A mind-blowing good new release by Seirios Savvaidis, μώλυ (“moody”) is a masterpiece which recalls groups like the Japanese folk-psych group Ghost, Amon Düül II, Popol Vuh and drops of old Greek psychedelic records from the 60s and 70s.
[Music] Svavar Knútur – Girl from Vancouver / While The World Burns (Single)
All thanks go to Christian Pliefke who sent this magnificent two-track single by Svavar Knútur, a bear of a man from Iceland whose vocal stylings remind me of Nick Drake or more than a few English and Scottish folk bards of the 1960s.
The first track, Girl From Vancouver is a cheeky, upbeat tune, but While The World Burns switches to minor key, and mesmerizes the listener with simple, gorgeous lyrics.
[Music] Various Artists – Africa Airways 03 (The Afro-Psych Excursion 1972 – 1984)
I have the pleasure to announce yet another amazing compilation of African psychedelica, courtesy of Africa Seven Records out of London, England. The music speaks for itself, but you’ll find a few familiar names here, including Manu Dibango.
[Music] Falling Into Birds – Falling Into Birds
Falling Into Birds is an avant-progressive/Rock-In-Opposition band led by guitarist Joey Bishop. They bring together such influences as Univers Zero, Art Zoyd, touches of the freakier moments of King Crimson, and maybe a dash of the Belgian Aksak Maboul. Truly one of the most remarkable releases of 2017!
[Music] Mental Architects – Ascend
I wish to thank my friend Peter Delchev for introducing me to a brilliant math-rock band out of Bulgaria called Mental Architects. I had no idea these guys were pretty much in front of my face during my recent Balkan visit. I’m definitely looking forward to hearing more, and for those who book festivals, I’d recommend these guys for any slot available.
[Music] Oaksenham – After Death Fantasy
Oaksenham are a progressive rock band formed in Yerevan, Armenia in 2001. It’s exceptionally good symphonic prog.
[Music] Lost 1969 Serge Gainsbourg and Jean-Claude Vannier Soundtrack Released For The First Time
Wonderful news, courtesy of Vinyl Factory’s blog: Les Chemins De Katmandou, a soundtrack by Serge Gainsbourg and Jean-Claude Vannier presumed to be lost, will be reissued by Finders Keepers!
[Music] Various Artists – Don’t Let Me Be Lost To You B-Sides: Albanian, Armenian, Greek, Jewish & Turkish Music from the Me Re, Balkan, Metropolitan & Kaliphon Labels
Canary Records owner (and a rather fine experimental musician himself) Ian Nagoski should be commended for his work in bringing to life so many wonderful albums from the turn of the 20th Century cut by Balkan and Jewish musicians who left their home countries and made quite good names for themselves in places like New York City. These recordings are lovingly restored, and apparently are leftover tracks transferred from 78rpm discs for a forthcoming 5-volume / 6-LP series to be issued in early 2019. Considering how lovingly Ian treats this material, this upcoming collection sounds like a grand project!
[Music] Subact – The Dubsquad EP
I have to thank my friend Yasen Kazandjiev for quite a few upcoming reviews of some of the most intriguing music I’ve heard in some time, starting with this EP by Dresden-based band Subact.
There are elements of bands like Ozric Tentacles and other psychedelic prog groups as well as sample work reminiscent of Front 242 and other Electronic Body Music bands from Belgium and Canada which I grew up listening to. This music is thoroughly modern, but it also hearkens back to an era when sampling technology was new. Martin Grellmann and company have done stunning work balancing past and present with this release.
[Film] Marlon Brando was my idol but he turned into a monster. He sabotaged my film.
Dalya Alberge of The Guardian writes on Ron Hutchinson’s horrid experiences with Marlon Brando while working on the film The Island of Dr. Moreau.
A Miscellany Of Tasteful Music 