16 votes

What have you been listening to this week?

What have you been listening to this week? You don't need to do a 6000 word review if you don't want to, but please write something!

Feel free to give recs or discuss anything about each others' listening habits.

You can make a chart if you use last.fm:

http://www.tapmusic.net/lastfm/

Remember that linking directly to your image will update with your future listening, make sure to reupload to somewhere like imgur if you'd like it to remain what you have at the time of posting.

23 comments

  1. [2]
    Comment deleted by author
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    1. yensine
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      I am a huge fan of sampling as an art and would love to hear that album if you get the time to send a link! It’s such a bummer that the music has been tied up with all the legal shit

      I am a huge fan of sampling as an art and would love to hear that album if you get the time to send a link! It’s such a bummer that the music has been tied up with all the legal shit

      1 vote
  2. [4]
    Parliament
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    I've been listening to the Alan Lomax set of field recordings titled Sounds of the South. They were famously sampled in an electronic album that came out in 1999, and if you want the full story of...

    I've been listening to the Alan Lomax set of field recordings titled Sounds of the South. They were famously sampled in an electronic album that came out in 1999, and if you want the full story of how that happened (without me spoiling it), listen to episode #2 Gregor from the Gimlet podcast Heavyweights. My brother recommended this episode to me over Christmas - I had listened to some of Alan Lomax's recordings before but never made the connection to the electronic album that I happen to love.

    4 votes
    1. [3]
      Pilgrim
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      Oh I love Lomax's work - what an incredible thing he did! You'll find that he creeps up in pop-culture quite a bit. My introduction to him was through the Nirvana cover of LeadBelly's "Where did...

      Oh I love Lomax's work - what an incredible thing he did! You'll find that he creeps up in pop-culture quite a bit.

      My introduction to him was through the Nirvana cover of LeadBelly's "Where did you sleep last night?" off of their unplugged album. That led me to some of Lomax's original recordings of LeadBelly. Here is LeadBelly's version of that song here.

      The lyrics of the song are heartbreaking... a woman looses her husband and is forced to either prostitute herself "in the pines" to survive or kills herself there, depending on the interpretation, with the song either sang from the perspective her returning to her father and he asking where she was, or from the perspective or her ghost. A true blues song if there ever was one. "Goodnight Irene" and "Midnight Special" are also classics and worth listening to.

      1 vote
      1. [2]
        Parliament
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        Super interesting how we arrived at the same works from completely different starting points. I was raised on the blues (along with southern rock, funk, soul, etc.) and gave a lecture on the topic...

        Super interesting how we arrived at the same works from completely different starting points. I was raised on the blues (along with southern rock, funk, soul, etc.) and gave a lecture on the topic during a college southern lit class. The professor enjoyed it and asked us to present to future classes, so it turned into this whole lecture series that evolved for each iteration as we made new discoveries. We even went to the Mississippi Delta (where my brother was living at the time) during our fall break - visited the Delta Blues Museum, Ground Zero, and a couple other juke joints I can't remember now.

        2 votes
        1. Pilgrim
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          That is super cool!

          That is super cool!

          1 vote
  3. [2]
    deknalis
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    Nothing too underground or new, mostly just old favorites Fleet Foxes- I'm obsessed, it's becoming a problem. They have a baroque pop, indie rock vibe and I've struggled to find any other band...

    Nothing too underground or new, mostly just old favorites
    Fleet Foxes- I'm obsessed, it's becoming a problem. They have a baroque pop, indie rock vibe and I've struggled to find any other band that scratches that itch in quite that way. If anyone knows one, please let me know. Helplessness Blues is a great album to start with if you're curious, though you could really start anywhere with their discography.
    Modest Mouse- Personal favorite album is The Lonesome Crowded West. They're an alternative/art rock band and that particular album is maybe a concept album, there's a few theories out there about it, mostly about destruction of nature and the rise of concrete structures. But it's got a great blend of quiet tracks and more overly heavier rock.

    Other than those 2 bands, it's a lot of movie soundtracks, namely Swiss Army Man and Mandy. Swiss Army Man's soundtrack has a track titled Montage that's really energetic and punchy, and really great to work out to. Mandy has a particularly great track called Death and Ashes. It's a unsettling and grandiose yet with an air of quiet, introspective romance to it in the beginning (which fits perfectly if you've seen the movie).

    3 votes
    1. stephen
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      Nice!! I just listened to both those albums this week too. Hopelessness Blues the songs is one of my all time faves.

      Nice!! I just listened to both those albums this week too. Hopelessness Blues the songs is one of my all time faves.

      1 vote
  4. VadisDeProfundis
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    Well, for a long time I've been really into classical music and military marches, so mostly music before the interwar, while I have had some contact with Jazz, and listen to some landmark rock or...

