#late pass

[doomandgloomfromthetomb]

[LATE PASS 2016] Brigid Mae Power

Another Late Pass! The Tompkins Square label rarely disappoints, whether its archival material or fresh faces. Irish singer-songwriter Brigid Mae Power falls into the latter category -- and her self-titled debut is a dreamy wonder. I kind of want to say it’s Kate Bush-meets-Shirley-Collins but that’s not really right. Maybe something in the overall vibe, if not the sound. Power’s songs drift along beautifully, following hypnotic chord progressions, her voice floating high above. But she does a great job of not letting things get too drifty/dreamy, thanks to some superbly detailed lyrics, her feet firmly rooted in the earth. I like Brigid Mae Power a lot -- I think you will, too 

[doomandgloomfromthetomb]

[LATE PASS 2016] Rebecca Schiffman 

Still going through some LPs I’d overlooked in ye olde mp3 shuffle in 2016! This record closes with an extremely good rendition of Robyn Hitchcock’s “I’m Only You” – but that is far from the only reason to check out Rebecca Schiffman’s self-titled LP. Produced by Money Mark (yes, that Money Mark) and featuring guest spots from Nels Cline and Max Bernstein (among others), it’s a collection of winning indie-folk centered around Schiffman’s singular vocal stylings and imaginative lyrics. Each tune is weird and wonderful, as the songwriter traverses landscapes both real and imagined (not unlike the aforementioned Mr. Hitchcock, come to think of it). The music itself is just right, both familiar and surprising all at once. Recommended! 

[doomandgloomfromthetomb]

[LATE PASS 2016] Scott Hirsch - Blue Rider Songs

It’s 2017, but I’m still Late-Passing it! A previous entry highlighted Hans Chew’s Unknown Sire, and I said that it could easily have been released on Shelter Records sometime in the mid-70s. Same goes for Scott Hirsch’s Blue Rider Songs, which has a deeply JJ Cale-ian flavor, right down to the laconic beats, casual guitar heroics, coo-ing backup singers, and paper-thin whisper vocals. Hirsch, who plays with Hiss Golden Messenger, has done his homework -- but even though he wears his influences proudly on his sleeve, Blue Rider Songs feels more engaging and interesting than a mere retro re-tread. The vibe is just perfect. 

[incrediblejeff]

This is dope?Where have I been?

[rtiianimate]

Late Pass

[doomandgloomfromthetomb]

[LATE PASS 2016] David Grubbs - Prismrose

Yet another un-chattered about (but very good) 2016 LP. David Grubbs has been around the underground for a long time now, from Squirrel Bait to Bastro to Gastr del Sol, to name just a few of the projects he’s been involved with. His latest effort, Prismrose, is a great listen, showcasing Grubbs’ uniquely masterful electric guitar stylings. Especially good are the drums-guitar duets between Eli Keszler and David – skittering and clattering and soaring and exploring. Really nice. Best of all is the closing “Bonsai Waterfall,” four minutes of beautifully brittle sound. 

[doomandgloomfromthetomb]

[LATE PASS 2016] Hans Chew - Unknown Sire

Another overlooked gem from 2016! Hans Chew has showed up as a sideman on records by Jack Rose, Hiss Golden Messenger, Chris Forsyth and Steve Gunn, among others -- so he’s obviously got skills. The sound on his Unknown Sire solo LP, released earlier this year, could trick you into thinking its some long lost classic that was released in 1976 by Shelter Records. So yeah, it’s got a retro vibe, but it’s retro in a good way. Chew isn’t winking at his sources here (Leon Russell, JJ Cale, Dr. John, The Allmans, etc.), he’s completely immersing himself in them, whether its boozy barrelhouse New Orleans romps, lighter-in-the-air ballads, or locomotive chooglers. Recorded with expertise at Black Dirt Studios by Jason Meagher (who also contributes keys, bass and guitar), this is classic rock that earns its gatefold. 

[doomandgloomfromthetomb]

[LATE PASS 2016] The Cosmic Range - New Latitudes

True story -- I am just one dude. With just two ears! And (primarily because of my stuff at Aquarium Drunkard), I get sent a ton of new music almost every day. Too much for two ears! As a result, every year there are records that I overlook / underrate / totally forget about. But over the past few weeks, I’ve been digging back into the archives and re-checking a few things out. So! I’m going to showcase some worthy records that deserve more attention! Why the fuck not? LATE PASS 2016. 

First up is The Cosmic Range’s New Latitudes. Now, describing something as a blend of post-rock instinct and spiritual jazz fusion might turn some listeners off. But trust me, this LP is all killer. The trick is that this Toronto-based ensemble (led by multi-instrumentalist Matthew "Doc" Dunn) never lets things get too cerebral -- the groove is honored above all else. With ecstatic polyrhythms, blown out electric keyboards and lacerating wah, New Latitudes is a total blast. The ethereal drifters that bookend the LP are the icing on a particularly tasty cake. Highly recommended.