As we bid goodbye to another eventful year, let's stroll down the melodic memory lane and revisit some standout musical marvels. Featured here are 60 exceptional releases, encompassing both EPs and albums, that undeniably struck a chord with us. Please note, these are not ranked in any hierarchical order, but rather arranged according to their distinct genres for your convenience. We strongly stand behind these selections and encourage everyone to keep an open mind. Dive right in, and let the music begin.
House/Techno
Insula – “TRMBA”
On his debut album Reunion Island producer Insula creates a bold fusion of Techno and the folk music of his French Islet and the results are banging!!! While he isn’t the first producer to attempt this type of music it’s difficult to compare him to another producer directly. Maybe the closest I could get is someone like Nicola Cruz as they both as share a high level musicality. Definitely one for the dance floor but works well on the home stereo too!!!
Nia Archives – “Sunrise Bang Your Head Against The Wall” EP
Yorkshire born and bred Producer and singer Nia Archives has only been releasing music since 2020. However, her three-piece to date have seen a go from strength to strength. With this her third being her finest. It takes sound of classic Jungle combines it with some Jazzy undertones, Pop hooks and soulful vocals to create a refreshing take on those retro sounds. You could answer this out in the club or at home when your chilling.
James Holden – “Imagine This Is A High Dimensional Space of High Possibilities”
For 20 years James Holden has been at the heart of the UK’s Electronic music scene. In more recent times he has incorporated more and more influences outside of Techno and this new album is no exception. At times it sounds like an update of Indian Ragas, at others it’s beatless and beautifully Ambient. The influence of Krautrock is again strong here with the repetitive drum patterns and synth drones creating hypnotic and Psychedelic soundscapes. Holden combines all of this together to create music that’s both brilliant and as close to unique as you can get in 2023!!!
https://jamesholden.bandcamp.com/album/imagine-this-is-a-high-dimensional-space-of-all-possibilities
Ambient/Kosmiche Musique
Harold Budd - "The White Arcades"
This is a reissue of a classic album by the late, great Pianist and Ambient composer Harold Budd from 1988. Co-Produced with Robin Guthrie (Cocteau Twins) and Brian Eno. "Budd effortlessly blends together glistening synths, limpid piano notes, foggy textures and space resulting in a beautiful contemplative whole."
However, this isn't wishy-washy background music. The atmosphere is moody and austere, the music asserts itself in the listener rather than acting as passive wallpaper music. The dark beauty of the music will keep hold of you long after the album finishes.
Highly recommended for Ambient, Modern Classical and Soundtrack (especially "Twin Peaks") fans!!!
Takashi Kokubo & Andrea Esperti – “Music For A Cosmic Garden”
This album of beautiful healing Ambient music brings together Japanese environmental musician Takashi Kokubo (a track of his featured on Light in the Attic’s “Kankyō Ongaku” compilation). and Italian born Swiss trombonist Andrea Esperti. What they create is both Electronic and Organic, Sci-fi yet rooted in the World we know. It’s a fantastic voyage to go on with these two talented musicians/composers as they tour you through their imagined universe!!!
Prairiewolf – “Prairiewolf”
Prairiewolf are an American duo that channel synth and guitar sounds of 70s Kosmiche Musik . However, they put their own twist on the sounds of Cluster and Ashra Tempel adding a distinctly American country flavour and times an appropriate the cinematic scope. This is appropriate because many of the great Kosmiche Musik bands often when on to soundtrack films and other forms of visual media. This is definitely a slowly evolving listen but it's worth being patient with as it reveals more with each new listen. This is an album that truly shows that electronic music new or old can achieve that only things that live/acoustic music can sometimes more!!!
https://prairiewolfcf.bandcamp.com/album/prairiewolf Techno Animal - "Re-Entry"
A trip back to the 90s now for one of the Reissues of the Year!!! Techno Animal were Kevin Martin who went to produce as The Bug and a number of other high quality collaborations and Justin Broadrick who also went to carve out a big reputation in Electronic and Underground music. "Re-Entry" has been unavailable for the best part of 25 years and its reintroductin is very welcome!!! A fusion of Ambient, Dub and beats that are similar to the Instrumental Hip-Hop and Trip-Hop emerging at the time. It could be argued that this album laid the foundations for Dark Ambient, a sub genre that has developed over the last 20 years or so. Hopefully this Reissue both reminds fans of the album how great it is and introduces to a whole new audience for them to devour!!!
