Explosions in the Sky - All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone (2007)

This is one that I have been listening to a lot lately, as my friend Peter has lately really gotten me into post-rock. Explosions in the Sky are technically a post-rock band, but have gained prominence outside of the post-rock scene as well for their cinematic, elaborately developed guitar work, narratively styled instrumentals (what they refer to as "cathartic mini-symphonies"), and their enthusiastic and emotional live shows. Personally, this is my favorite album that they've done, but they are all fantastic. Within only the 45 minutes that this CD's duration lasts, I am moved every single time by the lengthy, beautiful crescendos and soaring melodies, carried by the drummer's distinct, heavy drumming style, the transcendental harmonies and melodies that carry you through a journey, and the occasional soft and piano-driven mellow sections. There are so many emotional climaxes within the album in both its loud and soft moments, and truly every moment on this work of art is a moment of enlightenment.

Genres: Post-rock, experimental rock, instrumental rock

1. "The Birth and Death of the Day" - 7:50
2. "Welcome, Ghosts" - 5:44
3. "It's Natural to Be Afraid" - 13:27
4. "What Do You Go Home To?" - 5:00
5. "Catastrophe and the Cure" - 7:56
6. "So Long, Lonesome" - 3:40

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Xploding Plastix - Amateur Girlfriends Go Proskirt Agents (2001)

Hey guys, once again I've been lazy and haven't posted in a little while but I have a gigantic list of albums to post up here many of which I will hopefully post in the near future. Here is a slight change of pace from the indie/folk albums I've been posting lately (I have tons more coming where those came from, though), with a nu-jazz/downtempo band called Xploding Plastix. I originally got this album from my friend Matt's blog (link in my blog description on the right), and fell in love with the originality this album spores. This Norwegian two-man band blends together elements of electrofunk/downtempo music with intense elements of jazz; each and every track is distinct in its own way, yet keeping a flowing mellow, smooth mood the whole way through. A very diverse and fun album, I hope you enjoy.

Genres: Nu-jazz, acid jazz, electrofunk, big beat, downtempo, electronica

1. "Sports, Not Heavy Crime" - 5:07
2. "Funnybones & Lazylegs" - 4:48
3. "6-Hours Starlight" - 3:22
4. "Behind the Eightball" - 4:50
5. "Single Stroke Ruffs" - 2:28
6. "Treat Me Mean, I Need The Reputation" - 4:58
7. "Relieved Beyond Repair" - 1:46
8. "Tintinnamputation" - 4:26
9. "More Powah To Yah" - 5:27
10. "Having Smarter Babies" - 4:57
11. "Far-Flung Tonic" - 4:52
12. "Happy Jizz Girls" - 2:54
13. "Doubletalk Gets Through To You" - 5:24
14. "Comatose Luck" - 3:40

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Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes (2008)

As I stated in the previous post, I've been in a state of absolute indie-folk/acoustic music, and I swear when I discovered this album I listened to it 3-4 times in a row every day for the next week or so. With a fairly accessible indie-folk/indie-pop format, a listener of those genres can easily be pulled in by Fleet Foxes' sound. However, what makes their sound really distinct is the beautiful atmosphere in their songs and the landscapes the music creates in your mind. Rich with vocal harmonies, calming sounds that create gorgeous pictures in your mind, and a general catchy sound that derives from their indie rock/pop influences described by the band themselves as "baroque harmonic pop jams," this album is a jewel for any lover of indie or folk music.

Genres: Indie-folk, indie rock, indie pop, baroque pop, experimental, folk

1. "Sun It Rises" - 3:12
2. "White Winter Hymnal" - 2:27
3. "Ragged Wood" - 5:07
4. "Tiger Mountain Peasant Song" - 3:29
5. "Quiet Houses" - 3:32
6. "He Doesn't Know Why" - 3:21
7. "Heard them Stirring" - 3:02
8. "Your Protector" - 4:10
9. "Meadowlarks" - 3:12
10. "Blue Ridge Mountains" - 4:26
11. "Oliver James" - 3:24

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Okkervil River - Black Sheep Boy (2005)

The past few weeks for me can only truly be defined by one thing - Okkervil River. In the indie-folk state I am currently in, the discovery of Okkervil River hit me twice as hard. Black Sheep Boy (the band's 3rd album), as well as their 4th and 5th albums The Stage Names and The Stand Ins, respectively, are all masterpieces in the genre. Honestly, just listen and enjoy. I haven't truly enjoyed a rock album like this for a long time.

