archived brainwashed reviews
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 […]
Harappian Night Recordings, “The Glorious Gongs of Hainuwele” (Bo’ Weevil, 2009)
The title of this album alludes to a deeply macabre and scatological Indonesian myth about young girl who possessed the dubious magical ability to defecate surprising items ranging from earrings […]
TwinSisterMoon, “The Hollow Mountain” (Blackest Rainbow/Dull Knife, 2009)
This brilliant and mind-bending solo opus by Natural Snow Buildings’ Mehdi Ameziane was originally issued as an LP by Dull Knife in 2009 and sold out within hours. Fortunately, it […]