[ aquarius records catalogue — A ]

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AGUAYO, MATIASAre You Really Lost(Kompakt)cd$ 15.98

AGUAYO, MATIASAy Ay Ay(Kompakt)cd$ 15.98

Long gone are the days when you could pigeon hole or easily predict the sound of a release on Kompakt. While they made their name with their trademark releases of minimal techno and pop ambient gems, the label has proven to be a wide ranging force in innovative electronic music of all shapes, colors and styles. We had heard previous releases by Matias Aguayo as well as with his collective Closer Musik, but we either weren't paying close enough attention or he has totally upped his game because Ay Ay Ay is by far one of the most colorful, immediate and rewarding electronic records of the year! Imagine some amazing combination of the hypnotic repetitive beats of Ricardo Villalobos fused with the more dance minded stylings of folks like Swayzek and Herbert, topped off with a nice backdrop of Aguayo's Chilean South American roots and you have all the ingredients for total party record of the year! But what makes Ay Ay Ay so great is that it's not at all a disposable party record, instead it's immaculately crafted so it's the kind of record that satisfies whether you listen to it alone on headphones and get lost in its sonic swirlings or if you blast it out loud with good folks around as you shake your stuff.

AGUAYO, MATIASMinimal(Kompakt)cd ep$ 13.98

Matias Aguayo is one half of what used to be Closer Musik, a minimalist goth-techno project on Cologne's Kompakt label. The Chilean-born Aguayo and his German "bandmate" Dirk Leyers split after one album, and both went on to other things. Leyers went even more minimal and more blissful. While Aguayo put out one of the weirdest releases to have been considered techno at all, his solo record Are You Really Lost? Well, this ep is the first we've heard from him since then. Once again, he brings back his signature bizarro mix of Latin beats, come hither vocals, and all manner of randomly sampled and sequenced whatever. Along with the single new track, there are two remixes, one from DJ Koze of International Pony and one from Markus Rossknecht. Koze produces a remix that could make friends with any number of Miami Vice meets French filter house jams. Pretty fun, really. On the other hand, Rossknecht's work is fairly run-of-the-mill minimal techno, which is fine but not particularly memorable. If nothing else, this is worth picking up to play the Koze track at your next cocktail party. Closer Musik fans, listen up! Good stuff.

AHABThe Call Of The Wretched Sea(Napalm)cd$ 16.98

While it may have been a bit of a misstep to release a metal record based on Moby Dick and with a big ol' whale on the cover in the long black shadow cast by Mastodon's Leviathan record, it would be even more of a mistake to pass up this Ahab record based solely on that. Obviously a lot of though went into the sound and the artwork and the execution, and if anything, we actually like this record more than the Mastodon. So if you can get past the whole Mastodon thing, you're in for some massive and fantastically epic slow motion doom. This German outfit is CLASSIC doom, well not quite like Sabbath and Candlemass, but not the filthy slow motion grungy grimey dirgey sludge sort of doom either, this is epic and majestic, slow and sorrowful, occasionally loping with bursts of wild kick drums, more often trudging along glacially, a funereally death march through the pouring rain, knee deep in black sonic murk, but with a surprising amount of dynamics, stops and starts, some super hooky riffs, mournful guitar melodies, massive downtuned chugs that sometime morph into mathy metal workouts. Vocals that rumble and groan, a huge guttural gurgle, the whole thing impossible heavy and aggressive, but strangely pretty. Definitely reminds us of old Cathedral, Paradise Lost, My Dying Bride, that sort of thing. Like classic heavy doom metal slowed waaaaay down and made somehow even heavier. As much as we love extreme doom, the slower and the sludgier the better, it's actually nice to hear some extremely dark depressive doom with some actual melodies, and some memorable riffs, heck even some songs. We'd forgotten how good stuff like this sounds. One of our favorite new TRUE DOOM records for sure.

AHABThe Divinity Of Oceans(Napalm)cd$ 16.98

AHBEZ, EDENEden's Island(Black Sweat)lp$ 29.00

Yes! One of our favorite beatnik exotica records sees the light of day again in a really nice reissue of this 1960 lp. Eden Ahbez was a unique American figure, a back-to-nature hippie mystic in the 1940's long before popular culture even knew what a hippie was. Ahbez wandered back and forth across the country on foot before landing in LA and hanging in a tight circle of raw food enthusiasts and other colorful off-the-grid characters. He often wrote poetry and played the flute and one fortuitous day in 1948, he left a song at the studio for Nat King Cole called "Nature Boy" and it surprisingly became a number one song and an international hit, covered by Frank Sinatra, Dinah Shore, George Benson and even later by Alex Chilton and Big Star! For a brief moment, the song made Ahbez a pop culture curiosity with magazine interviews and invitations to perform that were politely declined. Using royalties from that song, Ahbez was able to take care of his family and record music and write poetry, the results being this sole lp, Eden's Island. Against a backdrop of flutes, bongos, marimabas and bird calls, Ahbez intones poetic verse about seeking spirituality in natural paradises with the rhythms of the ocean and surf, giving a more meaningful heft to the Martin Denny type of Tiki Room exotica. Its peaceful vibe of removing oneself from the daily hassles and pressures of society towards the spiritual isolation of island life was easily a touchstone of the hippie movement even though it sounds a bit novel nowadays. Still the music with female background singers, island atmospheres and relaxing poetic delivery manages to beguile and transport even the most world-weary listener. An exotica record clearly in a league of its own.

AHLEUCHATISTASWhat You Will(Cuneiform)cd$ 14.98

Whew! 14 tracks of frenetic, uber-mathy instrumental prog rock here, the Ahleuchatistas representin' the younger indie/post-rock wing of the venerable progressive rock and jazz fusion label Cuneiform's roster. We heard them recently on that Power Up! compilation of Nintendo video game theme music covers (reviewed last list), which put 'em in the company of such acts as Upsilon Acrux and The Fucking Champs. They're a prog power trio with some punk cred (in part from their edgy energy, in part from their evident political leanings, as evidenced by song titles like "Remember Rumsfeld At Abu Ghraib" and "Ho Chi Minh Is Gonna Win!"). So here's their most recent (third) full-length and, well, it's a doozy if you're dizzy for this sort of herky-jerky, highly concentrated (and concentrating) display o' chops. It's not all Primus-on-45 busyness, there's definitely post-rock moody bits to mellow things out a bit (think Rumah Sakit, Turing Machine, Chevreuil...), but clearly their calling card is the roiling, sped-up complexathons that certainly suggest these guys get their money's worth out of their practice space rent. For fans of the aforementioned Upsilon, Hella, Don Cab, Mick Barr's various outfits, Bozart, and like minded mathy dudes. Includes three QuickTime videos of these guys playing live, so you can see they're for real!

