Shokadelica

Okay, I really don't know much about the supposed artist Prince. I do know the little guy creeps me out and is a definite emitter of douche chills. But when I heard a few years ago that there was a five disc tribute collection by all Norwegian artists for the pretentious creepster's 50th birthday- I became oddly interested. It turns out there wasn't much there for my tastes, with one shining exception...The enigmatic ULVER with guest vocals by a Miss Siri Stranger (who in addition to her Norwegian fame, has apparently been a favorite muse for Wycleff Jean). They perform a stunning version of Thieves In The Temple. Honest, I don't even know what the original sounds like, but I'd bet a shiny nickel it is not as hauntingly beautiful as this cover. Maybe there are some other gems hidden within the 81 tracks... how the hell would I know.

As a side note: The little frilly purple one received a free copy of the comp. from the label and promptly responded with a lawsuit ordering all copies be destroyed. I guess he didn't like C+C Records printing his age on the cover. So touchy...

READ ALL ABOUT IT

Here are all five discs. Which one has Thieves in the Temple you ask? I'm not telling.

Shock and Eh... 1
Shock and Eh...2
Shock and Eh...3
Shock and Eh...4
Shock and Eh...5

Holy Mountain

Crushing and psychedelic doom crusted, this album (if played at the proper volume) just may cause one to implode and revert to a pile of dust, which of course will then be blown away by the sonic vibrations still flowing from your speakers. Although, they are no longer your speakers as you are now dust and dust has no legal claim to ownership of property. I'm just saying...

Anyway, Sleep is legendary. And if you can handle this you will be better for it. They disbanded in the late '90s after a too short career as a result of a disagreement with their record company. But in their short run they influenced scores of musicians. If you are partial to dirges, bass vibrations and rhythmic vocals I...well, I don't see how you don't already have this. A recent announcement has declared them as one of the Friday night acts for ATP NY 2010. They will be performing Holy Mountain in its' entirety. It'll be beyond mind blowing. So polish up the old bong and brace yourself for impact.

the straight dope

Rev. Glasseye

Submitted for you listening pleasure, kind gentlemen, we have the good Reverend Glasseye and the album Our Lady of the Broken Spine. It over flows with narratives of suffering, sadness and maybe even a thimble full of redemption. All wrapped nicely in a package of Americana/folk rock with a touch of Mariachi. The aforementioned Rev. parted ways with Slim Cessna's Auto Club back in '01 and has successfully developed his own congregation of the spiritually infirmed. And I couldn't be happier... if that makes any sense. The track, "Belle's Palsy" alone is worth one's weight in sorrows. The track "Mother is a Carpegian," on the other hand, just may be the song playing in the head of that crazy guy at the bus stop that won't stop giggling madly while he stabs you with a sharpened Barbie Doll arm. Or maybe not...whatever, your call.

Salvation

WHEN

The Kingdom of Norway has brought us so much... pop sensation Ah-Ha, Vikings, Black Metal and ancient Christian Stave Churches...which of course would be burnt down by said Black Metalers (those crazy corpse-painted kids). Then there is the musical oddity that is WHEN. Lars Pederson helms this ship of the absurdly fanciful and has proven for some years now to be a most capable captain. On 2007's "Trippy Happy" we find Pederson simultaneously exploring several musical categories including (but in no way limited to) : surf rock, lullabies, pop and of course industrial tinged cartoon acid trips. The album is infectious and surprisingly accessible. Tracks like "Life Is Shit, Sometimes It's Beautiful" and "Butterflies" can dull the daily pains of even the most pathetic lives. Mine included. It's just that good and is really a fun album. Even if it reminds me of The Twilight Zone episode when that creepy freckled kid reads everyone's thoughts and wields absolute power and condemns his family and neighbors to a horrid death in the cornfield. Just keep thinking good thoughts...good thoughts...

NOW!

The Angel & The Dark River

Where to start this endeavor? Where better than the beginning... An album that made its way to my awkward teen hands via a long gone local indie music shop...So said endeavor begins with a 'thank you' to Chris from The Alternative in Ossining, New York. This gem of an album began a lifetime obsession with interesting, innovative and independent music...

Moody, vast, scornful and above all else, sorrowful. My Dying Bride parted ways with their Death/Doom past and created a masterful offering to the gods of lamentations. The songs within were epic, long before the term was being overused by the World of Warcraft legions. This was a genre shattering opus, rife with mournful violins and crushing doom laden riffs. It was bold in 1995 and still stands the test of time in 2010. Fucking brilliant.

WEEP