    Well, for a long time I've been really into classical music and military marches, so mostly music before the interwar, while I have had some contact with Jazz, and listen to some landmark rock or rock & roll, now I'm looking to actually deepen my musical "education", so I've devoted myself to listening to albums of the Clash from beginning to end, and I hope I'll go on to o that with at least most of the "big name" rock bands. I'm also really lucky because my parents happen to have a very large "library" with records and discs, and I hope I'll finally take advantage of that.

    3 votes
  5. clepins
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    I've been listening to a ton of John Fahey lately while I read and study. For those who aren't aware of him, Fahey is a fingerpicking folk guitarist famous for hating hippies and for being the...

    I've been listening to a ton of John Fahey lately while I read and study. For those who aren't aware of him, Fahey is a fingerpicking folk guitarist famous for hating hippies and for being the first person ostentatious enough to record albums of acoustic solos in the early sixties. His album America is a favorite of mine, as it's one of his more straightforward and features my favorite track of his Jesus is a Dying Bedmaker. He's got some avant-garde stuff (Red Cross) later in his career if that's more your speed, and some psychedelic (The Great San Bernardino Birthday Party, Vol. 4) and orchestral (Old Fashioned Love) albums that are excellent as well.

    I also have been listening to musical soundtracks (most recently from the Broadway musical Fun Home), so if anyone has recommendations on musical OSTs it'd be appreciated!

    2 votes
  6. elcuello
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    I am completely and utterly blown away by Rotting Christ at the moment. I think I have mentioned them before but how have I missed this band for so many years! I wrote them off as classic grind...

    I am completely and utterly blown away by Rotting Christ at the moment. I think I have mentioned them before but how have I missed this band for so many years! I wrote them off as classic grind but they abandoned that sound already in the late 90s it seems. They are not just right up but smack down in the center of my alley. Sometimes I get an Fleshgod Apocalypse feel otherwise to me it's just a perfect blend of atmospheric, hymn-like, melodic fucking awesome metal.
    I'm really looking forward to the new album based on the two songs already available. I've listened to Rituals [2016] and Κατα Τον Δαιμονα Εαυτου (Do What Thou Wilt) [2013] a lot and can recommend those as a beginning before you dwell into their earlier work.

    Here are some good examples.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDKuP1RiMp8)
    Ἐλθὲ Κύριε-(Elthe Kyrie) - Rituals, 2016

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PToCbU-3_y4
    P'unchaw kachun - Tuta kachun - Κατα Τον Δαιμονα Εαυτου (Do What Thou Wilt), 2013

    2 votes
  7. kaitlyn
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    I've been getting back into Factorio and its OST, namely Solar Intervention. It's a very relaxing track (and soundtrack, for that matter) that evokes a unique, vaguely melancholic emotion from...

    I've been getting back into Factorio and its OST, namely Solar Intervention. It's a very relaxing track (and soundtrack, for that matter) that evokes a unique, vaguely melancholic emotion from within me. It's difficult to describe, but it's a feeling I've strongly associated with Factorio.

    1 vote
  8. clerical_terrors
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    I made this playlist on a whim and have just been listening to it on and off again. Fun fact: apparently We Built this City by Starship has been declared "Worst Song" multiple times by multiple...

    I made this playlist on a whim and have just been listening to it on and off again.

    Fun fact: apparently We Built this City by Starship has been declared "Worst Song" multiple times by multiple outlets, I guess that says something about my ear for music :P

    1 vote
  9. stephen
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    I listened to Texas is the Reason's discography about 4 times this week. I have probably played Back and to the Left about 100 times in the last three days. If you are into legit emo bands like...

    I listened to Texas is the Reason's discography about 4 times this week. I have probably played Back and to the Left about 100 times in the last three days. If you are into legit emo bands like Cap'n Jazz and Sunny Day Real Estate you will dig this.

    Right now I am listening to the Very Best of Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions for classics like Move On Up, If There's a Hell Below, We're a Winner, Superfly and on and on. I love Mayfield because he blends the lush instrumentation and musicality of funk and soul with the social consciousness of the punkers that I most admire. How many seminal soul singers called Richard Nixon out by name in a song? Probably a lot but still, Curtis Mayfield is amazing.

    Also been bumping Philip Glass's soundtracks for Koyaanisqatsi and Powaqatsi.

    1 vote
  10. [2]
    VoidOutput
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    I've mainly been listening these two albums: ULTRAPARANOIA from Trevor Something - This album fits my mood of the moment. I very much like these ethereal and "industrial light" tunes. Can't say...

    I've mainly been listening these two albums:

    • ULTRAPARANOIA from Trevor Something - This album fits my mood of the moment. I very much like these ethereal and "industrial light" tunes. Can't say that this would be for everyone, but I couldn't help be drawn to it. It's raw in a soft way.
    • Hollow Knight from Christopher Larkin - My first love, video game soundtracks, never fails to deliver. Especially now with this gem of an album. I didn't play the game but a friend showed it to me. These few minutes were enough for the minimalistic orchestral melodies to be stuck in my head. Very elegant all around.
    1 vote
    1. LetsTalkUFOs
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      I have no idea how I missed Trevor's most recent album. Thank you for sharing this! You may like a playlist I made this year somewhat focused around music similar to his.

