http://www.scissorkick.com Organic, electronic and everything in between. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:09:21 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 en hourly 1 ©steve http://feeds.feedburner.com/scissorkickblog steve@scissorkick.com (steve) steve@scissorkick.com(steve) blog, podcast, mp3, electronic, music, rock 1440 blog, mp3, electronic, podcast, scissorkick, rock, download Organic, electronic and everything in between MP3 Blog from Brooklyn. Organic, electronic and everything in between. steve steve steve@scissorkick.com No no http://www.scissorkick.com/blog/images/podcast144.jpg http://www.scissorkick.com 144 144 http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/11/new-jaga-jazzist-jam/ http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/11/new-jaga-jazzist-jam/#comments Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:09:21 +0000 steve http://www.scissorkick.com/?p=307 http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/11/new-jaga-jazzist-jam/feed/ 1 00:01:01 The world's greatest (and only) Norwegian 9-piece electro-afro-prog-whatever rockestra* has re-emerged from their lair with a new batch of indescribably brilliant songs for confused music ... The world's greatest (and only) Norwegian 9-piece electro-afro-prog-whatever rockestra* has re-emerged from their lair with a new batch of indescribably brilliant songs for confused music fans worldwide.nbsp; By "confused" I mean "awesome + eclectic." I'd imagine that their lair is pretty sickly designed Scandinavian, with wood tones and tempered steel and smart Feng Shui and all that type of enviable Nordic shit. Sort of like the music. It's crisp, clean, and expertly executed. From the sound of their first single -- today's post "One-Armed Bandit" -- the group, led by the inimitable Lars Horntveth, is as unstoppable as ever. It's an undeniable slap of post-afro instrumentalism that fans will immediately embrace. The full-length of the same name was mixed by Tortoise's John McEntire and will be out on January 25th. I can't wait for the soft pummeling coming my way. *I mean, just look at the picture of this band. How can you NOT be curious about what their music sounds like? RIYL: Kim Hiorthoy, Cinematic Orchestra, Tortoise, Stromba, Mum, Cougar READ/FOLLOW: http://www.jagajazzist.com http://www.myspace.com/jagajazzist http://www.facebook.com/jagajazzist Afrobeat,,Electronic/Dance,,Instrumental,,Post-Rock steve no No http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/10/boards-of-canada-recreated-by-bibio/ http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/10/boards-of-canada-recreated-by-bibio/#comments Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:00:24 +0000 steve http://www.scissorkick.com/?p=303 http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/10/boards-of-canada-recreated-by-bibio/feed/ 2 00:01:01 Yesterday's arrival of the immaculately designed and curated Warp 20 Box Set was indicative of the way I've been buying music as of late. Less ... Yesterday's arrival of the immaculately designed and curated Warp 20 Box Set was indicative of the way I've been buying music as of late. Less often, but driven by nostalgia, I've been fortunate enough to get my hands on the type of things that I'd never be able to afford years ago. Gifts to myself certainly, but an archive like this set -- from a label that not only cemented my love of electronic music but of contemporary graphic design as well -- means much more given the interactivity used to create it. Warp set up a site asking fans to rate their favorite tracks and included a disk of those highest rated tracks. Very cool. And very Warp. This isn't a review. Truth is, you have to be a little Warped to drop coin on box sets of any kind, but for 20-year Warp fans, I cannot speak more highly of this beautiful and beautifully thought out piece of music/art. It'll hit you right in that same sweet spot that your favorite songs did so long ago. Feeling nostalgic, I was looking for the perfect track to post from the 5 CDs and 5 10" slabs of vinyl in the set. What I landed upon is this gorgeous version of "Kaini Industries" from Boards of Canada's Music Has the Right to Children recreated by their pal Bibio, one of Warp's newest signings. It's that short intro track the precedes "Bocuma" and "Roygbiv," really a tryptic of songs that I have always considered a single movement. Can't get any more appropriate for this blog to have one of my oldest, all-time favorite Warp artists redone by one the label's brightest new signings. Enjoy. More info about the Box Set: http://warp.net/records/releases/warp20/warp20-box-set Folk/Acoustic,,Psychedelic,,Remixes steve no No http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/09/scissorkast-6-double-agent/ http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/09/scissorkast-6-double-agent/#comments Fri, 18 Sep 2009 03:16:08 +0000 steve http://www.scissorkick.com/?p=301 http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/09/scissorkast-6-double-agent/feed/ 2 00:01:01 I have two solid days of work ahead of me -- big machines, large plots of brush to clear, moving earth -- and I think ... I have two solid days of work ahead of me -- big machines, large plots of brush to clear, moving earth -- and I think this mix is the optimism I wish I had going into it. First half has some instrumental rock classics and moody electronic/krauty stuff and the second half indulges the youthful side with some propulsive dancefloor indie rock and some solid guitar jams. All of it is either unreleased or from the last month or so. New sounds for new work. Now I have to get back to the