archived brainwashed reviews
Zoviet France, “Shouting at the Ground” (Red Rhino (1988)/Charrm (1990))
Despite being one of the most compelling entities to emerge from England’s fertile ‘80s post-industrial scene, Zoviet France remain a largely unheard and somewhat mythical band. Obviously, the main reason […]
“Nigeria Special Volume 2: Modern Highlife, Afro Sounds & Nigerian Blues 1970-6” (Soundway, 2010)
This is purportedly the final album in Soundway’s excellent Nigeria Special series (a fact that causes me no small amount of pain), but at least it is concluding in fine […]
Joanna Newsom, “Have One On Me” (Drag City, 2010)
As I grow older and more culturally saturated with each passing year, my capacities for surprise and wonder have become nearly non-existent. Nevertheless, 2006’s Ys completely floored me and has […]
“Nigeria Afrobeat Special: The New Explosive Sound in 1970’s Nigeria” (Soundway, 2010)
The late Fela Kuti was such a larger-than-life cultural supernova that it is very easy to forget that a host of other excellent Afrobeat bands spawned in his wake. Of […]
Josephine Foster, “Graphic as a Star” (Fire, 2010)
Psych-folk chanteuse Josephine Foster has always been a reliably unusual and singular artist, but her dissonant, artier tendencies have sometimes detracted from the beauty of her lilting, world-weary voice. With […]
Francisco López, “Machines” (Elevator Bath, 2010)
Triumphantly unfazed by the fact that it is no longer 1950, Francisco López has birthed a sprawling and ambitious double album of undiluted, unabashed musique concrète. Machines is industrial music in […]
“Ghana Special: Modern Highlife, Afro-Sounds & Ghanaian Blues 1968-81” (Soundway, 2009)
Unearthing brilliant music from Ghana seems to be a consuming obsession with Soundway label boss Miles Claret, as he has already compiled two previous albums (Ghana Soundz) prior to this […]
TwinSisterMoon, “Then Fell the Ashes…” (Blackest Rainbow, 2010)
With a few exceptions, most of Mehdi Ameziane’s recording career can be broken down into two simple categories: “great albums” and “albums that would have been great if they had […]