DIRTY PROJECTORS BITTE ORCA CD The follow-up to 2007's critically acclaimed and Domino debut "Rise Above". Their fifth release is a big rock album by design. Its idiosyncratic and sincere take on popular music is reminiscent of David Byrne with whom Dirty Projectors collaborated on "Knotty Pine" for the 2009 compilation "Dark Was The Night". In many ways, group leader David Longstreth could be seen as this generation's answer to Byrne, a distinctive torchbearer of labyrinthine song arrangements that go down easy.

PITCHFORK GAVE IT A 9.2!

  
JAMES BLACKSHAW THE GLASS BEAD GAME CD Utter brilliance from British 12-string guitar virtuoso James Blackshaw on his debut for Michael Gira's YOUNG GOD imprint. Blackshaw combines the sounds of traditional folk with minimalist classical composition to create a fresh and exciting take on folk music. Comparisions can be made to John Fahey and Jack Rose jamming with Terry Riley, Steve Reich and Philip Glass and you are getting the idea. One of the better releases we have heard this year! Open your ears to healing sounds of Mr. James Blackshaw.
STAFF FAVORITE

  
ASTRA THE WEIRDING CD Now that the term ‘Prog’ is no longer considered a four letter-word, the world is ready for a band like San Diego based Astra, who actually make the term vital and effortlessly cool. Their Psychedelic brand of Progressive Rock manages to avoid the ghastly, self-indulgent cliché’s that predominated the bloated gut of its bad hair styled mid-seventies/early eighties definition. Astra make timeless music for timeless people. Their sound is a true breath of fresh air in these generally stagnant times. The care and attention given to every detail within The Weirding displays a dedication that is these days seldom seen or heard. A definite must for fans of early 70's underground European Prog Psych, The Weirding is an absolute monster that is destined to be a future classic! STAFF FAVORITE

  
AMAZING BABY REWILD CD/LP NY-based Amazing Baby released their critically acclaimed "Infinite F*cking Cross" EP via free download in 2008. They were the subject of an NME Radar feature in July 2008 and a Rolling Stone Top Singles review in January 2009, among other early press raves and blog ramblings. "Rewild" is a collection of songs self-produced with limitless imagination. This album finds the band making sonic leaps complimentary to, yet well beyond the EP. Think a psychedelic T. Rex with a little ELO in the mix. Hooks galore. Features Don Devore of The Icarus Line, Ink and Dagger, Souls She Said, Lilys and Frail on bass STAFF FAVORITE