season premiere of Fringe, so thanks for reading and enjoy the mix. PLAYLIST Pronto:: "Einladung" :: The Cheetah Spokes :: "We Like to Dance and Steal Things" :: Strike! Counter Records Sampler Lymbyc Systym :: "Trichromatic" :: Shutter Release Bronnt Industries Kapital :: "An Index of Corporate Art" :: Hard Justice Michna :: "Believe in It (Eliot Lipp Remix)" Anti-Pop Consortium :: "Reflections" :: Fluorescent Black Ape School:: "Wail to God" :: Ape School EP Slaraffenland:: "Meet and Greet" :: We're On Your Side Grizzly Bear :: "While You Wait for the Others" :: While You Wait for the Others - Single Decoder Ring :: "Beat the Twilight" :: They Blind the Stars, and the Wild Team Phoenix :: "1901" :: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Delorean :: "Moonsoon" :: Ayrton Senna EP ScissorKast steve no No http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/09/the-roll-call-the-magic-fly/ http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/09/the-roll-call-the-magic-fly/#comments Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:47:15 +0000 steve http://www.scissorkick.com/?p=297 http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/09/the-roll-call-the-magic-fly/feed/ 2 00:01:01 5 Fast Questions for The Magic Fly Being a fan of The Magic Fly's insane take on dub and downtempo, I just knew his Roll Call ... 5 Fast Questions for The Magic Fly Being a fan of The Magic Fly's insane take on dub and downtempo, I just knew his Roll Call answers would be similarly tweaked, fun, unpredictable and generally out of control. I mean, the guy got his name from the esoteric outre French rock band Space. Rob didn't disappoint, setting the bar to new heights for the quick 5-question format, basically doing what I hope all artists do -- have fun with the questions and not take it all too seriously. If you like Rob's responses, you will LOVE his music, so get a taste below then track down all his releases, especially his recent stuff on Bastard Jazz. Create the ideal scenario for listeners to get the most out of your music. 1. Get naked apart from a floral swimming hat, bone conducting headphones and personal music player. 2. Drink four pints of strong lager and have a little smoke. 3. Press play. 4. Dive into the nearest available water and swim like you're a torpedo. You are a professional wrestler or boxer. What's your ring entrance song? 'Rocket Man' by In Flames,nbsp; it's the Elton John song but done inna early 70's Pama reggae stylee. (PM-842) Suppose you have unlimited resources and access to all of your musical needs. What's your next project gonna be? The Magic Fly Bone Conduction Band presents 'Lick Weird Reggae'. Recorded in my studio and on location at Arundel Lido, West Sussex, England and mixed especially for underwater listening at some posh studio that knows how to do that. The band would include Sly and Robbie as the core rhythm section, Ernest Ranglin and Tuck Andreas on guitars,nbsp; Kraftwerk on electronic percussion and Jah Shaka on the Dub Siren. Bernard Sumner can handle Vocoder and melodica duties, The Congos and I-Threes would combine for backing Vocals with Stevie Wonder providing harmonica, talkbox and lead vocals (once we've erased his musical memory from the last 35 years). Othernbsp; featured vocalists are Lee Scratch Perry, Linton Kwesi Johnson, David Icke, Morrissey and U-Roy. Even if we didn't get any music done we could just swim in the outdoor pool, eatnbsp; Mr Whippy Ice Creams and look up at the majestic sight of Arundel Castle. I'm sure it would be a lovely day out for everyone. We'll also need a big red bus to get us to Arundel each day as TMFBCB appears to be too big for cars and MPV's. Rider (Per Day): 22 packed lunches (1 vegetarian) 22 beach towels ( 4 Matching Red or Black) 3nbsp;nbsp; Female Swimming Costumes. 19 Mens Swimming Trunks 4 of whichnbsp; must be matching Speedo's or Mankini's (in Red or Black). I'm aware that albums these days need some sort of physical product. So, as well as a digital download and heavyweight gatefold double vinyl,nbsp; 'Lick Weird Reggae' couldnbsp; be released as a swimming hat or perhaps as an anti-chlorine shampoo. You're curating a stage at a big festival with 5 current artists. Who's playing? Deadmau5, Gorillaz, Roots Manuva, Kraftwerk and David Icke headlining with an 8 hour talk. The Free Question. Tell us something you really want us to know. What David Icke is saying at the moment is making far more sense to me than any politician, world leader or religion. Abstract,Hip-Hop,,DJ,Weapons,,Dub/Reggae,,The,Roll,Call steve no No http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/08/spokes/ http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/08/spokes/#comments Tue, 25 Aug 2009 19:22:54 +0000 steve http://www.scissorkick.com/?p=292 http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/08/spokes/feed/ 5 00:01:01 To be truthful, I rely on the RIYL picks to do a lot of the work for me. I could go on and on about ... To be truthful, I rely on the RIYL picks to do a lot of the work for me. I could go on and on about a band, but if you know your shit like most of you do -- and know the bands I use as similar recommendations -- than really there's no reason to read this. And today's post is probably the best use of the RIYL I've had in ages. Spokes are from Manchester but might as well be from Canada and on the Arts #38; Crafts label because (like the album art intimates) they make rustic, heady, beautiful jammy music like all those great bands on that greater label. Mostly instrumental like we like it here at SK, the Spokes crew sound like so many bands you already love, but an amalgamation of their