AHMED, ILYASBetween Two Skies(self-released)cd-r$ 6.98

THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.

SORRY. Another way too limited disc of lilting and lovely fingerpicked folk. Solo steel string guitar, dark and delicate. Beautiful!

AHMED, ILYASBetween Two Skies / Towards The Night(Digitalis)2cd$ 21.00

FINALLY! FINALLY!! FINALLY!!! Lots of you probably remember when we listed these discs a few years back, both were cd-r's back then, and both were limited to about 50 copies. We got so many orders, and rightfully so, Ahmed's sound as and is gorgeous and spare, simple and spacious, darkly emotional and sweetly mournful. Ilyas promised to make more cd-r's for all the people who ordered them, but somehow, he never managed to make it happen. We waited and waited and waited� But you know what? That's okay now, as Digitalis has thankfully stepped in and taken Ahmed's first two cd-r's and reissued them as real cds, and in some super deluxe packaging to boot. For those who missed out on the cd-r frenzy way back when, Ahmed is a guitarist, pianist, and crafter of drones, but guitar is his main instrument. He explores a sonic steel string world similar to folks like James Blackshaw, Jack Rose and of course John Fahey, dense little tangles of minor key finger picking and lush metallic strum. Darkly melodic, and strangely timeless sounding. Moody and so so gorgeous. Fans of the above mentioned guitarists will absolutely want this, even just for the Towards The Night disc, which finds Ahmed doing his best modern Appalachia, and he does it so well, completely mesmerizing and intense and emotional and impossibly lush. On the other disc, Between Two Skies, Ahmed takes his guitar, that ghostly Appalachia, all subtle and subdued, washed out and weary sounding, and sets it amidst mysterious and lush sounding soundscapes, tinkling piano, long drawn out vocal parts, slightly reminiscent of Sigur Ros, wordless, warm and fuzzy, unfurling like another layer of sound, the atmosphere gauzy and dreamlike. All the while the guitar weaves delicate little melodies, little blurs of soft focus sound wrapped in shimmering drones and warm whirring ambience. Both discs are distinctly different, but manage to sound perfect together, each subtly complimenting the other. Folks who were lucky enough to get those cd-r's the first time around, have probably played them to death and can no get some much sturdier replacements, and for everybody else, a long overdue to get lost in Ahmed's mysterious and lovely soundworld. Beautifully packaged in a thick two color offset printed cardstock gatefold sleeve, with a printed cardstock insert. Remastered by Pete Swanson of The Yellow Swans with extensive liner notes from David Keenan.

AHMED, ILYASCentury Of Moonlight(Time-Lag)cd-r$ 11.98

THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.

SORRY. We've all gone nuts for the dark and brooding folk flecked soundscapes of aQ customer Ilyas Ahmed. Appalachian guitars atretched into ghostly swirls. So lovely. Limited to 222 and hand numbered.

AHMED, ILYASGoner(Root Strata)cd$ 12.98

We're not sure what's stranger - that Ilyas Ahmed made a rock record or that Root Strata put one out. Though perceptions of what constitute "rock" music will obviously differ wildly, relatively speaking this is the most straight ahead musical record we've heard from the Root Strata Label. As for Ahmed, it's definitely a bold leap forward from his past releases of mystical and fragile experimental folk. For one thing, there's nary an acoustic instrument to be heard, or if there is, it's buried under a blown out sound of buzzing electric guitars, lurching bass and pummeling drums. But the mystical and fragile qualities are still there, namely in the vocals which still maintain their ghostly resonance, reverbed to hell and sung in a high murmur suggesting words without really forming them. Like Neil Young covering a Grouper song. Speaking of whom, Grouper makes a special guest appearance on the final track, which makes sense since they're both from Portland and have always shared similar murky sonic sensibilities. Goner reminds us of the heavier and more mystically urgent moments of Six Organs of Admittance, but with the fuzzed out lo-fi rock sound of early Iran and OCS. There's enough of his past sound to please fans of his earlier work, but will also gain new fans through a direct and immediate approach that was harder to find on past releases. Recommended!

AHMED, ILYASLive At On Land 2009(Root Strata)10"$ 100.00

Yep, this is in fact a 10", and it does indeed cost $100, and heck we're not even marking it up at all! We're just giving folks a chance to nab one of these, which are limited to JUST 25 COPIES, to help Root Strata pay for this year's On Land Festival. Last year was incredible, and this year looks to be even better (you can read more about it in the intro to this week's list!). But a four day festival, with bands from all over the world, is a massive undertaking, and costs a lot of money, so every little bit helps, thus we have this, an insanely limited, and pricey object / artifact, two sides of droned out blissful psychedelic drift, Ilyas Ahmed recorded live last year at the On Land festival. Thick swaths of humid guitar drone, muted muddy vocalizing, spidery melodies, skittery percussion, all blurred into swirling clouds of psychedelic shimmer, with the B-side getting heavy, the band locking into some serious space rock throb, before blissing right back out, the sound sprawling into a smoldering rage flecked drone-psych driftscape, so nice. Only a very few of the 25 left, these are obviously mostly for obsessive Ahmed fans, folks who want to help support the On Land Festival, folks with money to burn, or some combination of the three! Sweet packaging too.

