I’m lucky enough to be served some amazing dishes by Premek over at Indies Records from Prague. The Czech Republic’s coolest label put out another gem with Maraca, who produce a type of indie rock that should be appealing to a wide audience. Mellow and very tasteful stuff, especially with the fine vocal work turned in by Gabriela Vermelho.
Alternative/Indie
[Music] Various Artists – Kollektive 1
An impressive compilation from a new label out of Tehran, Iran, a place not normally associated with experimental music. What’s more impressive is that this comp covers a mix of local and international talent. Bitrot Records are certainly worth a continued look.
[Music] New Order – Dreams Never End (Peel Session)
Though Bernie Sumner has handled most of the vocal work over the years for New Order, there’s something pleasantly raw about this Peel Session version sung by Peter Hook.
Next to Ceremony, this is my favorite track by the band.
[Music] Fred Lorca – Sonic Gringo
Imagine if DAF discovered cumbias in the 1980s with lo-fi equipment, but made up for it with a high, hazy, nearly psychedelic level of energy? Friends, I give you Fred Lorca, a composer originally from Argentina who had been residing in Spain for some years, and is, perhaps, once again residing in the Southern Cone.
This album isn’t imbued with kitschiness like, say, Señor Coconut. Think Yello, as this has a driving, danceable rhythm while maintaining its focus. That doesn’t mean it’s all serious, as there are small, cheeky interludes, and a feeling of a gang-land soundtrack in these rhythms.
[Music] Novogradska – Коњаници
Truly one of the best artists working in Macedonia, Novogradska has a decade’s worth of amazing work in electronic music, indie and soundtrack work for the legendary film director Milcho Manchevksi.
[Music] Shockabilly – Happy New Year
Oh, be quiet. It was either Shockabilly or U2.
[Music] Paul Haig – Scottish Christmas
[Music] Tuxedomoon – You (Christmas Mix)
There’s nothing conventional about mixing Tuxedomoon and Christmas together. But it’s here for you to enjoy!
[Music] Dario Elia feat. Happy 55 – Petržalka
I’m proud to share a performance by my friend in Italy (and a guest in the Balkans and Russia), Dario Elia! Here he is working with local Russian musicians Alessandro Pintus (live electronics), Yaroslav Borisov (piano, keyboards), Aleksandr Bitiutskikh (drums), Gennady Chukhlov (clarinet) and Nikita Bondarenko (live electronics).
[Music] Shellac – Dude Incredible
Amazing. Post-punk with a brutal prog influence, courtesy of Steve Albini’s Shellac, which rose from the ashes of Big Black, and actually bettered that legacy.
A Miscellany Of Tasteful Music 