Watching Old Henry and Listening to Apex Ten, Don Cherry, Trentemøller, GHXST, Goodtime John & Bonnie Prince Billy, & daddy's boy
May 1-8/22
Didn’t have as much time this week to go through a bunch of stuff. Was looking after a sick youngster for most of it, but I heard (and saw) a few things.
Watched the movie ‘Old Henry’ on Netflix. Went in totally blind, aside from the Netflix description. Absolutely loved it! One of my favourite films of 2021 now, for sure. The less you know about it, the better. The acting, from Tim Blake Nelson, Scott Haze, Gavin Lewis, Trace Adkins, & Stephen Dorff, is all on point. The cinematography is gorgeous. They utilize shots that seem familiar from westerns of the past, while still having a modern look. It feels more akin to the Monte Hellman westerns of the 60’s/70’s. Beautiful film that should be seen by more eyes.
Self described improvised stoner/space rock band from Belgium. Great, heavy riffs that sound incredibly tight for an improvised set. Part of the set was filmed and can be seen here.
Beautiful single from Goodtime John & Bonnie Prince Billy. Starts off sombre but once BPB joins in it becomes something more like a classic Laurel Canyon song.
High energy punk rock from Mississippi
Don Cherry - Om Shanti Om Bandcamp page
Don Cherry is one of my favourite musicians of all time, and this release is one of my many favourites from him. This was recorded for Italian TV in 1976, “Incontro con Don Cherry”, and then released as an album in 2020. A true mix of the world. Don from the USA, Moki (Don’s partner, who played tanpura) from Sweden, Gian Piero Pramaggiore (guitar & flute) from Italy, Nana Vasconcelos (percussion) from Brazil. The music has an otherwordly feel with the tanpura drone and the musicality of Don’s pocket trumpet interplay being particularly beautiful. It’s not jazz and it’s not world music. It’s something that stands outside of those labels and exists on it’s own. Something transcendent.
Another single from Dion Lunadon. I’m pretty hyped for this album from Dion (who I’ve mentioned before on the newsletter). I’m a big D4 fan. I’m a big A Place To Bury Strangers Fan. I’m a big Dion fan.
This ones a bit different, as it’s a trailer for an upcoming release for Germanys Trigger Cut. The band leader, Ralph “Yesssssssss!!” Schaarschmidt, is an acquaintance on FB and has had a pretty rough year, not only having to deal with Covid as we all did, but then their rehearsal space caught fire and destroyed most of their equipment. What I’m hearing from this trailer though sounds like they’re gonna come out of it fine. Classic, inspired noise rock! Even if I wasn’t an acquaintance of Ralphs, I’d still be excited for this release.
Beautiful goth & dream pop inspired new wave from Denmark. Another so simple, so gorgeous melody.
Sticking with the goth-dream pop vibe for this one. Great repeating, distorted guitar line, and half buried vocals that build to a big sound. Think J&MC slowed. Hopefully this will get into more ears when the album drops
Guided By Voices - Tremblers And Goggles By Rank Bandcamp
New GBV. Slightly heavier sound for this song (not a complaint in any way). Classic Bob vocals.
Heavy rock from New Zealand with some noise rock elements. Great vocals.
I didn’t buy much this week for Bandcamp Friday. In fact, this was only one of two that I did get (the other being the new album from Cosmic Guilt that I wrote about last week). I don’t even know how it ended up on my radar. I just looked at my web browser one day and it was on there and I listened to it. Loved it instantly. Chicago punk rock recorded by Albini at Electrical Audio. No traces of egg punk or chain punk, just classic hardcore punk oozing with rebellion and snarl.
I love Horsegirl. They have a sound that feels really comfortable, for me. Slightly nostalgic alternative rock band vibe with elements that still surprise. I’m really looking forward to this release. I think they’ll blow up with this.
Wovenhand - Silver Sash Bandcamp
Another favourite band for me. I’m a sucker for that gothic folk/country sound, and this band fits that exactly.
That’s it for now. Stay safe!
Bonus Video