2019 experimental rock/math rock album from NYC. Cut down to two members by this point, but when the two are John Stanier (Helmet, Tomahawk) on drums and Ian Williams (Don Cab, Storm & Stress) on guitars and synths, you're still good. The loss of Dave Konopka definitely hurts this album, but it's a good one regardless.
My picks: "A Loop So Nice..." "They Played It Twice," "Fort Greene Park"
2012 synthpop album consisting of demo versions of all of the songs off of Reptilians. While the final versions on Reptilians are more polished, there's something really neat about hearing these earlier, rougher recordings.
My picks: "Jackalope (Julius) (Van Mix)," "Astoria - Original Recording," "Quality Time - Skeletron Mix)"
1992 experimental rock album from everybody's favorite carnival barker who's been gargling gravel and whiskey in the moments of his life where he wasn't smoking.
I joke, but Tom Waits' voice is certainly wonderfully distinct.
"Such a Scream" almost sounds like a Captain Beefheart track.
My picks: "The Earth Died Screaming," "Such A Scream," "I Don't Wanna Grow Up"
1995 prog rock live album. Only recently discovered the DVD cut material from the album. The first disc is mostly post-Waters material, which is pretty hit-or-miss for me on the albums, but mostly great live. Second disc has DSOTM and extras. The lap steel guitar solo on "High Hopes" is the best.
1973 funk/psychedelic soul album from Cincinnati, Ohio. "That Lady" may be the popular song on the album, but I honestly prefer some of the other tracks. Their version of "Summer Breeze" might just top the Seals and Crofts version for me.
My picks: "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight," "What It Comes Down To," "Summer Breeze, Pts. 1 & 2"
2019 ambient album from Los Angeles, California. A collection of short and sweet ambient pieces, mostly with a guitar focus. Some really pleasant pedal steel guitar work on some of the tracks.
My picks: "Impressions in F Major," "Impressions in A Minor," "Impressions in A Major"
2017 ambient album. Tom Rogerson improvising on piano, and Brian Eno manipulating the recorded piano, adding things around it, and turning it into something new.
My picks: "Idea of Order at Kyson Point," "Motion in Field," "The Gabbard"
1971 prog rock album from Blackpool, England. I'm a fan of any band that can fit flute solos into rock songs, and Jethro Tull certainly delivered that here in a great prog rock package.
My picks: "Aqualung," "My God," "Locomotive Breath"
1973 art/prog pop album from Stockport, England. Absurdist pop that at times reminds of Zappa or Ween, but also throw in some doo-wop or Beach Boys influences in there for good measure. Also some great subjects matters: a kid who wants to join a biker gang, a Charles Atlas comic adaptation, and a prison riot gone wrong.
My picks: "Sand in my Face," "Headline Hustler," "Rubber Bullets"
New wave weekend! The Discogs seller who had that The Motels record was having a sale, all stock 50% off, minimum $20. So, Motels, this, and 2 other records, roughly $5/ea. Not entirely sure why I chose this, looked quirky. I remember seeing it in cutout bins all throughout the 80s/90s. Some goofy 50s covers; some really good tracks. Perfect $5 vinyl.
2012 post-rock album from Montreal, Québec. GY!BE's big comeback album from their seven year hiatus, consisting of two previously unreleased live tracks and two drone tracks.
2013 electro-industrial/industrial metal soundtrack album. I wish the Dirge tracks were instrumental like in the game, as the vocals ruin otherwise good tracks for me. Thankfully, most of the album is by zYnthetic, who keeps things instrumental and great.
My picks: "Outbreak," "Bled Dry," "Treatments Are More Profitable Than Cures," "Surface Tension"
1967 psychedelic rock/progressive rock album consisting solely of covers of popular songs. Each has their own little twist that makes it distinctly their own.
"People Get Ready" is the only song that doesn't quite work for me.
My picks: "She's Not There," "STRA / You Keep Me Hanging On / WBER," "Take Me For A Little While / RYFI"
2008 post-rock/post-metal from Chicago, Illinois. Quite like the drums on this one. Overall tone varies from surprisingly gentle to all-out riffy goodness.