Genres: Indie rock, indie folk, alternative rock

1. "Black Sheep Boy" - 1:19
2. "For Real" - 4:42
3. "In a Radio Song" - 5:39
4. "Black" - 4:39
5. "Get Big" - 3:55
6. "A King and a Queen" - 3:22
7. "A Stone" - 5:23
8. "The Latest Toughs" - 3:11
9. "Song Of Our So-Called Friend" - 3:23
10. "So Come Back, I Am Waiting" - 8:03
11. "A Glow" - 3:43

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Herbert von Karajan conducts Johannes Brahms' 4 Symphonies

I've been meaning to post some good classical on this blog for a long time, and my recent discovery of this musical genius who is Johannes Brahms signaled for me to do so. Honestly, all I can say about this late classical period/early romantic period composer is WOW. My dad showed me the 3rd movement of his 3rd symphony on a night which I was in a severe state of heartbreak, and it proved so deeply and emotionally touching and satisfying that I literally felt my feeling expressed just by hearing the music. Brahms' music is literally the most emotionally deep music I have ever listened to. While some call him the successor to Beethoven, after his first symphony, which was dubbed by many "Beethoven's 10th" because of its similarity to Beethoven's style near the end of his life, he began to adapt his own style and incorporate more of a romantic style into his compositions, the start of the romantic period of classical music. This CD contains all 4 of his symphonies performed by the Berliner Philharmoniker Orchestra conducted by one of my favorite conductors of all time, Herbert von Karajan. It is split up into 2 discs, the first with symphonies 1 & 3 (my two favorites, as a matter of fact) and the second with 2 & 4. All four of them are absolutely stunning, and I highly suggest spending a night or two listening to all four at a high volume with top-quality speakers/headphones.

True masterpieces by a true genius.

Hope you enjoy.

Genres: Classical (Classical/Romantic period), Orchestral

Disc One:

1. "Symphony #1 (In C Minor, Op. 68) - 1. Un Poco Sostenuto - Allegro" - 13:26
2. "Symphony #1 - 2. Andante Sostenuto" - 8:26
3. "Symphony #1 - 3. Un Poco Allegretto E Grazioso" - 4:48
4. "Symphony #1 - 4. Adagio - Piu Andante - Allegro Non Troppo, Ma Con Brio" - 17:46
5. "Symphony #3 (In F, Op. 90) - 1. Allegro Con brio" - 9:39
6. "Symphony #3 - 2. Andante" - 8:14
7. "Symphony #3 - 3. Poco Allegretto" - 6:18
8. "Symphony #3 - 4. Allegro" - 9:17

Disc Two:

1. "Symphony #2 (In C Minor, Op. 68) - 1. Un Poco Sostenuto - Allegro" - 15:50
2. "Symphony #2 - 2. Andante Sostenuto" - 9:49
3. "Symphony #2 - 3. Un Poco Allegretto E Grazioso" - 5:23
4. "Symphony #2 - 4. Adagio - Piu Andante - Allegro Non Troppo, Ma Con Brio" - 9:31
5. "Symphony #4 (In F, Op. 90) - 1. Allegro Con Brio" - 12:46
6. "Symphony #4 - 2. Andante" - 11:05
7. "Symphony #4 - 3. Poco Allegretto" - 6:04
8. "Symphony #4 - 4. Allegro" - 10:00

Disc One

Disc Two

Venetian Snares - Rossz Csillag Allat Született (2005)

Hey guys, I've been really busy with school and all that so I haven't gotten much of a chance to upload new stuff. But I have many, many albums I wish to upload on here, and this is only one that I discovered last night but has amazed me most on first listen. My first listen through this album equalled an absolute state of shock and amazement. Aaron Funk is a IDM (Intelligent Dance Music)/breakcore artist who goes by the name Venetian Snares. My friend Matt (his blog is in my page description on the right) first introduced me to Venetian Snares with his ambitious new release Detrimentalist, which was full of insane mindf***ing beats in (usually) 7/4 time or some complex time signature and never ceased to blow my mind. However, I had no idea what I was in for with this Rossx Csillag Allat Szuletett - a truly EPIC as hell cross between powerful classical tunes, as if they were in a movie soundtrack, and just as he creates the atmosphere, heavy or calming, he ambitiously shatters through it with a mindblowingly insane beat.

Full of beautiful and disturbing classical tunes and beats/glitches ready to make your brain explode, this album is a masterpiece of a true genius.

Genres: Breakcore, IDM, glitchcore, avant-garde, classical music, soundtrack music

1. "Sikertelenség" - 0:41
2. "Szerencsétlen" - 4:56
3. "Öngyilkos Vasárnap" - 3:26
4. "Felbomlasztott Mentökocsi" - 3:45
5. "Hajnal" - 7:46
6. "Galamb Egyedül" - 1:37
7. "Második Galamb" - 6:02
8. "Szamár Madár" - 5:49
9. "Hiszékeny" - 1:39
10. "Kétsarkú Mozgalom" - 8:50
11. "Senki Dala" - 2:16

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Beirut - The Flying Club Cup (2007)

I know I haven't posted for a while, but during this short hiatus I have listened to and found TONS of new music. This is one that I have been insanely obsessed with for the past month or so. Beirut, mainly consisting of 22-year-old Zach Condon and a large backing band creates a kind of indie-folk I've never heard the likes of before. Throwing together Eastern European, folk, indie rock, French and gypsy/Balkan folk influences all into one flowing style of music, along with his deep, smooth voice and 9-person backing band, these compositions are just phenomenal. This is an incredibly innovative, intriguing, and overall timeless album. Beirut has now become one of my favorite musical acts in existence - all hail Beirut!

