Swirlies - They Spent Their Wild Youthful Days in the Glittering World of the Salons

Swirlies were a noise pop band formed in Boston, MA, in 1990. Their 1995 album 'They Spend Their Wild Youthful Days in the Glittering World of Salons' is just one of the best albums of all time; definitely one of the most colourful, exuberant pop records ever conceived. It's a shame that they never received the kind of recognition that MBV, Slowdive, Ride etc did, least of which because they were fairly unique by noise pop standards in any case.

Thoughtful, brilliantly written pop music is definitely for the keepers. This Swirlies LP is downright magnificent. This bears all the hallmarks of every great noise pop record, layer upon layer of intertwining material, blissed out musical landscapes to wander and reminisce in, lyrics that cut into the heart of you, obscure samples and synthesizers that add to the whole swoon of the whole affair. Sometimes, the songs seem to mutate often halfway through themselves, becoming relentless drum/guitar riff rhythm assaults, and then come back to their melodic roots like it was no big deal. And then, there are some jaw droppingly good  songs on here that would be the highlight of anyone's careers - "Sounds of Sebring", "San Cristobal de las Casas", "Two Girls Kissing" and "Sunn", the latter of which is one of my favourite tunes of all time. For some reason, this album has been overlooked by tons of people. Swirlies were one of East Coast's best kept secrets, and everyone with a love for good noise pop and a twinkle in their eye, look into this. You will not be disappointed.

i see the sunn
wrapped around the strands of your red hair
i burn inside from my fear of telling you that i care
i wake up from the phone, its you
calling me to tell me of your dream
i believe your ways are true
unlike most others do

a latent calm that's half confused

Goodie Mob - Soul Food

Atlanta hip hop outfit Goodie Mob has been active since the early 90's, and are one of the best southern acts that are not named UGK or Outkast. They were also Cee-Lo Green's first group, and his performance on this album is unparalleled. This is my favourite Goodie Mob album, Soul Food.

i'm so happy we made it, i knew one day we would
all these years of struggle were never understood 
now my eyes are open and I can clearly see
we didn't die for nothin' ,and we are finally free.


cell therapy

Tindersticks - Live at the Bloomsbury Theatre 12/3/95

One of the best live albums ever from one of my favourite bands. 'Jism' and 'Raindrops' in particular are heartbreaking; genius arrangements guided to Stuart Staples' deep, resigned vocals; formed the template for scores of other bands. Have you ever had too much to drink and been left staggering to your own thoughts and regrets the day after? Try this on for intoxication then, just might be up your alley, you damn masochist. Plus look, there's a cat on the cover.

If there's ever anyone else, I'll understand
and kill him

Gza/Genius - Liquid Swords

Gary Grice, better known as GZA/The Genius; is one of the founders and members of the seminal New York hip hop outfit  - The Wu Tang Clan. In 1995, he released a solo effort 'Liquid Swords', which is widely regarded as one of the best hip hop LPs of all time. In any case, it is my favourite. 

Produced by fellow clanmate RZA, Liquid Swords sets the scene for one of the grittiest, coldest and most engaging album experiences one can have, quite frankly. Lyrically, GZA stays true to the album title by being sharper than a fuckin' sword, and his flow and delivery are pretty much unmatched by anyone in the business. This album has been responsible for converting a countless "rap sucks" folks, for good reason. It is just one of the finest products of 20th century music, regardless of genre. And unlike a lot of other stuff that falls into this category; Liquid Swords is just about as BADASS as it gets. Listen for yourself.

Flow like blood on a murder scene