As you may know, I still buy music. Not online, but in physical stores. Actual CDs and records. CDs mostly though, and these past few months I took home quite a few new releases and some things that I already knew I’d like. Then Record Store Day happened and I also picked up a few things then, so I thought I would share.
I love using my local record store for discovering new music, but I also buy records when I think they are excellent. Usually when I already have an album by an artist that I like, I will at least check out their next one. But still, I have bought albums without any pretext or knowledge and sometimes I just buy them because I like the cover. So below is a mix of many different types of music and reasons for acquiring these are manifold.
Bear’s Den – Islands
I knew the band name vaguely as I had acquired a few songs via indie playlists. This album is filled with folk goodness and I love this from time to time.
Howard – Religion
This album came recommended by my record store. It is a mix of different styles of music and that makes for a very interesting album that is different with every song you play.
No Ninja Am I – Broken Dice
My record store also sells albums by more local acts. This is an double EP collection by such a local band, which is fun and refreshing. They do songs in English, but there are also a few Dutch ones.
Purity Ring – Another Eternity
Purity Ring is a band that I have liked for years. So when I heard they were releasing a second album, I was immediately interested. And it didn’t disappoint. It is as good, if not better as their first one and that is a rare thing for a follow up album.
Fyfe – Control
The name Fyfe had been on my radar for a while. So when I spotted this album it again peaked my interest. And it didn’t disappoint. This album is filled with electronic goodness.
Chet Faker – Built on Glass
Chet Faker’s album was one of my favorites from last year. And since I tend to buy my favorite albums that I do not own yet at the start of the new year, I set out to find this. It is another great electronic album and I can’t wait to see this guy live in June when I’m at Best Kept Secret festival.
Parquet Courts – Sunbathing Animal
In this line of albums Parquet Courts may seem like the odd one out. As it isn’t exactly the type of music I write about a lot. Parquet Courts is a full on rock band with some garage and punk influences.
The White Birch – The Weight of Spring
This album is probably the most relaxing and easygoing in the bunch. I hadn’t heard of The White Birch before and basically bought this based on the cover. It is the most beautiful easygoing acoustic album I have heard in a long time. A great album to listen to when you wish to destress.
The Slow Show – White Water
I’m also always in for a bit of singer-songwriter-esque music and when a band perfectly creates a mixture of folk and singer-songwriter influences, I’m about to love it.
Cut_ – Patterns
I saw this band opening up for Sylvan Esso, whose album you can see below. I was so impressed by their performance and sound that I knew I wanted to own their EP if they were to sell them after the show. They became famous because they covered Papaoutai by Stromae so check them out if you get a chance.
Sylvan Esso
The name Sylvan Esso wasn’t a stranger, but I had not completely falling in love with their music yet. Then I saw them live and the blend they create of pop and electro is simply magnificent.
Nils Frahm – Solo
An artist who I will be seeing live in a few weeks is Nils Frahm. I had heard of him before but hadn’t heard a full album yet. Solo is just as what I had expected: atmospheric sound scapes that would fit just as nicely on a soundtrack as well as in a personal listening experience.
Slow Club – I Swam Out to Greet You
For Record Store Day I decided to visit my local recordstore which is right on my street. I go there once a week anyway, but this time there were special in store performances and of course special releases. I picked up this album with covers by Slow Club. A band I have a few songs by and I thought it would be a good way to support my local recordstore.
Armand & The Kik – Snelle Jongens/ Fuck the Blues
This EP was a free gift with purchase on Record Store Day. This is the only thing I have yet to listen to. But I’m sure I’ll like it. The Kik is a Dutch band who sing Dutch songs in a 60s beat music style and Armand is a ‘monument’ in Dutch pop music. I think the collaboration can be an interesting one, so I’m sure to be giving it a listen soon.
Villagers – Darling Arithmetic
Villagers is a band I have known for years. I already own their first two albums and I saw them live at Pukkelpop. I have always been mesmerized by the vocals (there is something so vulnerable, yet strong about them). This 100% acoustic album is another gem that I have added to my collection.
Portico – Living Fields
A completely new band I started listening to is Portico. When I had purchased this and listened to it for the first time I discovered that I had already picked up on some of their songs through my indie lists. The reason why I bought this? Because it boasts the enlistment of Alt-J’s Joe Newman and Jamie Woon.
Last but not least, I bought this maxi EP by Vampire Weekend. Step is one of my favorite tracks from their Modern Vampires of the City album. This is a pressing on white vinyl (LOVE!) and features a remix and instrumental version as well as the original track.
What is the last music you purchased?
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