Monthly Archives: September 2017
Trio-Da Kali and Kronos Quartet (World Circuit) Ladilkan
Traditional music from Mali and an amazing recording of their instruments. The combo of the Balaton (Xylophone), the bass Ngoni (lute), and female vocalist makes for a great musical experience. RIYL: West African Music, Female Vocalists, Traditional instruments.
Leti Garza (Self Released) El Unico Para Mi
Classic female Latin vocalist which spans 3 languages. Jazzy Romantic music with mixed styles of Salsa, Merengue, Bolero and more backed by beautiful piano and Spanish guitar. Start with 2 & 7.
Chandrika Tandon (Soul Chants) Shivoham The Quest
Heavy vocal emphasis which at times is backed by choir of voices, borders on theatrical feeling. Several different languages represented here, some in English. Each song has a different flavor but it all has roots in traditional Indian music. RIYL: Indian Music, Female Vocals, an Open Mind…
Various Artists (Shanachie) Afrobeats Hot Hits
Great description of what Afrobeats music is on the back, if you are not familiar with this emerging style taking over dancefloors all around the world. These are the hottest tunes of this genre and if you like one, you’ll be dancing to them all! Start with 1, 2, 4, 7, 10, & 14.
Rayce (Shanachie) African Juice
They call it “Afrobeats” which is not like Afrobeat at all. For the uninitiated it’s a mix of Dancehall, Soca, Reggaeton, West African Rhythms, Hip Hop, and even RPM. Heavy Auto-tuned Vox with romantic and party lyrics. Joyful, Sexy, Happy, Whinin’, Panty Droppin’ Music! If you like 1 song, you will like them all! Start […]
Antibalas (Daptone) Where the Gods are in Peace
Another amazing release from this incredible band! If you like Afrobeat, you know these guys are at the top of the talent pool mixing classic styles with jazz, ska, and urban inspirations. These tracks bring us back to the roots with many LONG compositions. Try 1 & 4 but they are ALL GOOD!
Christos DC (Honest Music) Tessera
Positive, Heartfelt, Conscious, and Upbeat Tunes from Greek-American Producer. Try 1, 2, 3, 7, 9, 10, 12 but they are ALL GOOD! Sly & Robbie on Drums & Bass and they show their skills on this album. Different Vocalists provide a unique feel to each track and some are better than others. Try 6, 7, […]
Various Artists (Ostinato) Sweet as Broken Dates, The Lost Somali Tapes
Amazing story here- these recordings were part of a national archive and would have been destroyed forever if it wasn’t for a dedicated group committed to saving the tapes and burying them until the conflict was over! Definitely sounds like a cassette. Beautiful, Haunting, Trippy Echoes & Synths, Psychedelic, great Organs. 1, 10, & 13 […]
Quadro Nueva w/Cairo Steps (Justin Time) Flying Carpet
Egyptian Sufi Music done by a German Supergroup with 20 years of history playing together. Feels like Sexy World Inspired Jazz with great instrumentals clearly played by Masters. Amazing Clarinet, Spanish Guitar, Latin Percussion, with African feel. Magical, Mystical, Belly Dancing, Haunting Desert Vibes! All good! Try 1, 2, 3, 7, 9, 10, & 12
Knox Fortune – Paradise
You might recognize Kevin Rhomberg’s voice from Chance The Rapper’s 2016 summer smash “All Night.” The creative producer behind KAMI’s Just Like The Movies, Joey Purp’s (who has writing credits on 2, 3, 6, 11 and a feature on 9) iiiDrops, the majority of Leather Cord’s catalogue and countless other Chicago hip hop favorites like […]
Crywolf – Skeletons EP [Okami Records]
EDM crowd pleaser Justin Phillips aka Crywolf is back with this 9 track EP on Okami Records, and there is a lot to love here. Vulnerably mellow tracks like “Weight” and “Silk”, alongside the passionate vocals heard on “Fuse”, are great counter points to the progressive drops of “Lemniscate”. This is one for the slow […]
Trip Trip Trip–as one who listens to the rain
The English label Willowhayne Records signed this intriguing guitar trio originating from Bogota, Colombia with pieces either composed for them or arranged by them ranging from traditional, lyrical, dreamy to forceful. Play, play, play!
