Hey everyone! šš½
Welcome back to another edition of Black Noise. Happy New Music Friday! Iāve been diving deep into some incredible records recently, and I canāt wait to share them with you. While some of these albums might not be new releases, theyāre new to me, and Iāve had them on repeat. Whether youāre into the soulful depth of Qawwali or the hazy vibes of shoegaze, I think youāll find something to enjoy.
Letās dive in.
New Rating System
Iām excited to introduce a new rating system to better convey my recommendations. Hereās how it works:
š„š„š„š„ Absolute Fire - modern classic, must listen These albums are my top recommendations. They are modern classics that you absolutely must listen to.
š„š„š„ High Heat - potential classic, highly suggested listen These albums have the potential to become classics and are highly suggested listens for any fan of the genre.
š„š„ Warm Glow - for any fan of the genre These albums are great for any fan of the genre and will definitely keep you warm and satisfied.
I only talk about albums I liked in this newsletter so even the āWarm Glowā albums are still good š
Ustad Naseeruddin Saami ā Pakistan Is for the Peaceful
Genre: Hindustani Classical, Qawwali
Listen on Apple Music | Bandcamp | Spotify | Tidal | Youtube
Weāre kicking things off with a masterpiece by Ustad Naseeruddin Saami, one of the last great masters of Qawwali, a genre deeply rooted in spiritual and musical traditions of South Asia. Pakistan Is for the Peaceful is a journey into the soul of Hindustani classical music, enriched by Saamiās unparalleled vocal technique. His command over shrutiādistilling sound into 49 distinct notesāis nothing short of awe-inspiring. Recorded on a Karachi rooftop alongside his sons, this album is both a meditation and a celebration of lifeās profound beauty. Saamiās voice moves effortlessly through the compositions, creating a space of tranquility and introspection. Itās an album thatās as spiritual as it is musical, offering listeners a chance to connect with something greater.
Rating: š„š„š„š„ Absolute Fire - modern classic, must listen
Standout Tracks: True Notes (āHappy Morningā)
Mamman Sani ā La Musique Electronique du Niger
Genre: Electronic, Nigerien Folk
Listen on Apple Music | Bandcamp | Spotify | Tidal | Youtube
Mamman Saniās La Musique Electronique du Niger is an album that takes you on a sonic journey unlike any other. Merging the ancient with the modern, Sani blends traditional Nigerien melodies with the futuristic sounds of an electronic organ he discovered while working for UNESCO in the 1970s. This record is a hypnotic exploration of sound, with tracks like āBodoā that transport you to the vast landscapes of the Sahel, all while maintaining a sense of intimacy and warmth. The minimalistic yet powerful compositions show Saniās deep understanding of his countryās musical traditions, bringing them into a new, electronic age. Itās an album that feels both timeless and forward-thinking, a true gem in the world of African electronic music.
Rating: š„š„š„š„ Absolute Fire - modern classic, must listen
Standout Tracks: Lamru, Bodo, Lidda
Weeks & Co ā Weeks & Co
Genre: Post-Disco, Funk
Listen on Apple Music | Bandcamp | Spotify | Tidal | Youtube
Even though disco may have slipped out of the mainstream by the early '80s, its heartbeat continued to thrive in underground scenes. Richie Weeksā Weeks & Co is a perfect snapshot of that era, full of energy and groove that captures the spirit of New Yorkās post-disco underground. The album is a vibrant mix of funky basslines, catchy hooks, and infectious rhythms that make you want to get up and dance. āIf Youāre Looking For Funā is exactly what the title promisesāa lively, upbeat track that sets the tone for the entire album. Meanwhile, āRock Your World (Long Version)ā takes you on a more extended journey, reminiscent of the nights spent dancing in legendary clubs like Paradise Garage. This album is not just a nod to the past; itās a celebration of discoās enduring influence and its ability to bring people together.
Rating: š„š„š„ High Heat - potential classic, highly suggested listen
Standout Tracks: If Youāre Looking For Fun, Go With The Flow, Rock Your World (Long Version)
No Paws ā Healthy Men
Genre: Post-punk, Indie Rock
Listen on Apple Music | Bandcamp | Spotify | Tidal | Youtube
No Paws may have started as a DIY duo with a raw, stripped-down sound, but by the time they released Healthy Men, they had evolved into something much more complex. This album is a brilliant fusion of post-punk intensity and indie rock charm, with jangly guitars, moody synths, and introspective lyrics that draw you in with every listen. āTerritory,ā featuring Freddy Ruppert of Former Ghosts, is a standout track that perfectly captures the haunting, introspective vibe of the album. No Paws channels the spirit of '80s post-punk while adding their unique twist, making Healthy Men a record thatās both nostalgic and refreshingly original.
