We're Done Here

I know, I know. I said I'd try to keep the blog up and running, but as you can see, almost two months and nothing. My fondness for the 'spot has faded completely. I just can't be bothered to take the time to post over here anymore. I know I did not post a lot anyway, but I'm officially done now. Tumblr has taken over my life and I find that I really enjoy using it, so if you feel so inclined, follow me there. If not, I'll make sure to occasionally check out the few of you I do actually follow.

Away we go. http://theankou.tumblr.com/

Neglect

My apologies for basically allowing this blog to die; during the school semester my free time dried up and I found it hard to make time to listen new records, let alone post about them. My record buying has let up a little as of late but I'm still managing to pick up some great albums. I'll try and post about a few of my favourites in the next little while, as well as the inevitable "Best of '10" list.
I haven't given up blogging entirely though, as an earlier post indicated, I've created a tumblr page as well. My migration over to tumblr has been much friendlier as it only takes a couple of seconds to "reblog" something. I've mainly been using it as an inspirational source, a place to gather images and information that will hopefully lend itself to my work.

Haunt Me, Haunt Me, Do It Again

I don't know how many people were as excited as I was when I found out Alien8 Recordings were finally pressing Tim Hecker's Haunt Me, Haunt Me, Do It Again on vinyl for the first time ever. Needless to say I sent in my payment for what I thought was a pre-order, but much to my surprise I received a shipping confirmation just a day later. That brings me to yesterday, the day I finally was able to hold a copy of this exquisite record in my hands. His latest two albums, Harmony In Ultraviolet and An Imaginary Country are both equally remarkable albums, and I'll post about those when I eventually get a chance. As for now, I just needed to share the beauty that is Haunt Me.

Grinderman

Picked up my ticket the other day for the Grinderman show in Vancouver on November 26th. I'm definitely excited, especially considering that it's been ages since I've seen a musical performance. The fact that it's Nick Cave performing? Even fucking better.

Tumblr

Also, while I'm here, might as well say that I've started a tumblr. So far I've only used it for everyday photography, we'll see how it goes though. I am starting to enjoy it a lot though, and it's much simpler to use than blogger. Anyway, take a look here: The Ankou

Going Places + Being There

Not much for posting recently, so I've tried to jam a few in the past couple of days. I've been relatively busy since the fall semester has restarted, but I'm still trying to contribute here somewhat regularly. I've also been absolutely obsessed with Mad Men recently, I've watched the entire first season in the span of just a few days. Incredible show.

Anyway, on with the records; this is the latest (and greatest?) Yellow Swans LP. Titled "Going Places", and released on the always enjoyable Type label, it's to be expected that this would be one of the better albums of the year. It doesn't disappoint in the slightest, I thought that their last album "At All Ends" (see previous entry) was brilliant, but this just cemented the group as an all time favourite. Coinciding with this record was a limited CD titled "Being There", a collection of hard-to-find material that was only available with the initial copies sold of this album. It's great as well, definitely makes it worth the price of admission.

At All Ends

This is an older album, but one definitely worth posting. Yellow Swans' "At All Ends", is an immense record from start to finish. From the simple design of gatefold jacket to the incredible sounds that it contains, it's a record that speaks volumes about experimental music. One of their last albums as they've since announced that YS was over, but they've put out dozens of amazing albums. Most of which I still have to track down.

Luckily, Pete Swanson, one half of the Yellow Swans duo, has since released a couple of solo jobs. I've got one, a split LP with Rene Hell, another is on it's way, and a third was just released which I have yet to purchase. I'm just glad that in some way or another, the Yellow Swans live on in some form or another.

Drenched Lands, Greyfield Shrines, & Territories

Yesterday I received one of the best packages I could have hoped for in the post; test pressings of each of Locrian's LPs, "Drenched Lands," Greyfield Shrines," & "Territories," each limited to only five or seven copies. I really can't thank Andre & Terrence (the members of Locrian) enough. Over the past year Locrian has continually grown to become one of my favourite current acts. They've never put out a disappointing release. Really looking forward to the new double CD set titled "The Crystal World" that's due out on Utech (an incredible record label) come November.

Mechanical Gardens

This is the debut LP from Altar Eagle, titled "Mechanical Gardens", on Type Recordings. Incredible record on nice pink translucent vinyl. The music is a little different than what I usually expect from Type, this is essentially a shoegaze record. Brad Rose, the man behind The North Sea (see "Bloodlines") usually experiments with noise or experimental folk, not synthesizers or dream-pop. But it still sounds awesome. Listen here.

The Creative Process

In a couple of weeks, I officially start my new program in school. Last year I spent both semesters playing catch up and managed to get a few courses out of the way. This is what my immediate future holds for me and I imagine it will keep me pretty busy. Very much looking forward to what is on the horizon.