German Romantic composer (1891-1952, lilting, sweet works. Play most!

File: Classical composer: Busch

Bearhug take things easy. On this EP the band delivers mellow bluesy rock with vocals that bring to mind the crooning of J Mascis. The first three songs float by easily, which is both a compliment and criticism. On the closing two tacks of Over Easy Bearhug pick up the pace, add some gentle reverb to the vocals, and on "Grapefruit" a guitar solo brings the song and the album to an upbeat ending. Bearhug don't approach their music in a new direction, but their delivery is solid and nice to listen to.

RIYL: J Mascis, Yuck, Real Estate

Play: 6,5,2

FCC: Clean

Life Without Jazz is James Friley's first release since his 2011 debut Paddywhack. On this EP, Friley sticks to the pop elements of Paddywhack and leaves behind the filler that weakened that release. The tracks are tender, with off-beat synths, sax solos, and gentle bouncing organ. Life Without Jazz brings to mind Toro Y Moi's more synth-heavy material, and the tracks that stand out most are the two downbeat closers. On 'Life Without Jazz' Friley dips his vocals into reverb and accompanies them with warm harmonies. Smooth sax  floats over the flowing organ and synths. The closing track, 'Little Berlin', starts with tormented vocals and eases into an awesome sax solo which is joined seamlessly by a distorted guitar.

RIYL: Toro Y Moi, Jens Lekman, Destroyer

Play: 5,4

FCC: 3

Santana was just the tip of the iceberg when it came to far out rockin' psychedelic Latin music in the late 1960s, and the tradition continues today with bands like Brownout, Ocote Soul Sounds, & Chicha Libre. Here is a collection of nicely re-mastered gems & some newer examples as well. The bonus CD by the 1960s-70s Peruvian band "Los Destellos" has some really fine tracks too!

CD booklet here: Latin Psychedelia booklet (pdf)

A blend of various disco forms with many African styles; runs the gamut. Yet nearly every track is worthy. Well re-mastered oldies & fine new tracks by some top artists, with lots of funk, soul, and rhythms that make you bounce!

CD booklet here African Disco booklet (pdf)

Nice collection of (mostly) unplugged music ranging from desert blues & Malian kora to junkyard folk, colloquial Sudanese, & Guinean pop. Includes lesser-known folks & a few big names. Well worth browsing.

CD booklet here Acoustic Africa booklet (pdf)

An authentic, unvarnished sampling of modern Middle Eastern music in the context of political upheaval in the Arab world. Folkloric, deep, dark, & evocative for the most part. Sure to interest some, but not for everyone.

CD booklet here:  Arabic-Revolution-Booklet (pdf)