best parts. It's not a new formula, nor should it be. In a world of early adopters, and ironically tattooed pissing-contest contestants, just stop being the coolest for a second and mellow the fuck out with this awesome record from a most awesome new band. Oh, and please check out Ninja Tune's new offshoot label Counter Records. Basically a rock arm of the venerable UK label with some absolutely quality signings like SK Faves Cougar, along with The Death Set, Pop Levi, Ape School, and The Heavy. Good Stuff. RIYL: KC Accidental, Broken Social Scene, 33.3, Arcade Fire, Band of Horses, The Six Parts Seven READ: http://www.myspace.com/spokessound BUY: http://www.counterrecords.com/ Amazon.com Indie,,Instrumental,,Post-Rock,,Shoegazer steve no No http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/08/the-roll-call-the-herbaliser/ http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/08/the-roll-call-the-herbaliser/#comments Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:01:37 +0000 steve http://www.scissorkick.com/?p=286 http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/08/the-roll-call-the-herbaliser/feed/ 1 00:01:01 5 Fast Questions for The Herbaliser Scissorkick is honored to have the second ever Roll Call answered by none other than Ollie Teeba, one half of ... 5 Fast Questions for The Herbaliser Scissorkick is honored to have the second ever Roll Call answered by none other than Ollie Teeba, one half of the long-time Ninja Tune group The Herbaliser. If there are any film people reading, do us all a favor and get a producer to get Ollie some dough so he can fulfill his dream of making a film and live scoring it. The world will be much better off for it. And be sure to look out for their newest release -- Session 2 -- out now on Ninja Tune. Create the ideal scenario for listeners to get the most out of your music. In a private jet flying across the Pacific Ocean with a psychedelic party going on:nbsp; beanbag chairs, a sack of herb, and sexy people abound. You are a professional wrestler or boxer. What's your ring entrance song? Something by Lalo Schifrin, maybe Dirty Harry, or Bullitt, or Enter The Dragon.nbsp; Let's say the opening theme to Dirty Harry. Suppose you have unlimited resources and access to all of your musical needs. What's your next project gonna be? If we had completely unlimited resources, we'd make a movie to go with the record, and perform the soundtrack live in concert with a full orchestra.nbsp;nbsp; The movie would be written and directed by Quentin Tarantino and star Harvy Keitel, Christopher Walken #38; Idris Elba, and of course there would be animated manga sequences.nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; We'd also incorporate vocals from Redman, Black Thought, Jean Grae, MF Doom, De La Soul, Q-Tip #38; Pharaoh Monch into the score, and the seats would vibrate along with the explosive elements You're curating a stage at a big festival with 5 current artists. Who's playing? Well, aside from the artists mentioned above, I'd have Lalo Schifrin #38; David Axelrod w/ orchestras, as well as Jill Scott #38; Erykah Badu performing live. The Free Question. Tell us something you really want us to know. We have a brand new CD out, Session 2, which is the reason we're speaking right now.nbsp; I'd also want people to know about Soundsci, which is group I'm working with featuring Johnny Cuba (formerly of Dynamic Syncopation) #38; Tone (formerly of Mass Influence).nbsp; In addition, I'm working on my solo album, and actively looking for parts in movies. The,Roll,Call steve no No http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/08/fink-cinematic-orchestra-remix/ http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/08/fink-cinematic-orchestra-remix/#comments Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:31:58 +0000 steve http://www.scissorkick.com/?p=282 http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/08/fink-cinematic-orchestra-remix/feed/ 2 00:01:01 I can't say that I've been a huge fan of the "acoustic pop/folk" thing as it always seems to remind me of the James Blunt/John ... I can't say that I've been a huge fan of the "acoustic pop/folk" thing as it always seems to remind me of the James Blunt/John Meyer frenzy over the last decade or so. Of course, we can go way before that for generations of solid folk music, but often, when that lone troubadour is paired up with a backing band, the result comes perilously close to saccharine overproduction and cheese. Not so with today's post. Give it a few moments and you'll realize the breathtaking marriage of Ninja Tune artists Fink (Finian Greenhall,) and Cinematic Orchestra is a pairing meant to be. Just like their recent collaboration with Grey Reverend, this reworking of a song by Fink reminds almost immediately of Jeff Buckley, an artist I've learn to admire as I get on in years. I was listening to this up in the mountains and it just seemed to fit really nicely. Load up the iPod and add this to your trip playlist. RIYL: Jeff Buckley, Grey Reverend, Jose Gonzalez, Alice Smith Downtempo,,Folk/Acoustic steve no No http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/07/the-roll-call-dark-party/ http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/07/the-roll-call-dark-party/#comments Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:14:26 +0000 steve http://www.scissorkick.com/?p=276 http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/07/the-roll-call-dark-party/feed/ 0 00:01:01 5 Fast Questions for Dark Party The inaugural Scissorkick Roll Call -- our new, easily digestible 5-question inteview format -- features Dark Party, the new electronic ... 