Genres: Indie-folk, indie-rock, Balkan gypsy music, Neo-Balkan

1. "A Call to Arms" - 0:19
2. "Nantes" - 3:50
3. "A Sunday Smile" - 3:36
4. "Guyamas Sonora" - 3:32
5. "La Banlieu" - 1:58
6. "Cliquot" - 3:52
7. "The Penalty" - 2:22
8. "Forks and Knives (La Fête)" - 3:34
9. "In the Mausoleum" - 3:13
10. "Un dernier Verre (Pour la Route)" - 2:51
11. "Cherbourg" - 3:35
12. "St. Apollonia" - 2:59
13. "The Flying Club Cup" - 3:05

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LITE - Phantasia (2008)

Shit, this album is amazing. Seriously one of the smoothest and most perfect math-rock albums I've ever heard, from the Japanese band LITE.  Just listen and be amazed. That is all I can say.

Genres: Math rock, instrumental rock, progressive rock

1. "Ef" - 4:12
2. "Contra" - 3:45
3. "Infinite Mirror" - 4:39
4. "Shinkai" - 5:23
5. "Black and White" - 4:14
6. "Interlude" - 1:35
7. "Ghost Dance" - 4:31
8. "Solitude" - 5:49
9. "Phantasia" - 5:08
10. "Fade" - 5:26
11. "Sequel to the Letter" - 2:59

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Thievery Corporation - The Richest Man In Babylon (2002)

So I just got back from a quick trip in Maine, during which I listened to an intense amount of lounge music. Lounge music, typically, is an easy-listening light-style of music merging together different styles of downtempo and trip-hop electronica and is usually a very calming, chill type of music that is literally perfect to just play at a lounge, as the name implies. In the case of Thievery Corporation, extreme dub, jazz, and world music influences are portrayed. In fact, nearly all of their songs include a chill electronic beat over a dubby bassline and someone singing in some exotic middle-eastern language. 

The Richest Man In Babylon, keeping the downtempo aesthetic that all of this band's albums consist of, mixes many different styles in an audacious fashion, including a huge variety of diverse influences. With their typical dub and jazz influences, many flavors of dance music, rap, reggae, and specifically Indian music are boldly yet smoothly combined. This album truly treads the line between acoustic and electronic music, beautifully mixing together elements of echoing synth lines, heavy dub-bass, compressed beats and acoustic instrumentation. And what's really special about this album is, by the time you've reached the end, it feels as if you've just taken a beautiful, yet mellow trip through half the world, each song on the album, however vaguely, including elements of various diverse types of world music, including vocals on several tracks ranging from English to Spanish to French to Persian. This album is really quite a treasure, I highly recommend you to just grab a coffee, find a comfortable seat, and just play this album through and relax.

Genres: Lounge, electronica, downtempo, trip-hop, dub, reggae, dance music, hip-hop, world music, jazz

1. "Heaven's Gonna Burn Your Eyes" - 4:10
2. "Facing East" - 3:44
3. "The Outernationalist" - 3:330
4. "Interlude" - 1:21
5. "Omid (Hope)" - 3:48
6. "All That We Perceieve" - 3:46
7. "Un Simple Histoire (A Simple History)" - 3:36
8. "Meu Destino (My Destiny)" - 3:30
9. "Exilo (Exile)" - 3:03
10. "From Creation" - 4:20
11. "The Richest Man In Babylon" - 3:50
12. "Liberation Front" - 5:04
13. "The State of the Union" - 4:29
14. "Until the Morning" - 3:57
15. "Resolution" - 4:47

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Guru - Jazzmatazz, Vol. 1

Hey everyone, I know it's been a LONG time since I last posted, but this was mostly due to extreme laziness as well as 5 weeks on vacation. Anyhow, I have TONS of music ready to be posted so I will try my best to post as much as possible without getting too lazy.  While I was on vacation, I gained an extreme passion for hip-hop, so expect much more hip-hop on this blog in the future.

This album by Guru of the hip-hop duo Gang Starr is a great introduction to hip-hop for jazz fans as volume 1 of a series of albums he made called Jazzmatazz, a series of albums based on an experimental fusion of jazz and hip-hop, including a live jazz band playing in the background and usually an MC rapping over it. This CD also features the famous, and one of my favorite saxophonists of all time, Branford Marsalis ripping track #4, Transit Ride. The catchy and lively hip-hop beats over chill, sharp jazz improvisations and intriguing lyrics rapped by Guru really work together to create a very attractive sound that I promise you, hip-hop fan or not, you will enjoy.

