FORENSICS things to do when you should be dead anyway

epic shit that falls somewhere in between early isis and perhaps something like a day in black and white. in fact, a quick glimpse at the related artists will tell you what kind of music this band plays: pageninetynine, zozobra, old man gloom, and burning airlines, among others.

lots of really cool sludgy parts intertwined with some gorgeous post-rockesque moments of clarity. really, really impressive album. 2004.

TORD GUSTAVSEN TRIO being there

beautiful jazz trio music from one of the finest groups playing today. as with all ecm releases, the production is just absolutely gorgeous, perfectly complimenting the subtle playing of this trio. lush, perfect jazz music. so so good. 2007.

AMOEBA SPLIT dance of the goodbyes

awesome and underknown prog/jazz-rock group from spain. wonderful female vocals anchor these sublime prog-rock jams. total throwback to stuff like the soft machine, et al, but this sounds so totally fresh. one of the best prog albums of the last few years. recommended. 2010.

ABIGAIL WASHBURN and the sparrow quartet

brilliant bluegrass/americana from this amazing quartet, featuring bela fleck, ben sollee, and casey driessen. of course the playing is top-notch, but what makes this release top-shelf material is washburn's voice and lyrics, and the groups ability to deftly create haunting atmospheres. definitely one of the best bluegrass releases i've come across, and a very lovely new favorite artist of mine. 2008.