com/dist017.php)

The netlabel mentions that the artist is a classically trained pianist and violinist. Why, I don't really know. I often hear this phrase as if it is supposed to elevate my appreciation for the music. It doesn't. I like the music to speak for itself, and this debut album is full of brilliant sounds. And from what I can tell it doesn't have any real piano or violin. It is, instead, an album of haunting electronic landscapes, punctuated by slowly evolving melodies and moods.

D_Davis
06-20-2010, 09:50 AM
Aitanna77 - The Last Summer Days EP

http://testtube.monocromatica.com/releases/tube210/tube210_460.jpg (http://testtube.monocromatica.com/releases/tube210.htm)

The Last Summer Days is a great little lo-fi, indie EP. Some of it reminds me of the Jesus and Mary Chain's album Darklands, or maybe even some of Opal's recordings, in the way it focuses more on atmosphere and mood than it does on complex compositions. It's dreamy and pretty, but not overly twee or precious, playful but overly coy and saccharine.

D_Davis
07-09-2010, 09:59 PM
Monokle - Brittle

http://www.passagemusic.net/assets/images/pass008_mid.jpg (http://www.passagemusic.net/index.php?id=40)

Well, you guessed it - another absolutely gorgeous release from the Passage netlabel. These cats can do no wrong when it comes to ambient and minimal techno. Brittle is a four-track EP of stunning beauty. Soft, washed-out drones mingle with gently ambling melodies and synthesized environmental sounds, creating soundscapes that are simultaneously inviting and mysterious. A perfect album for a peaceful night in bed after a long, hot day.

Dillard
07-14-2010, 06:00 AM
DJ Schmolli - Robyn vs. ACDC (http://viprhealthcare.typepad.com/files/dj-schmolli---dancing-on-my-own-all-night-long-acdc-vs.-robyn.mp3) - Dancing on my own all night long

D_Davis
08-04-2010, 11:14 PM
A really great review of The Colonial Spa EP was recently posted:

Talk about an appropriate title. The half hour or so it takes to listen to the most recent release from Carl Sagan’s Ghost, Colonial Spa, is likely to be one of the most laid-back and soothing stretches of time you’ll spend. This is space-lounge cool at its finest, a gravity-free mind-massage while beat-pulse engines ease you into orbit around a planet made of 100 percent chill. And, of course, someone hands you a complimentary and suitably spacey cocktail in the middle of it all.

Well-meant metaphor aside, Colonial Spa is, for a relatively short offering, a real pleasure to get lost in. Daniel Davis pulls together his several downtempo grooves, folds in subtle hints of dub, smooths it all out with soft washes and airy pads and carefully places effectively infectious rhythms, all without a bump or harsh edge to be found. Everything moves with the grace of Davis’ conceptual “low-orbiting satellite spacestation where beings from around the galaxy gather to relax, trade, and converse” spinning quietly in space. He smartly leads many of the tracks here with sounds that have a round, soft feel: the muted vibraphone-like tones that bounce around “Meccahnomad” and the pizzicato-esque backdrop and repeating three-note phrase in “A Place to Kill Some Time” are solid examples. Crisp microtonal sounds flecked throughout the mix add texture and secondary percussive elements, and Davis’ own attention to the depth of his sounds brings a richness to the already soothing character of his tracks.


I know that I’ll be booking more–and more frequent–flights to Colonial Spa. It’s a relaxing place and you can’t beat the view, especially from the spinward side. Join me there sometime. First icy Jovian cocktail’s on me. Colonial Spa is a Hypnagogue Highly Recommended CD.


http://hypnagoguereviews.wordpress.co m/

Derek
08-04-2010, 11:52 PM
A really great review of The Colonial Spa EP was recently posted:

http://hypnagoguereviews.wordpress.co m/

Congrats, D! Much deserved praise. Let me know when you're releasing your next album and I'll pass it on to the EIC at TinyMixTape and hopefully get you some more press.