Stephen Dodgson-Guitar Chamber Works
Contemporary works (1963 on) for guitar quartet with accompaniment (violin, cello, flute, voice). Nice!
Walrus – “Family Hangover”
“Family Hangover” is the first LP released by Walrus. The band seems to have an eclectic mix of influences, which combine to form the album’s many intricate tracks. I would describe the music as psychedelic rock with chill, surfy vibes, as well as some occasional punk rock instrumentals. The lead singer’s voice struck me as […]
Alvvays- “Antisocialites”
This album shows a slight departure from the bands original sound as displayed on their debut album. Moving away from their more punk roots, the band includes glittery synths and delves into dream-pop, surf sounds, which was only hinted at on their first release. Featuring the soft, clean, female vocals, that Alvvays has been known […]
Camp Cope- Self-Titled
Camp Cope material originated as solo works by the lead singer and guitarist Georgia Maq, who has been independently releasing material since 2014. The music can be broadly classified as indie-punk. But it is so much more than that. The lyrics are quirky and real. Each of the songs tell a story, and the way […]
Mount Kimbie- “Love What Survives”
Within a few seconds of listening to the first track, “Four Years and One Day,” I can already tell Mount Kimbie have reached a more mature and complex sound. Throughout this album, all traces of their original dubstep roots are gone and what’s left is a style verging on post-rock. This album is filled with […]
The National- “Sleep Well Beast”
This is The National’s 7th studio album, and although the band continues to include many elements they have come to be known for (moody, soft spoken lyrics; complex drum patterns; detached, melodic guitar riffs) they attempt to push some of their own boundaries on this album and experiment with new effects. This album is definitely […]
Cymbals – Light In Your Mind [Tough Love]
Cymbals newest album combines acoustic instruments, synths, and drums for an album of 80’s-influenced post-punk and indie-electro vibes. The combination of synthetic and acoustic instruments gives the album a fun, nostalgic sound. Label: Tough Love Start With: 1,3,7,10 FCC: Clean RIYL: Capital Cities, Beach Fossils, Citrus, Hoops, Hot Chip, Genesis, Metronomy, Friendly Fires, Wild Nothing, DIIV
Betsayda & Parranda El Clavo (Odelia) Loe Loa
Traditional Venezuelan music meant to be sung together with a group. Makes you feel like you are a part of the party! Very uplifting and celebratory music that makes you feel the roots of this rich musical culture. Great percussion! ALL GOOD!!
The Karpinka Brothers- Talk is Cheap (self-released)
These artists hail from Saskatchewan, Canada and the stereotypical Canadian niceness and positivity is very present in their music. Recording and production for the album was done by grammy-nominated Howard Bilerman, who was effective at creating a happy album full of nostalgic rock sound. Play all
! Esso ! Afrojam Funkbeat (Sonic Octopus) Juntos
Chicago based with International Tentacles, this group brings a lot to the table. More Latin than Afro or Funk, this album blends many styles with latin roots from romantic to spoken word and MC styling’s, all with great percussion and horns. Start with 2, 5, 6, 10, 12, & 13
Ruben Gonzalez (World Circuit) Introducing…
Hard to believe this legendary Cuban pianist hasn’t released a solo album before this! He’s a favorite among the Buena Vista Social Club, has played with everyone, and this album is a masterpiece of classic Cuban music. All Good!!
Chicago Afrobeat Project (Self) What Goes Up
Another solid release from this diverse group. Lots of different vocals including Chance the Rapper gives this album a different feel from song to song, but the Afrobeat holds it together. Great instrumentation and the vocals vary depending on the song. Start with 1, 2, 6, & 8
Michel Camilo & Tomatitto (Verve) Spain Forever
A bit of a misnomer as this album is classic guitar and piano jazz. Great music for the romantic in all of us with Spanish inspiration. All Good!
WRUV Reviews 