MV + EE - Country Stash (TLR076 / Blatant Obviousness)

props to Safe Harbor for the sweet-leaf

The heat was oppressive, the sun domineering and the beads of sweat that descended from my scalp had the taste of hopelessness and hardship.  The summer of 2011 was imbued by sun-baked memories of MV + EE Country Stash; Matt's solo lp on Woodsist, the High Llamas and Mind over Mirrors.   The deck on the back of the house symbolized a reprieve from my day job of driving a drunk - days which were more or less full of loathing.  A lot of sticks were burned and copious beer was consumed.  It was on that deck, ripped and ready, that I was afforded peace.  Some of the best moments occurred in the glow of MV + EE's spectrasound.  When you need a friend, look no farther than MV + EE. 

For me, nobody is currently rocking out like MV + EE.  They emit some of the best vibes around. Country Stash, released by Three Lobed Recordings and Blatant Obviousness, is full of fidelity: Travelling along the golden road are Jeremy Earl, Woodsists; Mick Flower; Coot Moon; Doc Dunn; Mike Smith; Rongoose; Paulie G; Rafi Bookstaber, Death Chants and Humito; and Andy Ramsay, Stereolab and High Llamas.  "Foxy One" features the beautiful three-way harmonies of MV, EE and Jeremy along with the tambourine of Coot Moon and Mick's bass.  The track ends in a haze of reverb, providing the transition into "Crash Palace of Records".   Crash Palace features the aforementioned harmonies and includes Doc Dunn on percussion and Mike Smith on bass.  "Tea Devil", a road favorite, starts out the flip-side and is followed by the closer, "No There, There".  Special praise is reserved for the title track, "Country Stash", which closes out the first side in stellar fashion.  Though I usually do not mention specific songs, if i were to select a track of the year, then "Country Stash" would win.  From the second "Crash Palace of Records" ends, the guitars, mandolin, flute, bass and drums of "Country Stash" make it feel like everything will be alright.   I cannot get past that feeling of friendship, which is omnipresent on MV+EE recordings.           

Three Lobed, one of the best in the biz, still has copies available.  Supposedly, the next MV+EE record will be released on Three Lobed this summer.  If that is true, then the ship will need to be fueled and provisions acquired in sufficient quantity.  Nothing will make me forget those hot summer days on the deck, surrounded by half-consumed sticks, empty bottles and best of all, the companionship of MV + EE.  

special thanks to Experimedia for sharing this great preview of all the tracks.

The Aloha Spirit - Under Wild Skies (TQ20)

A few connotations for Aloha in Hawaiian language are peace and compassion.  While that association may not be the intent of Brad Barry - the man behind c60 Radio - it is unequivocally apt.  When I think of Aloha Spirit, I immediately conjure up images of empathy, compassion and friendship.  Just a quick glimpse at c60 leaves one with feeling that Brad recognizes good music and knows the tape culture.  Some of the artists featured in his final three shows include Cloudland Ballroom; Parashi; Panabrite; Lunar Miasma; Greg Davis; Rambuten; and Quiet Evenings.  

Tranquility Tapes has released a great tape of soothing synth tones and loops.  Tranquility consistently releases great tapes.  Some of my favorite tapes of last year - Emuul; Panabrite; and Venn Rain - were Tranquility releases.  Those releases, as well as this one, perfectly fit the aesthetic produced by Franklin Teagle, head honcho at Tranquility.  Caroline Teagle, as always, provides compelling artwork - colors that imbue the music.  Her singular artwork makes every tape special. 

Listening to Under Wild Skies is tantamount to accepting the hand of a friend.  Brad makes emotionally resonant music.  On this tape, Brad creates sidelong paeans that illuminate the day.  Had a rough day?  Brad's idyllic music is the perfect medicine.  The edifying tones extend to the horizon and thus make a great meditation aid.  Everything works on this cassette and it is no surprise that it is sold out at the source. 

Discriminate has the medicine to alleviate any malady.  Earlier today, I was hurting pretty badly and did a 20 minute loving kindness meditation.  I feel better and the salience of this music is apparent.  Dear friend, I want to bestow something beautiful from my heart: May you be safe; May you be happy; May you be healthy; and May you live at ease.  

Sylvester Anfang II - no title (Southern Records, Latitudes Series)

A new review will be posted later.  for now, however, I want to drop a few quick words about the new Sylvester Anfang II release from Southern Records.  Southern is doing it in style - white vinyl, silk-screened, die-cut sleeve frame and hand-numbered.  These new jams emanated from a three hour jam session at Southern studios, in November 2010.   No plans, just lots of jams and smoke.  Also, a cd version is available. You can secure a copy from the lovely people at Southern. 

photo courtesy of hempembassy.net

IE issues

Update:  After viewing the page on IE 8, there were problems accessing audio and video.  once flash and active x were installed, the problems were mostly resolved.  For those having problems accessing the content, I hope it helps.  Peace

Hi Folks.  Somebody was nice enough to notify me of issues viewing this blog in Internet explorer.  I apologize for the functionality problems.  Since I use Chrome, I was unaware of these issues.  Given that i'm an amateur with technology, please be patient as I address the functionality issues.  I am very grateful for the interest people have exhibited in the blog.  Once again, thank you for the support and I hope you continue to frequent the Honest Bag.  Peace    

Various Artists - The Lemon Tape (HCR067/Kinnta Records)

The Lemon Tape, a split release from Hobo Cult and Kinnta, is a compilation tape consisting of 12 slow burners from the Montreal underground scene.  The stuff that Frank, from Hobo Cult, is putting out these days makes me want to move to Montreal.  Christian Richer, the man behind ÉLÉMENT KUUDA and the Haiduks, is the curator.    

