Check out some of the new singles, albums, and/or re-issues that dropped this first week of 2024 (or the final weeks of 2023). All are available for purchase/download and stream via Bandcamp.
Allá – Because | In 2010 Allá began work on what was to be their second full-length album Feed The Dragon (FTD) after 2009’s Digs (ep) and 2008’s Es Tiempo (album) both released on legendary Belgian label Crammed Discs. Feed The Dragon is a massive departure from the trailblazing “Latin Psychedelia” of Es Tiempo, a genre Allá unknowingly kicked into the collective unconscious for future generations to exploit. Why the radical departure into the electronic sampladelic pop experiments of Feed The Dragon? Let us explain.
A chance encounter in 2008 with Lupe’s Fiasco’s producer (which yielded a still unreleased collaboration) and meeting Flying Lotus backstage at 2010s inaugural North Coast these two events completely changed the trajectory of the group. “Because” was written and produced in 2010 and was one of the first batches of songs Allá shared with their label and PR company at the time. By the way, this same PR company was representing Wu-Tang, Odd Future, Frank Ocean, Little Dragon, and NIN. That is a whole other story. They all passed on it. And the final last words from our publicist in 2010 was “I have no idea how to market this music anymore, people will understand Allá in twenty years”.
El Digitalazo Vol.2 – El nuevo ritmo cordobés | “After its debut with the first publication in June this year, this new volume appears to bid farewell to 2023. With each new release, El Digitalazo gradually consolidates the foundations of the ideal space to experiment with the Cuarteto. The Cuarteto, the popular rhythm of Córdoba, Argentina, recently celebrated 80 years of existence and since then it has been and continues to be the soundtrack of many generations. It has always been played at events as varied as birthdays, weddings, barbecues, neighborhood centers, on the radio in the greengrocer’s shop, or on a neighbor’s pavement. Its maximum expression: “el baile” where every night the communion of the people of Cordoba takes place, with different orchestras playing from Monday to Monday. Whether consumed directly or indirectly, most Cordobeses have enjoyed throwing a few steps to the rhythm of the tunga-tunga.”
Presenting the second thematic volume on the “Aquapelagos” series – a collection of split LPs where selected artists offer their own take into water-surrounded cultures and communities. After the initial release of the Anthology compilation Aquapelago in 2022 (Discrepant, CREP91) and the split LP Atlantico by Lagoss & Banha da Cobra (Keroxen, KRXN027) we proudly introduce a unique collaboration in the series in the shape of no other than two improvising giants, Mike Cooper and Pierre Bastien.
Putumayo World Music just announced Tropical Party by Putumayo by Putumayo Discovery.
Thedoctorremix just released Osibisa – Sunshine Day ( Dj. Iván Santana 2024 Soulful house remix ) Limited by Osibisa – Sunshine Day ( Dj. Iván Santana 2024 Soulful house remix ) Limited, check it out here.
SHANGO RECORDS just released SHNG223 BERKAY METE-Hallelujah EP by Berkay Mete, check it out here.
In keeping with tradition, the new year brings another offering from Portuguese pianist and composer Tiago Sousa. “Organic Music Tapes Vol.3,” the third installment in Tiago’s ongoing series, continues to develop a freeform dual approach to organic and fluid compositions for Piano and Organ – this time adding a real church tube organ to the proceedings. Evolving from the foundation laid in the first two volumes, Sousa introduces the pipe organ into his signature piano compositions, expanding his sonic palette into an even more otherworldly organic realm.
De5ierto’s (Daniel Klauser) latest offering – Mirando el techo – is not just an auditory journey but a thought-provoking exploration of the intricate intersections between music, culture, and the pressing issues of our time. With its experimental approach and socially charged themes, this EP promises to resonate with listeners on a profound level.
“Wesli released “Blackman Samba” to commemorate the independence of Haiti proclaimed on January 1, 1804. Wesli is one of Haiti’s most revered and accomplished musicians and his hot new single “Blackman Samba” is a powerful mix of Haitian roots music with funk, reggae, dancehall, soul and Afrobeat.
The second single from Wesli’s upcoming album is accompanied by an amazing music video filmed in Haiti and Miami. The song has an important message: “As a Blackman, our culture gives us our own identity. Don’t define us with your stereotypes. The only way you’ll know us is by sitting down and learning who we are.”
Esclavo y Amo by Grupo Gallardo
Pre-order: Crass – A Pictorial History Book
After working on this book, on and off for over 30 years, trying to gather and piece together the Crass jigsaw puzzle, it finally became time to say ‘it’s finished’. Of course in this particular case this ‘finished’ means ‘not finished’ and it will be left to the viewer to correct all the mistakes you will undoubtedly find.
Even so, we hope you will find this book of interest, if not an inspiration to fight on.
Like the book, finding peace is never finished and the injustices to each other rage on and on.
