#10.The Bulletproof Tiger
2011
Math Rock
“...contrapuntal guitars, percussively in rhythm, definitive drums, rackety...” A math rock instant-classic, and what got me hooked on math rock two-guitar counterpoint. Such talent from these guys up in Canada.
Toumani & amp; Sidiki
2014
World Music
“...plucked delicately and quietly, sounds like
raindrops, thousands of strings...” African folk music with an amazing focus on
technicality and counterpoint. I am gripped through the entire record without
singular use of percussion, just two Koras. It's gorgeous.
#8.
Tera Melos
2010
Experimental / Math Rock
“...spikes of experimental electricity,
screeches, crushingly hard jams...” Tera Melos may not self identify as math
rock but Nick Reinhart's experimental guitar work and the amazing clashing
drumming in Patagonian Rats makes for a sweet #8 spot.
#7.
Tigran Hamasyan
2010
Jazz
“…dancing piano, middle-eastern, progressive
elements, furious energy and passion...” One of my all time jazz favorites and
it has a middle-eastern scaled tinge. Tigran plays piano with such passion it's
impossible not to be inspired.
#6.
Don Caballero
American Don
2000
2000
Math Rock
“...twisting of repetitive melodies into new
and delightful dreams, sometimes torturous, sometimes delightful, but always in
perfect flux...” The guitar and pedal/looping work stands the test of time
fifteen years later and Damon Che's bombastic drumming is incredible.
2015
Jazz
“...pianos that skip and plod and prod, sounds that appeal to both the math-head and the jazz aficionado...” Another instant-classic but this time in the jazz realm, with some old The Bad Plus tunes reworked with Redman's sax, an album of utter perfection melodically and rhythmically.
“...pianos that skip and plod and prod, sounds that appeal to both the math-head and the jazz aficionado...” Another instant-classic but this time in the jazz realm, with some old The Bad Plus tunes reworked with Redman's sax, an album of utter perfection melodically and rhythmically.
Jaga Jazzist
2015
Prog / Nu-Jazz / Electronic
“...sounds were ripped from my head, variations
on a theme, startling electricity...” This record sounds almost exactly like
what plays in my head when I am out hiking and my brain generates noise to
match the tempo of my hike. This was a life-changing find. Jazz-inspired
melodies and light horn instrumentation mixed in with electronic synths and
steady drums, an incredible mix of influences.
#3
Chris Morrissey
2013
Jazz
“...saxophones plod their script out onto the
world on dripping and perfect double bass, piano calmly twinkling where it
feels necessary...” This record helped me through some tough times in life and
has become my most beloved Jazz pick. Perfect piano compositions and beautiful
sax.
#2.
Dirty Projectors
2009
Indie / Art Rock
“...texture and emotion, voices layered thick
but feel wispy and slice high, hocking...” This was one of the very first
records I memorized front to back, I fell so in love. The guitar work is
incredible, melodically, and bandleader Dave Longstreth has this maniacal
vision that is impossible not to enjoy.
#1.
Invalids
2015
Math Rock
“...emotions contained in crazy compositions
immense, building from a slow simmer to an unhinged explosion of happiness, or
even an implosion of torrent, something sweet and tortured all at the same
time...” A recent release but a record of absolute perfection to my ears, with
the perfect double-guitar texture and incredible emotional buildup and release
and literary lyrics, Pete Davis is pure unbridled genius.
________________________________
Flower
Coronet
2015
Math Rock / Nu-Jazz
A combination of all these influences, these
tracks finally see the light of the day recorded quite a while back. Math rock
fervor on guitars with minimal drumming and jazz-influenced background
instrumentation. Enjoy!
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