Never give it up on a first date
28.07.09
Many of the best releases require the listener to invest time and effort into the release to get the most out of it. At each subsequent listen to the release you explore and discover all, or at least many, or the musical subtleties and with repetition not only do you learn the words but also the meaning of the song can take a few listens to get, especially without a copy of the actual lyrics on hand.
The more you listen the more these releases get under your skin, hopefully in a good way. One such album that has crossed our desk is the new long player, Degrees of Existence, from Dimmer which was released yesterday.
First listen was pleasant enough but as we played the album over the course of last week it did exactly as suggested and by the end of about the third or fourth listen it went in my view from a solid album in the tradition of previous Dimmer releases to something more... possibly the best album Mr Carter and co have released, maybe, it still requires a few more listens before I am confident in that claim.
The best bit is; as we play it in the office and I listen at home I am sure there are many more depths I have yet to discover. Wish I'd made the effort Friday to go and see them now.
There are a bunch of titles we at Amplifier feel get better with subsequent listens and over the course of this week we're endeavouring to remind you of a few from this year that if you haven't checked them out yet are worth a look/listen to:
Mel Parsons - Over My Shoulder
Inspired by all the usual suspects - love, heartbreak & loss - West Coast native Mel Parsons presents her long awaited debut album Over My Shoulder, a catchy and non-indulgent wee gem for the optimist in us all. Together with her band The Rhythm Kings, 'Over My Shoulder' is eleven heartfelt and hook-laden tracks of of alt-country/pop/folk persuasion.
The album was made in Wellington under the guidance of Mutton Birds' guitarist and celebrated NZ producer David Long (Dave Dobbyn, Fur Patrol), and mixed at Trident Studios by Mike Gibson.
The album draws on many different influences, and emerges as a catchy and non-indulgent folk/pop/ country record.
Anitform - City In Exile
City In Exile is Antiform's hotly anticipated debut album, featuring collaborations with some of NZ's finest, including Tiki Taane, MC Twincam, Angelo Munro (Bleeders), Julia Deans and Agent Alvin.
It is also, an album that may surprise some with its eclecticism as it is not centered on a single genre, and features the talents of a number of top Kiwi and international vocalists from all types of musical backgrounds!
One of the most rocking electronic albums you'll hear all year.
Have a great day.