D_Davis
08-16-2010, 10:25 PM
Will do, Derek. Thanks.


***************


Endless Endless

http://soundcloud.com/endless-endless/endless-endless-v6?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=facebook&utm_content=http%3A%2F%2Fsound cloud.com%2Fendless-endless%2Fendless-endless-v6


Endless Endless provides an ever expanding organic arrangement space. Artists are invited to send 120 second tracks of ambient audio to Audiobulb (http://www.audiobulb.com/). Tracks are mixed alternatively into the start or the end of the piece in a manner that expands Endless Endless. Please get in touch if you want to be part of version 7.


Contributors: gingerdream (http://www.emikar.com/sonoro/) | shinichiroa (http://soundcloud.com/sia) | sonoro (http://www.emikar.com/sonoro/) | alan courtis (http://www.quasipop.org/artists/46/Alan%20Courtis) | :¬l (http://soundcloud.com/notl) | pascal savy (http://soundcloud.com/static) | mark harris (http://soundcloud.com/mark-harris) | madrayken (http://www.soundclick.com/madrayken) | naoki ishida (http://soundcloud.com/ishidanaoki) | robert noize (http://absolutvinyl.net/blog/) | sleeping echoes (http://www.youtube.com/CorbanNoah) | david stevens (http://soundcloud.com/davidestevens) | mark walters (http://soundcloud.com/savaran) | nay-seven (http://www.sensomusic.com/forums/index.php) | the oo-ray (http://soundcloud.com/ooray) | adcbicycle (http://soundcloud.com/adcbicycle) | ochre (http://soundcloud.com/ochre) | jeff sampson (http://www.cdbaby.com/burningshirt) | billygomberg (http://soundcloud.com/billygomberg) | effacer | autistici (http://www.autistici.com/) | ocp | c.cruz | tmns (http://soundcloud.com/tmns) | gintas k | andrew halliday | craque (http://soundcloud.com/craque) | tom lynn (http://soundcloud.com/tomlynn) | andrew halliday | john kannenberg (http://soundcloud.com/stasisfield) | generic | arctic sunrise (http://soundcloud.com/arcticsunrise) | zen punk (http://soundcloud.com/zenpunk) | polyphonic01 (http://soundcloud.com/polyphonic01) | valiska (http://soundcloud.com/valiska) | synopsis decay (http://soundcloud.com/synopsis-decay) | katarrhaktes (http://soundcloud.com/katarrhaktes) | ugo (http://soundcloud.com/blood-n-tongue) | closer contact (http://www.myspace.com/closercontact) | cloudcycle (http://soundcloud.com/cloudcycle) | listening mirror (http://soundcloud.com/listening-mirror) | noanoa (http://soundcloud.com/noanoa) | analog interrupt (http://soundcloud.com/analog-interrupt) | andrew russell (http://soundcloud.com/f8j) | kurt lorenz (http://soundcloud.com/kurtlorenz)|

D_Davis
08-19-2010, 04:54 PM
Phillip Wilkerson's Familiar Voices

http://bandcamp.com/files/42/86/4286102214-1.jpg (http://phillipwilkerson.bandcamp.com/album/familiar-voices)

http://phillipwilkerson.bandcamp.com/album/familiar-voicesA really nice little 4-track EP. Perfect for a slow-motion day.