5 Fast Questions for Dark Party The inaugural Scissorkick Roll Call -- our new, easily digestible 5-question inteview format -- features Dark Party, the new electronic dance project of popular Brooklyn-based beats producer Eliot Lipp and his Chicago-based friend Leo 123. The duo have worked on a handful of remixes and have a record on the way, and you can get a taste of the serious dance party stew coming your way with the MP3 "Status" posted after the "interview." Enjoy the new bite-sized tidbits of info and thanks to Dark Party for being the first of what I hope to be many short interviews with your favorite SK artists. Create the ideal scenario for listeners to get the most out of your music. Leo: Lights out, clothes off, no air conditioning. Eliot: The city or the beach. You are a professional wrestler or boxer. What's your ring entrance song? Eliot: "Why Can't We Be Friends"... War Leo: "You're The Best"... Joe 'Bean' Eposito from The Karate Kid Original Soundtrack. Suppose you have unlimited resources and access to all of your musical needs. What's your next project gonna be? Leo: It would be made in a room on the 23rd floor at the Mirage hotel in Las Vegas. Eliot: Pretty into what I've got, wouldn't mind trying a mellotron on for size. You're curating a stage at a big festival with 5 current artists. Who's playing? Eliot: Kraftwerk, Chromeo,Tortoise, Daft Punk, Dam-Funk Leo: Autechre, Jeff Mills, Morgan Geist, Lindstroslash;m, Murcof (ed. note: Sonar, Mutek, ATP or whoever, please get these guys a stage pronto...) The Free Question. Tell us something you really want us to know. Leo #38; Eliot: "Everyday is a Saturday, my friend" -nbsp; The Grouch Electro,,The,Breaks,,The,Roll,Call steve no No http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/07/bibio-ambivalence-avenue/ http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/07/bibio-ambivalence-avenue/#comments Thu, 16 Jul 2009 20:06:47 +0000 steve http://www.scissorkick.com/?p=270 http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/07/bibio-ambivalence-avenue/feed/ 2 00:01:01 By now it's no surprise how much I admire the work of Stephen Wilkinson's Bibio pseudonym. His first few releases for the Mush imprint were ... By now it's no surprise how much I admire the work of Stephen Wilkinson's Bibio pseudonym. His first few releases for the Mush imprint were an inspiring blend of pastoral acoustic folk and experimental field recordings. When news of a jump to pioneering electronic label Warp hit the blogosphere, it got me thinking about the myriad directions he could take with his sound and the expectations that would result from a much publicized longstanding friendship with new label mates Boards of Canada. Truth be told, up until the release of Ambivalence Avenue he was a bit of a one-trick pony. A beautiful, talented show horse of an animal that I hadn't yet grown tired of watching. (Did I just fucking write that?) But I was hoping he'd break out some new tricks for his big Warp debut and he did not dissapoint. His voice -- which had been an increasing presence on each successive release yet often passively -- is a much more prominent, and successful, part of his oeuvre. His guitar playing only seems to be getting better. And who could have every guessed that the dude is a beat wizard on the MPC?! I'm not gonna get into a long record review or anything nor will I try and verbalize the many ways you'll connect with this music. You can read the Pitchfork review for that, since they gave it an 8.3 and the "Best New Music" props. But what I will say is that today's post is my favorite song on the record while nicely highlighting his new, incredibly exciting direction. "Dwrcan" opens with a modest, sad-elephant shuffle bass #38; break then takes a turn toward a nice half-time glitch groove. Island guitar pleasantries, familiar yet unfamiliar percussive samples. It's nice.nbsp; Then it Warps. And you'll know what I'm talking about when that decidedly synthetic squelch cuts through all the organic loveliness and layer upon layer build like a much needed city storm. Wilkinson's music has always been more than a singular mood and the fact that the end of "Dwrcan" sounds more like Squarepusher than Nick Drake is an unexpected yet exciting new twist. The Books, Caribou, Mum, Grizzly Bear, Mice Parade, Broadcast http://warp.net/records/releases/bibio/ambivalence-avenue http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual#38;videoid=60194426 Bleep Amazon Abstract,Hip-Hop,,Folk/Acoustic,,Glitch,,IDM,,Post-Rock,,Psychedelic steve no No http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/06/lushlife-cassette-city/ http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/06/lushlife-cassette-city/#comments Fri, 19 Jun 2009 22:08:14 +0000 steve http://www.scissorkick.com/?p=265 http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/06/lushlife-cassette-city/feed/ 0 00:01:01 Sometimes you just have to believe the hype. It feels like it's been ages since a truly fresh perspective has come out of the underground ... Sometimes you just have to believe the hype. It feels like it's been ages since a truly fresh perspective has come out of the underground hip-hop scene. And by fresh, I don't necessarily mean cutting-edge. The old adage has never been so true -- to truly move ahead you often have to take one step back -- and that philosophy has been executed to perfection by Raj Haldar, the talented Philadelphia-based multi-instrumentalist/producer/MC responsible for one of this year's best hip-hop offerings and absolutely your summer BBQ roaster, Cassette City. Haldar made waves a little while back with West Sounds, a unique melding