Post-Punk/Alternative Rock
Buddie – “Agitator”
One man Canadian Teenage Fanclub anyone? Well, you've got one whether you like it or not as Dan Forrest Has made an album that's got more hooks the new had hot dinners!!! This is top-notch Power Pop for the masses, Don't miss out!!!
Teke::Teke - "Hagata"
Teke::Teke create music that combines Surf Rock and Japanese Folk music, a style known as Eleki. They formed in 2018 for a tribute concert to Takeshi Terauchi, the late Rock god who popularized electric guitar music in Japan. On this, their second album, they add to this hybrid sumptuous horn and string arrangements. Add to this the incredible dynamics of their playing and you really get a full 3D musical experience that's both visceral and as it is accomplished!!!
Gina Birch – “I Play My Bass Loud”
Former bassist of Post-Punk legends the Raincoats Gina Birch has made her solo debut at 68 years old. However, the spirit of Punk and Post-Punk music lives on in this music albeit with an ear for Pop melody. If you didn't know who Gena Birch was come across this album you would be forgiven for assuming that this was a woman in her late 20s or 30s who just broken through of the Indie Pop scene. The albums title is a dead giveaway to the fact that melodic bass lines are a key aspect of the music but the other instrumentation is played with aplomb albeit simplistic/minimalist aplomb!!! Serious early Album Of The Year contender!!!
Midwife & Vyva Melinkolya – “Orbweaving”
“Orbweaving” is one of the most subtle albums you will hear this year. The album brings together to women whose experimental output is interesting in its own right but bring the two together and you have something that is truly arresting. This music isn't difficult but neither will it connect instantly. However, it is worth bearing with, it is worth peeling away its layers and finding the beautiful and quirky sounds that exist within. With each lesson you will find something new that evokes deep emotion or pleasant sonic surprise!!! Album Of The Year contender, check it out now!!!
Dream Nails - "Doom Loop"
On their second album Dream Nails deliver a Punk Rock Molotov cocktail!!! Explosive distorted guitars, punchy drums and rumbling bass back the bands socio-political messages!!! The bands sound recall any number of Punk bands but most noticeable is their similarities with 90s Alt. Rock legends The Breeders and 00s Post-Punk/Electro revivalists The Gossip (see the basslines and use of glittery synth sounds)!!! All-in-all the album is a blast, check it out now!!!
Afro Beat/Afro Funk
Helen Nkume and Her Young Timers – “S/T”
This difficult to find Nigerian High Life album is finally available for the world to hear!!! What a joy it is combining both slow burning High Life tracks and a dance floor filler that a fusion of Jazz, Afrobeat and High Life. Fantastic stuff from the late 70s!!!
Orchestra Gold – “Medicine”
Orchestra Gold are based in Oakland, California, however, they channel the melodies and rhythms of traditional Malian music and fuse it with African Psychedelic Rock!!! This combination is refreshing as it is groove laden and percussive!!! The band honours both of the musical styles they bring together and deliver it all with aplomb!!!
Dur-Dur Band – “The Berlin Session”
This album is the first recorded by Somali Funk Legends Dur-Dur Band since their heyday in the 1980s and 1990s. They reunited in 2019 to record this great session of sweaty Somali Funk in Berlin at the Neukoln Theatre a venue similar to the Somali theatre they used to record in. As usual the band sound as Asian as they do African due the cultural influences on Somalia. This makes for an interesting contrast to the very African rhythms and grooves of the music. It's a triumphant return and one well left checking out!!!
Remi Kabaka – “Son of Africa”
This album is one of the most sought-after Afro Funk albums of all time, at one point fetchching £700 online!!! The good news is it comes from Remi Kabaka a legend of UK Afro Funk and this album of wall-to-wall bangers!!! It's a no-frills affair of early Kool and the Gang style Funk that will delight DJs, turntablists, Hip-Hop producers and African loving crate diggers alike!!!