Genres: Hip-hop, jazz rap, jazz

1. "Introduction" - 1:20
2. "Loungin'" - 4:40
3. "When You're Near" - 4:03
4. "Transit Ride" - 3:58
5. "No Time to Play" - 4:54
6. "Down the Backstreets" - 4:48
7. "Respectful Dedications" - 0:54
8. "Take a Look (At Yourself)" - 3:59
9. "Trust Me" - 4:38
10. "Slicker Than Most" - 2:38
11. "Le Bien, Le Mal" - 3:22
12. "Sights In the City" - 5:11

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Mohammad Reza Shajarian - Night Silence Desert (2000)

Total change of pace, but the whole point of this blog is to be innovative so here goes. As some of you might know, I come from a Persian (Iranian) background, so since childhood I have been exposed to Persian and world music. Mohammad Reza Shajarian (often known as just Shajarian), among others, is regarded as one of the masters of Persian music. This specific album is slightly different than typical traditional Persian music, but keeps such a beautiful flow and atmosphere that I thought it was 100% blog worthy for you listeners. Go into this open-minded, some of it may seem very slow, but the mood and vague, vague rhythm it builds eventually gets into segments so wonderful that it would be worth listening to an entire, God forbid, 45 minutes of mood building alone prior to. So check it out, be sure to be open minded but for any true fan of music, I'm sure this will be enjoyable. If it gets good feedback, I may put some other Persian music up here in the future.

PS. All the song titles have been translated from the original Farsi (Persian).

Genres: Traditional Persian music, Middle Eastern music, world music

1. "Silence of the Night" - 3:54
2. "Desert" - 6:15
3. "Instrument & Vocal (Poem by Baba Taher)" - 8:29
4. "Desert Night" - 2:15
5. "Rain (Lyrics by Ali Mo'allem)" - 9:36
6. "Festive Occasion" - 6:51
7. "Dotar Instrumental" - 2:11
8. "Setar Instrumental" - 6:19
9. "Instrumental & Vocal (Ghazal by Attar Naishabouri)" - 10:46
10. "Lover's Plight (Ghazal by Houshang Ebthaj)" - 6:07

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Cody ChesnuTT - The Headphone Masterpiece (2002)

Cody ChesnuTT (who emphasizes on having the 2 T's at the end of his name capitalized) is definitely one of the best new (general) acoustic acts out there. I originally heard and fell in love with him and his voice when I heard his song with The Roots, "The Seed (2.0)" from their album Phrenology. "The Seed (2.0)" is a remake of the original Cody ChesnuTT song "The Seed" (on this album), with him singing on it, with the 2.0 to distinguish it from the original version. His debut double LP (and only full-length) album, The Headphone Masterpiece, introduces Cody's very earthy and smooth sounding sound, blending elements of 60's/70's rock, funk, soul, hip-hop, R&B, and blues. If you're in the mood for some new, inspiring, earthy music, you will love his album. I also put "The Seed (2.0)" down there for download, if you want it. Just chill out and listen to some Cody ChesnuTT!

Genres: Neo-soul, rock, funk, soul, hip-hop, blues

Disc One:

1. "Magic in a Mortal Minute" - 0:38
2. "With Me in Mind" (feat. Sonja Marie) - 3:51
3. "Upstarts in a Blowout" - 3:04
4. "Boylife in America" - 2:21
5. "Bitch, I'm Broke" - 1:59
6. "Serve This Royalty" - 5:42
7. "The Seed" - 3:24
8. "Enough of Nothing" - 0:58
9. "Setting the System" - 0:46
10. "The Most Beautiful Shame" - 0:49
11. "Smoke and Love" - 3:38
12. "Michelle" - 3:08
13. "No One Will" - 2:59
14. "Batman vs. Blackman" - 1:02
15. "Up in the Treehouse" - 2:08
16. "Can't Get No Betta" - 3:32
17. "She's Still Here" - 2:15
18. "Can We Teach Each Other" - 4:02
19. "The World Is Coming to My Party" - 4:26
20. "Brother with an Ego" - 0:13
21. "War Between the Sexes" - 1:36
22. "The Make Up" - 2:31
23. "Out of Nowhere" - 1:45

Disc Two:

1. "Family on Blast" - 3:55
2. "My Women, My Guitars" - 3:15
3. "Somebody's Parent" - 1:46
4. "When I Find Time" - 4:03
5. "Eric Burdon" - 2:41
6. "Juicin' the Dark" - 4:56
7. "5 on a Joyride" - 3:32
8. "Daylight" - 0:49
9. "So Much Beauty in the Subconscious" - 2:03
10. "Daddy's Baby" - 2:37
11. "If We Don't Disagree" - 3:23
12. "Look Good in Leather" - 3:55
13. "6 Seconds" - 4:28

