Uncover the Musical Treasures of the Year's End
Releasing Records Before the Year Ends
As I observe the music industry, it becomes clear that there is a sense of urgency among artists. They are eager to share their creations with the world before the year draws to a close. This rush to release records is not just about meeting deadlines; it is a reflection of their desire to connect with listeners and leave a lasting mark. Whether it is a seasoned artist or a newcomer, everyone seems to be driven by the same need to express themselves and be heard.For some artists, the pressure to release a record before the end of the year is a source of motivation. They see it as an opportunity to showcase their talent and gain recognition. For others, it is a way to close a chapter and move on to new projects. Regardless of the reason, the result is a flood of new music that keeps us on our toes and excited for what's to come.
My Top Earworms of 2024
In addition to the usual albums lists, I am excited to share my top earworms of 2024. These are the melodies that have stuck with me throughout the year and have become a part of my daily life. One of my favorites is 'Machine D’Amour' from The Castle II by Tomo Akikawabaya, reissued by Polish label Mecanica earlier in the year. The song has a catchy melody that is impossible to forget, and it has become a staple in my listening rotation.Another earworm that has caught my attention is 'Jerusalem' by K. Yoshimatsu, out on Phantom Limb back in August. The song has a haunting melody that stays with you long after you've heard it. It is a perfect example of the power of music to evoke emotions and transport us to another place.
Burying Myself in My Listening Hole
In recent months, I have found myself delving deeper into my own listening hole, away from the hustle and bustle of music journalism. I have been exploring a wide range of music, from industrial-leaning post-punk to 1990s digidubs and experimental music from Japan. This has been a journey of self-discovery, as I have uncovered new sounds and artists that I never knew existed.I have been spending time in a tunnel network, frozen in a state of temporal gloom, where I have populated it with my favorite music from the 1970s and 1980s. It is a place where I can escape from the outside world and immerse myself in the music that speaks to me. This has been a therapeutic experience, as it has allowed me to connect with my inner self and find peace in the midst of chaos.
Regular Writing Spots and Anonymity
Aside from my regular writing for various publications, I have realized that this column and Late Junction are the only two places where I can truly be myself. Whether I am writing as a writer or sharing my opinions as a disembodied voice on the wireless, these are the places where I feel most at home.I have also been thinking about anonymity and its role in the music industry. There is something special about being able to write without revealing your identity. It gives you a sense of freedom and allows you to express yourself without fear of judgment. However, at the same time, it can be a lonely experience, as you are not able to connect with your readers on a personal level.
New Album by Kumio Kurachi
I am excited to receive news of a new album by poet, illustrator, and multi-instrumentalist Kumio Kurachi, incoming on Bison. Bison is the only label to have released Kurachi outside of Japan since he started in the 1980s, and his music is a unique blend of solo guitar and vocals with added drums, bass, strings, keys, and multitracked vocals.The album, Open Today, builds on the core palette of Kurachi's previous work but adds new elements that take his music to a whole new level. I love the cello on 'Cheap Flat', the way he rolls around the drumkit on 'Year One And Public', and the flamenco wash on the guitar on 'Castle Ruins'. This album is a must-listen for anyone who loves music that is both raw and refined.
Actual Solo Release by Riley
Recorded at one of my favorite gigs of the year, the Incapacitants residency at OTO in September, this is an actual solo release from my favorite drummer around. Riley's music is a unique blend of simplicity and complexity, with a focus on instinctive rhythms rather than percussive structures.Watching Riley play is a mesmerizing experience. She moves around the kit with ease, stabbing and poking at the skins, searching for the perfect sound. Her sets flow seamlessly, unfurling around a bodily rhythm that is both captivating and inspiring. I hope this release is the first of many, as Riley has a lot to offer as a solo artist.
Joseba Irazoki's Gitarra Lekeitioak
If you don't like Bill Orcutt, you probably won't like this. Basque musician Joseba Irazoki follows up his 2017 album Onomatopeikoa with these 23 tracks, many of them just a couple of minutes long. The album is a collection of brief and insurgent attacks on an idea, with a unique shimmer and wibble on his guitar tone.Irazoki's music is a journey through different sonic landscapes, with each track offering a new and exciting experience. From the opening tracks 'RO 276' and 'E' to the charming and downright bongy 'RO27', the album is a testament to Irazoki's talent and creativity. It is a must-listen for anyone who loves experimental music.
Felinto's Utopia Milhão
Whenever I play records out in bars, I always play something from São Paulo artist Felinto's 2021 album Futuro Antigo Perpétuo, and it always gets a great response. His latest album, Utopia Milhão, is a much more sonically complex affair that draws from an expanded pool of sounds and textures.The album features a wide range of sounds, from dog barks to breaks vs trumpet and more. Each track is a journey in itself, with Felinto's unique style and vision shining through. Whether you are a fan of experimental music or just looking for something new, Utopia Milhão is definitely worth a listen.
Limpe Fuchs and Mark Fell's Collaboration
I feel like I have to stand on my head to listen to this album. The combination of Limpe Fuchs' wholly object/skin led sound and Mark Fell's in-the-box digital-ness creates a unique sonic texture that is both bold and challenging.Watching them play live was an interesting experience. At first, they seemed fundamentally incompatible, but as the set went on, they found a way to work together and create something truly special. This full-length release is a testament to their creativity and willingness to take risks.
Meredith Young-Sowers' 7CD Box Set
I was initially unsure of what to make of this 7CD box set on Important. The cover art is very New Age Anthea Turner/Princess Diana fan art, which threw me off at first. But as I delved deeper into the music, I realized that it is a hidden gem.The music on this box set is a journey through different sonic landscapes, with a focus on minimal and durational frequencies. It is a reminder that there is still a lot of great music out there that is waiting to be discovered. If you are a fan of minimal music, this is definitely worth a listen.
Other Missed Gems
Finally, I must mention a few other things that I missed or that came in too late to write about. Firstly, there is this previously unreleased album by Sussan Deyhim and Richard Horowitz, made in New York in the 1980s. The album has a unique fourth world vibe, with moments of early Sakamoto shimmer in the electronics and Deyhim's vocal work rooted in traditional singing forms.Secondly, there is this murky, dubby post-punk album by Pelican Daughters from the Antipodes. The album has a unique sound that is both dark and atmospheric, with a hint of mystery and intrigue. It is a must-listen for fans of post-punk music.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, I really enjoyed the simple movements and clarity of this new album by Tim Parkinson, of duets between piano and strings. The album is a beautiful tribute to the power of simplicity and the beauty of music.