Ricardo Villalobos - "Dependent & Happy" 2012
I truthfully don't know much about him, just that i've heard his name thrown around a decent amount in the past, so I don't know how this would rank among the rest of his career, but this album sounds pretty decent. Usually I hear his music described as being either minimal techno or micro house. All of the sounds are very textured, defined, and ever-changing. Very psychedelic without being overwhelming. Not really for relaxing or dancing, just intense listening. I like it. Check out the entire album here as a playlist.
Pelican - "Forever Becoming" 2013
For those not in the know, Pelican is an awesome instrumental rock band. It's been a long 4 years since their last full length, and since then they had a lineup change and replaced one of the guitarists. This didn't really affect the band's sound at all, and to long time fans of theirs, this album is right on the money. I actually prefer this one over the last one. There's a little less slow building and the songs "get to the point" a little faster, which might disappoint some people, but this is still the same Pelican that I love. Music that is just so easy to kick back and jam out to or get engulfed within. Something about not having the restrictions of a vocalist just makes their music that much better to me. Nobody bellowing over the melodies, drowning them out and ruining them. Check out "Deny The Absolute", "The Tundra", "Perpetual Dawn", and "Vestiges".
Odd Nosdam - "If Grill Du Rot" 2012
This is a few sound collages and funny samples he put together in between 1999 and 2001, according to the description. "Normal" people would find this unlistenable, but I enjoy stuff like this, and this little EP definitely puts a huge smile on my face. I especially like the Dana Carvey "choppin broccoli" sample. Here is the bandcamp page for this release.
Isaiah Toothtaker - "Illmatic 2" 2013
It's really hard to describe an artist like Isaiah Toothtaker. His music is steeped in a certain "internet sound", but it's not limited to that. He has a defined style but still sounds all over the place, which is good for me, because I never get bored with him. Sometimes his flow reminds me a little of people from Doomtree, but he doesn't have that element of cornyness that most of their stuff is draped in. There's a certain sing-songy quality to some of his flows that becomes infectious once you get used to it. This release is even more varied than usual for him, which is impressive. Hitting from so many different styles from so many different angles, but maintaining a common style and thread throughout. Not an easy accomplishment. Free download or listen here. Also check out the video for "Midnight".
Bassnectar - "Divergent Spectrum Remixes" 2012
A little EP of remixes from last year. There's honestly nothing that stands out on this for me. Nobody is doing a whole lot to make their remixes actually better than the originals, but at the same time none of these are terrible and unlistenable like many remixes on releases like this tend to be. Check out "Voodoo (Bassnectar & ill.gates Remix)", "Red Step (Steve Aoki Remix)", and "Voodoo (Beats Antique Remix)".
Clutch - "Earth Rocker" 2013
The one thing that's always impressed me about Clutch, aside from just the musicianship itself, is that ever since they came out in the early 90's, they have barely changed their style at all. Trends have come and gone and Clutch has remained constant through it all. This new one seems to be their most focused album since 2004's "Blast Tyrant". The albums in between were still cool, but I felt like they were sort of seeming like they were starting to lose steam as a band. Maybe it's just me and i'm more into rock n roll again this year than I have been in a while. In any event, this is sure to please fans of the group, and probably not win any new fans either. They have always been one of those bands where you either like them or you don't. Check out the video for "Earth Rocker". Also check out "Unto The Breach", "The Wolf Man Kindly Requests...", and "Gone Cold". Or listen to the whole album here.
Mike Wexler - "Dispossession" 2012
This was a blind download that turned out to be some pretty decent mellow rock. Nothing about this album is overly outstanding, but at the same time, I never have a desire to turn it off or fast forward. It's nice and relaxing and even engaging at times. It's good to hear new music from someone willing to make longer songs that aren't boring, but are actually somewhat of an adventure. My favorite track is the album closer, "Liminal", but I can't find a link for it. Check out "Lens", "Spectrum", "The Trace", and "Pariah".
Knxwledge - "Karma.Loops.PRT5" 2013
Another of his 8 billion releases. He is like a low budget Madlib, culling samples from slightly more recent eras. As usual, i'm diggin it. Here is the bandcamp page for this.
WITCH's Jagari Chanda - "Kwamanunga" 2013
This was an exclusive available only to Now Again Records subscribers. These are 2 newly recorded songs, so hopefully there is more to come. These sound great. Unfortunately, I am unable to share.
J Dilla - "Lost Tapes Reels + More" 2013
I'm not one to look down on another new collection of stuff from one of my favorite people in music of all time, but it looks as though they are finally scraping the bottom of the barrel for treats from Dilla. There's still some gems here for sure, and this collection isn't actually wack by any means. It's just not stellar, and I wouldn't expect it to be, since these are most likely mostly leftovers that didn't make the grade when he was alive. There's still a few Donuts-like gems here though. Not many are up on youtube. Check out "Go Get Em", "Here We Go Again", and "Lickn".
Ras G - "El-Aylien Part II: C.razy A.lien" 2012
This is easily the most bugged out release i've heard come out of the beat scene so far. Ras G is on another level, possibly another astral plane or dimension. Space is the place. Anyone that's into progressive music and is looking for something new and different to tantalize your ears, should check this release for sure. Check out "Unfolding", "Broken Cartridge", "Green Curry", and "Plates & Forks (The PAF)".
