Metropolis - s/t

Metropolis

Here is the debut album by the brief krautrock band Metropolis. Its definitely a fun listen, that I recommend to all of you crazies out there. Its a real gem that I can't believe I hadn't heard about before a few days ago.

"METROPOLIS was a short-lived band from Berlin - 1973 initiated by Michael Duwe who has been an early member of AGITATION FREE and produced "Seven UP" with ASH RA TEMPEL. Other members to have former collaborations with wellknown bands were drummer Thomas Hildebrand (MYTHOS) and Michael Westphal (ASH RA TEMPEL).

Their eponymous debut was recorded December 1973 in Munich. Very rare as vinyl and in the early 90s also released by the Germanofon label as an unauthorized bootleg on CD. A concept album with clear musical influences because 'Mickie' Duwe also participated at the Berlin "Hair" performance. So there is a special vocal emphasis (Duwe's voice was close to Bowie) combined with a blend of several styles like Symphonic, Folk, Blues, Jazz- and Krautrock, very innovative and unique at that time.

Afterwards METROPOLIS disbanded and all musicians went to other bands or worked solo."

Enjoy!

-Harrold

FLOH DE COLOGNE - Geyer Symphonie

Geyer - Symphonie

Released in 1974 Geyer Symphonie is the fourth studio album by the German anarchist band Floh De Cologne. "Floh de Cologne were formed in 1966 as a political and anarchic collective of students from the University of Cologne. The group is composed by Gerd Wollschon (voices, keyboards), Markus Schmidt (violin, bass), Hans-Jorg "Hansi" Frank (drums & keyboards) and Britta Baltruschat (voices). They recorded their first album "Vietnam" (Pläne) in 1968. This musical act is a protestation against the war. The famous and controversial Rolf Ulrich Kaiser (ohr) published the following albums whose the classics "Rockoper Profitgeier" (1971) and "Lucky Streik" (1972). All albums contain provocative and humorous sketches about political and social facts. Musically their style can be considered as a mixture between avant-folk, sound experimentations, free rock and narratives. Recorded in 1973, "Geier Symphonie" punctuates Floh de Cologne's original style to demonstrative, semi theatrical and symphonic rock attacks. In 1974, after the split of ohr label, the formation go back to "Pläne" for several recordings until the end of the 70's."

Enjoy!

-Harrold

TON STEINE SCHERBEN - Keine Macht für Niemand

Part 1

Part 2

This is the most famous album by the German anarchist band Ton Steine Scherben. The album was released in 1972, making it their second studio album. "They are considered to be among the most notorious German kraut polit-rock next to bands such as Floh de Cologne (...) During the 70's the band were known for their social and political critics but also for their amazingly challenging live performances. During this active period of their career they published three albums. Among those studio recording sessions we can notice the convincing Wenn die Nacht am tiefsten (1975) which is musically speaking a collection of garagey rockin' songs for psych-fuzzed out guitar riffages, harsh vocals and cabaret improvs. After a long time break, the band recently re-formed for live performances under the name Ton Steine Scherben Family."

Enjoy!

-Harrold

Root For Ruin - Les Savy Fav

Root For Ruin

Here is Les Savy Fav's fifth studio album: Root For Ruin. It is due to be released on September 14th, 2010. This band is really good, I especially enjoyed their third album Go Forth which completely portrays their loud, obnoxious, wonderful sound. Their last album Lets Stay Friends was not quite as good, but it was still fun. But here is their new album which should be a fun new section of their discography. Please Enjoy!

-Harrold

Afro Samurai Resurrection - Soundtrack

Resurrection

Resurrection is the second season / movie follow up to season 1 of Afro Samurai. The show is fucking crazy, with Samuel L Jackson doing the main vocals. This album is the Soundtrack for the Resurrection, it is produced by the great RZA. Its definitely a great listen. But I would first suggest that you go watch Seasons 1 and 2 of Afro Samurai, because they are even better. Also, I believe both can be found on Hulu, so watch them while they last. Enjoy!

