Andrew Broder (Fog) releases YET ANOTHER solo album..

From Andrew Broder:

Hello Everyone,

Once again, it's on. Here is the third installment of my self-released music series, this one entitled

"Raw Bulb"

It contains four pieces for turntables.

The track listing:

1) Gas Leak

2) One Hundred Dollars

3) Stop Making Plans

4) Vacuum

I've been pleased by the positive feedback so far on the first two, so let's keep this shit going. Spread the word, send the links around to whomever you want. Please let me know if you have any problems downloading.

Now, just because I am putting out free albums, that does not mean I can necessarily afford to do so. I can't. But in this ever-changing musical landscape, it seems like everyone is trying to re-configure how they do what they do, me included. So these are not tossed-off ideas, or freebies to advertise something else. This is what I do, and if you want to support it, you can feel free to send a voluntary donation via paypal to: thefog@visi.com

If you can't do that, just telling a friend, or your thousands of friends online to check it out is also very helpful.

Here are the links to the previous two offerings, which are still available for download:

"I MUST FIX ALL THE PROBLEMS":

https://rcpt.%20yousendit.%20com/645312094/d6e68c9259aa0935f260765a907a9c7c

"EXPERTS, SPECIALISTS":

https://rcpt.%20yousendit.%20com/647629460/b0d83b5d97b795cec787adbcfc037c37

Thanks Again,

Andrew

yay..

REVIEW: His Name Is Alive - Mouth By Mouth

8.5 out of 10

Find it here.

When I have a headache, I take an aspirin. When I'm tired I drink coffee. When I'm having a bad day I listen to "Mouth By Mouth" by His Name Is Alive. This band knows where I live. His Name Is Alive have been around for twenty years now, and have a huge body of work; most of which is on the phenomenal label 4AD. This is my favorite, and it's one those albums I bought on a whim and knocked me out on the first listen. Every time I listen to it, I just think "this came so close to never happening"..

"Mouth By Mouth" is a great dream pop album. HNIA have always had this cut and copy approach to production that is always a little surprising. I guess Warner Bros. handled the distribution for this record, and for the US release refused to allow most of the samples on the record. They failed to notice, however, "Can't Go Wrong Without You" is made up entirely of said samples.

Their sound can be likened to label mates, and major influence, This Mortal Coil (Their first two albums were produced and mixed by Ivo Watts-Russel). His Name Is Alive is often noisy/poppy and make full use of their studio. At it's heart its a great guitar album, driven by Karin Oliver's ethereal vocals. The Tracks bleed and mix flawlessly from one another, and you hardly notice the change from song to song. They make great use of muted strings and buzzed orchestration. I swear I hear a new instrument everytime I listen to it.

I can't tell you that you'll love it, cause I know a lot of people who don't. But I will say if you come across it grab it. If it doesn't suit your fancy, I'll buy it from you.

Standout Tracks: The Torso, Can't Go Wrong Without You, Lemon Ocean, The Dirt Eaters

Cool Video Fun Time #7 - Crystal Cat

REVIEW: Circlesquare - Songs About Dancing And Drugs

7.25 out of 10

Find it here.

I've been loving the intervention of the circle and square since the amazing debut, "Pre-Earthquake Anthem", came out in 2004. And then the awesome follow-up ep, "Fight Sounds" which came out in 2006. Circlesquare is electronic alt-rock done with a perfect dance-pop twist. Sometimes dark, sometimes cheery, always bouncy/or with a "punch".

On "Songs About.." Circlesquare takes the same formula that me the first album so rad and repeats it. He does get a tad more interesting with his samples and drumming. Circlesquare is Sinner DC meets Woven meets Colder meets Home Video. Which for god's sake check them out if you haven't done so by now! Circlesquare was originally on the Output Recordings label, which you should also check out for some of the freshest electronic music a retired label can ever give you.

Take lots of slide guitar action or "western" sounding guitar add some strumming reminiscent of Depeche Mode, mix it with amazingly simple, but catchy bass lines, a super deep kick with some 80's Simmons style backup, dark/cold synths, and vocals not too harsh on the ear. This can be both a relaxing experience, as well as a "It's Friday night and I wanna go really fast in my Ford Pinto on the interstate kind of night". This should keep you cool enough until the next Junior Boys album comes out..

Standout Tracks: Dancers, Timely, Music For Satellites, All Live But The Ending

REVIEW: Nico - Camera Obscura

7.75 out of 10

Find it here.

This was Nico's last official release. Which was produced by John Cale and came out only two years before here untimely death. Back in 1985, when "Camera Obscura" was released, I could imagine this fitting in quite nicely with the "No Wave" scene from New York's past. Actually this almost sounds like Tuxedomoon with a different vocalist, maybe a little more "worldsy" and psychedelic. Ooh, I know, Tuxedomoon + Dead Can Dance = Nico. The last track reminds me of Philip Glass organ work. She's worked with Serge Gainsbourg. She's dated Jim Morrison, Bob Dylan, Tim Buckley, Iggy Pop, etc. And I could easily see why Andy Warhol was so in love with this German beauty. Her vocals are untouchable. The music is some of the best "trance-induced psych-synth-jazz" you'll ever hear. Nico is art.

Nico may be an acquired style of music. And her vocals may "not be" for everyone. But I urge all to listen to at least one Nico album before you die to "understand" high art better. I recommend checking out "Desert Shore", "The End", and/or "Marble Index", if you haven't done so already.

If you like earlier 4AD style music and darker themed atmospheres with a jazz edge this was made for you. I've said all I can say about Nico for now. Right now I'm so head over heels infatuated with Nico that I'm at a loss of words. Simply put this is poetry WITH motion.

Standout Tracks: Win A Few, My Funny Valentine, Das Lied Von Einsanen Madchens, My Heart Is Empty, Into The Arena, Konig

Throbbing Gristle plot out mini US tour..

REVIEW: Liquid Liquid - Liquid Liquid

7.5 out of 10

Find it here.

I like to get down. I like to dance. I'm not very good at it. But pour a few drinks in me and I'll cut a rug. I'm always looking for "good" dance music. Something with a fantastic rhythm section, "impossible to get out of your head" bass lines, quirky synths/keyboards, maybe a horn section, and some funky vocals. Turns out of the only reason I've ever heard any music like it, is because of the "Liquid Liquid Effect".

Liquid Liquid have been creating "funk-punk" since the early 1980's during the infamous "No Wave" era in New York City. What you may or may not know is that "White Lines" by Grandmaster Flash (you know the one) uses the same exact bass line as a Liquid Liquid song. The very bass line that made it what it is today. Debates go on and on as to who actually used it "first". But most people believed it to be Liquid Liquid's property. But due to lack of money, and big budget lawyers, like Flash had, Liquid Liquid was forced to just settle with it being the way it is.

Liquid Liquid are essential listening if you are into !!!, Talking Heads, Throbbing Gristle, The Rapture, Oingo Boingo, etc. Listen to this album when you wanna get your feet a-movin'.

Standout Tracks: Honestly all of the tracks on this album are solid. But check out "Cavern" for it's "familiar" bass line..