This might just become the best record of 2015. This stunning release by Nashville-harpist singer-songwriter Timbre crosses all the musical borders, but never looses sight of what music is all about: Emotions and an intense listening experience.
Based in classical music, Timbre takes us on a journey between light and dark. The Sun and the moon. But don't let the dreamy opening tracks fool you into thinking this is tender, mesmerizing music made for dreamers sitting alone in the dark. The album is best enjoyed in one long spin and you will feel the power of the music lift you as the volume goes up and erupts into a short explosion of sound. Only to return to the dark, slow mesmerizing stillness of the night. It's not an easy listening album. It demands your full attention, but it will give you a lot in return.
This record is over 100 minutes of intense, breathtaking, passionate beauty. It is without a doubt one of a kind and there will never be something like this. It was released not even a month ago, so it's a little strange to name this the best record of 2015. But at the very least this is the best record up to May 5th of this year.
Last month my favorite band of my bloggin' years released their new single Far From The Tree and it's as precious as everything they've released in the last few years. It's a nice up-tempo folk song with Bridie Jackson & The Arbour's trademark harmonies, yet it took me a few spins to get used to it. It's more powerful and less 'dreamy' than most of their music. Nevertheless the beauty remains, I love this song. B-side Final Lullaby is a more traditional song for this band, but also a more traditional British Folk song. I imagine flying over the English green hills and rough coastline in the pouring rain while Bridie Jackson's voice comforts me. Divine music.
Out Of Sight is the follow-up track to the highly addictive Droplet by Newcastle dreampop trio Tessera Skies. And it is at least as breathtaking as the previously mentioned track. Out Of Sight gets better everytime you hear it, so may I suggest listening to it a lot? You can thank me later.
Town of Saints is a Dutch/Finnish band that released their debut album Something To Fight With in 2013. After an intense year of touring Europe they released a Tour Edition last September, with 4 brand new songs added to the original record. Town of Saints writes powerful folksongs about life and all the struggles we're facing. The violin, the lyrics, the overall feel of every song is just perfect. This band and this record deserve to be heard. 18 months after the original releasedate this record is still a great work of art. Have a listen, enjoy the fuck out of it!
May I suggest not watching the video? The song is really good, but the video is not and it actually takes away the focus from the music. Play this song and look out the window or make yourself some coffee. Meanwhile, let The Information sing you a song.
Somewhere somehow I received 5 songs by The Suitcase Junket and they are all fuckin' brilliant. He (Matt Lorenz) has released his new album Make Time in January and when it's time to pick a new Must-Have of the Month in 2 weeks, I might just spent my money on this record. The other 4 songs I am completely addicted to are unfortunately nowhere to be found, but "So, No" is from the new record and really, really great.
The Suitcase Junket's music is raw as hell and addictive as fuck. Check it out!
Dope by Design is a 7-piece hiphop collective from California and this 5-track EP is the best hiphop-record I've heard in the last 6 months. Everything about these five songs oozes perfection. It's loud and smart, happy and interesting. The message they are sending is clear and inspiring. The sound is live, bright and organic. There's so much going on in each song, the best way to really get to know these songs is to listen to them over and over again. Just like I've been doing these last few days.
Everyone remotely interested in hiphop should listen to this!
