The Dead Texan - The Dead Texan

Artist: The Dead Texan

Album: The Dead Texan

Genre: Ambient / Neo-classical

The Dead Texan is Adam Wiltzie, one half of Stars of the Lid.  He began recording as The Dead Texan because he felt as though it was to aggressive. What he means by aggressive is a mystery because, with his use of highly reverberated guitar tones, to the minimalist chord repetition, it doesn't stray too far away from Stars of the Lid's unique sound. However, this work is a little more composed feel that goes beyond simple soundscape music. I guess that's where the aggression is. Kind of ironic that this is unintentionally following a Stars of the Lid Post. 

Download it!

Stars of the Lid - ...and Their Refinement of Decline

Artist: Stars of the Lid

Album: ...and Their Refinement of Decline

Genre: Ambient/Drone/Neo-Classical/Minimalist

One of the most beautiful ambient albums I have ever graced my ears to hear. The internationally renowned duo of Adam Wiltzie and Brian McBride, having been creating music together since 1993, have solidified a strong name for themselves in a genre of such subjective talent. ...and the Refinement of Decline is an album of thick textures and timbres of synthesized and acoustically orchestrated instrumentation that creates an atmosphere of tranquillity, filled with cinematic dynamics that sends chills down your spine.

The actual name of the group implies closed-eye visuals (which ever way you would like accomplish that). So, close your eyes and float away

Constrobuz - Beats Vol.1

Artist: Constrobuz

Album: Beats Vol. 1

Genre: HipHop

The sound of this CD reminds me of J Dilla and MF Doom's instrumental CDs. Incorporating bunches of old samples, it turns old funk into new hiphop. Great listen.

Myspace, Download

IDMF Compilation II

Artist: Various

Album: Concord

Genre: Ambient/Electronic

IDMF is a net label / forum for electronic musicians. They release everything for free. In their second compilation, they explore the ambient side of electronic music. Ranging from minimal, neo-classical ambience such as Halogen's Length and Brecht, to the pure sleepy ambience in Sasha Borodin's Asleep next to Emily, Concord is great for reading, studying, or just relaxing.

If you were to click anywhere on this page, click here.

 

Preview:

Tweak Bird - Reservations

Artist: Tweak Bird

Album: Reservations

Genre: Sludgy Stoner Rock

Meet Ashton and Caleb Bird. Two brothers that have been playing for about 12 years together and have released their second EP, Reservations, last September. The EP is short but oh so sweet and luscious. Thick baritone guitar, intense drumming, eerie vocals throwing you back to the prime eras of psychedelic music, and tasteful electronic noise fills this EP leaving you craving for more.

They will touring with Big Business this May (and it could not be more fitting). Go check them out and buy this EP (it's on vinyl, if you are in to that sort of thing)

But whatever you do, just don't click here.

Dan Deacon - Bromst

Artist: Dan Deacon

Album: Bromst

Genre: Electronic/Pop

Dan Deacon has created one of the best albums of 2009. This record is an hour and 4 minutes of your life well spent.

Download, Buy

Juana Molina - Son

Artist: Juana Molina

Album: Son

Genre: Latin / Folk

Juana Molina began her career as an actress on an Argentinean sketch comedy show. She later went on to her solo musical work and, because of her eclectic style, has been compared to artists such as Bjork. Her music diverts from folk guitar work and singing with her raspy voice to more ambient and electronic sounds. The album Son (spanish for "they are" or "tune") is themed off of the sounds of birds. It's something you'd have to hear to understand. 

Download, Myspace