Monday, September 22, 2008

Jimmie Spheeris: Isle of View (4/5)



Year: 1971
Genre: Folk Rock
Label: Columbia
TRT: 38:47

I stumbled across this gem among my boss' record collection at a yard sale he recently had. The artwork immediately grabbed my eye, and I just couldn't turn it down. I had no idea what sort of music it was, but with an album cover that epic, it just had to be good. I wasted no time ripping it to my computer and educating myself.

I was not disappointed. From the first track I was hooked. Very accessible but also intelligently put together. There's a lot of sexual undertones to be found, but the man was very obviously a hippie, so I'm actually a bit surprised he wasn't more overt with his aural advances. All in all, a solid record from a deceased artist that never got the recognition he deserved.

This album was recently released on cd I believe, so it shouldn't be too hard to get a copy of it, but in my opinion it's worth buying the record to have the larger artwork.

01 The Nest
02 For Roach
03 Monte Luna
04 Seeds of Spring
05 I Am Mercury
06 Long Way Down
07 Let It Flow
08 Seven Virgins
09 Come Back
10 Esmaria

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Friday, September 5, 2008

Eluvium: An Accidental Memory in the Case of Death (4.5/5)



Year: 2004
Label: Temporary Residence
Genre: Atmospheric Classical Piano
TRT: 30:09

This is, in my opinion, Mathew Cooper's finest work. Beautifully crafted and completely engrossing, his fingers never let go of their hold. One of my favorite parts of this album is the raw element found due to the occasional miss-hit that was left in. It just adds a warmth that I find very comforting. This is a wonderful album to put on when you have nothing to do but sit and ponder, or as intellectually conducive background ambiance.

01 An Accidental Memory
02 Genius and the Theives
03 Perfect Neglect in a Field of Statues
04 Nepenthe
05 In a Sense
06 The Well-Meaning Professor
07 An Accidental Memory in the Case of Death

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