Normally, I wouldn’t repeat myself here, but whenever I think of a long song, Ellis Island Sound regularly springs to mind. EIS was founded 30 years ago by Pete Astor and David Sheppard as an instrumental band. On their early albums, they broke down their krautrock-inspired songs into their constituent parts, only to reassemble them on a polyrhythmic foundation.
In 2014, they released their third album, Regions – which I consider their best – combining African vibes with the motoric rhythms of Can and a dubby bassline, resulting at times in a gloomy sound that was, however, brightened up by bursts of guitar reminiscent of Fela Kuti.
A few days ago I rediscovered Ellis Island Sound while making a backup on an external drive. EIS were a mostly instrumental duo formed by Peter Astor and David Sheppard in the late 90's. I listened to their album Regions from 2014 once again after a long time and was surprised that their sound still works well for me. They created a soundscape with mostly instrumental songs somewhere between neo-Krautrock, folk, jangly guitars and some African influences. Nothing more or less than another sadly forgotten band.
2014 is gone and many list about the best albums/songs were made. During the last weeks I had plenty of time to listen to music - especially records that was released last year. I have to admit that it was a very good year for music. Lot's of new good bands appeared on the scene and old heroes came back with great music. So I decided to name 14 records that impressed me much in 2014. The list is in no real order and so let's go ...
Sleaford Mods - Divide and Exit: Fierce postal punk's bass; functional, insignificant beats, now and then cheap keyboard reef and apathetical guitars.
Aphex Twin - Syro: He's back with more piano parts. Hope we don't have to wait another 13 years for his next record.
Caribou - Our love: An avant-garde, electronic, living album with soul and R&B for body and soul.
Jungle - Jungle: Future Pop? J and T mix the best of the last 40 years into a great record. Compatible to a lot of listeners.
Neneh Cherry - Blank Project: An economically orchestrated album - intimate and directly
Lost on the River - The new basement tapes: Old songs discovered again by Elvis Costello
Jamie T. -: Astonishing comeback. The former rage in favour to quieter songs is given way
Holly Cook - Twice: My record from last summer. Perfect reggae based songs.
Jane Weaver - The Silver Globe: A crystal clear voice and psych-folk. Awesome.
Pete Molinari - Theosophy: Molinari pushes his music into the swirling space of the psychedelic 60s
The Ravonettes - Pe'ahi: Lastes release by the underrated Danish indie-rock duo.
Slow Club - Complete Surrender: Maybe the greatest surprise this year. A record full of fantastic songs. Pure 60s soul for 2014.
The Amazing Snakeheads - Amphetamine Ballads: Another band from Glasgow - and they made a well-worn fusion of late punk and raw Rock and Roll.
Ellis Island Sound - Regions: One of the albums I listened most last year. An intensive mix of African-influenced guitar lines, a steady percussive background added with dub effects and wailing trombone. Nearly meditative and often making an atmospheric mood.
Only 12 hours and the year 2014 is history. All in all it was a very good year and I wish all of you out there a big party to start into 2015. All the best to you all - see you next year at the same place.
Sorry you mates out there but I've got to take a little break from my daily posts. There are too many things in my mind that I have to sort to continue. But don't think I am too far down - it's just a period. I've got to sort my life an future. In this way I am almost not able right now to post some things that may be worth to know. Give me some time to get back on the track I was use to walk.
This is from one of my favorite record this year: Ellis Island Sound.
Enjoy and have a good time with the ones you love!
