Triceracorn

So after my last post, I was browsing around looking for new music and I came across a new project by IG88 and Beige. As you may know, IG88 has contributed tracks to the IDMf compilation albums and has an album, Mutual Mastication, available for free download. 

I really don't know anything about Beige, except that from this record his flows are smooth, strong, and effective. I'm curious to see what else he's done. 

So give it a listen and see what you think.  

If you prefer to listen to the album in web page form, then you can go here: http://ig88.bandcamp.com/album/triceracorn

Various Artists: Concord

Another great compilation by the idmf netlabel. This time the series takes an ambient approach, focusing on synth sounds and pads and downtempo beats. A good album to listen to when needing to relax or take a break. Or, some might see this as the perfect album to listen to while trying to knock things off their to-do lists. 

http://label.idmforums.com/idmf002-concord.html

Various Artists: Mind Tree

Another great compilation album from the idmf netlabel. This time, the songs are more IDM oriented but still cohesive and accessible. This album is intended to show off the artists who have contributed to the forums or have taken some part in it and serves as a reflection of these artists' skills as musicians. 

While some songs do contain a groove and melody, the emphasis is on emotion, and the compilation evicts a range from happiness to sadness and melancholy but all the while keeping the attention of the listener. 

Definitely worth a listen. 

http://label.idmforums.com/idmf003-mind-tree.html

Candlestickmaker: A Life In A Day

A release from UpitUp records, Candlestickmaker provides rough and ready electronica that sounds familiar but yet manages to stand out. Maybe it was listening to "Take Me Elsewhere" and then watching the music video and seeing the transformations in progress. 

There is something about the work that drags you into it and something that makes it seem clever. If fresh nostalgia existed, then I'm sure this would be it. Definitely worth a listen. And don't forget to watch the music video for "Take Me Elsewhere". 

http://www.upitup.com/catalogue/release.php?cat_id=31

music video: http://vimeo.com/7245976

Various Artists: Weezer-The 8-Bit Album

This album really impresses me; I guess because I haven't seen anything like it--for free download that is. I mean, I saw the 8-Bit Kraftwerk tribute, but even that cost money. 

Here we have a fine selection of Weezer songs, created in 8-Bit and released under the creative commons license. The compilation includes a lot of their singles and popular hits, songs such as "Hash Pipe" and "Buddy Holly". Each artist it seems takes an artistic license to interpret the song to his own liking. Some of the artists try to recreate the original melody of their particular song (OxygenStar with "In The Garage" among others). Overall this album is a treat and even if you aren't a major Weezer fan, I think the major songs (the ones everyone knows) will be enough to satisfy your curiosity and give you a quality impression of the wonders of 8-Bit music. 

http://www.ptesquad.com/more/pte018.html

Lost Reverie: Railroads EP

Oh restless soul that wanders the open road. 

Help me find my way through life. 

And I will be there for you

When all is lost, 

So you can go home 

Once again. 

http://www.wiseowlrecords.com/releases/view/67

Various Artists: In Depth Melodics

One of the cool things about the idmf netlabel, aside from releasing good compilations is that it is first and foremost a forum on IDM music and electronica music. The netlabel seems to be a secondary, but, as I just mentioned, releases good compilations. 

Though the album clocks in over an hour, the music here is quite varied for being IDM related (I am aware of how much some people hate the label of "IDM" for music classification but I see nothing wrong with it and will use it). While not every track will get you up and dancing, what you will get is an in depth feel for a variety of music containing melodic and electronic elements that combine in inspirational and balanced ways. If anything most of these songs will get your head nodding. 

As the title of the compilation suggests, the songs contain some melodic elements that are bound to please listeners; though sometimes the balance between the melody and electronic touches may seem a bit off due to the heaviness of the electronic elements. 

Overall, the album does a good job of blending the melodic with the electronic and gives the listener a favorable taste of what the forum and netlabel have to offer. 

For the release: http://label.idmforums.com/idmf001.html

For the forums: http://www.idmforums.com/