AHMED, ILYASNaqi(self released)cd-r$ 7.98

As much as we love cd-r's, there are times, with certain records, that they make us so frustrated. Sure part of the charm of a super limited cd-r release is that it's fleeting. Often handmade and labor intensive. So the whole project becomes ultra personal for both the artist and the listener. But some records just need to be heard by more than 50 or 100 or even 200 people. Such is the case with Ilyas Ahmed. An Aquarius customer who sent us one of his home recorded discs a while back and who completely blew us away. We've been bugging him ever since to send us more and more cd-r's (and you in turn have been bugging us like crazy to get more copies of the old discs, and keep our eyes peeled for new ones). The first four are already long gone, so we were super excited to get this new one a few days ago. And it's just as good as any of the others, if not better. Definitely stranger. Before, Ahmed offered up little snippets of some long lost forest folk. Shimmery and pastoral, lilting and so so pretty. And while much of this disc explores similar territory, overall, it's much darker, and a bit more aggressive. The opening track is sort of glam folk jam, dark super distorted steel string strum and soaring ethereal falsetto vocals. The riff is sort of grungy, dripping with distortion, but never obfuscating the urgent strumming, and leaving space for Ahmed's super dramatic wail. Had this track been played with electric guitars plugged into big amps with pounding drums, it might sounds a tiny bit like modern day Circle. Weird, bit so cool. After that, things veer back into moire blissy folk territory, with finger picked steel string guitar, more subtle crooned vocals, simple percussion, a late night drift through an abstract drug folk dreamworld. But the last two songs bring things right back, with the guitar again drenched in reverb and distortion, a little more languid and laid back, but still a fuzzy druggy muted squall, a little bit reminiscent of Rein Sanction actually, but a bit more mellow and shimmery soft. Lazy drawled vocals over fuzzed out Mascis style riffing, all blown out but still mumbly and lo-fi with distant falsetto vocals hovering wraithlike just behind the strum and buzz. Naqi may be a dreamy free folk record, but it's got some serious teeth, a little fuzzy buzz and a fried amp patina that makes these songs sound way more druggy and psychedelic. Which is most definitely a good thing. Each sleeve is hand designed, a unique collage on the front, album and artist hand written on the back. Includes a printed insert. LIMITED TO 200 COPIES. Each copy hand numbered as well.

AHMED, ILYASSpeaking Of Shadows(self released)cd-r$ 6.98

Hard to believe that Ilyas Ahmed was just an AQ customer until recently. We were totally blown away the first time we heard his music, and ever since have been unable to keep his cd-r's in stock. All way too limited, all totally gorgeous. Dreamy and drifty, gently played acoustic guitar, wraithlike, lilting soft focus falsetto vocals, sometimes the songs sound like snippets of some long lost mysterious pastoral folk epic, sometimes all the elements get blurred into sparkling shimmery sun drenched streaks of sound dotted with bits of random electronic interference and strange high end drones. Warm and languorous, each track wrapped in a gauzey late afternoon porch production, minor key melodies hover and fade, vocals ebb and flow, the guitar, buzzes and drones, but mostly shimmers and floats. Such lovely lovely music. Truly a shame that his releases are so limited. Thus, this is LIMITED TO 150 COPIES. We got 30. Each hand numbered. You do the math.

AHMED, ILYASThe Vertigo Of Dawn(Time-Lag)cd$ 14.98

Hot on the heels of the recently reviewed, way overdue, double disc reissue of two LONG out of print cd-r's, comes a brand new disc from one of our favorite music makers, Ilyas Ahmed. In the past, Ahmed has found himself lumped in with lots of modern guitarists, of the neo-Appalachian persuasion, Blackshaw, Rose, etc. And while Ahmed can definitely fingerpick with the best of them, his records were never distinctly 'guitar' records in that same way, even though most of his songs are based around a guitar. And his prowess on the steel string was never really the focal point of those discs. Instead, he used the guitar and those bits of Appalachia, merely as elements in a much larger sonic picture. Vocals, raga like drones, horns, hand drums, each part of a lush lush expansive soundscape, which just happened to be draped across a framework of steel string shimmer, while all around that acoustic guitar, swirled strange and wondrous sounds. The new disc, The Vertigo Of Dawn, while indeed rich with lustrous guitar, is even more far out, more psychedelic, more druggy, and manages to turn that guitar into something weird and wonderful, a hazy fuzzy ghostlike folk, otherworldly and haunting. The record begins with a tripped out ESP style free jazz drone drift, all long tones and moaning horns, very serene and sedate and meditative, lots of space, warm whirling reverb, the horns hovering over a soft backdrop of deep rumbles and muted buzz, Eastern style melodies played out like snake charmer melodies, the whole thing very exotic and mysterious and free jazzy. The second track begins with some aggressively strummed guitar, distorted crooned vocals, and some killer Eastern style melodies (again), it's like freak folk filtered through some Middle Eastern bazaar. The following track is more druggy and woozy, the acoustic guitar again the focal point, but surrounded on all sides by swooping backwards guitars, and ghostlike falsetto vocals. The next track is a sunshiney hippy folk jam, with simple subtle percussion, strummed minor key guitar, but wrapped around some truly haunting vocals and horns, high and drawn out, sometimes hard to tell if it's a horn or a voice, but they add a strange tension, and turn the fluttery folk into something much more intense and mysterious. The whole record is like a long strange trip for Ahmed's guitar, it's gentle melodies, and simple strumming, making their way through strange song after strange song, sometimes, floating unmolested, just glimmering and glistening, while other times being buffeted by thick squalls of buzz and whirring drones, and at others, slowly pulled apart into strange minimal steel stringscapes, each note a sparkling star in a constellation of minor key melancholia, often accompanied by Ahmed's lonesome falsetto wail, wrapping protectively around the guitar's fragile shimmer. So nice. Fans of all that neo-Appalachia stuff will definitely dig this, as will folks into the freak folk cd-r scene, but even if you're into folky psych like Six Organs Of Admittance, Steven R. Smith, Scott Tuma, and other steel string soundscapers, you might find this much to your liking... The packaging is fantastic as well, both the lp and the cd are housed in super deluxe fabric textured gatefold sleeves, both with printed insert, the lp is on 180 gram vinyl and is limited to 750 copies.

AHMED, ILYASTowards The Night(Self Released)cd-r$ 6.98

Limited to 50 and we only have nine so once they're gone they are gone for good! Yet another self released cd-r gem comes our way. Ilyas Ahmed works his way around a guitar in a manner that would have fit right at home on the great "Wooden Guitar" comp that came out on Locust a few years back. Totally great playing that both wanders and resonates with ease and purpose. A little bit like a more loose Jack Rose with a definite Fahey influence and that early good Leo Kotke sound to boot. Something really humble and lowkey about the record that makes it sit so well too. Too bad these will be gone before you can blink, but now we know to keep our eyes out for future releases that hopefully won't be so super limited.

