In the progress of society we have dropped the physical part of the business; and instead of punching, scratching, kicking, biting, and knocking down one another, still true to the original principles of our nature, we are all endeavoring to circumvent one another; everybody is trying to take everybody in; the moment that one of us has got together a thing or two, he is pounced on by his neighbor, who in his turn falls a prey to another, and so on in endless succession. We cannot effectually help ourselves, though we are splitting our heads trying to discover devices, by way of laws, to restrain this propensity of our nature: it will not do; we are all overreaching, cheating, swindling, robbing one another, and if necessary, are ready to maim and murder one another in the prosecution of our designs. So it is with nations as with individuals. Truly, truly, we are a precious set.
Ten Thousand A-Year
Rachel’s – On Demeter
Selenography
Give this track a little time and the lengthy intro gives way to beautiful and atmospheric chamber music. I heard Selenography in Barnes & Noble when it came out in 1999 and immediately bought it. The track that I’d heard was “The Mysterious Disappearance of Louis Leprince,” a standout on the album, and at the time I didn’t think the rest of Selenography stood up. I know better now that I’ve heard a bit more contemporary chamber music, though I’ve never listened to much else from Rachel’s. Selenography is about to be reissued as a 2xLP, so now is as good a time as ever to start listening.
Lincoln’s inauguration, 1861
This voicemail is now diamonds!
(Let’s try this again)
Wow, that was insane. More Flying Lotus here and here.
(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)
Thus were thy arms suddenly held back from behind, just as they were encircling a pretty, plump a pigeon as ever nestled in them with pert and playful confidence, to be plucked! Alas, alas! And didst thou behold the danger to which it was exposed, as it fluttered upward unconsciously into the region where thine affectionate eye detected the keen hawk in deadly poise?
Ten Thousand A-Year
Circulatory System – “Symbols and Maps”
Circulatory System
This band’s first album is one of the deepest and most puzzling albums of all time. While it resembles in some ways the Elephant 6 psych-pop of Olivia Tremor Control, its intense layering and mind-blowing instrumentation (multi-multi-tracking) put it beyond even OTC’s complexity, while better maintaining its musicality. It required a lot of close listening to “get” for me, and I’m still discovering details in it years later. Luckily, there are also moments of easy clarity and beauty, like the dreamy beginning to this track. (cloud recordings)