D_Davis
08-22-2010, 07:22 PM
Carl Sagan's Ghost - Music for Home Offices: Volume Two
b-sides, remixes, unreleased

http://carlsagansghost.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/v2_front-300x300.jpg (http://carlsagansghost.bandcamp.com/album/music-for-home-offices-volume-two)

1. warm days
2. cool nights
3. soldania (trapped inside the ocean mix) (remixed by the sirago 17)
4. a simple solution ii
5. behind clouds (radio edit)
6. mood i
7. soldania (first pass) (remixed by specta ciera)
8. october first
9. mood ii
10. out of the darkness (singularity mix)
11. light is calling
12. soldania (second pass) (remixed by specta ciera)
13. mood iii
14. the farthest shore
15 soldania (sustaining the dream mix) (remixed by eric san juan)

D_Davis
08-23-2010, 03:36 PM
Specta Ciera - Accumulation Section

http://earthmantra.com/images/releases/earman141.jpg (http://earthmantra.com/release-detail.php?id=141)

Dark, abstract ambient from friend, label-mate, and sometimes-collaborator, Devin Underwood, aka Specta Ciera. Devin's music covers a lot of ground - his stuff can be more pop-orientated infused with downtempo beats and drifting melodies, or it can be as it is here, dark, dense, and somber. What's amazing is that he does both so very, very well.

D_Davis
08-25-2010, 05:34 PM
Matia - Rhizome

http://bandcamp.com/files/67/97/679706822-1.jpg (http://matia.bandcamp.com/album/rhizome)


A collection of live oriented, mostly single take songs performed on predominantly analogue synthesizers and drum machines by fellow colleagues and myself spanning several continents.

Totally worthy of a listen and a download. Especially for fans of the new electro sounds.

D_Davis
08-25-2010, 05:49 PM
Rho - Cedarleaf

http://ia360700.us.archive.org/3/items/NS015/Cedarleaf_thumb.jpg?cnt=0 (http://www.archive.org/details/NS015)

Swirly guitars, electronic rhythms, dense atmosphere, and subtle melodies. Rho's last album was on my top of 2009, and I imagine this will make it for 2010.

Sun Justice (http://ia360701.us.archive.org/3/items/NS015/01-NS015-Sun_Justice.mp3)

D_Davis
08-25-2010, 07:50 PM
Holy crap this Rho album is amazing.

Cedarleaf (http://ia360701.us.archive.org/3/items/NS015/07-NS015-Cedarleaf.mp3)

D_Davis
08-26-2010, 06:00 PM
The Roots of Orchis - Empty Lands Ahead and Behind

http://rootsoforchis.net/backgrounds/roots-cover-1.jpg (http://rootsoforchis.net/)

Super good, proggie-post-rock, with some hints of "jazz" ala Jagga Jazzist, Tortoise, Isotope 217.

D_Davis
08-26-2010, 10:25 PM
Wow - this Roots of Orchis album is amazing. So good. What a great bunch of musical discoveries this week.

D_Davis
08-30-2010, 09:52 PM
Wow. Now this is an ambient mega-mix.