of Kanye West and The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds, and while that may have seemed like transient novelty, it wasn't. It was simply prelude to a sound firmly entrenched in this young producers bag of tricks. When I say this is a raw, edgy hip-hop record that will satisfy those longing for a return to 90s East Coast mastery AND heavily references Brian Wilson, Van Dyke Parks, David Axelrod and Burt Bacharach, I am not fucking around. Today's post, "Bottle Rocket" together with a handful of satisfying tracks featuring a truly ecletic list of guest players like Camp Lo, Ariel Pink, Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend and Greg Saunier, drummer of Deerhoof (I wasn't kidding, that's pretty sick for a hip-hop record, no?) show the type of quality that results from MCing, producing and laying down the instrumentation for samples all on his lonesome. Classicaly trained, historically reverent and skillfully adept. The combo for next-level shiiiiiiiiiiit. Watch this video to get an honest look at RIYL: Black Milk, Marco Polo, 9th Wonder #38; Buckshot, Lupe Fiasco, Ezhri, Koushik READ: homepage rap reviews WATCH: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q31lpG3UUc4 BUY: Amazon Hip-Hop,,The,Breaks steve no No http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/06/polvo-back-with-a-bowl/ http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/06/polvo-back-with-a-bowl/#comments Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:04:44 +0000 steve http://www.scissorkick.com/?p=263 http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/06/polvo-back-with-a-bowl/feed/ 2 00:01:01 It's not often that bands break up and reunite over a decade later without some kind of clear financial motivation. Sure Polvo have had their ... It's not often that bands break up and reunite over a decade later without some kind of clear financial motivation. Sure Polvo have had their share of shows over the last year in some of the biggest festivals around (they killed it at ATP), but after listening to their newest track "Beggars Bowl" -- which willnbsp; instantly register with fans longing for a sound that has all but disappeared from contemporary rock -- their motivation seems more driven by music than mid-life mortgage crises. Did I ever imagine Polvo would channel some kind of Queens of the Stone Age type desert rock? But the message has been receieved loud and clear: "These kids just don't get it. Let's show 'em how it's done." And let me tell you, if this is any indication of the quality of In Prism (back on Merge; out September 8) your little brother or nephew's screamo project can expect a good ass-whippin this Fall. Indie,,Post-Rock,,Psychedelic,,Rock steve no No http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/05/scissorkast-5-partly-sunny/ http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/05/scissorkast-5-partly-sunny/#comments Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:52:53 +0000 steve http://www.scissorkick.com/?p=257 http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/05/scissorkast-5-partly-sunny/feed/ 6 00:01:01 Six months since the last scissorkast and it's not due to a lack of good music. Just have my hands full. I promise to get ... Six months since the last scissorkast and it's not due to a lack of good music. Just have my hands full. I promise to get more regular with these, especially since I've digitized about 1000 records since the last podcast. Since the start of the year, 2009 is turning out some epic records, and I've aimed to capture the last few months with some of my favorite tracks off of some of those records. The first half of this podcast focuses on more moody, subtle tracks, with the emphasis on acoustic and instrumental road-tripping type stuff. The second half, confirming my conflicted and contradictory nature, flips the mix and rocks out ending in an epic crescendo of beautiful noise. I hope you enjoy. This was a fun one to put together. One quick note: You've probably noticed that the Scissorkasts focus more on electronic and rock music. For a sampling ofnbsp; more funky, eclectic, and beat-oriented stuff, check out our radio show, Bastard Jazz Radio (with DJ DRM and Paul Diggs) on BrooklynRadio.net. We have about 8 shows currently posted with 2 more in the bag and ready to rock. PLAYLIST Bibio :: "Carosello Ellitico" :: Ovals #38; Emeralds [EP] Cougar :: "Rhinelander" :: Patriot Nosaj Thing :: "Light #1" :: Drift Lymbyc Systym :: "Truth Skull" :: Love Your Abuser Tortoise :: "Charteroak Foundation" :: Beacons of Ancestorship (Thrill Jockey) Radiohead :: "Lurgee" :: Pablo Honey Four Tet :: "Tangle" :: Pause The Mattson 2 :: "Longing of the Leftist" :: Introducing The Mattson 2 El Ten Eleven :: "I Like Van Halen Because My Sister Says They Are Cool" :: These Promises Are Being Videotaped Akron/Family :: "Everyone Is Guilty" :: Set 'Em Wild, Set 'Em Free Cymbals Eat Guitars :: "Some Trees (Merritt Moon)" :: Why There Are Mountains Japandroids :: "Young Hearts Spark Fire" :: Post-nothing School of Seven Bells :: "Face to Face On High Places (jesu Remix) :: My Cabal Isis :: "20 Minutes / 40 Years" :: Wavering Radiant Electronic/Dance,,Instrumental,,Mixes,,Rock,,ScissorKast steve no No http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/05/nosaj-thing/ http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/05/nosaj-thing/#comments Thu, 14 May 2009 23:50:39 +0000 steve http://www.scissorkick.com/?p=255 http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/05/nosaj-thing/feed/ 0 00:01:01 I've been corrupted. You know you've stumbled upon something great when you're exhibiting obsessive