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The Seed (2.0)

The Sound of Animals Fighting - Tiger and the Duke (Reissue 2007)

I know I've been posting a lot of jazz-focused albums lately, but trust me that is definitely not nearly the only music I listen to. There was just so much I wanted to get up on here, and I will be getting some more up eventually, but I wanted to start putting some other stuff up here too. Anyway, The Sound of Animals fighting are an experimental/progressive rock band incorporating many members from bands such as Rx Bandits, Finch, and Circa Survive. Originally made in 2005, Tiger and the Duke is the band's first album, and although with only 4 real, full-length tracks (the rest being interludes), these 4 tracks alone make the album so worth it. With epic, tight math-rock and post-hardcore tendencies, Anthony Green's raw, yet awesome screaming vocals (along with numerous other great vocalists), and electronic breaks and interludes, the EP-ish album takes you through an adventure that makes you totally forget that it's only 4 real tracks. This 2007 reissue of the album introduced cleaner re-recorded versions of the songs, alongside 8 remixes of songs from their sophomore, 2006 album, Lover, the Lord Has Left Us... This album really is just quite a treasure and a very fun listen. Highly recommended. 

Genres: Experimental rock, progressive rock, post-hardcore, math rock, indie

1. "Overture" - 3:27
2. "Act I: Chasing Suns" - 5:11
3. "Interlude" - 2:23
4. "Act II: All Is Ash Or The Light Shining Through It" - 4:21
5. "Interlude" - 3:12
6. "Act III: Modulate Back To The Tonic" - 4:50
7. "Interlude" - 2:27
8. "Act IV: You Don't Need a Witness" - 4:46
9. "Postlude" - 0:04
10. "Postlude" - 0:04
11. "Postlude" - 0:04
12. "Postlude" - 0:04
13. "Un'aria Elettronica (Technology)" - 8:26
14. "My Horse Must Lose (Portugal The Man)" - 4:42
15. "De-Ceit (Portugal The Man)" - 3:12
16. "This Heat In Dub (Technology)" - 5:01
17. "Skullflower: Sorcerer's Mix (Portugal The Man)" - 5:00
18. "Horses In The Sky (Live Version)" - 5:47
19. "St.Broadrick, His Mistress, And The Blacksmith (The Optomist)" - 4:00
20. "The Heretic (Evol Intent)" - 4:48

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Rodrigo y Gabriela - Rodrigo y Gabriela (2006)

I just recently discovered this album and have been listening to it nonstop since. Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero are two fast-fingered, Dublin-based Mexicans who create a marvelously unique sound with just two acoustic guitars. Being big fans of metal since childhood, the duo create a sound here that is difficult to describe - a smooth hybrid of sometimes world music, rock, metal, Flamenco, Hispano, and Latin influences, their acoustic yet extremely satisfying sound is just so full of fire and passion. I really just can't get enough of this, I'm sure you listeners will be happy with this too.

Genres: Acoustic, Flamenco, world music

1. "Tamacun" - 3:26
2. "Diablo Rojo" - 4:57
3. "Viking Man" - 4:03
4. "Satori" - 5:04
5. "Ixtapa" - 5:14
6. "Stairway To Heaven" - 4:44
7. "Orion" - 7:44
8. "Juan Loco" - 3:27
9. "PPA" - 414

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The Roots - Do You Want More?!!!??! (1995)

I've really been appreciating this album and band lately, and thought I should post it. Although I don't listen to a huge amount of hip-hop/rap, this band is phenomenal. The Roots are an influential, Grammy winning hip-hop group based out of Philadelphia, famed for a heavily jazzy sound and live instrumentation, including jazz jams and elements. This is what I call good hip-hop. I really don't know what else to say about it, except that this awesome clash of hip-hop and jazz is really quite a fun album and really gets your feet tappin'. Also, it's great city music. Check it out.

Genres: Hip-hop, jazz rap, neo-soul, experimental, alternative, jazz, rap

1. "Intro/There's Something Goin' On" - 1:19
2. "Proceed" - 4:35
3. "Distortion To Static" - 4:18
4. "Mellow My Man" - 4:42
5. "I Remain Calm" - 4:08
6. "Datskat" - 3:40
7. "Lazy Afternoon" - 5:06
8. "? Vs. Rahzel" - 3:18
9. "Do You Want More?!!!??!" - 3:22
10. "What Goes On Pt. 7" - 5:33
11. "Essaywhuman?!!!??!" - 5:00
12. "Swept Away" - 3:50
13. "You Ain't Fly" - 4:43
14. "Silent Treatment" - 6:53
15. "The Lesson Pt. 1" - 5:13
16. "The Unlocking" - 8:12

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Charles Mingus - The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady (1963)

Just bought it. Possibly one of the most phenomenal albums I have ever heard. An incredible 40 minute-long piece composed by Sir Charles Mingus (written as a ballet), performed by an eleven-piece jazz band, this epic suite-like composition is split up into 4 tracks, and I can hardly put this music into words aside from "mind-blowing." Described by All Music Guide as "one of the greatest achievements by any composer in jazz history," this album truly demonstrates the genius of Mingus as a composer, orchestrator, and technician. Just listen and be amazed.