Spheruleus - Marooned Vol 1


01 Vincent Kuhner - First
02 Pillowdiver - Eleven
03 Fociâs Left - Regurgitated Impulses (David Tagg Remix)
04 Rim - Gusts Of Sand
05 Michael Trommer - Wallace Stevens
06 Ian Hawgood - The Marbled World
07 Arcticology - Forest
08 IJO - Stomm
09 Darren Harper - Leaves and Piano
10 Offthesky - Burning Of Pella Soleil
11 Jannick Schou - Polar Drone
12 Damian Valles - Ridge and Furrow
13 Andrew Thomas - Hazer II
14 Pausal - Fall On Certain Accents
15 Parhelion - Forgotten Outpost
16 Stray Ghost - Part Six
17 David Velez - Lev
18 Fabio Orsi - Part One
19 Jacob Newman - Slow Wave Dreaming
20 Maps and Diagrams - The Melancholy Of The Weavers
21 Gareth Hardwick - London
22 Christopher Hipgrave - Go With The Loops
23 Warmth Terminal - They Sat Down And Sighed Happily
24 Rafael Anton Irisarri - Hopes and Past Desires
25 Pawn - Bottom Of Bottle
26 Ian Hawgood - Sulci
27 Hessien - Neroli Orange Blossom
28 Herzog - Congratulations, Here's Your Mountain
29 Exuviae - Luminosity
30 Heezen - Intro
31 Christopher Willits and Ryuichi Sakamoto - Umi
32 Richard Moult - Procyon Over Beinn Airigh Charr
33 Ennio Mazzon - De La Lutte
34 Robert Fripp and Brian Eno - Wind On Water
35 Mark Templeton - Pigeon Hurt
37 Ibreathefur - Waking Up Sync
37 Olan Mill - An Obedient Ear
38 Talvihorros - And Then They Walked Into The Sea
39 Tobias Hellkvist - Sore
40 Rameses III - Clouds King
41 Harold Budd and Clive Wright - Damask, Then
42 Mountains - Below
43 Carl Sagan's Ghost - Hallowed and Hungry
44 Spheruleus - Opaque
45 Brian Grainger - Brittle Harvest Memory
46 Oathless - Der Flug
47 Taylor Deupree - Snow, Dusk, Dawn
48 M.Ostermeier - Lost Weekend
49 Jasper TX - A (Remix by Xela)
50 Ithaca Trio - Catching Monkeyes
51 Bohren & Der Club Of Gore - Welten
52 Shaula - Ghost Of Me
53 Hiroki Sasajima - Roukoku
54 Chihei Hatakeyama - Under The Sun
55 Christopher Hipgrave - Bright and Fluid As Mercury
56 Letna - Jezera
57 Jasper Leyland - It Swept
58 Svarte Greiner - Ullsokk
59 Svarte Greiner - The Black Dress
60 Spheruleus - The Tide On Blakeney Point

http://www.archive.org/download/Maro...ll_vbr_mp3.zip (http://www.archive.org/download/MaroonedvolumeOneMixedByHarryT owell/MaroonedvolumeOneMixedByHarryT owell_vbr_mp3.zip)

D_Davis
08-31-2010, 03:36 PM
This is pretty cool. Found it today that a Carl Sagan's Ghost track was featured on this blog's Best of 2009 mix/release. The coolest thing is that most of the artists are signed acts, including bands like Bat For Lashes, Steven Wilson, David Sylvian (!), Chihei Hatakeyama, and more.

Anyhow, check it out. You can dowload the mix.

http://5-against-4.blogspot.com/2010/01/mix-tape-14-best-of-2009.html

They had this to say about CSG:


32 | Carl Sagan's Ghost - Behind Clouds
Carl Sagan's Ghost is the project of one Daniel Davis, who has brought out a number of releases this year • He's capable of tapping into some really lovely textures, which he allows to develop over lengthy time-spans • Behind Clouds is, i feel, his most successful, conjuring up a vast soundworld with layers of perspective; one really can focus on different elements in the material & feel them to be at different depths or distances, which heightens the experience considerably • Clearly a talent to watch, with the surprising added bonus that all his output is available free of charge (here); his latest album, At the End of it All, is also well worth a listen •

Russ
09-01-2010, 11:46 PM
That's fantastic. Behind Clouds is the album that I raved about way back when, isn't it?

Hang in there, pal. And remember us little peons when you go all Moby-like with your sudden fame and fortune.

:lol:

D_Davis
09-01-2010, 11:50 PM
That's fantastic. Behind Clouds is the album that I raved about way back when, isn't it?

Hang in there, pal. And remember us little peons when you go all Moby-like with your sudden fame and fortune.

:lol:

Yeah, that's the one. Funny, it seems to be the album that most people like the least.

And I'm sure that fame and fortune are right around the corner.....or maybe the next corner....or the next one? I mean, come one, I need to get a slice of that HUGE ambient fortune! It's such a lucrative style of music. People really eat up these 45-minute long compositions, right?

:lol:

D_Davis
09-01-2010, 11:51 PM
I just like being on the same list as David Sylvian. :)

Russ
09-01-2010, 11:56 PM
I just like being on the same list as David Sylvian. :)
Amen to that.

