How to Count One to Ten - Blue Building Blocks (2012)

Better late than never right?
2012 seems like a distant memory but I have plenty of hold over groups I just have not gotten to covering yet. Case in point is this fantastic Japanese group "How to Count One to Ten". Crisp and clean instrumental post-rock with some great interlocking rhythms. Some math rock love is yes implied within that last statement so no fretting yall.

If you're looking for twinkly slow plodding build up's you unfortunately are at the wrong blog and band for that matter. The melodies can get a little pastoral and nostalgic but we are all about that. A lot of the Japanese groups seem to have some kind of lock down on that kind of thing anyway. Yet again no skipping out on this guys and galls. must.

Pjaro - Why is No One Here (2013)

Pjaro is a two piece with some heart and an impressive amount of chops to match. Mostly instrumental but with the occational addition of tasteful vocals. There is something very familiar about these guys but in a nostalgic way like how classic indie rock gets you. Each song is very much its own animal but while still keeping with their own flavor. From slow burners to some pretty technical speedier fare the more I listen the more I become hooked. This should be on everyones check out list. Well worth your time. 

pjaro

Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde-1992

After listening to all this Outkast/ Big Boi, i was reminded of a classic 90s album that i had somehow lost through the years of moving stuff around on iTunes libraries and iPods. I still had Labcabincalifornia, which is classic, but the one i fell in love with was the Pharcydes 1992 album Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde. I quickly found the link, downloaded and began listening, flipping instinctively to Yo Mamma, which i hadnt heard in years, but then while i was driving and flipping back to the start of the album, i stopped on a random track that was probably my favorite from the album, and i had completely forgotten about it. Soul Flower is just the greatest summertime jam. Enjoy; its great for rides around town with the windows down.



Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde

p.s.: keep em comin', acey! youre a maniac.

Bibio - Hand Cranked

Bibio's progression has surprised me with each new release. While I dont particularly agree with the direction, there is no doubt that this Brit is a highly talented individual. Older outings such as Hand Cranked displayed an almost eerie sense of melody, a universal nostalgia that is picked up on instantly. Looped and shifting acoustic guitar "folk" that sounds like it was recorded on someones cassette deck. Some might not be so receptive to the charm of this but those people need to fuck off.  I personally have never encountered solo acoustic music that has effected me emotionally this much.

Hand Cranked