Bixiga 70 - "Vapor"
Bixiga 70 are a Brazilian Afro Beat band that have a back catalogue up there with the best in the genre!!! "Vapor" is no different and is possibly their best album to date. The core sound is still there but the addition of Thumb Pianos and heavy Synth sounds signal a renewing of the band's sound!!! Furthermore the influence of Brazilian music is felt more strongly balancing out the fusion that had previously been in favor of the Nigerian Afrobeat influences. Overall, this is a band reinvigorated and you can both hear and feel it!!!
Funk
Jean Claudric - "Jeu Du Dames (Bande Originale Du Film)" 7" 8.5/10
This reissue is a brief yet brilliant example of French soundtrack/Library Funk!!! Swooning Strings, punchy horns, punchy drums, loping basslines and plenty of fuzz guitar leads make up the sound!!! Though the ingredients are typical for these genres Claudric delivers a dynamic and thrilling ride and you will simply want to play this over and over and over again!!!
https://bornbadrecords.bandcamp.com/album/ost-jeu-de-dames
Charif Megarbane - "Marzipan (Habibi Funk 023)"
This Album is the first full length release of Arabic and Middle Eastern music reissue label Habibi Funk. It comes courtesy of Lebanese multi instrumentalist and producer Charif Megarbane. On this Album he combines influences from his own Lebanese background, mediterranean music and 1960’s and 70’s Library music. This makes for an eclectic collection that nevertheless sits together in a cohesive and satisfying way. If you’re already a fan of any of these styles of music this one is going to make you very happy!!!
https://habibifunkrecords.bandcamp.com/album/habibi-funk-023-marzipan The Allergies - "Tear The Place Up"
UK Hip-Hop/Funk/Breaks Production duo The Allergies are back and they are at their party starting best!!! Alongside their usual break beats, dusty samples and rogues gallery of powerhouse vocalists and MCs I they have doubled down on the Latin Funk flavour they started to introduce on "Promised Land" (2021). The duo's ability to continue involving from their original block rocking formula and still keep the party going is super impressive!!! May The Allergies Rock your party for many years to come!!!
Adi Oasis – “Lotus Glow”
French-Caribbean Bassist and Singer Adi Oasis is more than capable across the genres of Funk, Jazz and R&B which this latest album provide buckets of evidence of!!! The production of the album gives it a deluxe feel. However, she isn’t afraid to bring the Funk grooves and strident horns to the party and this makes for a dynamic and always engaging album that will also make you dance!!! A joy from staart to finish check out “Lotus Glow” now!!!
DJ Muro – “Diggers Dozen”
DJ Muro is a legend in Hip-Hop both in terms of his incredible record collections, turntablist/remixing skills and his ability to curate killer compilations/mixes. His latest bring together 12 top notch tracks from the Japanese Jazz-Funk and Latin Jazz scenes of the 70s. This scene is legendary in it’s own right but there is still a skill in beginning together a set of tracks that works together and Muro does this with aplomb throughout the compilation. A very early contender for Compilation of the Year!!!
Fingier Records – “El Sonido De Fingier Records”
This compilation album brings together raw and fresh sounding Funk, Soul, Samba and Jazz 7" courtesy of Argentinian label Fingier Records. The album is top Quality throughout and there's a lot of bangers to be found for the DJs out there!!!
Joao Donato & Donatinho – “Sintetizamor”
Now this album might sound like it's by two Brazilian Wonderkids you've just discovered on Football Manager!!! However, they are in fact the father and son duo comprising of Brazilian music legend Joao Donato and his very talented son. But this album out in Brazil in 2017 and it is just been reissued worldwide for Record Store Day 2023. While the sounds of 70s and 80s Synth Funk matched with contemporary beats might come across a bit cheesy there is no doubt that this album is wall-to-wall bangers!!! Check it out now!!!
https://joodonatoedonatinho.bandcamp.com/album/sintetizamor John Carroll Kirby – “Blowout”
“John Carroll Kirby is a GRAMMY Award-nominated producer, composer and keyboardist from Los Angeles. New album Blowout was inspired by the local people, music and nature of Costa Rica. In addition to his acclaimed solo albums, Kirby has collaborated with Solange, Harry Styles, Yves Tumor, Eddie Chacon, and more.”