AHMED, ILYASWith Endless Fire(Immune)lp$ 22.00

Latest record from psych folk troubadour Ilyas Ahmed, his first since 2009's Goner, and much like Goner, his sound continues to move away from the super delicate folky drift of his past records. In fact, we remarked in our review of Goner, that there was a marked shift toward a sound more distorted and blown out, and while that record seemed to simply bury all of the delicate sounds under buzzing guitars and pounding drums, on With Endless Fire there seems to be a more of an organic hybridization of the two. The sound here is less prettiness-wreathed-in-heaviness, and more prettiness recorded in a way that it actually BECOMES heavy, the sound super hot, and in-the-red, so much so that lots of the music sounds super saturated, but it only makes it sound that much more urgent and intense. Even the moodiest broodiest bits, seethe with energy, a smoldering emotional intensity that oozes from every note. The record opens with "Now Sleeps", a lush layered raga, all buzzing tones, that build and build to an almost Sunroof! ur-drone level, softened by Ahmed's ethereal vox, the raga sloughing off high end until it becomes a dense drone, which is soon joined by acoustic guitar, and simple shuffling drums, strangely recorded, the result a sort of blackened sun baked psych folk dirge, again with Ahmed's voice changing the tenor, all wistful and weary, but distorted and thus intense and emotional, and when the leads come in, super blown out and fiercely psychedelic, convulsing over that warm brooding rhythm beneath. "Skin In Circles" is more folk pop, softly rhythmic and propulsive, the seemingly minimal guitars, imbued with an energy and intensity that transforms a delicate bit of folkiness into something darker and more brooding. That same vibe oozes into "Stained Sky", which almost has a classic rock vibe, but again, the sounds are so blown out and druggy, that it becomes a sort of blackened psych ballad, gorgeous and harrowing. After a brief bit of steel string balladry, a lovely mid record bit of hushed dreamfolk, the sound shifts right back into that smoldering drone, with another expanse of layered twang flecked heaviness, laced with spidery tendrils of dense buzzing melody, wrapped around a more delicate bit of psychedelic drift, which leads right into the sprawling "My Mirage", another deserty folky drift fused to some thick super distorted psychedelic guitar, the perfect balance for Ahmed's vox and the shimmery steel string strum, the second half of the song blossoming into a gorgeous dreamily blown out psychedelic dream dirge, that eventually fades onto record closer, "By The Light", which ditches all the distortion for something much more hushed and lovely, a hazy, reverby stretch of warm washed out dream folk, a darkly sweet lullaby and perfect way to wind down, and drift off. LIMITED TO 1000 COPIES. Pressed on high quality virgin vinyl and housed in a super heavy Stoughton tip-on style jacket. Also includes a download coupon. Cassette version coming soon, btw.

AHMED, ILYASYahan Aur Wahan(Self Released)cd-r$ 6.98

What a thrill it is to discover one of our customers quietly making music as beautiful as, if not more so, than the music we love and listen to every day! Such is the case with aQ pal Ilyas Ahmed. We listed one of his cd-r's a few weeks back, which didn't last long since we only got a handful. We also got copies of his other limited cd-r which sold out so fast we didn't get enough to list at all. Well, we didn't want to blow it again so we made sure to reserve 30 copies of this, the newest cd-r release, and again it's a breathtaking bit of beauty. Solo acoustic guitar, gentle and lilting, soft focused and dreamlike. Definitely in the spirit of John Fahey, Richard Bishop, Jack Rose and the like, but much less Appalachia, and more introspective folk. Minor key and melancholy, fingerpicked steel string guitar, candlelit and moonlit, melodies flickering like shadows, deft and smooth, but effortless and carefree. So so so so lovely! Packaged in a cardboard sleeve, with hand screened artwork affixed to the front and back. Hand numbered, LIMITED TO 200 COPIES!

AHMED, MAHMOUDEre Mele Mele(Kaifa)lp$ 23.00

AHMED, MAHMOUDEthiopiques Vol. 19 : Alemye(Buda Musique)cd$ 15.98

Recorded in 1974, smack dab between the lps reissued as Ethiopiques 6 (1973) and Ethiopiques 7 (1975) Alemye is the third entry in this series given over to documenting Ahmed's complete recorded output, a totally unique, gorgeously smooth funk / soul / jazz groove accompanied by Ahmed's unmistakable crooning. There are plenty of resources to read more about Ahmed and the history of Ethiopian music, on the net, even elsewhere on our website, but this review is all about the music. This is sexy sultry stuff, lively horns and fluttering flutes sway hypnotically above a muted rhythm section of bass drum and organ, in fact the rhythm section is so subdued that it almost sounds like it's bleeding through the wall from a room next door. But that gives it a super warm, warbly droning feel, all dreamy and mesmerizing and totally otherworldly. But it's all about that croon. Ahmed is known as the James Brown of Ethiopia, which makes sense in that he is definitely a funk / soul superstar there, but sonically, he is way less hyper and energetic, less wild and teetering on the edge of collapse, and way more broodingly sexual and sensual, lights low, the room cloaked in smoke, tense and mysteriously intense, his voice slipping smoothly up and down impossible scales, a rich warm velvet purr, capable of soaring into passionate wails and back down again, slithering and shimmering with that perfect vibrato. Extensive liner notes and photos as with all of the amazing Ethiopiques releases, of which this is apparently the penultimate installment, and an especially great one at that.

AHMED, MAHMOUDEthiopiques Vol. 26(BudaMusique)cd$ 15.98

What more can we say about the amazing Ethiopiques series of compilations that we haven't already? And what else can we say about legendary Ethiopian vocalist Mahmoud Ahmed, who is probably featured on more of the various Ethiopiques collections than any other musician? Have a look at our reviews on the aQ site of the other 25 installments, and you'll see just how much we love this stuff. In fact, Volume 4 in the series might just be one of our best selling titles EVER. For those new to Ethiopian music, this is as good a place to start as any, featuring some of the earliest recordings of Mahmoud Ahmed, recorded when he was a member of the Imperial Bodyguard Band, during a time when most modern Ethiopian music was generated exclusively by military institutions, army bands, police bands and even, yes, the Imperial Bodyguard Band, which Ahmed joined in the early sixties. There's a wild tale in the cd booklet about a huge musical festival held every year, where the various institutional bands would perform in front of thousands, and compete for the adoration of the crowd, the competition so fierce, that the various bands would rehearse secretly, and post guards outside while they practiced, stopping immediately if anyone got too close, and it was this intense competition that drove these bands to practice incessantly, and continually get better and better. And it says something that these early tracks are so incredible, and it's not just Ahmed's voice, the arrangements are lush and intricate, the melodies, the horns, the background vocals, the music is hard to describe, it's soulful, a little funky, and distinctly Ethiopian, once you've heard a few of these comps, the second you hear Ethiopian music from this era, you know, it sounds like nothing else. Listen to the sound samples, we're guessing you'll be smitten as we are, and once you've absorbed volume 26, you can begin to work your way back through the first 25. You think we're joking, but this stuff is really that amazing...

