Issue #012

Featuring Rodriguez, Pond, Chaz Bundick & Mattson 2, Pedra Branca & Hiroshi Suzuki

1. CLASSICS: Cold Fact by Rodriguez (1970)

The album itself delivers honest, raw folk-rock music that is easily digestible and can be enjoyed at any time. What makes this album so interesting is the fact that it wasn't really successful anywhere other than in South Africa, where Rodriguez's songs became part of the anti-apartheid movement. The surprising thing is that the artist had no idea about this; he had even given up his music career and only learned about his popularity many years later, which led to a comeback portrayed in the documentary Searching for Sugar Man.

---

2. ROCK: Man It Feels Like Space Again by Pond (2015)

If Kevin Parker (from Tame Impala) decides to go on tour, who does he have on speed dial? Jay Watson and Nick Allbrook from Pond. Since they are good friends, it also doesn't come as a surprise that Mr. Parker produced “Man It Feels Like Space Again” in his own living room. Another wonderful collaboration with a terrific piece of contemporary australian psychedelic rock music as the result.

---

3. UNCHARTED: Star Stuff by Chaz Bundick & The Mattson 2 (2017)

When Chazwick Bundick, a.k.a Toro y Moi, and the contemporary jazz duo of identical twins Mattson 2 came together, the universe aligned for this amazing collab that was recorded in just one week at Bundick’s home studio in California. It sounds familiar enough but is still full of moments that surprise and feels sort of a modern-day interpretation of the space age pop of the 60s.

---

4. MADE IN BRAZIL: Feijoada Polifônical by Pedra Branca (2006)

Sometimes all you need is a berimbau, a sitar, and a didgeridoo played on top of afro-beats and brazilian rhythms, right? That's what I thought. "Feijoada Polifônica" by Pedra Branca does exactly that (and so much more). It's a fantastic ethnic fusion and an experimental mix of sounds that creates a dreamy and relaxing vibe.

---

5. JAZZ: Cat by Hiroshi Suzuki (1976)

The recent reissue of “Cat” has introduced a new generation to Hiroshi Suzuki's masterful trombone play. It was initially released in 1976 and likely emerged as part of a post-war music revival in Japan, where eastern and western artists increasingly influenced each other. In any case, it's a smooth listen and deserves a spot on any Jazz enthusiast's record shelf.

---