Genres: Jazz, avant-garde jazz, ethnic folk-dance music (as described by Mingus himself), big band jazz

1. "Track A - Solo Dancer" - 6:39

             "Stop! Look! and Listen, Sinner Jim Whitney!"

2. "Track B - Duet Solo Dancers" - 6:45

            "Hearts' Beat and Shades In Physical Embraces"

3. "Track C - Group Dancers" - 7:22

            "(Soul Fusion) Freewoman and Oh, This Freedom's Slave 

               Cries"

4. - 18:39

     "Mode D - Trio and Group Dancers"

                "Stop! Look! and Sing Songs of Revolutions!"

      "Mode E - Single Solos and Group Dance"

             "Saint and Sinner Join in Merriment on Battle Front"

    "Mode F - Group and Solo Dance"

             "Of Love, Pain, and Passioned Revolt, then Farewell, My 

                  Beloved, 'til It's Freedom Day"

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Miles Davis - 'Round About Midnight (1957)

This album is seriously one of the jewels of my jazz collection. Davis and Coltrane jamming it out at their best to these jazz classics, backed up by trusty Red Garland on the piano, Paul Chambers on the bass, and Philly Joe Jones hitting the drums. I especially love the track "All of You," Coltrane's entrance in that song is magnificent! Just grab a coffee and sit down and relax. Traditional jazz really doesn't get much better than this!

Genres: Jazz, hard bop

1. "'Round Midnight" - 5:58
2. "Ah-Leu-Cha" - 5:53
3. "All Of You" - 7:04
4. "Bye Bye Blackbird" - 7:57
5. "Tadd's Delight" - 4:29
6. "Dear Old Stockholm" - 7:53
7. "Two Bass Hit" (Bonus Track) - 3:45
8. "Little Melonae" (Bonus Track) - 7:22
9. "Budo" (Bonus Track) - 4:17
10. "Sweet Sue, Just You" (Bonus Track) - 3:40

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Free Moral Agents - Momma's Gun Club Vol. 1 (2006)

Even though it's only an EP, with 6 new tracks plus 3 remixes, this CD is great. Free Moral Agents is a band formed by keyboardist of The Mars Volta and underground hip-hop duo Look Daggers, Ikey Owens, using his various influences as a musician to make this eclectic mix of mellow, jazz/jazz-funk melodies, chill hip-hop beats and psychedelic tendencies. The soothing, calm vocals of Mendee Ichikawa flowing over each track (except for tracks 1, 2, and 6 which are instrumental tracks), Herbie Hancock-esque keyboards, and overriding hip-hop beats are all organized beautifully into this mellow, relaxing mix of music. A great CD just to sit down and relax to. Give it a listen.

Genres: Jazz fusion, jazz funk, hip-hop, indie, psychedelic, dub

1. "Dre's Lament" - 1:38
   
2. "Black Is the New Black" - 7:56
   
3. "Six Degrees" - 5:38
   
4. "Underwater Reverb" - 3:50
   
5. "Eve" - 4:47
   
6. "Ladies Prefer High Hats" - 3:03
   
7. "Drugs and Drink (FMA Remix)" - 4:23
   
8. "Six Degrees (Coaxial Remix)" - 5:06
   
9. "Six Degrees (Acapella)" - 4:00
   

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Charles Mingus - Blues & Roots (1959)

Charles Mingus - possibly one of the greatest jazz composers of all time. Utilizing the ambitious free jazz style of Ornette Coleman, a hot and soulful feel of hard bop and blues, influences of black gospel music, and even some influences from classical music (namely in his later works), Mingus combines these elements in a phenomenal way. Not only are his bass skills fantastic, but his organizational genius similar to that of Duke Ellington is unmistakable. When you hear Mingus, you know it's Mingus. Blues & Roots was one of his first works in which he began experimenting with avant-garde/free jazz, which he carried on to his more well known album Minus Ah Um and, as he gathered numerous other styles and influences, into his later works. With the inclusion of 4 saxophonists, 2 trombonists, and 2 pianists, along with Mingus himself on bass plus a drummer, Mingus is able to utilize all of these and organize them into one of the most loose - yet at the same time tight and structured - jazz works of all time. 