AHMED, MAHMOUDEthiopiques Vol. 6 : Almaz(Buda Musique)cd$ 15.98

Now that many of you have discovered the rich and funky sounds of Ethiopia circa mid-1970s, here's a deeper look into the career of Mahmoud Ahmed, master crooner and national Ethiopian treasure. Almaz is his very first album (from 1973), which to our knowledge has never been released in Europe or America before today. It's unbelievably good -- full of impassioned soul-stirring vocals, funky horns, and gorgeous melodies. Trust us: you will be so happy with this cd! An excerpt from the liner notes says it better than we can: "For many years everything we knew about Mahmoud Ahmed (and Ethiopian music in general) was limited to the cult album Ere Mela Mela, recorded in 1975 but released for the first time in Europe in 1986. The first eruption of this brassy, electric urban pop, swinging and hypnotic, heart-rending and funky, so unusual, so different from anything else coming out of the African continent, this musical UFO long remained our only glimpse into Ethiopian groove. Mahmoud's first LP Almaz, recorded two years before 'Ere Mela Mela' now bears new witness to the talent of one of the greatest Ethiopian artists of the past 35 years."

AHMED, MAHMOUDEthiopiques Vol. 7 : Ere Mela Mela(Buda Musique)cd$ 15.98

One of the best in an amazing series!!! This reissue of Ere Mela Mela (previously on Crammed I think) is an essential purchase if you dig the grooves of the James Brown of Ethiopia, the amazing Mahmoud Ahmed.

AHMED, MAHMOUDJeguol Naw Betwa(Mississippi)lp$ 15.98

**MISSISSIPPI RECORDS ALERT** **MISSISSIPPI RECORDS ALERT** **MISSISSIPPI RECORDS ALERT** You'll want to pay attention to this one, because this rare Mahmoud Ahmed, originally self-released in 1978, has never been reissued before in any form, cd or lp, and it's a KILLER! Recorded with The Ibex band forming funky circular rhythms of bass, guitars, horns, organ, and percussion around Ahmed's soulful and sultry vocals, the songs are upbeat yet heady, hypnotic and serpentine in a way that only Ethio-jazz can be. We've long been fans of Mahmoud Ahmed, waxing rapturously about his many contributions to the long-running Ethiopiques series and we've covered plenty of his back story in past reviews. But just when we thought his entire back catalog must have already been made available, turns out there are apparently new treasures to be found and this record is certainly worthy of that esteem. An awesome find that is truly magical and beguiling. Don't sleep on this one! Highest Recommendation!

AHMED, MAHMOUDMusic Accompained [sic] By Ibex Band(Mississippi / Change)lp$ 14.98

**MISSISSIPPI RECORDS ALERT** Missisippi Records continue their welcome run of Ethiopiques vinyl releases with another blast of hot desert soul from the one and only Mahmoud Ahmed. Also released on cd as Ethiopiques Vol. 19: Aleyme, here's what we said when we first reviewed it in 2005: Recorded in 1974, smack dab between the lps reissued as Ethiopiques 6 (1973) and Ethiopiques 7 (1975) Alemye is the third entry in this series given over to documenting Ahmed's complete recorded output, a totally unique, gorgeously smooth funk / soul / jazz groove accompanied by Ahmed's unmistakable crooning. There are plenty of resources to read more about Ahmed and the history of Ethiopian music, on the net, even elsewhere on our website, but this review is all about the music. This is sexy sultry stuff, lively horns and fluttering flutes sway hypnotically above a muted rhythm section of bass drum and organ, in fact the rhythm section is so subdued that it almost sounds like it's bleeding through the wall from a room next door. But that gives it a super warm, warbly droning feel, all dreamy and mesmerizing and totally otherworldly. But it's all about that croon. Ahmed is known as the James Brown of Ethiopia, which makes sense in that he is definitely a funk / soul superstar there, but sonically, he is way less hyper and energetic, less wild and teetering on the edge of collapse, and way more broodingly sexual and sensual, lights low, the room cloaked in smoke, tense and mysteriously intense, his voice slipping smoothly up and down impossible scales, a rich warm velvet purr, capable of soaring into passionate wails and back down again, slithering and shimmering with that perfect vibrato.

AHMED, MAHMOUD & EITHER / ORCHESTRATsedenia Gebre-Marqos(Buda Musique)dvd$ 14.98

AHOUSENs/t(PSF)cd$ 16.98

"Lunatic avant-free-rock, honed in guerrilla street performance" we're told. Hmm, we know the streets of Tokyo are crowded, but we bet Ahousen cleared the block they were rockin'. Of course, had we been there to see 'em, we'd have stayed put in the street, digging Ahousen big time. This is some serious psychedelic guitar grit, drum tumble, distorto-bass trudge, avant-sax blat, and angsty-screamy vocal burble, from a Japanese band we first heard on PSF's Tokyo Flashback vol. 6 comp. The guitarist, Katsu, played in a band called Lizard back in the '70s, the drummer is Tail from Suishou No Fune. The quartet is rounded out by Suu on sax and vocals, and Akira on bass. Dunno what other bands they may be from, but being part of Ahousen seems cool enuff! Wild and wooly but also sometimes achingly melodic and melancholic, Ahousen (aka Ship Of Fools in English) is part free jazz, part psych rock, and part Japanese folk. It's like Albert Ayler meets Blue Cheer. Or Musica Transonic with sax and a hint of Enka. Beginning auspiciously enough with the energetic onslaught of "All Creatures", Ahousen's self-titled debut consists of four tracks in total, ranging in length from 7 minutes to an epic 28 ("Ophelia", which occupies the 2nd half of the album, certainly is a dramatic performance, compelling throughout, moving from moments of delicate frolic to heavy duty freakdom). Speaking of drama, even in the album's less fierce, more folky moments (like on the relatively lovely "A Leaf"), Suu's nervous breakdown, primal scream vocals up the emotional ante on everything else, his extreme outbursts being a major element of Ahousen's sound, and impact. Compared to other Tokyo Flashback style acts we like from the Tokyo psych scene, such as LSD-march and Up-Tight, these guys somehow sound more '70s underground, and more OUT there - in part due to the free jazz factor, in part due to those vocals... Radical. Fans of Fushitsusha and Kaoru Abe now have a dream date. And let's not limit ourselves merely to Japanese references, anyone into intense underground noisemaking from like likes of, I dunno, Raccoo-oo-oon, might want to sail into the maelstrom with this Ship Of Fools too. Pretty fantastic.