behaviors like playing a song 10 times in a row because ... I've been corrupted. You know you've stumbled upon something great when you're exhibiting obsessive behaviors like playing a song 10 times in a row because 2:55 just isn't long enough. "Light #1" is that song. Old-school heads will instantly think back to the best parts of Mike Paradinas' finest U-ziq stuff like "Hasty Boom Alert" and new-schoolers will reference Nosaj Thing's coastal peers like Flying Lotus, Daedelus and edIT. But this track has everything you're looking for, honest -- starts off shrouded in ambient mystery, crumbles into an absolutely classic synth squelch, all the while tethered with a roughneck break. The melody blasts through the tonal grays into a beautiful, near-ellegiac refrain then crashes back down to the concrete. Fuck it, if this isn't exactly the kind of shit they should be playing on Sundays in a huge cathedral on some modified midi pipe organ wired through a floor of pedals. Reverend Nosaj, Amen brother. Amen. Be on the look out for this cat and expect beautiful things to come. RIYL: edIT, Prefuse 73,nbsp; Michna, U-ziq, DJ Shadow, Boards of Canada, Flying Lotus, Plaid, Dabreye Read: http://www.nosajthing.com/ Buy Abstract,Hip-Hop,,Electronic/Dance,,Glitch,,Instrumental steve no No http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/04/am-architect/ http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/04/am-architect/#comments Fri, 24 Apr 2009 03:27:48 +0000 steve http://www.scissorkick.com/?p=254 http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/04/am-architect/feed/ 3 00:01:01 I could be breaking some unspoken rule of music blogging by posting 2 projects by the same musician so close together. But then again -- ... I could be breaking some unspoken rule of music blogging by posting 2 projects by the same musician so close together. But then again -- as you can tell by my recent disappearance from regular posting -- the regular rules have never applied to SK. A.M. Architect is another project from Diego Chavez (Aether), together with Daniel Stanush, building on a foundation of guitar and keys over smartly produced beats. The most immediate sonic comparison is clearly The Album Leaf, but the beats here possess more of an edge, ocassionally touching on some propulsive BPMs. The melodic sensibility on their debut LP "The Road to the Sun" is one of it's biggest assets with track after track of densely layered ambience. It's cinematic, sure, but like similar instrumental stuff, the tracks have enough heft and craft to hold up on their own. Of course, it doesn't hurt if you're 100 miles deep into a 400-mile Midwest road trip, lightning lighting up the horizon, the wind starting to rustle the trees lining the road. RIYL: The Album Leaf, Telefon Tel Aviv, Hammock, Morr Music, Tortoise READ: http://www.myspace.com/amarchitect Downtempo,,Electronic/Dance,,Instrumental,,Post-Rock steve no No http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/03/from-monument-to-masses/ http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/03/from-monument-to-masses/#comments Sun, 22 Mar 2009 14:49:07 +0000 steve http://www.scissorkick.com/?p=252 http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/03/from-monument-to-masses/feed/ 0 00:01:01 There are perfect records and then there are perfect records. As a die-hard proponent of all things instrumental, I realize that my opinion skews when ... There are perfect records and then there are perfect records. As a die-hard proponent of all things instrumental, I realize that my opinion skews when it comes to wordless rock music. Or solidly produced instrumental beats. Or the combination of the two. I'd be naive to expect Pitchfork to slap a 9.9 on On Little Known Frequencies, the newest From Monument to Masses masterpiece (unless there was some Animal Collective connection...) but that doesn't mean I have to hold back. Contemporary Instrumental Rock has always been on the outside looking in, indifferent to trends, deferential to personal connection and probably, by its own admission, a little bit nerdy (in the best possible way.) But relatively speaking, in a world where Breadwinner, Tortoise and Don Caballero assume places of royalty, this record should be canonized. From start to finish, it's a masterfully executed, impeccably produced journey and should be celebrated not for its obvious aesthetic strong points -- musicianship, songwriting, tone -- but for the more subtle yet no less relevant nuances. FMTM are a band that set out with a clear mission to do more with less -- often instrumental music suffers from a certain sameness by eschewing vocals. Indeed, and as much as I hate to admit it, it is often the singer who is the most identifiable member of a band. That being said, FMTM have skillfully incorporated vocal samples of activists and leaders such as Mario Savio, Che Guevara, and Black Panther Fred Hampton. However, this makes them much more than "the instrumental band with samples." What moves me the most about this record may be something I'm completely wrong about, not knowing the intentions and motivations of the band members personally. And although -- out of respect for the band -- I posted a track ("Beyond God #38; Elvis") that can be heard at their MySpace page, I really wanted to post the 9-minute epic "An Ounce of Prevention," which is arguably the best song the band has ever written and encapsulates my point. With nearly half of the 8 tracks clocking in over 6 minutes, the trio manage to navigate the myriad musical changes not like a jam band or an orchestra, but more like a DJ, seamlessly mixing melodies from one movement to another. They