Album Recommendations 2018

[Casual Observer]

I'm cheating as this album came out in 2016 but more people need to hear it so I'm giving it a plug here. The artist's name is Caton Diab and this, his debut album, was called No Perfect Wave. You'd have to put somewhere in the minimalist/modern classical/ambient/drone category but that doesn't really give you an idea of what you're in for. Absolutely massive weaves of bowed guitar, occasional trumpet and tape manipulation are what's on offer. Not a duff track on here but the standout is Pale Ink (below) - reminds me of parts of the German Oak LP or maybe the VU having a heavily tranquilised crack at Venus In Furs. Caton Diab released a second album this year (Exit Rumination) which is very good also, but it's No Perfect Wave that you need to start with.

 

[butchersapron]

Yes. Had the last one on on belboid's list last year, seemingly me and ye alone. New one is great too.

 

[stavros]

I'll give it a go, as it sound like something I might like.

 

[Red Cat]

I'm cheating as this album came out in 2016 but more people need to hear it so I'm giving it a plug here. The artist's name is Caton Diab and this, his debut album, was called No Perfect Wave. You'd have to put somewhere in the minimalist/modern classical/ambient/drone category but that doesn't really give you an idea of what you're in for. Absolutely massive weaves of bowed guitar, occasional trumpet and tape manipulation are what's on offer. Not a duff track on here but the standout is Pale Ink (below) - reminds me of parts of the German Oak LP or maybe the VU having a heavily tranquilised crack at Venus In Furs. Caton Diab released a second album this year (Exit Rumination) which is very good also, but it's No Perfect Wave that you need to start with.

Listening to this now, I really like it, the sense of expanse and geographical space is very strong, almost multi-sensory, if that makes sense.

 

[stavros]

Aphex Twin has a new EP out in a couple of weeks.

 

[killer b]

I'm enjoying this album from Sim Hutchins atm - dubwise techno noisy stuff.



He's a new EP that's a bit more dancefloor friendly out too, also very good - Like Herding Cats off this is sweet as.

 

[killer b]

This too: GG Alan Partridge - a girl punk band so you can't help listing the usual slits / riot grrl type influences... real good though.

 

[Favelado]

Awful band name though.

Tirzah's debut album is out on the 10th august, and if the twitter chat and first single are anything to go by it'll be a beaut of an album. Think it's entirely produced by Mica Levi as well which is sound.

Best album of 2018 so far for me.

 

[Threshers_Flail]

Awful band name though.


Best album of 2018 so far for me.

Yes!

 

[Buddy Bradley]

New Mogwai album out today:

 

[Buddy Bradley]

Also surprise Eminem album came out last night - it's a country mile better than last year's Revival, a real return to form (if you're into that sort of thing, of course).

 

[mauvais]

I'm enjoying 'I Need To Start A Garden' by Hayley Heynderickx, from March this year.

 

[Threshers_Flail]

Digging this new afrojazz LP, out now on Strut. Touring in November too, small venues...

This is just perfect Saturday morning listening, got dubby/funky Sun Ra vibes.

Seeing him live as well.

 

[billy_bob]

This is ridiculous, and ridiculously good too. Very highly recommended.

I'm not really sure what the fuck's going on here, but it's great.

 

[billy_bob]

Just caught up with the last few pages of this thread after a while without time to do so. This has been a good year, so far.

One late 2017 release which I don't remember last year's thread mentioning (they're touring UK at the moment so it's still timely):

Prettiest Eyes, Pools.

Despite the off-putting fact that they seem to be named after a Beautiful South song, they describe themselves as 'Puertorican/Mexican Synth-Punk' and sound a bit like early Chrome.

 

[killer b]

Richard Dawson has a new thing out shortly, with his band Hen Ogledd. I saw Hen Ogledd a few years ago and they were nothing like this then... the lead track is wicked, kind of prog-disco-new wave. I love it.

 

[ManchesterBeth]

On the strength of the cover and track titles alone, I think I've found the album of the year.

That's referencing julius eastman innit.

 

[braindancer]

erm guys have you heard this from the new Low album?

Double Negative now out and I'm having a listen on Spotters.

First impressions are that it's an absolute stunner of an album

 

[belboid]

Ooh, there’s a new Low album out. Double Negative, which includes the ‘brightest pop song of Low’s career‘ apparently

 

[mauvais]

I'm the U75 cheerleader for the man, and the third instalment is no exception:



Saw him the other day at RNCM, was great.

 

[rutabowa]

Ooh, there’s a new Low album out. Double Negative, which includes the ‘brightest pop song of Low’s career‘ apparently

there was a big feature interview with them in the Wire not long ago which was worth a read. it made it sound like the album was going to be pretty dark and intense rather than poppy!

 

[TruXta]

I'm not really sure what the fuck's going on here, but it's great.

Loving this album. The opener is giving me all sorts of feelings.

 

[rutabowa]

I don't think anyone has mentioned Ezra Furman's "trans angelic upstarts" album from earlier this year. It isn't my usual thing, but something about it is grabbing me having just put it on randomly this evening... it is def quite an achievement.

 

[Athos]

I don't think anyone has mentioned Ezra Furman's "trans angelic upstarts" album from earlier this year. It isn't my usual thing, but something about it is grabbing me having just put it on randomly this evening... it is def quite an achievement.

The record's good. But he really comes into his own live. I've seen him a couple of times this year - some of my gig highlights of 2018.

 

[rutabowa]

The record's good. But he really comes into his own live. I've seen him a couple of times this year - some of my gig highlights of 2018.

I bet.... Sounds like it could be pretty special. It appears he wont visit the UK for a while now tho.

 

[killer b]

annoying, he played my local a couple of years ago - I didn't go because I didn't like his name.

 

[killer b]

I think maybe I thought he was George Ezra. Who tbh I'd probably go and see if he played my local now too, Shotgun is a solid gold banger.

 

[rutabowa]

yeh i thought from the name it was just going to be some identikit singer songwriter bank advert type thing... it is more like peak bruce springsteen cum electro pop taylor swift, or david bowie i guess. I dunno how long it will stick with me though.

 

[Athos]

annoying, he played my local a couple of years ago - I didn't go because I didn't like his name.

That was a mistake! Deffo in the top three live acts I've seen this year.

 

[stavros]

Mudhoney have a new one out, and I read a good review of it.