archived brainwashed reviews
“Afro-Beat Airways: West African Shock Waves (Ghana & Togo 1972-1978)” (Analog Africa, 2010)
The origins of this compilation read like the plot to an quirky indie comedy: a German musicologist misplaces his passport, loses his luggage, misses his flight, and winds up taking […]
Muslimgauze, “Lazhareem Ul Leper” (Staalplaat, 2010)
This is already the 15th release in Staalplaat’s exhaustive Muslimgauze archive series, but it looks like Bryn Jones has not yet run out of minor posthumous surprises to share with […]
The Hafler Trio, “Kill the King” (Staalplaat (1991)/Korm Plastics (2003))
This 1991 release marked the beginning of the trilogy that many regard to be some of Andrew McKenzie’s finest and most inspired work. Appropriately enough, its 2003 reissue by devoted […]
Isengrind, “Modlitewnik” (Blackest Rainbow, 2010)
The long-awaited (and almost instantly sold-out) vinyl debut from the less prolific half of Natural Snow Buildings continues Solange Gularte’s fine tradition of dreamlike, disquieting, and temporally dislocated ethno-ambience. While […]
Severed Heads, “Since the Accident” (Ink/Terse Tapes, 1983)
Severed Heads’ bizarre 1983 album has led one of the most improbable and ridiculous lives that an album could possibly hope to live. Although it began as a self-released cassette […]
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 […]