D_Davis
09-06-2010, 06:11 PM
There is a really nice review for Music for Home Offices V.1 and 2 over at Public Spaces Lab. Check it out. (http://lab.pubspaces.com/2010/09/all-ears-002-carl-sagans-ghost/)

D_Davis
09-22-2010, 04:12 AM
I Am Not the Janitor - ...is Dead

Before I was Carl Sagan's Ghost, playing ambient music, I was in I Am Not the Janitor, a loud, experimental rock band consisting of 3 guitarists, a bassist, and a drum machine.

We're finally getting the albums and EPs online. Here is the final recording - a live rehearsal.

http://bandcamp.com/files/27/27/2727199741-1.jpg (http://iamnotthejanitor.bandcamp.com/album/i-am-not-the-janitor-is-dead-or-the-heart-breaking-final-episode)



Some random photos...

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs609.snc4/58904_118675004855006_11844754 8211085_96497_1238755_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs630.snc4/59073_118676018188238_11844754 8211085_96515_7779021_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs679.snc4/61887_118675521521621_11844754 8211085_96502_29750_n.jpg

D_Davis
10-06-2010, 07:26 PM
Some killer, local (PacNW) hip hop:

Bloodshot - Another Day in Paradise

http://bandcamp.com/files/40/83/4083292793-1.jpg (http://bloodshot.bandcamp.com/album/another-day-in-paradise)

D_Davis
10-26-2010, 03:19 PM
Gaston Arevalo - Habitat (http://passagemusic.net/index.php?id=42)

http://passagemusic.net/assets/images/pass009_mid.jpg (http://passagemusic.net/index.php?id=42)

After a months-long hiatus, the Passage netlabel is back! And what's even more awesome is that they've returned with a new album from Gaston Arevalo. His last release on Passage Marea - out earlier this year - will surely be on my 'best of list' for 2010, and this newest release might make the cut as well. Dense and thick with atmosphere, Habitat sounds heavy, and yet the subtle melodies never got lost in a sea of drones. Gaston Arevalo is surely one of the most interesting artists working in the ambient/experimental genre today, and this album continues to prove this.

D_Davis
10-26-2010, 10:43 PM
Rushus - Stories

http://i47.tinypic.com/243kzlk.jpg (http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rushus/Stories)

A nice blend of jazz fusion and prog-rock via Russia. Just really laid back, well produced, and interesting. Great bass playing.

D_Davis
10-28-2010, 07:45 PM
Free music downloads from All Tomorrow's Parties 2010. Make sure to check out the live set from Papa M - very nice. (http://freemusicarchive.org/curator/ATP/All_Tomorrows_Parties_NY_2010_ on_WFMU)

D_Davis
10-29-2010, 03:15 PM
Carl Sagan's Ghost - Before I Go

http://bandcamp.com/files/41/92/4192845732-1.jpg (http://music.audiogourmet.co.uk/album/before-i-go)

New Carl Sagan's Ghost EP - Before I Go. A 2-part composition.

endingcredits
10-29-2010, 04:50 PM
Carl Sagan's Ghost - Before I Go

http://bandcamp.com/files/41/92/4192845732-1.jpg (http://match-cut.org/Carl%20Sagan%27s%20Ghost%20-%20Before%20I%20Go)

New Carl Sagan's Ghost EP - Before I Go. A 2-part composition.

I get a 404 on the link.

D_Davis
10-29-2010, 04:52 PM
I get a 404 on the link.

d'oh!

:)

Fixed

D_Davis
11-05-2010, 05:59 PM
Variex - Quitting Tomorrow

http://bandcamp.com/files/33/21/3321596226-1.jpg (http://variex.bandcamp.com/album/quitting-tomorrow)

Variex's Observations From Across the Room was on my list of top free albums from last year, and his newest one is just as good, if not better. This is a classic example of ambient-influenced, abstract hip hop. The tracks are built with beats layered on top of interesting textures and samples, all working together to focus the attention on the atmosphere and not the groove. However, that's not to say that the tunes lack rhythm.