show skillful restraint with the samples, electronics and occasional strings; this is a proud rock record that will unmistakably get the post-rock tag simply because of its lack of vocals. It's the musical admission however -- that their rock is informed by other styles -- that makes them more than just the sonic hybrid of The Six Parts Seven and Pelican. Instead, what Shadow did for abstract beats with Entroducing, From Monument to Masses accomplishes in spades for instrumental rock with On Little Known Frequencies. RIYL: Pelican, Red Sparowes, Mogwai, Six Parts Seven, Dysrhythmia, Maserati, Cinemechanica READ www.monument-masses.com Breakbeat,,DJ,Weapons,,Indie,,Instrumental,,Metal,,Post-Rock,,Rock steve no No http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/02/new-dj-mixes-page/ http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/02/new-dj-mixes-page/#comments Tue, 24 Feb 2009 13:30:35 +0000 steve http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/02/new-dj-mixes-page/ http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/02/new-dj-mixes-page/feed/ 9 http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/02/aether/ http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/02/aether/#comments Wed, 04 Feb 2009 21:07:49 +0000 steve http://www.scissorkick.com/?p=240 http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/02/aether/feed/ 6 00:01:01 Snow is an integral part of the character of NYC. A city teeming with transplants, you get this collective anxiety right after a fresh snowfall, ... Snow is an integral part of the character of NYC. A city teeming with transplants, you get this collective anxiety right after a fresh snowfall, as the winter drags on with throngs of people hotly anticipating 100 degree days that smell of dog piss and uncollected garbage. Nah, if you ask me, summer in the city is overrated. What rules is the sunny day after a snowfall, when the white blanketed streets look cleaner, storybook almost. The avenues, less crowded with hurried masses and less visible concrete, appear more rural than usual. Shit, there could be grass underneath all of that snow! Yep, it was perfect time to discover Aether's new album Artifacts. Producer Diego Chavez probably doesn't deal with too much snow in San Antonio, TX but nevertheless has released the first great record of 2009, rockists be damned. I often wax poetic about the Headz comps from Mo' Wax back in the early 90s, but that's a good reference point here (even Pitchfork got it right!). Chavez tempers the heavy boom-bap breaks of classic abstract hip-hop (think Shadow, Cam, Crush) with just enough melancholy vibes provided via guitar, keys, and vocals. The best contemporary producers are not just beatmakers anymore, but rather songwriters,nbsp; who are forced to depend less on the loops they manufacture and more on the verses and choruses they create. With his other great project A.M. Architect and what seems to be an intelligent, thriving electronic scene, I suddenly have to add San Antonio too my list of cities to keep an eye on. Today's post "Variance" captures the mood perfectly but this is a record meant to be listened to from start to finish (oh, the horror!) with unexpectedly funky BPM changes ("It Was") and nods to Aether's many influences ("Makeshift Sanctuary" could be part II to Blockhead's "Sunday Seance.") NOTE: Thanks to a comment from Radiolaire, I was able to track down the source of the beautiful piano sample in this post to the soundtrack for the film Babel put together by Gustavo Santaolalla. The track is called "Bibo No Azora/Endless Flight and Babel" by Everton Nelson, Gustavo Santaolalla, Jacques Morelenbaum #38; Ryuichinbsp; Sakamoto. RIYL: DJ Shadow, Blockhead, Nobody, Rjd2, DJ Krush, Boards of Canada BUY: Amazon LINKS http://www.myspace.com/aether216 Abstract,Hip-Hop,,DJ,Weapons,,Electronic/Dance steve no No http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/01/home-video-2/ http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/01/home-video-2/#comments Thu, 29 Jan 2009 16:00:55 +0000 steve http://www.scissorkick.com/?p=238 http://www.scissorkick.com/2009/01/home-video-2/feed/ 3 00:01:01 New EP from Brooklyn's Home Video just dropped and while I will readily admit the Radhiohead comparisons are warranted, I still think the band is ... New EP from Brooklyn's Home Video just dropped and while I will readily admit the Radhiohead comparisons are warranted, I still think the band is one of NYC's most underrated. Why hold it against them because they sound like one of the greatest bands in the world. I mean, go to an art museum and you will see rooms filled with painters who all worked in similar styles. Apologies on the quick post, but there's not much to say about today's track, "Every Love That Ever Was" that you won't get from the first 90 seconds of epic and emotive electronic rock. Optimistic isn't generally a term you'd link to Home Video in the past, but I think it works for them. This is a lot like that song you heard before but forgot how much you loved at the time.nbsp; Feel good, America. Lastly, am I the only one that's instantly reminded of The Who's "Eminence Front" with those looped keys at the start? Let me know. Homepage: http://www.homevideo.fm/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/homevideo RCRDLBL: http://rcrdlbl.com/artists/Home_Video/music Breakbeat,,DJ,Weapons,,Electro,,Electronic/Dance,,IDM,,Indie,,Krautrock,,Post-Rock,,Rock,,Soul steve no No http://www.scissorkick.com/2008/12/scissorkick-picks-for-2008/ http://www.scissorkick.com/2008/12/scissorkick-picks-for-2008/#comments Tue, 30 Dec 2008 14:51:23 +0000 steve