Genres: Avant-garde jazz, post-bop, blues, free jazz 

1. "Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting" - 5:43
   
2. "Cryin' Blues" - 5:02
   
3. "Moanin'" - 8:02
   
4. "Tensions" - 6:31
   
5. "My Jelly Roll Soul" - 6:50
   
6. "E's Flat Ah's Flat Too" - 6:42
   

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Kenny Burrell & John Coltrane (1958)

This incredible meet up between two jazz legends, guitarist Kenny Burrell and saxophonist John Coltrane resulted in one unique and phenomenal jazz album. Burrell's singing acoustic jazz sounds and Coltrane's intense yet calming melodies constantly are constantly shadowing one another, and the way they switch off and play along with each other draws one to adore this true perfection of a jazz album. With the addition of Tommy Flanagan of Ella Fitzgerald fame and Paul Chambers and Jimmy Cobb of Miles Davis fame, this album is truly one of the finest and most pure and perfected jazz albums out there. Its sound is always so relaxing and calming, while at the same time very fun and lighthearted. A worthy listen for any fan of jazz, so give it a listen.

Genres: Jazz, bebop

1. "Freight Trane" - 7:22
   
2. "I Never Knew" - 7:06
   
3. "Lyresto" - 5:44
   
4. "Why Was I Born?" - 3:15
   
5. "Big Paul" - 14:07
   

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Miles Davis - Bitches Brew (1970)

Bitches Brew, although one of the best-selling jazz records of all time is often seen as crossing the limits or not being jazz at all. Miles Davis, one of the most influential jazz trumpeters of the 20th century and who played an essential role in the growth and development of bebop, cool jazz, and modal jazz, began experimenting in the late 60s/early 70s with electronics and other styles. With Miles in the Sky (1968), one could already see a minor change in Miles' sound, as he began experimenting with electric piano and electric guitar at this point. The next year he released In a Silent Way which featured a full-blown electric approach and blew away the minds of many listeners as Davis shortly began to shift towards a new revelation of music - jazz fusion. Although In a Silent Way featured a huge shift and surprised many audiences, they had no idea what they were in for next. 

When Bitches Brew saw its groundbreaking release in 1970, fans, critics, and musicians worldwide went crazy. Although some see it as crossing the limits and being just all out crap, to this day the majority of society agree that it was an important and vital release. Incorporating the already introduced electronic instruments, the album also mostly rejected traditional jazz rhythms in favor of a looser, more rock-influenced improvisational style. This new style of playing music introduced a prominent style of music that has been highly influential to many musicians that came later: jazz-rock fusion. This new revelation of music was one of the most remarkable creative statements of the last century in any artistic form. 

Bitches Brew was a full on turning point in modern jazz and even music as a whole. Davis had already spearheaded two major jazz movements - cool and modal jazz - and with Bitches Brew initiated a bigger change than most thought possible. Bitches Brew was revolutionary in many ways, but perhaps its most prominent innovation was rhythmic. The rhythm section throughout the recording consists of two bassists (one on a bass guitar and the other playing a double bass), 2-3 drummers, 2-3 electric pianists, and a percussionist, all jamming at the same time, yet coordinating and communicating with each other smoothly.

If you are looking for something completely new, I can assure you that in the area of jazz fusion you will find many remarkable new things, and Bitches Brew is a great place to start, as it is essentially one of the main original roots of modern jazz fusion and even progressive rock.

Personal favorite tracks include the title track "Bitches Brew" and "Miles Runs the Voodoo Down."

Genres: Jazz-rock/jazz fusion, jazz funk, jazz, progressive rock

1. "Pharaoh's Dance" - 20:07
   
2. "Bitches Brew" - 27:00
   
3. "Spanish Key" - 17:35
   
4. "John McLaughlin" - 4:26
   
5. "Miles Runs the Voodoo Down" - 14:04
   
6. "Sanctuary" - 11:00
   
7. "Feio" - 11:47
   

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Minus the Bear - Planet of Ice (2007)

Minus the Bear's 3rd and latest studio album is just a simple step up from their previous studio album, Menos el Oso. This band never ceases to take the incredible sound they already have and just bump it up to the next level. Post rock/indie-esque guitar-taps and electronic sounds along with sophisticated time signatures defined the band's sound since their debut album, Highly Refined Pirates, and the quality of their sound is consistently being improved. Along with the indie and alternative, yet unique and distinguished sound of Menos el Oso, the band took a slightly more experimental and progressive route and refined their sound along with the help of new keyboardist Alex Rose. Smooth and catchy melodies, electronic breakdowns, math-rock style transitions, proggy interludes and jams: Planet of Ice is a fantastic album for fans of many styles of rock - from indie/experimental to Pink Floyd and Adrian Belew-era King Crimson progressive-rock. A very good listen, and every track is perfect for a just sit-down-and-relax, while on the other hand could be just as tight and energetic. Each and every track on the album is worth a listen.

