If only I lived here..

I wish I had something fun for NYE like this:..(..

REVIEW: Natalie Beridze/TBA - Forgetfulness

9.5 out of 10

Find it here.

A little while ago one of my favorite contacts (who's opinion I trust dearly) sent me a link to a video, I was instantly addicted. Months pass, he sends me another, I am officially obsessed. Finally (the wait is over), a week or so after that, he sends me the album, "Forgetfulness".

Natalie Beridze, although could be considered, isn't really new to the scene. In-fact "Forgetfulness" is her 4th (I believe) album. Her name changes a little bit on each album; TBA, Tusia Beridze, Natalie Beridze, etc., but the sound remains (pretty much) the same. Ms. TBA has a strong grasp on engineering acumen modern techno soundscapes. The closest comparisons I can think of are Bjork, Jane Jensen, & Ellen Allien. Perhaps a "female Trent Reznor" with a soft side for Minimal Techno mixed with a dash of Ambient Classical? Whomever/whatever you want to compare her to doesn't really matter, the music speaks for itself (and then some) and you will hear that from the very first note. This is by far the most interesting, intelligent, and sexy release of the year.

You need this soooooo bad right now (and everyday after that too). _IGHLY _ECOMMENDED (fiil in the blank).

Standout Tracks: luvumall. Forever Has A Shadow, What About Things Like Bullets (quite possibly the best song I've heard this entire year.), Whatever Falls Is Sumptuous, Blue Shadow (gorgeous--kind of reminds me of This Mortal Coil), In The White, The Face We Choose To Miss (reminds me of Junior Boys), Silently

REVIEW: Greie Gut Fraktion - Baustelle

8.25 out of 10
Find it here.

This was another random album sent into me. I had never heard of these two lovely ladies before, and I wasn't all that familiar with their music. But out of random obscure submission came an intense surge of ear pleasure-ness. Greie Gut Fraktion are a German based Electronic duo. Both of them have been in and out of the best parts of the underground electronic music scene for the past 20+ years or so. (They are indeed masters of their craft.) Their music, although could be danced to, is best really listened to/soaked in. The intricate layers of samples with haunting & seductive vocals among other obscure electronic sounds really makes "Baustelle" one of this years best electronic albums.

"Baustelle" means "construction site". Now you know the theme; this album was made up (almost) entirely of sampled construction site sounds. Sure, you've heard of "themed" albums before where the band goes and gets a few field recordings.. But the way GGF put their samples back together gives you the sense of something being constructed inside your ears. You are there witnessing a convoluted piece of machinery do it's job while possibly breaking down and piecing itself back together again. If Ben Frost's "Theory Of Machines" is about the life and-or lack-of life in machines, then Greie Gut Fraktion's "Baustelle" would be about the corruption and decay of machines. As for "sound specific"; the songs on this album range anywhere from Minimal Techno (Ellen Allien) to Industrial (in it's truest sense) to Post Apocalyptic Dub (somewhat reminiscent of Burial). It's relaxing, unique, a little dancey, and complex. It's exactly the way I like my Electronic music.

If the thought of Ellen Allien teaming up with Midaircondo to release a Post-Dub Industrial Electronic-Ambient album excites you.. You need to be obsessed with this now. RECOMMENDEDddDddDdD.

Standout Tracks: All ..Drilling An Ocean(boom.), Grossgrundbesitzer, Baustein, White Oak

REVIEW: Ellen Allien - Dust

6.5 out of 10

Find it here.

To me Ellen Allien is one of "those" kinds of artists, ..you know the kind. The ones that should be waaaay more established than they currently are. But for some catastrophic reason we live in a lame society/fantasy world where quality music never gets the attention it deserves. Her music, well it's extremely simple/minimal techno with a dancey "edge". And, although it's "simplistic", it's extremely rich in sound. Which gives you the sense of picking up more details with every listen. Her 2003 album (my favorite) "Berlinette" could possibly be one of those 10 out of 10 albums for me. It's definitely one of the most catchy electronic albums I've ever heard if anything. Since then I've made it a point to seek out all of her work. On top of releasing a tremendously important techno album that I love so much she also runs a little know label called BPitch Control which is home to the likes of Apparat, Modeselektor & many other artists that are equally awesome. Her role in the "underground" dance scene in Europe is slightly(vastly) larger there than what it is in the US, but maybe one day (hopefully) that'll equal out. Any-whoooo, "Dust" is her latest offering, and yes, it's a tasty treat for the club kid in all of us.

At most points on all of the tracks you won't hear more than 3-4 different layers. Each one of those layers brings the sweetest sensation to those with the best headphones. Tiny blips, machine-esque sounding beats, bizarre lyrics sporadically enhancing other sounds, and the sense of being at one of the best dance clubs of your life. There are also moments like in "My Tree" when the tiniest Jazzy/melodic sample pokes it's head out towards the end, giving this album it's moments of "chill". Don't get me wrong, this isn't one of "those types" of "Dance" albums that's always upbeat, loud & in your face, it's actually quite soothing in the right mind set. Your toes will no-doubt be tapping though.. "Dust" is fun from beginning to end, the pulsing sensations you'll get from the music are super nice and the production (as always) is top-notch. Side note: I'd LOVE to hear Ms. Allien do a split with James Murphy some day, that's a paring that sounds like some next level shtuff if you ask me..

On "Dust" Ellen Allien, once again, proves why she's one of the best female producers in music today. Fans of her previous work should like this one, it's somewhere between "Thrills" & "Sool". Fans of catchy Minimal Techno/Dance music you're in for a treat if you have never laid ears on Ms. Allien.

Standout Tracks: Ever, Flashy Flashy, Huibuh

Cool Video Funtime #159 - Down