“This is the way I remember your skin to be/You've got skin like porcelain like dirty porcelain/Like crusty porcelain…The best place for you is the hell out of my sight.” - The Jesus Lizard.
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| Horns Up |
New Horizons
Amazing, this is the legendary drummer’s debut solo record. Anyone expecting a variation on Reign in Blood will be disappointed as Rites… allows him to indulge his esoteric tastes. More a soundtrack to an imaginary film, tracks like ‘Interfearium’ manage to reference old horror soundtracks while still being eerie and ‘Warpath’ features an intense, metallic groove that would make Test Dept jealous. Not what you might expect, but Lombardo was much more eclectic than the average metalhead.
The album can be streamed and purchased here.
Dorthia – Death Folk Country
Returning to the gothic country terrain of her debut solo LP, Windhand singer Dorthia Cottrel taps into some very dark terrain on here: ‘Black Canyon’ sounds as cavernous as a cave but Cottrel’s vocals (a mix of the homely and the distant) offer up a haunting, human sound in the wilderness. ‘Effigy at the Gates of Ur’ has a dreamlike melody which accentuates the lyrical content (burning bodies, blindness and entering Babylon). Perfect for a rainy Sunday evening.
The album can be streamed and purchased here.
Poison Ruin – Harvest
Described as post-punk and dungeon synth, Philly’s Poison Ruin operate in a world where punks draw as much influence from scrappy goth acts as much as the likes of Burzum. Although the production is something of an acquired taste, the grimey sound and off-kilter music make for an intriguing combination for those fed up with their gothic punk being too well recorded. ‘Resurrection Parts I and II’ demonstrate this dichotomy all too well.
The album can be streamed and purchased here.
Blood Moon Wedding – An American Nightmare
A collaboration between Zounds songwriter Steve Lake and Antler Family driving force Mia Dean, this is an astonishing record that flirts with neo-cabaret, gothic rock and alt-country. Billing itself as a road trip of horrors through an alternate reality in the sprawling deserts of America, this is the sort of record that Nick Cave should be making. ‘Wanted’ is one of many highlights due to its combination of Alien Sex Fiend and Bonnie and Clyde storytelling.
The album can be streamed and purchased here.
Golden Oldies
In an ideal world, Betty Davis would be a superstar on a par with Beyonce and Janelle Monae. Sadly, life isn’t fair, and Davis’ death last year was a cruel reminder of how trailblazers get the kudos but none of the success. Her last album before quitting music, the attitude and funk just oozes from the record grooves. The title track will never not be a showstopper, while ‘You and I’ demonstrated a softer side and closer ‘The Lone Ranger’ melds the two seamlessly. A stone-cold classic.
Mark Stewart and the Maffia – As the Veneer of Democracy Starts to Fade
Another legend (and Bookers Dozen participant) left us last week. Although most have focused on his immense work with The Pop Group, his work with Tack>>>Head as his backing band is something else. Throwing in everything from hip hop beats, dubby grooves, industrial overload and a Burroughsesque attitude to cutting up music and lyrics in order to create something new, this record stands as a pivotal moment in British independent music. Highly recommended.
Geto Boys – We Can’t Be Stopped
With the cover featuring Bushwick Bill in the hospital after being shot in the eye, you know that Houston’s most infamous sons aren’t fucking about. Probably their most vicious and visceral record as they take shots at everyone from Warner Bros to George Bush to various “hoes” who crossed their paths. ‘Mind Playing Tricks on Me’ is rightly regarded as one of the finest hip hop numbers of the 90’s but the fact that it doesn’t overshadow the rest of the record shows how strong it is.
Fairport Convention – Liege & Lief
One of the pioneering British folk-rock acts, Fairport Convention have several classic albums to their name. However, this one retains top billing for a few reasons. Firstly, it remains Sandy Denny’s finest work with the band (listen to ‘Reynardine’ as proof of this claim). Secondly, there is an emotion and atmosphere that runs through the record, elevating it into something much more powerful. Haunting, paganistic and full of excellent song choices, what more do you need?
⏩ Christopher Owens was a reviewer for Metal Ireland and finds time to study the history and inherent contradictions of Ireland. He is currently the TPQ Friday columnist.
This whole series has added a string to the blog bow. Even if I do groan when it comes through - realising I have to format it!! Long may it continue Christopher.
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