We'll make our home here, or our grave.

We're Done Here

2011-02-11T17:07:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-16T00:06:00.000-08:00

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

2010-10-14T23:20:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-03T17:26:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-27T01:47:00.001-07:00

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

2010-09-20T18:19:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-20T18:16:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-01T11:54:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-28T09:27:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-27T23:50:00.000-07:00

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.

Volume Two

2010-08-23T00:20:00.000-07:00

Late as should be expected, but I'm doing my best to keep up-to-date with posting. Here is Mix #2, as promised. This time around, there's a darker kind of vibe on in the music selections I chose. I hope at least couple people give it a quick listen.

Download Volume Two

Tracklisting:
1. The North Sea - Bloodlines ("Bloodlines" LP on Type)
2. Locrian - Ghost Repeater ("Drenched Lands" CD on Small Doses)
3. Xela - Return of the Ankou (remix) ("Night of the Ankou" CD on Type)
4. Sarin Smoke - Single Stepping the Death Trail ("Smokescreen" LP on Three Lobed)
5. Yellow Swans - Endlessly Making An End of Things ("At All Ends" LP on Weird Forest)

The West Coast

2010-08-21T21:12:00.000-07:00

Had a fantastic trip to Vancouver Island. Great weather, beautiful scenery; just a really great week I got to spend with my girlfriend. Here's just a few photos of my trip (I took almost three-hundred in all). I hope you enjoy, as there's plenty more.

Letters Letters

2010-08-20T17:09:00.000-07:00

I have quite a few fancy records coming my way over the next couple of weeks that I am excited to post about, including the new Vaccine 7", three Locrian test presses that I am beyond ecstatic about, the newest LP on Type by Altar Eagle, and even a couple of CDs (remember those things?). So hopefully some stuff to keep you inspired.

As for now, here's a record I got my hands on a few weeks ago I thought was worth mentioning. Another one on the always great Type label, by the band Letters Letters. As far as I know, this is the only record they have ever released but i absolutely love it. Their sound is hard to describe, it's kind of like lo-fi indie, I guess. Anyway, you can have a listen on their page if interested.

I should add that the artwork is absolutely fantastic on this release. It's done by Matthew Woodson at Ghostco, who does a lot of covers for Type and is one of my favourite artists.

Going Coastal

2010-08-05T20:34:00.000-07:00

No posts lately and unfortunately there won't be another until I get back next week from my trip to the coast. Hopefully, I'll have some interesting stuff to post about. Take care.

Volume One

2010-07-31T19:55:00.000-07:00

Since I've actually managed to maintain a somewhat frequent blog-update routine, I figured I should try out posting something more interesting. Every week I will choose a recent photograph of mine and upload a five-to-six track / thirty minute long mix inspired by the photograph. So in addition to regular posts (which will hopefully start to include more photography, in general), I will try and have one of these up at the beginning of each weekend.

This first mix is an ambient-electronic theme to go with this photo that I really liked. Link below.

Download Volume One

Tracklisting:
1. Loscil - Lake Orchard (taken from the "Endless Falls" lp)
2. Rameses III - No Water, No Moon (from the "I Could Not Love You More" lp)
3. Concert Silence - 01 09.22.07 [part1] (from the "09.22.2007 [2-3pm]" lp)
4. Xela - Bobble Hats In Summer (from the "For Frosty Mornings and Summer Nights" cd)
5. Helios - Distance (from the "Unleft" cd)

After the Prophecy

2010-07-28T23:51:00.000-07:00

This is a newish tape from Andre Foisy, one half of Locrian, titled "After the Prophecy"; it was put out by their own label, Land of Decay and is another quality release. I love the transparent green cassette as well as the cover art, really well done all around.

Fields Within Fields

2010-07-24T20:40:00.000-07:00

The latest album from Heavy Winged, titled "Fields Within Fields" is fucking heavy. Limited to 600 copies and put out by Three Lobed Recordings, who always do extremely high quality pressings. This one is two side-long tracks of heavy psyche-rock. Well I'm not really sure how to categorize them, but everything I've heard by these guys absolutely melts my face. All the pre-order copies of this LP were accompanied with a bonus CD titled "Infinite In Every Direction" which is two more lengthy tracks recorded around the same time; the disc is easily good enough to be a standalone release. If you like your music noisy, I can't recommend this band enough.

Land of Failure

2010-07-23T11:17:00.000-07:00

The newest offering from Locrian, "Land of Failure," is a double-cassette released just last week limited to only 13 copies. Really glad I managed to grab myself a copy of this. The only downfall, the tapes are designed to be played simultaneously; this means I need another tape deck, but I will find a way. Anyway, really fantastic looking release, beautifully packaged. I'll let the images speak for themselves.

Rainy Afternoons

2010-07-22T11:19:00.000-07:00

Drenched Lands

2010-07-20T00:02:00.000-07:00

Locrian's "Drenched Lands" was one of the best albums released in '09. It's an incredibly bleak soundtrack to, well, life. Locrian has been one of my favourite bands since I discovered them early last year and I've been frantically trying to grab up everything I can manage to get my hands on. The main duo that is Locrian, aka Terrence Hannum and Andre Foisy, run their own label called Land of Decay and are both really good dudes; I feel that they're putting out some of the best current music. Their latest release is a double cassette release which I'll hopefully be getting in the mail next week. Anyway, back to this record: the LP version of "Drenched Lands" was put out by Bloodlust! and comes in an edition of 200, all on clear vinyl. The LP version, which comes in an impressive package, also came with an additional 18 minute 3" CDr titled "Sullage." All in all, great tunes. Expect to hear more from me on this band.