D_Davis
11-15-2010, 10:15 PM
SineRider - Like a Ray of Light

http://www.bfwrecordings.com/releases/SineRider/LikeARayOfLight/200.jpg (http://www.bfwrecordings.com/releases/SineRider/LikeARayOfLight/)

Another great release from SineRider and the folks over at BFW. SineRider's earlier release for 2010, December's Embers, is an amazing collection of electronic-based post-rock, but Like a Ray of Light moves into more ambient-influenced territories.

D_Davis
11-30-2010, 06:34 PM
Deerhunter fans, all of Atlas Sound's (the lead singer's solo project) Bedroom Databank albums are available for free download from the Free Music Archive. Some pretty good stuff on these.

http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Atlas_Sound/Bedroom_Databank_Vol1/

D_Davis
12-03-2010, 10:01 PM
I Am Not the Janitor - Lunar Landing: Liva at I.C.C.A.

http://bandcamp.com/files/15/74/1574178695-1.jpg (http://iamnotthejanitor.bandcamp.com/album/lunar-landing-live-at-i-c-c-a)

Probably the most epic live show I've ever played. Four songs, over an hour long. This is theoretical-post-drone-pre-trance-post-rock from Fresno California, courtesy of four space travelers stranded in a city that never understood us.

But don't take my word for it:


In recent memory only the recent Led Zeppelin reunion at the O2 arena bears comparison for sheer anticipation levels. Maybe the advent of the new Star Wars trilogy had me in a similar state of excitement, however having waited for so long, anticipated for so long, a state of fear arises - would this record live up to expectation? I mean look how the new Star Wars films turned out - I wish George Lucas hadn't bothered, in fact the existence of the new Star Wars trilogy in many ways (for me) cheapens the original trilogy, nay offends the very core of my being. This was something that troubled me greatly. Any work of art is like baking a cake, you need a recipe and if any one of the ingredients is wrong that Michelin star will not be yours. The new Star Wars trilogy had many, many wrong ingredients – was anybody convinced by Jar Jar Binks? Of course not, you were insulted by the racial stereotyping. Had R2-D2 been CGI in the original trilogy we would have hated his guts, we would have wanted to see him scrapped, the CGI cannot convey the humanity that the little dustbin on wheels could. But that is not the only difference - take the overall feel and all-pervading humour of the original trilogy, how funny is Han Solo? What about Yoda? Funny as f*ck – you can sit with a smile on your face through the entire trilogy, even when you get to Return of Jedi those Ewoks still manage to raise laughs but I can’t recall a single amusing moment in the new trilogy – its about trade unions and their political negotiations or something isn’t it? Who knows, who cares? I just want them all to die – if they’re so technologically advanced why don’t they just detonate a nuclear bomb on the emperor – just nuke the lot of them? This is what I wish for when watching the new trilogy – a nuclear holocaust.

So as a fan of the Sirago17 and latterly Carl Sagans Ghost (and of course Star Wars) I have awaited the release of the near mythical I Am Not The Janitor recordings with a great deal of trepidation, not least as a defence mechanism in case they were to never see the light of day, or even worse were shit like the new Star Wars trilogy and I had to kill them.

I needn’t have worried. Recorded live on the 1st August 2003 by "Work Mike" Burnett at the Induction Centre for Contemporary Art in Fresno California this live recording (their first live performance) is just the perfect companion to the Sirago17 and Carl Sagans Ghost recordings.

These recordings made me realise how good they were when they combined there strengths – Chris and Doug Reid working the guitars to create a solid platform, the bass work by Sam Rosenberg is a revelation and the technical fastidousness of Dan Davis on keyboards, harmonica and drum machines sprinkles a bit of magic over the top.