The album was inspired by a recent trip to Costa Rica where he fell in love with the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful natural surroundings. As a result Carroll Kirby decided to combine tropical instruments e.g. Steel Drums, field recordings of oropendola birds with an upbeat Jazz Funk that’s vintage sounding with lots of flutes, analogue synths and drum machines!!! The result is a laid back yet melancholic sound but there’s still enough punch and groove to get the head nodding and the foot tapping!!!
https://johncarrollkirby.bandcamp.com/album/blowout Breaks and Swells - "Entomology"
Breaks and Swells are a lively Funk Band from Seattle. Their modern take on the classic Funkand Soul sound combines chicken scratch guitars and analogue synths and soaring horns. All this is topped off by the soulful vocals of Marquetta Miller. Check it out now!!!
Jazz
Benjamin Herman - "Nostalgia Blitz"
Benjamin Herman is an English Saxophonist who has a career that not only spans four decades but also multiple genres of Jazz. On "Nostalgia Blitz" he curates "a wild collection of ideas and influences drawing on an alternative saxophone universe from Benjamin's formative years. Benjamin Herman explains: "When I picked up the saxophone in 1980, it was the coolest instrument on the planet. Besides an abundance of sax heroes in pop, fusion and jazz music, the 80s also had individuals who did it all their own way. James Chance, John Lurie, Xero Slingsby, and of course Dutch mover and shaker Hans Dulfer were some of my favorites. Saxophonists with an attitude: supercharged, perky, and highly creative."
The music Herman presents here is definitely influenced by the Post-Punk, No Wave sounds of those mentioned above. It's as obsessed with pushing the Sax into Punk territory as it is with getting people dancing!!! The energy is infectious, the passion for this music deeply felt!!! Herman's skills in the Sax are undeniable and his band is tight as an oil drum!!!
Ultimately the album is a tribute to Herman's saxophone heroes both those mentioned earlier but also Jazz legends Charlie Parker, Johnny Hodges, Sonny Rollins, and John Coltrane. Herman lives up to all of his heroes and then some!!! Check it out now!!!
Adrian Younge, Al Shaheed Muhammed & Lonnie Liston Smith – “Jazz Is Dead 17”
For the latest volume in their Jazz Is Dead series multi-instrumentalist/producers Adrian Younge and Al Shaheed Muhammad team up with cosmic Jazz innovator Lonnie Liston Smith to create an album that updates his sound for the 21st-century!!! While you could definitely say that it captures the classic sound Younge and Muhammad bring a Hip-Hop sensibility and their own considerable musical talents to the table. They do not fall into Liston Smith's shadow but neither do they try and overshadow him. The result is refreshing and will put us big smile on your face, check it out now!!!
The Circling Sun – “Spirits”
The Cycling Sun are a New Zealand Jazz collective who bring together influences from both Modal and Spiritual Jazz. Most of the time though they sound like a much less produced version of The Cinematic Orchestra around the time of their "Everyday" (2003) album. There's definitely more solos (and some bit too far) but for the most part this is a measured yet soulful set of original Jazz tracks. Just in time the soundtrack chilled summer evenings!!! Check it out now!!!
https://soundwayrecords.bandcamp.com/album/spirits Matthew Halsall - "An Ever Changing View"
Matthew Halsall is a trumpeter, composer and bandleader who has been at the forefront of the UK Jazz revival for over a decade now. With each new album his sound evolves and improves and "An Ever Changing View" might be his best to date. In addition to the beautiful Spiritual Jazz influences that are Halsall's trademark comes a slew of World Music influences (instruments like the Thumb Piano are used throughout the album) and increased use of the Harp. These sounds are subtly interwoven into the music and further enhance it!!! This is an Album of Year Contender albeit a quiet and subtle one!!!
Thysenterprise - “ESSENTIAL”
Since 2018 Thysenterprise has established himself as a critically acclaimed Instrumental Hip-Hop producer and multi instrumentalist…yes he's that talented he excels at two musical disciplines!!!