Though it is snowing outside, the Lemon Tape provides a relaxing reprieve from the elements.  Despite the tape being a compilation, it provides a smooth listen from front to back.  My favorite tracks are from the Haiduks; The Capital of Plastic Daffodils;  Bataille Solaire; Tomato Saucers; L'oeil Nu; and Element Kuuda.   Psychedelic pop is name of the game here.  Nothing gets too heavy and there are some beautiful instrumental passages.  More often, I find myself enjoying this tape with a strong smoke and a cup of coffee.  The cover of Never My Love, by the Yesteryears, is just lovely - it sets up the flip side nicely.  Not surprisingly, I had dreams of the High Llamas and Stereolab throughout.  

I am pretty sure that this tape is still available.  Hobo Cult may still have copies; the distros will likely have copies.  Kinnta has made the tape available on Bandcamp. For the real lover of music,however, I recommend buying the tape.  The artwork by Christian and Frank is entirely appropriate for this C32.  It might be cold outside, but this tape is the sunshine for your mind.

   

L'OEIL NU - Trance Oedipienne from Moduli TV on Vimeo.

Trailing - Opacities & Allures (No Kings 28)

Trailing is the moniker of Ryan Connolly, one half of Sundrips.  Previously, he released tapes on Digitalis, Orange Milk and Debacle.  Sometime in 2012, a release is scheduled for Fadeaway, the label which he operates with Nick Maturo, of Sundrips.  No Kings - the label behind the dreamy Derek Rogers' release, Informal Meditations - presents this tape, with artwork of various cardstock.   

Opacities and Allures is a 28 minute meditation on sound, color and feeling.  The title itself is intriguing and made me contemplate the idea of being attracted to opaque objects.  The music has a quality that makes it feel big - almost as if the sound were acting as a blindfold.  For an optimal experience, the volume should be loud, which brings the drones to life.  Much like life, the process is the best part.  The process is evident in really good drone music. Ryan utilizes guitar and effects to an edifying end - shades of blue and slivers of  metal pour forth from the speakers.  Along with the textures of sound and color, the music exudes tranquility.  

No Kings still has copies for sale.  If you are going to drop out for a little, then wrap this tape around your head.  Peace

Trailing "Opacities & Allures" Side A by No Kings

Virgil Caine - Virgil Caine aka The Great Lunar Oil Strike, 1976 (Time-Lag 054)

UPDATE: VIRGIL CAINE IS AVAILABLE FROM INSOUND.  THEY PROMPTLY DELIVERED THE RECORD AND THE VINYL LOOKS PRISTINE: VIRGIL CAINE AT INSOUND

This review is somewhat of an anomaly, as I do not have the record.  The opportunity, however, to share this with other sonic travelers is too much to pass by.  The Great Lunar Oil Strike, 1976, by Virgil Caine, represents the cross-section of sincere lyrics, crude lo-fi folk-rock, Appalachian aesthetic and a gorgeous southern drawl.  Time-Lag comes to the rescue again and has reissued this extremely rare 1971 rural Virginia private-press folk gem.

  While there others from the day that might sound similar, the vibe and feelings released on this one transcend a lot of other releases.  Some of the tracks contain pure grit - heart-wrenching stories expressed in inimitable fashion.  Tracks such as 'Honey Don't Believe', come alive with the mix of heart-breaking lyrics and vocal delivery.  'Biscuit High' is a lovely story about a meeting between a widow and a stranger that comes to her farm.  She needs a man on the farm and cooks a meal of meat, potatoes and golden biscuits - laced with rum.  The man never got so high drinking from what he ate that night! 'There's an X in the Middle of Nixon' is a deeply affecting story about a family welcoming others to their home, making sacrifices to put the town on the map.  The lyrics remind me of the days in which community and the collective vibe were more celebrated, rather than eschewed.  'Pilgrims Progress' lays it all on the line - not for the weak of heart.  The Great Lunar Oil Strike, 1976 is extremely empathetic - songs of joy and sorrow.  Some songs are so mournful that you want to embrace the singer. Overall, the range of expression is powerful.  The Great Lunar Oil Strike, 1976 is the type of music that, after a few listens, feels like a trusted companion.

Time-Lag has sold their copies, while Eclipse, Insound and AQ records are showing copies in stock.  Ebay and discogs are another option - some of the prices (in the mid $30's) are not outrageous.  For others that don't have the cash, you can find this on mediafire.  Listed below are tracks from the album.