Disembarking with the epic 'Lunar Landing' the driving rythmsn like Hawkwind crossed with Velvet Underground, there’s terrific bass work and guitar work, harmonicas, a stream of consciencous courtesy of Dr Stephen Hawking on MDMA engaging you in one of those conversations where he digresses randomly and periodically asks 'what was i saying again?' (i think i caught repetitions of "L.Ron.Hubbard" at some point but maybe not – auditory hallucinations being something of a trademark) it’s total sensory overload andfor all of that you can dance – yes! Get out of your chair and dance Muther F*kker – 32 minutes of it no less. Track 2 ‘Tailors Song’ brings a change of pace as Dan Davis breaks out the pipes and sings his heart out, any technical deficiency in the delivery is countered with power and honesty - something i'll take over empty sentiments delivered note perfect any time, the bass work is tight and the guitar playing is subtle and emotionally supportive. Track 3 'Janitors Theorem' is a perfectly realised riff on wasted potential, incredibly sad but ultimately uplifting I imagine the Lawnmower Man/Good Will Hunting type sentiments, sort of ‘aspergers rock’. The intro is beautifully nuanced mostly courtesy of the expressive guitar playing and the judicious use of the samples although at 16 minutes long it maybe lasts a little too long. Track 4 ‘Follow’ like Janitors Theorem is incredibly touching and delicate, the atmosphere they create for a live gig and using samples and drum machines is quite astounding and I think this showcases the band at their best. When you can convey emotion as expressively as this in a purely musical way there is almost no real need for lyrics.

http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/i_am_not_the_janitor/lunar_landing__live_at_i_c_c_a _/

D_Davis
12-07-2010, 04:18 AM
Carl Sagan's Ghost - Live Improv 12/06/10

http://bandcamp.com/files/33/45/3345565143-1.jpg (http://carlsagansghost.bandcamp.com/album/live-12-06-10)

Recorded live, 12/06/10. One take, no edits.

Spoken word by Tracie Washington
Music by Daniel Davis
Field recording by Devin Underwood

D_Davis
12-07-2010, 09:37 PM
Fabio Scalabroni - Waterhole

(http://www.archive.org/details/FABIO_SCALABRONI_EQUOREO_EP)ht tp://ia700208.us.archive.org/8/items/FABIO_SCALABRONI_EQUOREO_EP/cover_master.jpg

Has it really taken the entirety of 2010 for a minimal electronica album of this quality to emerge? I guess so. But at least it has. This is good - really good.

D_Davis
12-07-2010, 10:27 PM
Motionfiled - The Sound of Snow

http://www.passagemusic.net/assets/images/pass010_big.jpg (http://www.passagemusic.net/index.php?id=46)

The Passage netlabel is probably the most consistent label ever. Every release has been something special, and this latest from Motionfield is no exception. This particular release reminds me a bit of GAS and The Sight Below; the tracks are comprised of minimal drones and tones that fade in and out, crisscrossing and layering, weaving and evolving into sonic textures that drift around the stereofield.

D_Davis
12-08-2010, 04:53 PM
Magic Man - Real Life Color

http://bandcamp.com/files/35/75/3575956778-1.jpg (http://magicman.bandcamp.com/album/real-life-color)

Lo-fi, electro-acoustic synthpop, or chill-wave, or something. It's good. Pay what you want, even nothing.

Check out:

South Dakota (http://magicman.bandcamp.com/track/south-dakota)
Layers (http://magicman.bandcamp.com/track/layers)

endingcredits
12-09-2010, 02:35 PM
Model Warships - Capsules

http://bandcamp.com/files/42/36/4236577519-1.jpg

http://modelwarships.bandcamp.com/album/capsules

tags: folk former ghosts frog eyes lo-fi melodramatic popular song noise noise-pop pop xiu xiu zola jesus Leeds

D_Davis
12-09-2010, 03:06 PM
Nice. Bandcamp is great. I love exploring all the music there.

endingcredits
12-17-2010, 03:52 PM
http://bandcamp.com/files/26/28/2628353287-1.jpg

http://dclxvi.bandcamp.com/album/remixes

tags: dom golden girls local natives rxry remix sleep over ambient damnbient drone electronic New York

SirNewt
12-21-2010, 04:28 AM
http://rxryryrx.blogspot.com/

D_Davis
12-21-2010, 06:25 PM
http://rxryryrx.blogspot.com/

Which ones should we check out?