On “ESSENTIAL” he brings both styles together in tribute to his musical heroes. He weaves together sampled elements and effects with live instrumentation, his saxophone playing lead a majority of the time. It is the live instrumentation that dominantes though in his fusion of Jazz and Hip-Hop (it's usually the other way around).
The cleaner production is a departure from his early material that was defined by its energy and ragged feel. The mood is also more reflective, showing his love for Jazz legends John Coltrane, Charlie Parker. This is by far Thysenterprise widest ranging album emotional “touching on moments of joy, sorrow and perseverance.”
With “ESSENTIAL” Thysenterprise has demonstrated yet another way to fuse together Jazz and Hip-Hop and the results with be immensely satisfying for fans of both genres!!! Album Of the Year contender!!!
Latin American music
Ana Frango Electrico - "Me Chama De Gato Que Eu Sou Sua"
Ana Frango Electrico has been an up and comer for a while in the Brazilian music scene. Her last album was nominated for a Latin Grammy (and was an Eclectic Selections favourite) and this was the first sign of what was to come. Because with her new album Ana has become a leader, a new level of confidence surging through the music.
That isn't the only change (for the positive) with her classic Brazilian influences marrying with Disco and Funk Grooves!!! She sings in English for the first time and her lyrics change from abstract to personal. You see this is Ana's coming out album and she is celebrating herself to the fullest while never being afraid to show her more vulnerable side.
This is an album full of fun but also with tender moments at its centre. Ana Frango Electrico has taken her music to the next level and it's a joy to behold!!!
https://anafrangoeletrico.bandcamp.com/album/me-chama-de-gato-que-eu-sou-sua La Columna De Fuego - "Desde España…La Columna De Fuego"
This is a first time reissue of a record previously only available in Columbia that combines heavy Rock, Funk, Soul, Cumbia and Currulao. It's a fast paced and Funk mix that's sure to get people heading straight to the dancefloor!!! Throw in top notch innovative musicianship and you have another album that demonstrates why Columbia is only second to Brazil as the greatest South American country for music!!!
Lucas Santtana – “O Paraiso”
Brazil has a fantastic musical heritage and it would easy for contemporary artists like Lucas Santtana to just recreate past musical glories of the greats. However, instead he use subtly to bring Bossanova into the 21st Century. This mostly achieved with the use of technology both in terms of effects like Reverb and Delay but also the interweaving of field recordings taken from nature. This is Santtana’s meditation on nature and our relationship with it, he wants to us to see the paradise in front of us. Thankfully, it isn’t just the technology and overarching concept that make this album great but also the fantastic tunes and musicianship that seem to be almost standard in Brazilian music!!!
Insolito UniVerso – “Ese Puerto Existe”
Insolito UniVerso are a Paris based Trio of Venezuelan expats whose music combines folk traditions of their home country with plethora of modern Western music influences. They put out their debut album in 2018 and it was a solid effort. In between times key member Raul Monsalve released the brilliant "Bichos" (2020) album of Venezuelan Afro fusion music and you can hear some of it sounds here. What's more the quality of the songwriting and production has increased dramatically and there is a better balance between the modern and traditional music elements. On top of that they have roped in some fantastic collaborators with Malcolm Catto (The Helocentrics) returning as producer plus musical contributions from Laetitia Sadier (Stereolab) and Eblis Alvarez (Medrian Brothers). There's been a lot of great contemporary Latin fusion music in recent years and this album holds its own amongst them, check it out now!!!
Waltel Branco – “Meu Balanco”
This is a very cool album from a very cool Brazilian!!! Waltel Branco contributed to many classic Brazilian recordings during his lifetime (sadly he passed in 2018) as a guitarist, composer, conductor and arranger. This solo album from 1975 "flirts between jazz-funk, cinematic library excursions, breaks and beats, easy-listening, and 70s cop show instrumentals" pulling them all off with a slick aplomb!!! Now is a good times to up your cool points and get this album in your life!!!