      I have no idea how I missed Trevor's most recent album. Thank you for sharing this!
      You may like a playlist I made this year somewhat focused around music similar to his.

  11. Coldus
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    This week I listened to a lot of electro-swing and one of my all-time favorite album of this genre is "Frenzy" from Jamie Berry. But this doesn't mean I didn't sometimes have break between...

    This week I listened to a lot of electro-swing and one of my all-time favorite album of this genre is "Frenzy" from Jamie Berry.

    But this doesn't mean I didn't sometimes have break between electro-swing songs, and when I did I listened to songs like "Ballroom blitz" from Sweet, and "ILL Ray (The King)" from Kasabian.

    1 vote
  12. DanBC
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    I've been listening to this because she's the child of a friend of mine and she has a good voice. Sophie Lane: Last Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kk34BJT0g6c It blows my mind that I only...

    I've been listening to this because she's the child of a friend of mine and she has a good voice. Sophie Lane: Last Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kk34BJT0g6c

    It blows my mind that I only found out about this last year, and it makes me a bit annoyed that so much great music has been hidden from me. Sister Rosetta Tharpe: Didn't it Rain https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnAQATKRBN0

    I've been listening to a lot of Jackson C Frank (and the wikipedia article is a hard read).
    Tumble in the Wind https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_4N05coN2g
    Blues Run the Game https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4it9vK6G7o

    And finally I've been listening to a bunch of 80s UK indie because I'm old and feeling a bit nostalgic. Lots of Sarah Records, and the Shop Assistants.

    Shop Assistants: Safety Net https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MugWrKFcGS8
    Shop Assistants: I Don't Wanna Be Friends With You https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wU9fZkXHqns

    Christine's Cat: Your Love Is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aOaN91DelQ

    1 vote
  13. oryx
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    This week I started back at college and so I put a bunch of new music on my phone to start off the semester with a bang. I've been listening to Big Black's Songs About Fucking and Melt-Banana's...

    This week I started back at college and so I put a bunch of new music on my phone to start off the semester with a bang. I've been listening to Big Black's Songs About Fucking and Melt-Banana's Charlie the most. They're both noisy and wild so if you're into that kind of stuff I'd say give em a listen. Really fun stuff.

  14. [3]
    Duke
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    Offtopic but can somebody recommend me some good Electronic music/albums? Its a genre Ive been meaning to explore but haven't gotten into yet, the only techno/edm/whatever you call it song Ive...

    Offtopic but can somebody recommend me some good Electronic music/albums? Its a genre Ive been meaning to explore but haven't gotten into yet, the only techno/edm/whatever you call it song Ive liked so far is Hyper - Spoiler from the Cyberpunk trailer

    1. stephen
      Link Parent
      I don't know artists for house music (am from chicago so we just have DJs) but that's where I would start. Lotta people like to talk about electronic like it was born from a bunch of post-punkers...

      I don't know artists for house music (am from chicago so we just have DJs) but that's where I would start. Lotta people like to talk about electronic like it was born from a bunch of post-punkers with synths but for me it's all about the DJs spinning wax in warehouses and people's basements. Here is some Frankie Knux. He's one of the GOATs.

      I would also suggest Daft Punk's Alive 1997 live album and their album Discovery. Both are sensational.

    2. Whom
      (edited )
      Link Parent
      Some of my favorites: Ulver - Perdition City Boards of Canada - Geogaddi Crystal Castles - Crystal Castles (I for more basic stuff that's a lot more grounded in chiptunes and such, II for the more...

      Some of my favorites:

      Ulver - Perdition City

      Boards of Canada - Geogaddi

      Crystal Castles - Crystal Castles (I for more basic stuff that's a lot more grounded in chiptunes and such, II for the more abrasive loud stuff)

      M83 - Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts

      Kraftwerk - Die Mensch-Maschine

      Rodion GA - The Lost Tapes

      Bjork - Homogenic

      2814 - 新しい日の誕生 (Atarashii Hi no Tanjou)

      You can always look at /mu/ charts (the bleeps section on this one), and I absolutely suggest doing so, but you should probably be aware that you'll limit yourself to what album listeners tend to care about (same with my recs), while the history of electronic music is also grounded a lot in DJ mixes and the like. You can look at this chart for a starting place there, though even with that you'll hit a wall eventually, given that you're getting opinions and rankings on these mixes from a community that really values the album experience, so I'm sure it's different from the "purer" places.

  15. Pilgrim
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    Robert Cray - Strong Persuader - just such good modern blues.

    Robert Cray - Strong Persuader - just such good modern blues.

  16. Comment removed by site admin
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