AI ASOAida(PSF)cd$ 22.00

AI ASOChamomile Pool(Pedal)cd$ 19.98

A couple of years ago Japan's Ai Aso served up an absolute dreamcake of an album titled Lavender, then last month she teamed up with Wata of Boris for an amazing book and 7" set. Ai's delights keep on coming with this, her latest full length. Her cooing Japanese waif vocals float like fallen blossoms atop a blurred watercolor stream of effected guitar and steady programmed Casio-esque rhythms. Taking a dip in this Chamomile Pool will surely have the same calming effect as the tea of the same name. We imagine it'd even make a great substitution for traditional baby lullaby fare. This will definitely soothe children of all ages, but the overall serenely elegant tone ensures its adult appeal too. Not an abrasive tone in sight, everything is smooth, soft and so very enchanting. Recommended.

AI ASOChamomile Pool Show(aRCHIVE)dvd$ 22.00

THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.

SORRY. Just got these in today, list day, four new aRCHIVE dvd titles (Ai Aso, Mick Barr, Khlyst, and Suishou No Fune). So, we haven't had a chance to watch 'em yet but since they're limited and all we figured you'd rather we just went ahead and listed 'em now rather than waiting 2 weeks. And all four artists are pretty cool after all. Ai Aso is not so well known, 'round these parts, as the other three artists in this batch of dvd releases, but AQ customers should remember the Japanese chanteuse from her solo cds on Pedal that we've reviewed previously - and also from her split 7" (and photo book) with Wata from Boris. The material on this dvd comes from a 2007 show by Ai Aso & band in Tokyo, with guest cameos from Wata and also guitarist Michio Kurihara. Not having seen it yet, we can only assume it's in the same vein of dreamy psych pop we recall from Ai Aso's solo albums... Gorgeously packaged as per aRCHIVE standards (diecut, letterpress, heavy cardstock foldy cover). And, OF COURSE, it's limited to just 600 copies!!!

AI ASOLavender(Pedal Records)cd$ 19.98

THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.

SORRY. The gentlest Japanese folktronica imaginable. The album's title pretty much sums it up perfectly -- the faintest purple hue, the soft yet bright fragrance of the plant!

AIASA La Piscina(Captured Tracks)cd$ 13.98

While there is no shortage of rad girl group inspired garage pop coming out right now, Aias add some totally unique and spirited energy to the mix, definitely helping them stand out from the garage girl crowd: Vivian Girls, Dum Dum Girls, Best Coast, Slumber Party, etc. Singing in their native Catalan, these three women from Spain show that it's still possible to breathe fresh life into a sound that's been around the block, a sound that can always sound so damn good when done so totally right. And Aias do it so right. With a naive charming quality that sounds a little like Shonen Knife covering the Ramones and The Ronettes, with every single song perfectly hitting the spot. The recording is so warm and minimal in the best way, like our favorite early recordings that came out on K, this is such a smart pop record that understands that stripping away the fat leaves you with just the good stuff. A new favorite pop record for sure!

AIDS WOLFLovvers(Lovepump United)cd$ 11.98

It's hard not to love Aids Wolf. They've got a band name conceived to piss people off, nasty and offensive but also perfectly and almost brilliantly nonsensical. Then there's the eye poppingly garish cover art. Equal parts Black Dice style collage, outsider art, abstract modern design, with just a pinch of naked ladies (and men!). And then there's the music! They sound loud, and crazy, and completely confusing. Like some crazy performance featuring the Boredoms, Afrirampo, Spunk, Total Shutdown, Nautical Almanac and Wolf Eyes, all playing simultaneously, when suddenly someone sets off a bomb and blows the whole club to bits, the pieces are scraped up, broken teeth, shattered skulls, obliterated instruments, sizzling flesh, blood and gore and all manner of gruesome musical splatter, dumped into a huge pot, melted down and smeared all over a piece of wax and pressed up into this here record. A dizzyingly ear shredding, brain melting mix of shrieked vocals, stumbling no-wave, blasting free noise, crusty costume rock and club destroying temper tantrum spaz-outs. Goes down like a mouthful of rusty nails. Fans of any of the above mentioned bands, at least ones with strong stomachs and ears of steel, might find something to love. Maybe. So yeah, it might be hard not to love Aids Wolf, but we're doing a really good job so far.

AIDS WOLF / FUGUEsplit(Blood Of The Drash)7"$ 5.98

AIHIYOLive(PSF)cd$ 21.00

This is the second and possibly last document of Keiji Haino's cover band, which mutates Japanese rock classics (as well as the Ronettes' "Be My Baby", and "Satisfaction" by the Stones) into free-floating garage. This Haino record is certainly the worst of his career... It's so bad that you might be seeing my large collection of Fushitshusha / Haino records showing up in the used bin here at Aquarius really soon. Okay, I know that it's live and there is some "improvisation" that is going on here, but these are simplest blues based chords to ever be written, and Haino's band can't even figure out when to change chords. It's not hard to figure it out; the shittiest fraternity cover band could figure how to play a garage song - even after a few beers. And furthermore, Haino's voice is meant for the caterwaul and siren scream to accompany a furious guitar solo, not to limpwristedly sputter monosyllabic grunting over a blues band that would get booed off the stage anywhere else in America, but in San Francisco or New York, where a bunch of pseudo-intellectuals will be scratching their chins, chain-smoking Bebes, and sipping sludgy double espressos that have been cold for well over an hour and lost any flavor what-so-ever. When you listen to rock'n'roll, you should drink beer. Preferably, Pabst Blue Ribbon, but Schlitz or Olympia will do. Where was I... yeah this record sucks. I'm mad and Lincoln is the capital of Nebraska! [Note: Jim wrote this, not Allan or Jeff, who actually have big Keiji Haino collections, and beg to differ with Jim -- far from being the worst record of Haino's career, this in fact one of his best!! The cover of "Satisfaction" alone makes this worth the 21 bucks. Totally amazing, awesome album. Really. Or so WE think. And we drink PBR.]