Of Tropique – “Buster Goes West”
Of Tropique they get a very unique place in music they are Japanese music collective that plays their own version of Cumbia music style originally from Colombia but popular throughout South America. Musical reference point including Spaghetti Western, samples of old cartoon soundtracks and on one track an almighty drum break that will get the B-Boys on the floor!!! In many ways it's an album that could only come out of Japan, it's colourful it's imaginative and it's awesome!!!
https://oftropique.bandcamp.com/album/buster-goes-west Grupo Pan - "Pan"
Grupo Pan have been described as Led Zeppelin, had they been formed in Caracas and this is a very accurate description. If you enjoy fuzzy guitars, thick bass and heavy drums you’ll find plenty to love here. However, this isn’t a mere retread of the classic Zep sound. With Grupo Pan adding feisty horn arrangements and lilith rhythms that are typically associated with Salsa. All in all it’s like the ultimate 70’s South American party!!!
Psychedelic Rock/Avant Pop
Misha Panfilov - “Atlantico”
“Estonian multi-instrumentalist, producer and composer Misha Panfilov” has been releasing albums that combine the influences of Funk, Jazz, Library music and all the varieties of Psychedelic music for a few years now. This time he is inspired by the isolated Atlantic island of Madeira, where the album was recorded with local musicians. Panfilov was inspired by the stunning surroundings and being able to relax away from the world. This really shows in the music's laid back exotica inspired grooves. However, this isn't wallpaper music; the musicians regularly find new levels of intensity and spin the music in new directions. This is Psychedelic music in its purest form tracing back to its early 60s origins and taking in everything that has happened since. An incredible journey to a beautiful place!!!
https://mpsc.bandcamp.com/album/atl-ntico Moundabout - "An Cnoc Mor"
Moundabout are the current project from "Paddy Shine, of psychedelic powerhouse GNOD, and Phil Masterson, of cult groups Los Langeros, Damp Howl and Bisect."
This new album is named after "Cnoc Mórna nGaibhlte (or The Big Hill Of The Galtees) an imposing sandstone and shale peak in Munster, from which vantage point the horizon retreats to impossible-seeming distances. They chose this as a base camp for their latest expedition into a new form of psychedelic Irish folk music."
The music is eerie, ambient and at times cinematic. There's both a real sense of place and time but the duo are also keen to warp it!!!
The duo begins together acoustic guitar, electric guitar, dual vocals and spare, crusty" accompaniment from antique Hammond drum machine, analogue synth, plus field recordings. The same formula as their debut but this time they push further out" creating a freer yet more imposing version of their sound.
Whatever you want to call this music, one thing for sure is this is Ancient Irish music, the most Ancient you can get!!!
Meiko Kaji – “Hajiti Uta"
Originally released in 1973 in Japan, this album and the artist behind it has gained a cult following thanks to one of tracks being included on the "Kill Bill 2" soundtrack. The music combines Soul, Funk and Lounge music sounds and rhythms with tasteful splatters of spaghetti western guitar and analogue synthesiser!!! Equally chilled and chilling this is a great one for lovers
Seaming To – “Dust Gatherers”
I can remember 20 years ago when Seaming To was very much a vocalist in demand. She had featured in tracks by the likes of The Herbaliser are and Mr.Scruff. Then she seemed to just disappear, little did we know that she would reappear in style. That style isher own take on “Avant Pop” as her own press release states. To give you an idea of what this sounds like I would compare her to the likes of Julia Holter or Kate Bush. Songs can be very orchestrated, lush and full of thick analogue synthesisers and warbling theremins. However, they can also be sparse and intimate. Whatever mode Seaming To chooses to perform in she is always the one leading the way throughout the music. It's rare to hear such ambitious projects and rarer still to hear it pulled off with such aplomb!!!
Yo Diablo -”Häxan”
Spanish Psychedelic Rock duo reinterprets 100-year-old Danish Horror film soundtrack anyone? No, I wouldn't have thought that would be an Album Of The Year contender either but here we are. Marcos Herrero (guitars, keyboards, zurna and saxophone) and Victor Vila (drums, congas and percussion) crafted evolving and dark Psychedelic Rock that takes influences from" Ethio-Jazz pioneer Mulatu Astatke, tribal jazz guitar of Gábor Szabó, Mediterranean folk and 70's Psychedelic Rock. All this combines for a unique take on the genre. One matched by the high levels of production, musicianship and melody!!!
