Phosphorescent "Here's To Taking It Easy"buy this
It’s that empty bottle next to an overflowing ashtray, a voice that’s difficult to determine is resonating from a distance or echoing through the darkness of your own thoughts. Like a bullet fired into the Texas night sky, slowing at it’s apex and turning to commence in it’s decline.

Hypnotic Brass Ensemblebuy this
Heralded as one of the best live shows in the world at the moment, the momentum gathering behind the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble is nothing short of staggering. Eight brothers, all the sons of Sun Ra trumpeteer and songwriter Phil Cohran, have all been playing since they were kids. Released on Damon Albarn's Honest Jon label, their new album is a stunning work of sound, structure, and musicianship. They are also the backing band on the Gorillaz new album "Plastic Beach."

Ettes "Do you Want Power"buy this
Los Angeles' hottest garage rock trio hits the brash and spunky nail on the head with their new album "Do You Want Power" - exploding with sass, swagger, and style. Not to be overlooked - their ep "Danger Is" which has 2 songs produced by Dan Auerbach of Black Keys fame. One of my all time favorite Ettes songs is on this.

Seven Fields of Aphelionsbuy this
Their debut album "Periphery" is one of the best ambient albums of recent memory. Minimalist new-agey piano rifts float atop a rich bed of warbly synths and pure white noise. Periphery manages to do the near impossible by making a full length ambient album that is actually not boring. Calming, sleepy, and hazy, it still rewards deep listening, as its motifs cycle and recycle thoughout the length of hte album. It sounds both ancient and new. For fans of Eno, Cluster, and all that junk.

Moon Duo "Escape"buy this
Moon Duo rocks! Whether you're on acid or not, this will bring you to another face-melting level! Out of SF, Ripley Johnson and Sanae Yamada offer up rippin guitar parts, simple keys and minimal vocals against a steady, droning beat. Inspired by Spacemen 3, Silver Apples, & Suicide, and not far off of Ripley's project Wooden Shjips. For your healthy dose of psychedelic Krautrock pick up "Escape" today!

Oh No "Dr No's Ethiopium"buy this
36 hip hop instrumentals inspired by and sampled from rare 60s and 70s Ethiopian soul, jazz, funk, and psychedelic rock. Even if you've never heard an instrument tuned to the qenet modes before, even if you're more into ballads than you are tezetas, Oh No's transformative effect on his source material will blow you away in its otherworldly funkiness. Also recommended: Dr No's Oxperiment - a foray into Turkish and Liberian goodness.

Drew Victor "Stand Still Faithful Mountain"buy this
Seattle to Brooklyn transplant Drew Victor's 9th album is a virtuous, hopeful, transcendental affair recorded in Seattle at Litho, with long time friends Grand Hallway & the Maldives. Papers and press have said that his music goes well with earl grey tea or a sit on the front porch. I say, just be quiet, close your eyes and listen. RIYL: Sufjan Stevens, Devendra Banhart Jeff Buckley, and other modern folksy goodness.

Willie Nelson "Willie & the Wheel"buy this
If you were to hear that Willie Nelson and Asleep at the Wheel convened to record an album of western swing, you'd probably think "Of course!". It makes perfect sense. They're old hands, and share a love of Bob Will and his Texas Playboys, the pioneer who dared to combine big band jazz with cowboy western in a city-meets-country sensation. For both Willie and the Wheel, it's a match made in heaven they they handle with ease and authority. With so much musical talent in one room, one would expect to be most impressed with their musicianship; and while there are some really great performances, they also take it easy the whole time, and the overwhelming feeling one gets after listening is just how much fun these folks had, sharing these old songs with each other. And now, you.

Soul Jazz presents "Freedom Rhythm & Sound"buy this
Another excellent set from Soul Jazz Records. This one's a sprawling, double disc look back at the era when jazz went radical. This one is well selected, sequenced, and mastered - ranging from undeniably funky (Attica Blues) to gorgeous (Mary Lou Williams) to the strange (Art Ensemble..) and overtly political (Nuclear War) with plenty of spaces in between. More rhythm than skronk, this set is a fine example of avant-jazz as a social music, music for mind and body. Works great as a primer for those unfamiliar, but also with plenty of rarities for those who know plenty of names on here. The liner notes are a well written history as well. Top Notch!

Lusine buy this
The latest installment from Texan Jeff McIlwain who now resides here in Seattle, produces electronic, techno, and IDM.
What makes it special? It's melodic beauty combined with a touch of ambience. You can't go wrong with

Pantha Du Prince buy this
A lovely new release by German electronic producer Pantha Du Prince (aka Henrik Weber). Of course, I'm a sucker for deep dubby bass and atmospheric bells, but I also love what sounds like steel drum on some of the tracks. Some notable guests are also featured : !!!'s Tyler Pope on bass, and Animal Collective's Noah Lennox sings on "Stick to My Side". If you're a fan of hypnotic experimental dance music, do not pass this one up!