Divorce Party - Astrocongertion Oporium

It's about due time that my motivational lapse has come to an end. I suck, I know, sorry guys...Divorce Party had asked me to review their first demo way back sometime in 2010 (I believe) and now, halfway through this wondrous year, I am getting off my lazy ass (figuratively speaking, of course) and finally gettin' this shit public, yo.

I'm actually glad that I waited, in one way at least, for this group of Michigan-ites pull together even better recordings than on the last one. Taking dancey rock forms and blending it with hard electronics and synth sounds, the songs chirp and bend jaggedly, more spasm than song at times.

Every song feels like it's trying to rip itself apart. Evey claustrophobic note takes you further into their racing rhythm, leaving very little room to breathe. And to top it off, the entire EP is only about 10 minutes long. Having never seen these guys live, I can only imagine, but I feel like their live performance might be on par with a Red Bull-induced heart attack. Wicked awesome, dood! (and other Boston-bro terminology).

Check them out if you're into the likes of DD/MM/YYYY and Gay Beast, but also if pulling into new areas of sound happens to be your thing. You know what? Just give 'em a listen and like it.

you can download both of their EPs here:

Genie Brown - A Woman Alone (1973)

A wonderful independent 1970s female soul album by the little-known Genie Brown, whose bold portrait on the cover might be considered a somewhat truthful echo of the determined tone of her singing.

Like many such productions the theme is true and respectful love, honest relationships, and here the raspy voice of Genie is acutely backed up by great musicianship. The sound is full, rich but raw, orchestrated with nice brass and guitar and just a touch of strings —which caught the ear of New York DJ extraordinaire Nicky Siano who made her track 'Can't Stop Talking' a staple of his legendary club The Gallery.

The album also includes the tracks 'You and Me', 'My First Night Alone Without You' and 'Let Me Stand in Your Shadow'.


Enjoy it!

Greg


Link in comments...


Both Worlds - Don'tcha Hide It (1974)

Tripped out fusiony funk – with lots of great solo work! These guys have kind of a jazz rock approach (hence the "both worlds" name) – one that makes for some tight bass and drum work, lots of choppy guitar, and spacey keyboards interlaced with some funkier horn solos.

The production is raw, which gives the record much more of an edge than you'd expect from a group like this; and even the sweeter vocal numbers come off with an strong indie feeling. Includes the massive horn-heavy jazz dance tune "Coming On Strong", plus the cuts "Solide", "Don'tcha Hide It", "Stop Turn Around", "Leavin Them Days", "It's Love", and a fantastic cover of "Freedom Jazz Dance".


Enjoy it!

Greg


Link in comments...


Tony Aiken & Future 2000 - Unity Sing It Shout It (1976)

A mindblower! Tony Aiken & Future 2000 were an obscure mid 70s group from New York -- all players skilled in the burgeoning club scene of the time, but who also had their roots in Caribbean music -- coming together for this unique record in a festive blend of early disco and funky styles!

The record's got a great home-grown feel -- a warm ensemble effort that's got equal parts soul and groove -- and which bubbles over with personal touches that really make the tracks stand out from the pack. Quoting the liner notes 'Unity speaks for itself in a world that's slowly pulling apart we all need to stop and think 'Unity' not just for one but for everyone 'Unity''. Includes the side-long jammer "Unity Sing It Shout It", plus the funky disco classic "Better Days", the soulful cuts "She Loves Me", "Good Things", and the great instrumental "Time Tunnel".


Enjoy it!

Greg


Link in comments...