Rating: š„š„š„ High Heat - potential classic, highly suggested listen
Standout Tracks: Territory, Different Dreams, Landlocked
Masafumi Gotoh ā Recent Report I
Genre: Ambient, Electronic
Listen on Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal | Youtube
Masafumi Gotoh, best known as the frontman of ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, takes a sharp turn from his usual sound with Recent Report I. This album is a beautifully crafted ambient journey, with tracks that weave intricate electronic textures into a calm, reflective experience. āLost in Timeā is a standout, where delicate piano lines meet glitchy electronic beats, creating a dreamy atmosphere thatās perfect for winding down. The album reveals more with each listen, making it a perfect companion for those moments when you need to disconnect from the world and just float away. Gotohās shift from high-energy rock to ambient electronica showcases his versatility as an artist, proving that he can craft beauty in any genre he chooses.
Rating: š„š„ Warm Glow - for any fan of the genre
Standout Tracks: Lost in Time, The Other World Drive, Rest in Peace
Akihiro Nishiguchi (FOTOS) ā PALINDROME
Genre: Jazz, Experimental
Listen on Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal | Youtube
Japanās jazz scene has long been a hotbed of innovation, and Akihiro Nishiguchiās PALINDROME is a shining example of this creative energy. Nishiguchiās saxophone playing is both emotive and exploratory, leading the way through a series of tracks that push the boundaries of jazz. āBlue Elephantā is a prime example, where his sax soars above a rich tapestry of sound, creating a piece that is both moving and thought-provoking. The rest of FOTOS supports him with a rhythm section that is both tight and flexible, allowing the music to flow naturally. PALINDROME is an album that demands your attention, offering a fresh perspective on what jazz can be in the modern age.
Rating: š„š„š„ High Heat - potential classic, highly suggested listen
Standout Tracks: Blue Elephant, Left Eye, Killer Kira Kira, Hotaka
Saint Etienne ā Iāve Been Trying To Tell You
Genre: Ambient, Dub, Chillout
Listen on Apple Music | Bandcamp | Spotify | Tidal | Youtube
Saint Etienne has always been a band that defies easy categorization, and their latest album, Iāve Been Trying To Tell You, is no exception. This record is a journey through ambient and dub-infused soundscapes, creating an immersive listening experience thatās both relaxing and thought-provoking. The album is full of subtle detailsāobscure samples, intricate loops, and gentle rhythmsāthat reward close listening. Tracks like āPond Houseā and āPenlopā are perfect for those quiet moments when you just want to lose yourself in the music. Itās an album that feels like a dream, one that youāll want to revisit time and time again.
Rating: š„š„ Warm Glow - for any fan of the genre
Standout Tracks: Pond House, Penlop, Blue Kite
Flyying Colours ā Fantasy Country
Genre: Shoegaze, Dreampop
Listen on Apple Music | Bandcamp | Spotify | Tidal | Youtube
Australian shoegaze outfit Flyying Colours have truly outdone themselves with Fantasy Country, an album thatās as mesmerizing as it is powerful. Layered guitars, ethereal vocals, and dreamlike soundscapes combine to create a sonic experience thatās both immersive and deeply emotional. Tracks like āGoodtimesā and āBig Messā stand out as prime examples of how the band blends catchy pop melodies with the dense, swirling sounds of shoegaze. The band doesnāt just rely on the genreās well-worn formulasāthey expand on them, incorporating elements of dream pop and post-punk to craft something that feels both nostalgic and new. Fantasy Country is a standout in a genre that often feels crowded, and itās a testament to Flyying Coloursā talent and creativity.
Rating: š„š„š„ High Heat - potential classic, highly suggested listen
Standout Tracks: Goodtimes, Big Mess, Itās Real, White Knuckles
And thatās just the start, folks! Iāve got seven more records coming at you, each with its own unique story and sound. Stay tuned for more. In the meantime you can listen to some of my selections on Spotify.
ā¤ļøāš„ Thank you! ā¤ļøāš„ Thank you so much for reading this issue of Black Noise. Your support keeps this community alive and kicking. If you enjoyed this content, please share and like the Instagram posts, and forward this email to friends. Letās spread the love for great music far and wide.
As always, I want to hear from you! What records have been on repeat for you lately? Drop a comment, shoot me a message, or hit me up on Instagram. And donāt forget to vote in the poll belowāI love knowing what you all think of these issues.
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See ya next time! Keep the fire burning. š„