AINIGMADiluvium(Garden Of Delights)cd$ 21.00

I'd like to thank whomever was working the counter at Rockit Scientist in NYC, one day when I happened to visit that very cool East Village record shop a couple years ago. 'Cause they happened to be spinning an LP reissue of this, the lone album by obscure krautrock act Ainigma. Never had heard of 'em before, but they made an impression, as I'm a sucker for all early heavy progressive '70s sounds. And for the time it was originally released (1973) these guys were pretty heavy, though it's definitely an low-budget, basement sort of underground production. Especially heavy is the 17 minute title track, which even includes about a minute and a half of drum solo! Shades of Iron Butterfly's "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida"! Also as per Iron Butterfly, there's a LOT of organ on this album, swirling and chunking amid the wailing guitar and pounding drums. No surprise then that the REALLY big influence on these teenage Bavarian lads was Vincent Crane's Atomic Rooster, along with other organ-based heavies out of the UK back then like Uriah Heep and Deep Purple. But Ainigma's take on those sounds was definitely waaay fuzzed and garagey-punk, and also quite jammy, more instrumental than vocal oriented. So ever since that day at Rockit Scientist I'd been hoping for a cd reissue to materialize, and now at last Garden Of Delights has done the job, giving it their usual swank treatment (two bonus tracks plus thick booklet w/ German and English liner notes, lyrics, band photos, and even pictures of -previous- reissues of this record!), nice!

AINOTAMENISHISLive '418(Holy Mountain)lp$ 14.98

You heard 'em on the recent Tokyo Flashback comp number six, now here's a full length document from this Japanese psych/punk combo. Do the math: out of print cd-r release x now on vinyl x on the ever-reliable Holy Mountain label = come 'n get it, Japanese psych fiends! Holy Mountain name drops Gaseneta and Velvet Underground as comparisons/influences. Somewhere in there for sure is the soul of the Ainotamenishis' rock abandon, like so many other heavy-duty Flashbackers we've been lucky to hear.

AIR10,000 Hz Legend(Astralwerks)cd$ 15.98

The French Band (remember they informed us of this fact on the cover of their first album?) has returned. Whatever -- we've been very vocal in the past about our strong dislike for the puffy shallowness that is Air. My main argument was that their music made

AIRCherry Blossom Girl(Source)cd ep$ 9.98

AIRLate Night Tales(Thrive)cd$ 17.98

Many a time, late at night, while hanging out with friends or that some special someone, we've found ourselves turning to our Air records to provide the perfect post-party soundtrack. Deep coming down comfort for a perfect long ride home. So it makes perfect sense that Air would be the latest band creating their own perfect late night mix for the Late Night Tales series. We have to admit, that previous releases in the series have left us a bit underwhelmed, with some of our favorite bands showing a real lack of creativity in their selections. But that all changes right now, with this Late Night Tales, as Air have indeed put together a PERFECT late night mix! It's that perfect combination of the totally obvious and the sort of obscure. Songs that demonstrate many of the band's other sonic sides not necessarily represented in their music. This is one of those mixes that forces you to continually see what the heck is playing, 'cuz whatever track is playing, it's kicking you ass. The pacing, the order, the mood, it's the perfect late bliss-out and drift-off. Melting melting melting in the best possible way. From the dreamy spaced out side of Black Sabbath to maybe the most stunning Lee Hazelwood song we've ever heard, a should-be classic from the Troggs, some impeccable mood music from Nino Rota, a bit of Japan that flows right into some Scott Walker, and lots more. Tan Dun and Cat Power, Robert Wyatt, The Cure, Minnie Riperton, The Band... So awesome. This collection definitely ranks up their with any of our favorite mixtapes. It's easy to get the feeling that the boys in Air made this mix just for you.

AIRLe Voyage Dans La Lune(Virgin)cd + dvd$ 21.00

We'd heard lots of whinging about this, the newest record from French electronica outfit Air, the main complaint being that they were just making Moon Safari all over again. We're not sure what those folks were listening to, cuz minus the group's seemingly everpresent lunar obsession, sonically, this sounds way less like the warm fuzzy style electronica they were so beloved for, and more like some tripped out psychedelic French prog. Although once we started listening to this new one, we went back and realized that they had actually always had a sort of seventies French prog vibe happening, it's just that here, that sound seems darker, and less fuzzy and bubbly than lots of past Air jams. Most likely that's cuz it's a soundtrack, a newly composed score for the legendary 1902 silent film Le Voyage Dans De Lune, which even if you haven't see the film, you're probably familiar with one of the film's most iconic images, the face in the moon, with the rocket ship in its eye (wondering if that man in the moon influenced the Mighty Boosh's moon man?!). Apparently there was a color version, which was believed lost, and only rediscovered in the early nineties, but in terrible condition, and it was only a year or two ago, that the newly restored, hand painted color version was finished, and wow, it looks AMAZING, as you'll see here cuz Air's soundtrack is accompanied by a bonus dvd featuring the newly restored film, complete with new score. Anyway, the music, film or not, is gorgeous and woozy, dark and hauntingly romantic, with lots of tribal percussion, shimmering strings, angelic vocal harmonies, low slung grooves and a sort of downtempo funkiness here and there. The opener sets the tone, with it's big booming drums, loping rhythm, orchestral stabs, weirdly pitch shifted vocals, even some warped faux dialogue, swirling synths, it totally sounds like some tripped out track you might here on some Finders Keepers comp. The rest of the record is a gorgeous moody jumble of playful skitter, brooding drift, tinkling melodies, fluttering flutes, soaring strings, slo-mo funk, some parts that almost sound like the High Llamas, others, that have a dusky Earth like twang, others the could be some sort of Stereolab / BBC Radiophonic Workshop / Perrey & Kingsley mash up, the tracks laced with all manner of sound effects and shimmering synthscapes, but the psychedelic moody seventies progginess of that opening track seems to be the theme, the sound continually returning to that sort of dark groove. Every time we play this in the store someone comes up to see what it is, and then is surprised to find out it's Air. And again, the film, wow, would be worth it even sans the soundtrack, the new print is stunning, totally surreal and druggy and psychedelic, lovely and beautifully crafted, the colors only adding to the trippiness. But Air's trippy groovy soundtrack just seals the deal!

