Issue #015
Featuring David Bowie, RX Bandits, Foxygen, João Donato & Surprise Chef
1. CLASSICS: The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars by David Bowie (1972)
The year is 1971 and the sky is full of starmen. Space exploration, social movements like the LGBTQ+ liberation and civil rights movements, along with political scandals, all added layers to the story of Ziggy Stardust, a fictional doomed androgynous rock star. By combining these storytelling and theatrical elements with rock music, Bowie helped establishing the shiny glam rock genre alongside the likes of Marc Bolan and The Who.
2. ROCK: Gemini, Her Majesty by RX Bandits (2014)
"Gemini, Her Majesty," the first album by RX Bandits after a five-year hiatus, is full of melodic sing-along hymns, tempo changes, and complex arrangements. It's a rollercoaster ride through a cosmic nebula where nearby stars are wearing t-shirts from bands like Coheed and Cambria, Minus the Bear and Sublime. It was recorded over several months from 2013 to 2014 at Prairie Sun Recording Studios in California and marks a return to more straightforward songwriting by the band.
3. UNCHARTED: We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace & Magic by Foxygen (2013)
Foxygen embarked on a mission to bring the peace and magic of the 60s into the 21st century. Produced by Richard Swift, a former member of The Shins and collaborator with The Black Keys and Fleet Foxes, “We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace & Magic” takes you on a whimsical journey through sunny California. In a theatrical-like soundscape (with a nice curtain opener and an outro), fun and irreverent melodies mix with clever lyrics. Sometimes reminiscent of Bob Dylan’s writing (and singing) style in tracks like “Destruction”, in other songs, the vocals even evoke the spirit of Mick Jagger.
4. MADE IN BRAZIL: Donato Elétrico by João Donato (2016)
With this album, João Donato returns to his original “Tropical Jazz Funk Groove” style. While good albums often lead to great shows, in the case of this album, the process was reversed. "Donato Elétrico" started taking shape after a performance by the artist in Brazil for which he invited young musicians from São Paulo. Together they would recreate the original groove-filled atmosphere of "Quem é Quem", lead by the classic sound of Donato's Fender Rhodes.
5. JAZZ: All News Is Good News by Surprise Chef (2020)
More on the smooth jazz-funk genre, "All News Is Good News" has a cinematic and library music feel. Recorded in their home studio in the suburbs of Melbourne, Surprise Chef serves a fine menu of atmospheric and groove-heavy tracks. It's the kind of album that makes for a perfect companion when you want to disconnect and simply be present.
I still have not the chance to listen to the album you have selected in this 15th post. I will do it soon.
What I did, though, was to read each of your comments. Congrats. Your writing is just great. Reading yr work is a genuine pleasure!!!