In addition to the LP, I also managed to grab a copy of the tape limited to only 100 copies, which was put out by Small Doses, a really great label. The tape version has an extra track titled "This Is the Final Epoch."

Lake Effect Snow / Candy Shoppe

2010-07-15T21:34:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I stumbled upon the two latest 7" singles from Emeralds. These records are b-sides/outtakes/versions of the songs that make up the album "Does It Look Like I'm Here?". The first 7" offers up "Candy Shoppe" on the 'a' side b/w "The Cycle of Abuse" -- which are also the two songs that start off the double LP album. On the second 7", "Lake Effect Snow" b/w "Science Center." The band put these out on their own Wagon label and I'm pretty happy I was able to track them down after I initially thought I waited too long to grab them. These are the first in a set of, I believe, 8 or 9. Each limited to 350. The next two should be made available sometime this summer, and I'm looking forward to them.

In Bocca Al Lupo

2010-07-14T20:38:00.000-07:00

This is a double LP by Xela entitled "In Bocca Al Lupo." Xela is the musical brilliance of John Twells, founder of the highly respected Type record label. This album is packaged in a very simple chipboard jacket with only a stamp in the middle to indicate which record it is (I'll eventually be grabbing the CD version as well because of how fantastic and well-done the cover art is). However it's what is on the vinyl that is really important, a stripped down, dark and ambient recording that makes a great soundtrack to an extremely frightening horror movie that doesn't exist yet. I've been a fan of Xela for quite a while but never really appreciated what he does, and that's provide us with something incredible. I should have a few more of his records showing up in the next week.

I Could Not Love You More

2010-07-07T18:57:00.000-07:00

This might be the record that started my recent and ever-growing obsession with Type Records, "I Could Not Love You More" by Rameses III. This album is composed of some of the most beautiful and truly inspiring songs I have ever heard.

Porcelain Opera

2010-07-07T09:34:00.000-07:00

This is the incredible new record on Type by Rene Hell. I received this in the mail a couple of weeks ago but haven't got around to posting about it yet. Anyway, the LP is titled "Porcelain Opera," the initial copies sold came with a bonus disc called "Rogue Camera" and it's just as good as the record. It seems that Type just can't put out a bad release.

Does It Look Like I'm Here?

2010-07-04T01:54:00.000-07:00

The newest album from Emeralds, "Does It Look Like I'm Here?" is absolutely incredible; definitely in the running as one of the best releases of the year. I understand that Emeralds are pretty hyped right now, but that doesn't take away from the genius that is this record. Here are some photos of the double vinyl edition I grabbed the other week from Experimedia (one of my favourite new distro discoveries). Beautiful art work and fantastic layout. Seriously good drones, I cannot stop listening to this record.

Bloodlines

2010-06-30T12:00:00.000-07:00

This is the newest release by The North Sea, titled "Bloodlines". Another incredible release by the Type label. Seriously dark drones that are unnerving, troubling and downright intense. If you click the previous link, you can listen to the whole album on the provided stream. Very recommended.

Fresh Air

2010-06-22T13:24:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't noticed, this is now only the 4th post on my blog. Blogger changed the template/design feature and while messing around with it, I eventually made it look a little prettier and decided to start from scratch. Even a new title. Everything before these last few posts were sloppy and the photos were uninteresting, not to mention the old blog posts that were just me complaining. I feel that my photography has gotten better and I hope to start posting photos of more than just records, because that really speaks more about who I am.

Also, the new Rene Hell LP on Type is absolutely stunning. Good driving tunes. I got the LP along with the new Emeralds in the mail today, so I'll hopefully post about those in the next couple of days.

Black Tar Prophecies

2010-06-20T17:13:00.000-07:00

No posts in a month, pathetic I know. Good part of that is that I've acquired quite a few records since then. Still, it's inexcusable. I've been pretty pre-occupied with something on tv for the past couple of weeks and add to that, a few Top Chef marathons, it was the blog that had to sacrifice the time. Hopefully not anymore though.

This post is for the two new Grails records that Important put out last month. I already had Black Tar Prophecies Vol. I and II on separate releases, but this re-issue (along with Vol. IV) looks absolutely stunning so I had to snap them up. Luckily for me I ordered quick enough to get both the ltd. to 200 colours. Anyway, I'll let the photos speak for themselves.

Gli Azzurri

2010-05-19T11:09:00.000-07:00

Those who know me or read this blog understand what my passions are. One is, quite obviously, photography. Another is music, or more accurately, collecting vinyl.

However, there is one obsession that might overpower both of them and that one is football. There are only two teams that I support, during the regular season it's AS Roma and on the national level, only Italia.

Below are photos of the new jersey the men in blue will be wearing during the 2010 World Cup. I purchased this last friday and I must say it was worth every penny as it is absolutely stunning. Pure sex. Forza Azzurri!

Lost In Reflections

2010-05-13T00:59:00.000-07:00

Another new post. Sorry for the lack of updates as of late. I've received some really great records in the mail recently, I just haven't really had a chance to post about them. So I apologize, I'm really going to try and make a greater effort to regularly update at least once a week.

This post is dedicated to Dead Letters Spell Out Dead Words aka Thomas Ekelund.
Three albums: The "Lost In Reflections" LP + 7" released on a handful of labels, as well as the "No Words" cassette re-released by Land of Decay, both by Dead Letters. The third, a double-cassette set by Teeth, entitled "So Sick of My Reflection In the Mirror". Incredible albums.