Loscil - Submers (2002)

This is like entering a dream. This is some really fucking cool ambient music, really spare, really soft, fluid. It's like being submerged in some sort of blue gel. It is definitely very cerebral, and it is a journey into the subconscious. Don't be looking for hooks, don't be looking for beats, but absorb yourself into the soundworld, and let yourself be consumed in the atmopshere. If you drift off to sleep, thats totally cool because just on the edge of sleep is when I think this music is most effective. space out

Rephrase - Swaps (2008)

AWWWWWW SHEEEEEEET YEAH ITS FRIDAY AND ITS TIME TO PARTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Throw this shit down and you'll have everybody getting down and having a good time. Two CD's worth of funky fat fresh beats, remixed by Rephrase and other DJ's. Dig it.

Serge Gainsbourg - Initials SG (2003)

Probably the best greatest hits compilation of one of the coolest mother fuckers to ever live. This is the sexiest French music you can find anywhere. Gainsbourg is one of the best genre hoppers of all time, and with one quick trip through this compilation you will find it immediately apparent. He effortlessly blends jazz, smokey-blues, world, pop, pyschedelia, reggae, and any sort of style he feels like exploring, all done in the most drunkenly suave way. The man was a walking scandal--the song 'Je t'aime....moi non plus' was a number 1 hit in the UK in 1968 and featured a recorded orgasm of his lover Jane Birkin. His music was banned in many countries and the Vatican made a public statement denouncing the song. All in all, the man was a poet and genius, and has been cited by many musicians as a major influence. He is a hero to me. Listen to his music, he holds the key to your heart. l'amour

ALASKAS - Set Yourself Free (2009)

Woah. WOAAAAAAAH. I am listening to this right now the first time through and I am a little bit blown away. This is a 25 minute sonic whirlwind. Its like a really aggressive, powerful, intense, and loud Panda Bear or something. Unlike Panda Bear who creates long, swirling, unfolding cosmic jams, ALASKAS songs are sharp as a knife. They submerge you in an altered state of rhythms and swirling hymn-like vocals that sound like they are bubbling up from the center of the earth. If you like mesmerizing rhythms of Animal Collective and Panda Bear, and if you like visceral noise jams, you really might want to give this a listen. I'll warn you though, this shit is LOUD. I'm definitely going to be checking back in with this one. poop

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Highfives and Handshakes Records

The Velvet Underground - White Light/White Heat (1968)

Now before you get lulled to sleep by The Velvet Undergrounds' self titled album, here's your wake up call. Of all the loud, abrasive, violent, drugged out, fucked up, ear splitting rock albums ever made, there is one that towers above all the rest, and it is this album. This is the noise rock rule book. There are no rules. This is completely insane. I'll be honest its not an easy listen, and if you're looking to sit back and chill out, this is not quite what you are looking for. This is 40 minutes of intense, disturbing, avant garde rock and roll. I think I love this album so much partly due to that fact that no one living in 1968 would have even kind of been ready for this shit. It's 2009 and I'm still breaking out in cold sweats. This record sounds so fresh and in your face it could have been recorded yesterday, but its 41 years old, and that is a true accomplishment. Can you tell I'm on a Velvet Underground kick right now? CrAAAAANK it up and get your musical brain aneurysm for the day here.

Silje Nes - Ames Room (2007)

So this is my new favorite Sunday morning album. It's great for any time of day, any day of the week, but especially then I guess. Silje Nes is a really really pretty Norwegian girl, and this album is full of beautiful melodies delivered in her sexy dreamy whispering voice, with a lot of gently strummed guitars, chill electronics, and a giant list of bizarre and obscure instruments. This is really some amazing stuff. On every track, she creates a musical fabric that is so lovingly crafted and delicate to the point that every time a new instrument enters the mix, it truly is a special moment. The entire album is just super well put together and every sound and note serves a very specific and magical purpose. A lot of these songs are basically bedroom pop I guess, but I think experimental composition is probably closer to the mark. The first track, 'Over All', is a great example. The song is basically a chill little folk pop tune, but on a closer listen, you'll notice that it's full of surprising dissonances and its just really strange music over all. Or if you want youre daily dose of fairy dreamland jangly indie pop, check out 'Dizzy Street'. It's such a cool listen. If you're into bands like Mum, or any sort of folk pop electronic experimental music, this is definitely worth your while. check it OWT

The Velvet Underground - s/t (1969)

Probably the greatest rock band to ever exist. Popular music would be a lost, hopeless mess without them. This album is something beyond words for me. Every song is so beautiful, so sincere, so restrained. I think some of the most perfectly crafted rock songs that have ever been created are on this album. Yeah, there is really nothing for me to say about this. You just have to hear it. And hang tight because im going to be posting their other albums as well because all four of them are equally important and miraculous. diiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiig