After a long break from both listening to and writing about music, I’m itching to do both. I want to try something different though, something that doesn’t feel like a chore and does encourage me to tackle my ever-growing stack of unheard music. I’m going to write a listening journal. I like the idea of combining music and journaling. For at least four weeks, I’m going to write about what I listened to that week, even if it’s only a sentence or two. I wish I could read about what I listened to back in September of ’92 or ’02 or ’12, so if this works, it will be a nice gift to my future self. Hopefully, you enjoy it as well.
Tyshawn Sorey – Unfiltered: I decided to revisit Unfiltered this week, which I haven’t listened to since I wrote about it last year. It’s stunning. It was hypnotic and powerful and emotional, and it made me feel the way a lot of Coltrane’s Impulse records make me feel. Sorey channels the jazz greats instead of imitating them, and he’s part of a movement of artists who are reinvigorating a stale genre.
Maribou State – Fabric Presents Maribou State: I listened to this when Unfiltered was a bit too intense. It’s laid back, with a nice deep house vibe. The final six tracks are my favorite, and I love the way they close out the album.
Aphex Twin – Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments, Part 2: I can’t imagine what inspired me to buy this, but it certainly wasn’t the album’s reviews. In fairness, those reviews are a bit harsh. This record is fine. I listened to it twice while I was cleaning, and it helped distract me from how much I hate cleaning. Ultimately, though, it doesn’t grab me. When I’m in the mood for glitchy experimental electronic music, this will never edge out Re: ECM from Max Loderbauer and Ricardo Villalobos.
William Basinski – The Disintegration Loops: I’m late to this series. Since this is tied to 9/11, I decided to listen on the 21st anniversary of the bombings, with no idea what to expect. The music is difficult but beautiful, and my reaction is similar to my reaction when I first heard Tim Hecker. (That’s strong praise.) The music is thought-provoking, and it takes on a different layer of meaning when it’s juxtaposed against 9/11. I’ll likely be listening to this more in the coming weeks.