REVIEW: Tuxedomoon - At Twilight

 9.25 out of 10

Find it here. 

Where to start with Tuxedomoon.. geez, this sounds like a large task. Tuxedomoon have been making music since the late 70's. I guess you could say they emerged/evolved from the short-lived (but excellent) No Wave movement. The thing with Tuxedomoon though is they didn't stick with one particular sound, they invented their own instead. They shortly disbanded, then re-banded, they are currently still together scoring many tunes worthy of your time. I won't lie to you though, it may take a particular set of ears to truly "get this"/feel the way you're supposed to feel when you listen to/focus on truly mind-blowingly intelligent-obscure Pop magnificence, but I believe every one should take an audio adventure into extra ordinary/unique realms (at least daily) with open heart.

Somewhere between Artsy/Post Gypsy Pop, Experimental Dark Jazz, Industrial-esque No Wave, beautiful Classical compositions, and creepy to crooning vocals; Tuxedomoon's 'At Twilight' is a terrific collection of early singles/"lost b-sides"  that is sure to please any hardcore weird music listener. I have a hard time picking a favorite Tuxedomoon release (either; Half Mute, Desire or Holy Wars I think..), which is why I recommend you start with 'At Twilight' to experience where Tuxedomoon's (always evolving) genius began. Just, for gawds sake, please begin your obsession over these guys already (I have and I feel like a better person after doing so..).

One of of my favorite bands of time, no seriously, of all-time. This and any other TM release will always by HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by EIC.

Standout Tracks: Again, Time To Lose, Music #2, Blind, The Cage, Shelved Dreams, The Ghost Sonata, Weihnachtsrap

Bandcamp Theme Time: "80's Sci-Fi/Horror Score"

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Recently (if not always) I have been beyond addicted to Dark-Sci-Fi oriented Synth music. I've always had respect for John Carpenter, his films and music have shaped an entire industry standard/style of DIY entertainment as well as generated quite the cult following. So many artists have followed in his foot steps, some (just a few) doing it way better too. Perturbator (ear crack) in particular (which is actually a re-post) have left quite an impression on me as well as released one of the best albums of the year (and it's FREE!). Turn off the lights, get cozy, grab a snack if you like, and let this music unfold/tell a story of truly rad/possibly corrupt future utopian civilization.

REVIEW: Nite Jewel - Am I Real

7.5 out of 10
Find it here.

Is it time already for another "glimmering-sleaze chill-out bliss session" via Ms. Gonzalez? I don't see why not. Her latest album was one of the shining moments of last year. She's managed to do some amazing remixes for other terrific bands like Caribou. And she's managed to steal my heart away with every breathtaking note she displays. So, yes, HELL YES! It's time for a new Nite Jewel EP!

People are always talking about this "80's Comeback", well here's your comeback people. Nite Jewel's music sounds like montage clip notes from a time when nylon was (even more) popular, neon was the only color, and music was 70% synth based. Nite Jewel has managed to sum up an entire decade with only a couple EP's and one full length. "Am I Real" starts off exactly where "Good Evening" left off. Vintage synthesizers warped & wobbled underneath 8-track distorted cheese with "chill-out" Disco anthems from Ramona Gonzalez's sultry vocals. Actually, some of the tracks off of "Am I Real" are remastered jams from her tour only EP "You F O", which was basically a companion piece to "Good Evening". Seriously though, my love for this project grows stronger everyday as I fall deeper into an 80's coma.

Fans of Nite Jewel, you know what you're in for (that's a good thing). For people unaware of the brilliance that is Nite Jewel; imagine a cross between Junior Boys and 80's Gloomy Disco-Pop. RECOMMENDED.

Standout Tracks:Another Horizon, Forget You & I, Am I Real