Mind the Gap: A Post-Summer Roundup

It’s probably not a surprise that a significant gap has emerged since I posted celebrating the birth of O, our third child.  My output became similarly sparse after EJ was born last year, but I was hoping that my discovery of voice-to-text dictation would have granted me a little more productivity.  I admit, though, that I spent what little quiet time I had watching and speculating on the new Twin Peaks season, and my thoughts on that experience could be its own post, if not its own blog.

So in this time, of course, much has happened.  Little O is fine, and much cheerier than his colicky older sister was at this same stage in her development.  These days, however, EJ is a super happy-go-lucky kid and is part-timing in the toddler program at a local Montessori school.  P has finally settled into a life in Denton, starting first grade at the local neighborhood school which is literally around the corner from our house.  

Marching season has started, so my days start early and end late. I still have not given up on reinventing Ethnos and pursuing a musical outlet for myself, but this endeavor is on hold, at least until the end of marching season.  I am, however, still trying to make it to the dojo a couple of times a week to train and teach. Additionally, my wife has begun pursuing a long-time goal of attaining her PhD, and I am very proud of her being brave enough to step into this endeavor. If all this sounds busy and demanding, it is, but we have surrounded ourselves with an interesting and diverse village of people to act as extra hands when needed.

Although I am usually apologetic when the busyness of life causes gaps in my blogging to arise, this time I feel more forgiving of myself. Still, it is also important to me to capture and document this time and its associated music.  This summary is particularly long this time because it includes the music I purchased with my Father’s Day gift cards, way back around the time when Little O was born, so push play below, read on, and minimize to hear the whole list.

Xylorous White - Goats: An interesting intercultural lute/drumset project that ended up being far more improvisational than I had anticipated.  The jury is still out on whether White’s restless drumming is a boon or a bane.

Roger Waters - Is This the World We Really Want?: Despite being largely up to his old tricks, Waters makes a surprisingly respectable stab at remaining relevant. Ever tenacious, he downplays melody for subversive lyrics and bleak soundscapes.

Rupert Gregson-Williams  - Wonder Woman OST:  A few years ago, I adopted Paledouris’ theme from Conan the Barbarian Cas Wonder Woman’s theme song.  Gregson-Williams’ score for the 2017 movie features the same melodic strengths and warlike drumming that inspired that choice.

Talking Heads - Speaking in Tongues: While I experience most Talking Heads albums relatively free of nostalgia, Burning Down the House is very securely set in my middle school years.  Although I think it's safe to say that I would not have connected with  the album back then, I find it quite an enjoyable listen now.

Anathema - The Optimist: This album’s predecessor was a strong favorite in 2015.  There is a lot to like on The Optimist, but it hasn’t gripped me in nearly the same way. 

Tim Bowness - Lost in the Ghost Light:  Stylistically, Tim Bowness owes a lot to mid-period Genesis, and his penchant for storytelling and syrupy voice brings to mind Fish’s softer moments.  There is a sense, however, that his melodic approach is limited.

TV Eyes: A great send-up of 80’s era synth-pop by Jellyfish alumni Jason Falkner and Roger Joseph Manning Jr.  This American release has a few remixes on the album, however, that bring the whole experience down a notch.

Accordo del Contrari - Violatto Intatto: This band is nostalgic towards Italian progressive rock in the same way that Tame Impala is to 70’s psychedelia and M83 is to 80s new romanticism.  Violatto Intatto is a nostalgic distillation of all that was great about that very distinct branch of prog rock.

The Fleet Foxes - Crack-Up: While Crack-Up undoubtedly recaptures the open ambience that The Fleet Foxes have come to be known for, it also broadens the band’s scope into nonstandard songwriting.  Its an album that rewards patience and attention.

Tom Waits - Swordfishtrombones: Every few years, I get another Tom Waits album, and rarely am I disappointed.  He was, and is, a musical mad scientist that can take the ugliest sounds and make them beautiful.

Contact - Zero Moment: An amazing synth-rock project that features the drummer from 2016 favorite Zombi.  The melodic material on Zero Moment is incredibly strong and executed with no small amount of intensity.

The Amazing - Gentle Stream:  This album also has a noticeable nostalgic sound, no surprise due to the presence of the guitarist from Dungen.  The Amazing is more straightforward than Dungen, but are no less entertaining.  

Shearwater - Jet Plane and Oxbow: This album came on the tails of a top twenty album from 2013.  Again, it hits a lot of the same marks but falls short of recapturing what I loved about its predecessor.

There is much more to say about these albums, but as is usually the case when I get backed up, it is hard to know where to start. If any of my readership is interested in seeing a more focused look at any of the above albums, please let me know.