-Harrold

Strawberry Letter 23

I believe I posted Inspiration Information as one of my first posts on this blog. One of the great hits on that amazing album is Strawberry Letter 23. I find the song to be completely amazing; one of the greatest songs of all time. Shuggie Otis's Strawberry Letter 23 has had several covers done, such as the one by the Brothers Johnson, which I find to be amazing also. However, this particular cover is quite different. Quincy Jones and Akon came together to do this cover, and having the amount of appreciation for Quincy Jones that I do, I couldn't help but post it. Its pretty interesting, very different, and not quite as amazing but still fun. Enjoy!

-Harrold

Brainticket - Psychonaut

Psychonaut

Here is an amazing album. Brainticket is a fairly unappreciated Krautrock band, or at least I had never heard of them. At least until Madlib's 6th Medicine Show, which is dedicated to this band. The first track is insanely good, which I don't believe anyone can deny. The first track is filled with enchanting vocals and Indian inspired strings/melody. As the album continues each song continued to amaze me. If you have never heard of this band, get on it pronto. This album is fantastic.

-Harrold

Church Gone Wild/Chirpin' Hard -Hella

Here's what's in my opinion a pretty mediocre Hella album. However, it's somewhat rare I think. It's one of those huge, 2-disc deals so a lot of the tracks are ill as fuck, but it's a journey for those gems. Certainly doesn't hold a candle to Hold You Horse Is or Total Bugs Bunny in my opinion. However, if you're a fan of the band it's worth giving a listen. As usual, Zach Hill is ceaselessly mind-blowing.

Church Gone Wild/Chirpin' Hard

-Young Chiz

mah name'z in gold dawg!

Black Dice - #3

#3

At the beginning of their career, Black Dice had a very different sound. On their earliest recordings their music could be described as noise-oriented, with some thrash influence. Since then the band has greatly altered their sound, incorporating more effects in their music, leaving their hardcore sound, and becoming a more rhythmic band. #3, released in 2000, was their first full length album. It still utilizes their early hardcore, thrashy-noise sound. The first several tracks are only 30 seconds, and towards the end they become longer, but only one track goes beyond 1 minute. It is a great listen for any Black Dice fan. Enjoy!

-Harrold

Panda Bear - Tomboy 7in

Tomboy 7"

Animal Collective's Noah Lennox a.k.a Panda Bear will be releasing his next album some time this year. Until then he will be releasing a series of singles on different labels. My understanding is that with the release of each single will bring us one step closer to the greatly anticipated Panda Bear full length album— Tomboy.

-Harrold

Chimes In Black Water Vol. 3

Chimes in Black Water Vol. 3

Here is another collaboration between Black Dice and Wolf Eyes, there are four in total. As the name implies Chimes in Black Water Vol. 3 is the third part of the Chimes in Black Water series. For those of you who were hoping for Vol. 1, I unfortunately do not currently own it, though I am desperately looking for a copy. So for now you will have to settle with only Volumes 2 and 3. Enjoy!

-Harrold

Black Dice and Wolf Eyes- Chimes in Black Water Vol. 2

Chimes in Black Water Vol. 2

I recently attended a Growing + Black Dic + Wolf Eyes concert. Growing played opened with a great track, but then after that I quickly grew bored and left, awaiting Black Dice to enter the stage. Black Dice and Wolf Eyes were simply incredible, bringing enormous energy to the stage. Although Black Dice and Wolf Eyes didn't play together I thought it fitting to share some of their early collaborations, since they both performed. Here is Chimes in Black Water Vol. 2, of a three part series of Black Dice and Wolf Eyes collaborations.

-Harrold

Earthly Delights

Earthly Delight

Here is Lightning Bolts most recent album, uploaded by request. It's a good listen for any Lightning Bolt fan. It came out in late 2009, and I've been listening to it since. I hope you can enjoy it like I do.

-Harrold

Greatest Intro Songs of All Time