AIRLove 2(Astralwerks)cd$ 16.98

A few years ago when we saw Air play live we realized that these guys weren't just some studio creation, they are in fact totally a real live band! While they initially made their mark with Moon Safari, a record that became a sonic touchstone of the electronic music revolution of the '90s, over the ensuing decade plus, Air have continued to evolve, experiment and transform into incredible music makers, whose exquisitely varied tastes help push their sound way beyond 'electronica', a sound that manages to be lush and intoxicating, catchy and so damn satisfying. With Love 2, Air continue to expand their sonic scope even further, introducing (or re-introducing) elements of prog, French pop, psych, soundtracks, library music, and even some slight hints of krautrock, all those disparate sounds seductively seeping into their music, their vintage gear infusing the sounds with a classic warmth and timeless vibe. They're like a modern day version of Franco Battiato or Lucio Battisti, the way they conjure up such rich and lush sounds that twist and turn deliciously. Or imagine a collaboration between Ennio Morricone and Serge Gainsbourg!! Even folks who never though of themselves as big Air fans have been totally smitten by this record whenever we play it in the store.

AIRMoon Safari(Source/Caroline)cd$ 16.98

Quite pleasant (if not very challenging) French electronic lounge music that sometimes sounds as simple and airy as a Beautiful South song, sometimes as smoky 'n' dense as Portishead. Bonus points for creative Jean Jacques Perrey sampling...and for giving him songwriting credit!

AIRMoon Safari (Special Edition)(EMI)2cd + dvd + book$ 25.00

Moon Safari is pretty much an undeniable classic by now. One of those records that sits in the collection of both casual music listeners and the more musically obsessed (i.e. folks like us!). At this point it's really easy to take this record for granted but it really still does hold it's weight. A seductive record that perfectly blends electronics with a smart and sexy pop sensibility. Channeling the rich history of French pop and infusing it with a very contemporary electronica sound this is one of those records of which we all have so many great memories. Celebrating the 10th (!) anniversary of its release, this deluxe package includes a disc of bonus tracks (remixes, live, etc.) as well as the dvd of their Mike Mills directed documentary "Eating, Sleeping, Waiting and Playing."

AIRPocket Symphony(Astralwerks)cd$ 17.98

While it's been over three years since Air's last record that doesn't mean they've been sitting around doing nothing. In fact just in the last year they made all the music for Charlotte Gainsbourg's great new record 5:55, curated one of the best Late Night Tales compilations, and one half of Air, J.B. Dunckel released his first solo record under the moniker Darkel. But yes like many of you, we've still been getting antsy for a proper new Air record. And here we have it and we have to say it does not disappoint. Pocket Symphony is Air at their moodiest, creating an impeccable atmosphere that flows perfectly from start to finish. There are some guest vocals appearances from Jarvis Cocker (Pulp fans rejoice!) and Neil Hannon (The Divine Comedy) but truly the strength of Pocket Symphony comes in the instrumentation and overall mood that only the guys in Air seem to be able to conjure up. In many ways this is their most somber recording since their score for The Virgin Suicides. A perfect come down record.

AIRSexy Boy(Source)cdep$ 5.98

French electronica sensations Air, with their big hit/best song in a radio edit and three exciting mixes...including one by Beck Hansen. Also, "Jeanne" with Francoise Hardy appears here.

AIRSurfing On A Rocket(Astralwerks)cd ep$ 8.98

Two album tracks "Surfing On A Rocket" and "Alpha Beta Gaga" from Air's most recent full length Talkie Walkie get put through the remix mill -- three mixes a piece by the likes of Juan MacLean (ex-Six Finger Satellite), Mark Ronson, Nomo Heroes, and Joakim. The stand-out is the first "A.B.G." mix on which Ronson gets all funky and hippity-hoppy with some help from Rhymefest. Pretty cool. Plus briefly interrupting the remix party is one brand new track the slow, smoooth swooner "Easy Going Woman".

AIRTalkie Walkie(Virgin)cd + dvd$ 17.98

Wow, we've been blowing through these new Air cds so fast that it doesn't even seem like we need to bother to review it, it's like "here's that Air cd that you're already buying" would do. But, in case you're curious, the consensus here is that Talkie Walkie is really nice, not quite another Moon Safari thinks Allan, but Andee thinks otherwise. Gorgeously shimmery, reverbed piano and handclaps, sweet angelic vocals, lilting melodies, lush harmonies, and surprisingly catchy songs. If you didn't know this was Air, you'd be forgiven for thinking it was some new indie-rock / Elephant 6 / Notwist / psych-pop record. In fact the Notwist is an apt comparison, as is the Postal Service. Sweet indie rock fused with skittery electronica. And the results are so sublime. They even quote "I'm Not In Love" by 10CC in one song, complete with the heavy breathing! Remember the amazing music Air did for Sophia Coppola's Virgin Suicides. How the music managed to be as gauzy and sweetly innocent and emotionally charged as the film? Well, imagine that same sort of vibe but in a totally pop context! So good. Thankfully Air seem to have finally shed their loungy / exotica / kitsch for good in favor of this new, lush, much more satisfying sound. And I for one can't wait to hear more. This limited edition comes with a bonus DVD featuring a 35 minute live film with behind the scenes footage and other bonus stuff.

AIRVirgin Suicides(Astralwerks)cd$ 17.98

A new album from Air! And it comes in the form of a soundtrack for Sofia Coppola's film 'The Virgin Suicides'. Smoky sax, a scattering of spoken word, soaring musical swells, and cascading piano. Quietly groovy, but not without a frantic chase theme included in the mix (which Andee said sounds like black metal).