Nabihah Iqbal - “Dreamer”
This is an album that came out heartbreak after the loss of her grandfather and dealing with the turmoil of the early part of the Covid 19 pandemic. This led to Iqbal going back to basics using only an acoustic guitar and harmonium (traditional Indian instrument used in religious services) as well as a lot of reflection on her emotional and mental well-being. This is very much reflected in the music which sounds like a combination of Electronic music sounds and the gauzy guitar effects driven sound of Shoegaze. Which you wouldn't expect to necessarily bring the kind of emotional heft that it does. However, that just means that Iqbal's achievements on this album are even more impressive!!! Definitely an Album Of The Year contender!!!
https://nabihahiqbal.bandcamp.com/album/dreamer Les Abranis – “Amazigh Freedom Rock – 1973-1983”
This compilation brings together keyworks of Algerian Rock innovators Les Abranis. Through their time together they traversed both Garage Rock and Psychedelic Rock experiments via Prog Rock and onto Funk and Disco. The band combined these genres with their traditional Berber melodies. This makes for a unique brand of Rock music with plenty of groovy rhythms bumping away beneath the fuzzy guitar leads and synthesizers. Definitely one for anyone who is a fan of anything that has come out on Habibi Funk Records. https://abranis.bandcamp.com/album/amazigh-freedom-rock-1973-1983 Lalalar - "En Kotu Iyi Olur"
In their second album it's more, more, more for Lalalar!!! That's more Turkish Psychedelic Rock, more four to the floor beats and more Industrial crunch!!! It might not be the most obvious combination of sounds but works and works extremely well!!! Check it out now!!!
Orions Belt - "Women"
On their third album this Norwegian Psychedelic Pop/Rock Trio add swooning Strings to their already jam packed sound!!! The String arrangements are executed with aplomb adding a new dynamic to the bands bustling grooves, Dub inspired FX and strong sense of melody.
Seablite "Lemon Lights" 8.5/10
It would be easy to simply label the latest album from Seablite as a cynical attempt to cash in on the current resurgence of Dream Pop and Shoegaze. Or as a lazy Lush tribute.
However, it's neither of these things. Instead it's an album filled with fantastic songs that recall those sub genres (and yes Lush on a few occasions). But also combines it with influences from the contemporary Indie Pop scene in San Francisco.
The twin vocals have always been the bands trademark and it's no different here. There are plenty of great harmonies and hooks to make this music super memorable!!! All-in-all this album will bring a smile to the faces of many fans of the bands influences without soaring it by feeling like a rip off!!! Check it out now!!!
Instrumental Hip-Hop
Ewonee - “Aux Tapes Vol. 6”
Instrumental Hip-Hop producer Ewonee recently released the latest his "Aux Tapes beat tape series. It's one of the best be tapes of the year so far and shows the as a real skill when it comes to not only chopping up samples but also selecting the right samples. This isn't music that feels the need to be full of sounds layered on top of each other. But the sound never feels calculated it feels curated. Each sample earns its place and so is a purpose musically and emotionally. So what are you waiting for check out this soulful minimal potential masterpiece now!!!
A beat tape that deftly weaves together musical and spoken word samples to illustrate the story and politics of India and Pakistan and their relationship with the British Empire, yep it's 2023 and that exists!!! The depth of musical knowledge displayed is impressive and Lapgan was able to call upon the expertise and record collection of Nishant Mittel, a music archivist and DJ based in Delhi. That combined with Lapgan's skills at making dusty yet contemporary Hip-Hop beats is a match made in heaven!!!
