July 13, 2012 - Punk, Post-Punk & New Wave - 1976-1981

I was born in 1968. My musical coming of age was 1981. However, it was going to take me a few years before I came back to the outstanding music that was being released right around that era. 

So here it is, in retrospect, the music I would have been listening to in 1981, if I wasn’t a 13 year old living in a small town. A fair bit of punk — especially Canadian punk, what would come to be called post-punk (though, ironically, it was happening at the same time), the first few years of New Wave. Toss in some “new romantic”, some electronic instrumental, some lusher arrangements…and filter it all through the lens of my memory. 

No 80s jokes tonight. Music is serious stuff. If you’re old enough to remember this, enjoy the trip back. If you’re not, then you missed a great time in music.

June 29, 2012 - 12K & Environs

I’ve really been enjoying the work being released on the 12k record label (http://12k.com) and their stuff has been in my personal listening rotation a lot lately. Drifting, structured but simple, sometimes with lyrics, sometimes not. No one is doing it as well as 12k is these days. So, while it’s on my mind, here are 4 of their artists (including the founder) plus a number of other pieces that put me in the same mind. 

Sit back — headphones aren’t a bad idea — and give yourself a good long while just to listen. You’ll thank me in the morning.

June 15, 2012 - Strange, Silly, Odd, Warped, and Silly again.

Drawn from the corners of the collection…some silly, some odd, some quirky…came the 30. There’s Joy Division Oven Gloves, a cover of Ice Ice Baby, music about David Lynch, music from David Lynch. Chocolate Milk, a cat who came back, a train that doesn’t go to Memphis, and an 8-bit version of Dark Side of the Moon. And Rolf Harris. And David Bowie covering the Doors. I didn’t even mention Star Trek. 

Yup. 

So…these things exist. I hope you enjoy them.

June 8, 2012 - Elvis, Darkwave & The Friends of Mr. Cairo

The standard Radio Fragments mix of eclectic styles & themes. Home made instruments followed by a set of music about Elvis; some proto-sampling from 1963, a classic by Jon Anderson & Vangelis; a cover of the theme to Cowboy Bebop and something from the Repo Man Soundtrack; Grateful Dead, Sisters of Mercy and a blast from my past with Tear Garden. 

All that and more, right here on Radio Fragments. Don’t touch that imaginary dial.