Not yet released album: Mind Bokeh by Bibio does not disappoint

Mind Bokeh is not available in stores yet; it will be soon though. Because of that, I can't provide any sample listening links, but there is an audio sampler out there provided by his label that can give you an idea. It opens like an old British mystery movie staring Jack the Ripper. Sounds of a horse's hooves clanking on cobblestone streets cloud the track along with a nebulous backdrop that sounds like pouring rain. Bibio then establishes the beat and his natural propensities take control. Almost every note, every pitch, every solitary sound that is associated with the underlying beat is different from the rest, especially upon transition from four or eight complete measures to a new sequence of measures, and that is what makes Bibio a master at creating memorable drops and consistent beats. He layers and layers on this album, more so than on his previous compilations, and he's flashy. For someone who is notorious for remaining rather low-key with his beats, more interested in how various and seemingly conflicting sounds work together, Bibio uses Mind Bokeh to mark a noticeable change in his approach. It becomes ridiculously clear how he is now influenced by many popular producers from the track Anything New. It reminds me of something Diplo or Lupe Fiasco would use to sing or rap over. Really good stuff. He also gets a little Middle Easterny with Wake Up!, a little funky with Light Sleep, a little rocky with Take Off Your Shirt, a little tropically with K is For Kelson, a little creepy with Mind Bokeh, a little folky with More Excuses, and he ends the album in typical Bibio experimental and crafty fashion with Saint Christopher. This album has so much; it's difficult to get bored.

Mind Bokeh deserves a 4.4/5. I don't give it a 4.5+/5 because, to be honest, his beats are still potentially too experimental. But that being said, if you go beyond the myriad of sounds, his beats are second to none. Favorite songs: Anything New, Light Sleep, Artists' Valley, K is For Kelson, and Saint Christopher.

I was asked the other night what I've been consistently listening to recently. Answer: Wire, Destroyer, Kisses, Houses, Talib Kweli (if you missed my post on his new album, Gutter Rainbows, you should check it out; this album is unbelievable), Animal Collective, Curren$y, Jazz Liberatorz, and a few miscellaneous (jazz, blues, rock, folk, etc.) depending on my mood.

Also, take a look at this music video for Contact High by Architecture in Helsinki. I want that chair.

Best, Jonathan

A few great singles and a highly anticipated album

The first single to share is Eastover Wives by Dent May. I'm loving this song. It sounds like something that would be played during a late 80s' prom, but with a jazzy touch. But the most intriguing aspect of this song is the lead singer's voice. It's haunting... like Elvis Costello on steroids. It starts with a nice sax and then a stereotypical 80s-sounding bass chimes in with a really catchy riff. Listen carefully for the guitar, it's changy but adds a needed root to the song. The words are comical, but also thoughtful. For example, "High school sweethearts / They only talk about the weather / Never sleep together / Now she's looking for some pleasure / She'll get around / Yeah, she'll get around." The song is full of these interesting moments that at first seem funny, but after close inspection remind you that the future is more surprising or disappointing than the present and may not be what you hoped. You can stream it here: http://cdn02.cdn.gorillavsbear.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/02-Eastover-Wives.mp3. I give it a 3.8/5.

The second single to share is Lemonade by Braids. This song is on the album Native Speaker. I have yet to finish listening to the album, but what I have heard I really like. Lemonade is the opener. Its overall airy feel is created by a perfect combination of echos, delay, and flanger. Similarly to Dent May's frontman, Braid's frontgirl also has a unique and beautiful voice that carries for miles and miles. This song's lyrics are also pretty funny: "And what I / What I found / Is that we / We're all just sleeping around." But then there are times like these when she surprises with insight: "I told him to get fucked and then get laid / Now what do you say to a man who's got no taste / Who's really got no potential / Except to procreate / So inessential." Wow. Despite these strong sentiments, this song is actually upbeat and can be put on repeat without becoming monotonous. You can download it here: http://www.mediafire.com/?mtby2nqwyzw. I give it a 4/5.

My final single to share tonight is Home by Glasser. The song's verses are rather stale and don't really seem to be moving in any concrete direction. The song's chorus, however, is jaw-droppingly beautiful as empty space is saturated with crazy harmonies of her overlapped voice. Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCitAejfYQ8. Overall: 3.5/5.

I cannot find the new Bibio anywhere. Anywhere. Mind Bokeh is due March 29th on WARP Records, but a future release usually doesn't deter fans from somehow finding an album leak. Judging from this British producer's 2009 record, Ambivalence Avenue, his new one is going to be a doozy. Keep a look out for it; there is already anticipation building all over the internet. Here is my favorite Bibio track that some of you might know from the Amazon Kindle commercials: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Eks4gB9tbE.

Best, Jonathan