https://lapgan.bandcamp.com/album/history Soul Acantha Lang - "Beautiful Dreams"
This is the debut Album by Soul, Blues and Funk singer Acantha Lang. However, this is someone who has established their credentials long before this Album came out. Acantha is from New Orleans via London and through her ‘Standing On The Shoulders Of Soul’ video series she not only established an audience, but also the fact that she can recreate Soul with the best of them!!! This album is no different with Lang ripping through a range of styles vocally and musically and making them all her own. If you want something stuffed with Soul, then this is the Album for you!!! https://acanthalang.bandcamp.com/album/beautiful-dreams
Jalen Ngonda - "Come Around and Love Me"
Soul singer Jalen Ngonda has come out of nowhere to deliver a debut album that will knock your socks off!!! From the incredible attention to detail in the music and it's arrangements to the authentic production and of course Ngonda's voice and emotional lyrics!!! This is an album about love and it could have been an unfortunate mush fest. Instead it's warm and life affirming, a reminder that we all need Romantic love in our lives even if sometimes it hurts real bad!!! Album Of The Year contender for sure!!! https://jalenngonda.bandcamp.com/album/come-around-and-love-me Dub Reggae Creation Rebel - "Hostile Environment"
Dub Reggae Legends Creation Rebel return with their first album in 40 years!!! The good news is it feels like they never went away slipping straight back into their Groove like it was yesterday. What a Groove it is with the album produced by another legend of the genre Adrian Sherwood. As ever Sherwood doesn't rest on his laurels driving the trio forward with music that both brings their sound up to date and references the Classic sounds we all know and love!!! All-in-all the album is a huge triumph!!!
Matthew Puffet (aka Future Beat Alliance) - "Lower The Anchor"
This is a huge one for Electronic music fans!!! A new album from Matthew Puffet aka Future Beat Alliance!!! Puffet is well established under his pseudonym but has now decided to release an album under his own name. It makes sense as this album is an intimate affair, emotive and relatively quiet. The key influence that comes through here is that of Legendary film composer Vangelis, chiefly in the expressive synth melodies and harmonies throughout the album. But this isn't a throwback to 80s soundtracks (not that that would be a bad thing) but a mature and deep work of Electronic music. This is an album that will reward you over gand over again with each repeat listen. So what are you waiting for, go get started!!! https://futurebeatalliance.bandcamp.com/album/lower-the-anchor
Maroulita de Kol - "Anasana"
The debut album from this Berlin based Greek solo artist combines Greek folk music with Electronic drones and effects, grandiose piano and de Kol’s beautiful voice to create music that transports you to her home of Athens. However, this is a thoroughly modern feeling album. Even if it's meditative sound is odds with the constant hive of activity that is modern life. The album recalls "Ekstasis" by Julia Holter which also used Greek folk music influences in a modern music context. Check it out and let yourself be immersed in this wonderful music!!!
https://maroulitadekol.bandcamp.com/album/an-sana-2 Hip-Hop Mega Ran - "Buddy's Magic Toy Box"
MC and songwriter Mega Ran has always been a child at heart with his run career to date littered with tributes to video games, wrestlers and TV shows from his Youth. So it's only natural that after that history (and becoming a foster Father) that he would create a Children's album. The perspective is of a Father but Mega Ran is definitely on the children's level when explaining Bullying or celebrating Recess in a Ska stylee!!! This is a refreshing twist on the Children's album and is packed with quality throw back beats, catch choruses and charming Melodies!!! Check it out now!!!
https://random.bandcamp.com/album/buddys-magic-toy-box McKinley Dixon – “Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!!?”
On his fourth Album, Chicago Rapper McKinley Dixon combines the spontaneous nature of Live Jazz instrumentation and the solid foundation of Hip-Hop beats and production.
This gives the Album a sense of the familiar, but also a fresh twist on sounds of the past. The concept behind the Album and its title come from author Toni Morrison which further reinforces that feeling of familiarity and the invoking of childhood memories. In a quiet year for Hip-Hop, “Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!!?” is a real standout of the genre!!! https://mckinleydixon.bandcamp.com/album/beloved-paradise-jazz-2 Gospel Diepkloof United Voice - “Harmonizing Soweto: Golden City Gospel and Kasi Soul From the New South Africa”
The first ever Gospel album to be recommended by Eclectic Selections is here!!! A warm and wonderful hug of a sound floods from the speakers. With bass heavy baritone, heavenly harmonies and soulful lead vocals it's like your ears and soul are having a sauna!!! Whether the mood is sad and reflective or uplifting and joyous, Diepkloof United Voice always delivers the goods!!!