archived brainwashed reviews
“Legends of Benin” (Analog Africa, 2009)
Analog Africa has unveiled another lovingly assembled and lavishly packaged overview of funky lost recordings from the birthplace of voodoo. Tireless German vinyl-monger Samy Ben Redjeb has already tackled Benin […]
“Panama! 2: Latin Sounds, Cumbia Tropical & Calypso Funk on the Isthmus 1967-77” (Soundway, 2009)
A new compilation from Soundway is always cause for excitement and this follow-up to 2006’s excellent Panama! is no exception. I have no doubt that this album will finally cement […]
James Blackshaw, “The Glass Bead Game” (Young God, 2009)
James Blackshaw has always been a staggering talented 12-string guitarist, but “The Glass Bead Game” continues his rapid evolution away from his Kottke/Basho-inspired folk roots towards a territory that is […]
Jim O’Rourke, “I’m Happy, and I’m Singing, and a 1,2,3,4” (Editions Mego, 2001)
Despite having been recorded more than a decade ago with somewhat fledgling technology, Jim O’Rourke’s 2001 groundbreaking laptop masterpiece still sounds fresh and vibrant today. That is no small accomplishment, […]
“1970’s Algerian Proto-Rai Underground” (Sublime Frequencies, 2008)
Originally released on vinyl only in 2008, this album sold out almost immediately and it is quite clear why, as these are some thoroughly raucous jams and nobody but Sublime […]
“Open Strings: Early Virtuoso Recordings From The Middle East, And New Responses” (Honest Jon’s, 2009)
This is the fourth beguiling release culled from Honest Jon’s plunge deep into the EMI Hayes archive of forgotten 78s. Like Sprigs of Time, Living Is Hard, and Give Me […]
Our Love Will Destroy The World, “Stillborn Plague Angels” (Dekorder, 2009)
Campbell Kneale may longer be known as Birchville Cat Motel, but he certainly has not stopped making abrasive, nightmarish music. Surprisingly, curating a Prince tribute album (Shutupalreadydamn!) has failed to […]
Muslimgauze, “Sycophant Of Purdah” (Staalplaat, 2009)
Bryn Jones had a work ethic that verged on frightening and supernatural. Despite his death at the relatively young age of 38, he managed to complete over 90 albums (not […]