http://www.scissorkick.com/?p=231 ]]> http://www.scissorkick.com/2008/12/scissorkick-picks-for-2008/feed/ 7 00:01:01 Before we start, I'd just like to quickly let you know that this is not a best-of list. The entire purpose of scissorkick from its ... Before we start, I'd just like to quickly let you know that this is not a best-of list. The entire purpose of scissorkick from its inception was to avoid the kind of internal editing and trend spotting that happens all over the Internet. That's why I personally check The Hype Machine before I post, so that the music here is as unique as you will find anywhere within the blogosphere. And I hope my recommendations from the past calendar year strike you as equally eclectic. The sheer breadth of styles on the list is clearly a result of my OCD and lack of true commitment to any one genre. If you only prefer sweet sour with your McNuggets, this list is definitely not for you. That being said, some of the Scissorkick Picks will undoubtedly show up on other lists you may have seenacross the gloriously and seemingly infinite World Wide Web. That's cool, there are a lot more informed and knowledgeable bloggers out there who have spent much more time and analysis on their personal bests. For instance, the Pitchfork Top 50 isn't nearly as misguided as in years past, but as usual it ignores more successful genre offering. However, there are no algorithms here. Just a quick scan of my scrobbled tracks and play counts. I have to assume the music I've listened to the most times is a solid indication of how much I enjoyed it. Before you get to the list, and before you start emailing me about all the obvious omissions from a list that is simply a gathering of one person's subjective recommendations, I wish to thank a number of fantastic artists who made great records in 2008, as evidenced by the number of plays for each on my iTunes/iPod. I highly recommended you seek out each of the fantastic records put out this year by: Adele, Atlas Sound, Beach House, Black Keys, James Blackshaw, Blitzen Trapper, Boris, Cool Kids, The Cure, Cut Copy, Death Cab For Cutie, Deerhoof, Deerhunter, Dodos, Earth, Fennesz, Lupe Fiasco, Harvey Milk, Jamie Lidell, Jazzanova, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Metallica, MGMT, The New Year, No Age, Portishead, Quiet Village, Raconteurs, Ratatat, The Roots, The Sea Cake, Stereolab, Subtle, Sun Kil Moon, TV on the Radio, Vampire Weekend. And while I will go a little deeper into my favorite 20 records of 2008 below, before I do that I have a list of 16 records that just missed the cut. All in all, there were nearly 50 records that I thought deserved to be mentioned in this post, including the large list above. But since this is a one-man operation and I'm feeling lazy, I wanted to elaborate on just my personal top 20. Here's a list of records that just missed the cut: 9th Wonder Buckshot The Formula (Duck Down) Adem Takes (Domino) Black Milk Tronic (Fat Beats) Black Mountain In The Future (Jajaguar) Blue Sky Black Death Slow Burning Lights (Babygrande) The Chap Mega Breakfast (Ghostly) Foreign Exchange Leave it All Behind(Nicolay) James Pants Welcome (Stones Throw) Jay Reatard Matador Singles '08 (Matador) Koushik Out My Window (Stones Throw) LindstromWhere You Go I Go Too (Smalltown Supersound) Menahan Street Band Make the Road By Walking (Daptone) Mr. Scruff Ninja Tuna (Ninja Tune) Nicolay Kay Time:Line (Nicolay) Nomo Ghost Rock (Ubiquity) Presto State of the Art (Concrete Grooves) School of Seven Bells Alpinisms (Ghostly) Now for the SK recommended 20 from 2008. This year, I've decided to do it in audio form, so the podcast below has about 20 songs from my favorite albums of the past year. If you want to know the Scissorkick Top 20 selections, you'll just have to listen or download. Enjoy, and I hope you all had a great new year. Looking forward to a musically rich 2009! Breakbeat,,DJ,Weapons,,Electronic/Dance,,Hip-Hop,,IDM,,Instrumental,,Rock,,SK,Exclusives,,ScissorKast,,The,Breaks steve no No http://www.scissorkick.com/2008/12/floating-points/ http://www.scissorkick.com/2008/12/floating-points/#comments Tue, 30 Dec 2008 00:44:19 +0000 steve http://www.scissorkick.com/?p=232 http://www.scissorkick.com/2008/12/floating-points/feed/ 3 00:01:01 Big thanks to DJ DRM for sending this one my way. This will surely be the final post of 2008, before I do my yearly ... Big thanks to DJ DRM for sending this one my way. This will surely be the final post of 2008, before I do my yearly wrap up, and I can't think of a better song more suited for looking ahead to an exciting musical landscape. The truth is that I don't know much about Floating Points other than what's written on his MySpace page. What I do know is that by evidence of this first track "Love Me Like This" he has an incredibly bright future. The track listed as a remix, but the only tracks I could find with the same name are from Heavy D and Danii Minogue. I doubt that either are remixed here. However, the track bridges the gap between the Flying Lotus/Waajeed school of fractured electronic soul and the polished intellectualism of Metro Area-inspired electro house. When the 80s-inspired bass vocals take foothold around 1:55, perfectly arriving via a Stacey Pullen inspired synthesizer arpeggio, I strain to think of a smoother musical moment created in this past year. Rumor is that this will be out on Warp later next year. Look for it. Enjoy. Happy New Year! And look forward to the yearly recap coming shortly. RIYL: Flying Lotus, Jay Dee, Waajeed, Eliot Lipp, Dabrye, Metro Area, Booka Shade Read: Floating Points MySpace Page Downtempo,,Electro,,Electronic/Dance,,New,Disco,,Soul steve no No