Genres: Experimental rock, indie rock, math rock, alternative rock, progressive rock

1. "Burying Luck" - 4:54
   
2. "Ice Monster" - 4:04
   
3. "Knights" - 3:40
   
4. "White Mystery" - 4:39
   
5. "Dr. L'Ling" - 6:48
   
6. "Part 2" - 3:51
   
7. "Throwin' Shapes" - 2:47
   
8. "When We Escape" - 4:04
   
9. "Double Vision Quest" - 4:30
   
10. "Lotus" - 8:49
    

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Bebo & Cigala - Lágrimas Negras (2003)

Lagrimas Negras is an album that records the extraordinary encounter of young Flamenco vocalist Diego "El Cigala" and 90 year old Cuban jazz pianist Bebo Valdes. This cooperation created a wondrous project that takes you through a tour through the finest love songs of Cuba, Central & South America, and Spain. This fantastic fusion of Cuban rhythms and flamenco vocals is very calm and soothing, and even romantic, and great to listen to while cruising in your car late at night on the outskirts of the city.

Lagrimas Negras is a very soothing and romantic Latin jazz-styled album and a great listen for all fans of jazz or world music.

Personal favorite tracks include the title track "Lagrimas Negras" as well as "La Bien Paga."

Genres: Latin jazz, jazz, bossa nova, Cuban, world music

1. "Inolvidable" - 3:20
   
2. "Veinte Anos" - 4:03
   
3. "Lagrimas Negras" - 5:31
   
4. "Nieblas Del Riachuelo" - 3:07
   
5. "Corazon Loco" - 3:54
   
6. "Se Me Olvido Que Te Olvide" - 3:55
   
7. "Vete De Mi" - 2:56
   
8. "La Bien Paga" - 8:58
   
9. "Eu Sei Que Vou Te Amar" - 4:19
   

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The Mars Volta - Frances the Mute (2005)

Guitarist Omar Rodriguez-Lopez and singer Cedric Bixler-Zavala disbanded their previous band At the Drive-In desiring a new musical vehicle that would provide them more flexibility and variation than the punk and hardcore roots they felt they were pigeonholed into. They pursued this new artistic vision with their biggest and best-selling project to date with its richly diverse sounds, The Mars Volta. The Mars Volta is an eclectic mix of jazz, punk, progressive-rock, salsa, Latin music, and a myriad of other musical sub-genres and appeals to a highly varied audience.

Frances the Mute, their second studio album experiments with many intense sounds and ideas. The album follows a mysterious story which is told through the ghostly and powerful sounds composed by Rodriguez-Lopez and the haunting and strongly liturgic and poetic lyrics written and sung by Bixler-Zavala. The album displays a deep jazz influence, while at the same time infusing a Latin flavor into many songs, most obviously in "L'Via L'Viaquez." During a short breakdown in "Cygnus...Vismund Cygnus," a lengthy guitar solo by Rodriguez-Lopez is played over a jazz-fusion type of style, and this intense jazzy style is also portrayed in a build up to the epic finale of the album in the 32 minute long progressive-rock suite and closer, "Cassandra Gemini" (which is split up into 8 tracks because of its length). Rodriguez-Lopez also experimented a lot in this album with the concept of ambience. With his lengthy ambience and random sounds, including trippy beats and noises at the end of "Cygnus...Vismund Cygnus" and the sounds of Coqui frogs for nearly the first 4 minutes of "Miranda, That Ghost Just Isn't Holy Anymore," Rodriguez-Lopez helps gradually build the intended mood and helps to settle and let your ears take a break after the climatic blasts that blow the listener away in every song. The title track, "Frances the Mute" was originally meant to be the first track of the album but was removed from the CD release as it did not fit on the CD-R without making a double album, which the band did not wish to do. The song serves as a prelude or prequel to the rest of the album, and is thus considered the first track of the album, leading into "Cygnus...Vismund Cygnus."

The various sounds and moods generated from this masterpiece can appeal to a huge audience and definitely take the listener through quite a journey. If you're looking for an intense and epic listening experience, Frances the Mute by The Mars Volta is precisely what you need.

Genres: Progressive rock, psychedelic rock, experimental rock, jazz/jazz fusion, Latin

1. "Frances the Mute" - 14:36
   
2. "Cygnus...Vismund Cygnus" - 13:02
   
3. "The Widow" - 5:51
   
4. "L'Via L'Viaquez" - 12:22
   
5. "Miranda, That Ghost Just Isn't Holy Anymore" - 13:10
   
6. "Cassandra Gemini I" - 4:46
   
7. "Cassandra Gemini II" - 6:40
   
8. "Cassandra Gemini III" - 2:56
   
9. "Cassandra Gemini IV" - 7:41
   
10. "Cassandra Gemini V" - 5:00
    
11. "Cassandra Gemini VI" - 3:49
    
12. "Cassandra Gemini VII" - 0:47
    
13. "Cassandra Gemini VIII" - 0:54
    

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