D_Davis
12-22-2010, 07:11 PM
Good news! Fragment records is back! And it's joined forces with Passage under the FUSELab banner. And to celebrate they've have a 3-volume series of downloads featuring artists such as Doyeq, Gaston Arevalo, Clouds in My Home, and Carl Sagan's Ghost.

http://fslab.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/frag017_-_various_artists_-_re-fragment.jpg (http://fslab.net/fragment/frag017-va-re-fragment/)

http://fslab.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/pass011a_-_various_artists_-_re-passage_1.jpg (http://fslab.net/passage/pass011a-va-re-passage-1/)

http://fslab.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/pass011b_-_various_artists_-_re-passage_2.jpg (http://fslab.net/passage/pass011b-va-re-passage-2/)

endingcredits
12-23-2010, 09:54 PM
http://rxryryrx.blogspot.com/
Omega is killer! Have you also checked out the 2010 s/t LP? It's one of my favorites this year.

SirNewt
12-25-2010, 11:30 AM
Omega is killer! Have you also checked out the 2010 s/t LP? It's one of my favorites this year.

I've listened to some of the tracks through youtube (and they're awesome) but I can't get the link to the download to work. I really want hear the whole thing but I haven't been around my computer much this week so I need mp3s.

D_Davis
12-28-2010, 05:24 PM
"The Empty Room," from the upcoming album A Plan to Overcome

http://bandcamp.com/files/13/58/1358841215-1.jpg (http://carlsagansghost.bandcamp.com/track/the-empty-room)

D_Davis
12-28-2010, 07:10 PM
Thanks for following the thread this year.

Don't know if I'll do one for 2011, as there doesn't seem to be a ton of interest (feel like I talk to myself a lot. :) ).

If you are interested in the future of the indie music scene, a.k.a. netlabel and CC licensed releases, you can check out my Facebook page and or my twitter feed - I'll be updating these with my discoveries:

Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carl-Sagans-Ghost/116680230486)
Twitter (http://twitter.com/CarlSagansGhost)

Happy hunting/listening.

SirNewt
12-29-2010, 04:08 AM
Thanks for following the thread this year.

Don't know if I'll do one for 2011, as there doesn't seem to be a ton of interest (feel like I talk to myself a lot. :) ).

If you are interested in the future of the indie music scene, a.k.a. netlabel and CC licensed releases, you can check out my Facebook page and or my twitter feed - I'll be updating these with my discoveries:

Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carl-Sagans-Ghost/116680230486)
Twitter (http://twitter.com/CarlSagansGhost)

Happy hunting/listening.

Yeah I read it a lot more than I post in it. I don't feel like I'm very good at writing/talking about music.

endingcredits
12-29-2010, 04:25 PM
Thanks for following the thread this year.

Don't know if I'll do one for 2011, as there doesn't seem to be a ton of interest (feel like I talk to myself a lot. :) ).

If you are interested in the future of the indie music scene, a.k.a. netlabel and CC licensed releases, you can check out my Facebook page and or my twitter feed - I'll be updating these with my discoveries:

Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carl-Sagans-Ghost/116680230486)
Twitter (http://twitter.com/CarlSagansGhost)

Happy hunting/listening.

I feel the same way about my Old Time thread (talking to myself while building a youtube database of oldtime). I am guilty of mostly leeching off your finds in this thread. If you keep one open for the new year, I'll do my best to bump it. I've been relying more and more on places like bandcamp for tunes, so next year I should have more ammo.