Monthly Archives: January 2016

Unknown Mortal Orchestra: “CKCMP (SILICON Rework)”

Check out this “rework” (not remix, mind you) by SILICON of Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s song “Can’t Keep Checking My Phone.” It is off of a 7″ coming out on 4/1 via Jagjaguwar. The band is launching an extensive tour (dates below). UNKNOWN MORTAL ORCHESTRA TOUR DATES (new dates in BOLD) Jan. 28 – Vancouver, BCContinue reading “Unknown Mortal Orchestra: “CKCMP (SILICON Rework)””

Brian Harnetty on Dust-to-Digital (CD Review)

Rawhead & Bloody Bones Brian Harnetty Dust-to-Digital 2xCD DTD-50   For label Dust-to-Digital’s fiftieth release, they tap composer Brian Harnetty, an artist known for blending vintage spoken word and field recordings with his own music. Rawhead and Bloody Bones features 1940s accounts by young people of scary stories. The contrast between Harnetty’s music, which references both traditionalContinue reading “Brian Harnetty on Dust-to-Digital (CD Review)”

Aquarius Sings Arvo Pärt

Magnificent Magnificat Arvo Pärt Aquarius chamber choir, conducted by Marc Michael De Smet Jade Music   This collection of choral music by Estonian composer Arvo Pärt celebrates his eightieth birthday. It is programmed to emphasize his interpretations of Marian texts such as the Magnificat, Nunc Dimittis, and O Antiphons, all of which are central to hisContinue reading “Aquarius Sings Arvo Pärt”

R. Andrew Lee Plays Paul A. Epstein (CD Review)

Paul A. Epstein Piano Music R. Andrew Lee, piano Irritable Hedgehog CD/DL   Prior to this recording, composer Paul A. Epstein was not a name known to me. There are so many vital creators out there that one must continue to search for them. Thankfully, R. Andrew Lee has recorded this disc for Irritable Hedgehog. It presents eight of Epstein’s compositions forContinue reading “R. Andrew Lee Plays Paul A. Epstein (CD Review)”

RIP David Bowie

David Bowie has died. This past week saw the release of his final album, Blackstar, on his 69th birthday. Producer Tony Visconti called the album a “parting gift.” Reports of Bowie’s final years suggest a harrowing journey. His making music until the end demonstrates a truly indomitable spirit. It serves as a source of inspiration,Continue reading “RIP David Bowie”

Paul Lansky – Idle Fancies (CD Review)

Idle Fancies Paul Lansky Gwendolyn Dease, marimba and percussion Bridge Records CD 9454   Not so long ago, a composer portrait CD consisting entirely of solo marimba music would have been unthinkable. Idle Fancies, a new Bridge Recording of Paul Lansky’s complete music for marimba, demonstrates that the composer, despite being a non-percussionist best known for his contributions toContinue reading “Paul Lansky – Idle Fancies (CD Review)”