Spain - The Blue Moods of Spain

1995; 9 tracks

Lonely and forgotten slowcore from Los Angeles.

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True Widow - I.N.O. EP

2011; 5 tracks

I.N.O. is one of the greatest new discoveries for me. It feels like being submerged in an ocean of some thick, heavy, and infinitely sweet substance. It makes me feel at home. "Bathyscaphe" is my new definition of perfection.

INOSYBSFHD

The For Carnation - Promised Works & Self-titled

Promised Works

1997; 9 tracks

This is a compilation of the band's first two releases, Fight Songs (EP, 1995) and Marshmallows (1996).

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The For Carnation

2000; 6 tracks
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Out of the ashes of Slint, a Louisville, Kentucky post/math rock band with a somber disposition, there arose The For Carnation. It was created by Slint's vocalist, Brian McMahan, whose melancholic and achingly cute and sexy voice (to me) pervade the glorious, sonic landscapes. Sometimes jazzy, sometimes slow and sad, sometimes upbeat and sludgy, The For Carnation plow on in unfaltering assurance. Imagine an old-fashioned train, endlessly circling around some distant planet or moon, far off in space where no eye has ever seen. It has been happening for as long as time, maybe longer, and it will continue forever, unnoticed. Listening to this band makes me feel as if I'm observing this train's movements from a distance, captivated by such fearless monotony.

I apologize for lousy album covers, and also THANK YOU to Selim for turning me on to these guys. Get the self-titled first, if you're unsure. The first track, "Emp. Man's Blues," is a portrait of perfect solitude.

Bluetile Lounge - Lowercase

1995; 5 tracks

Lowercase is astoundingly gorgeous. Mesmerizingly so. Australian post-rock group Bluetile Lounge are more slowcore than anything. Their music is sad and slow. Subtle beauty arises from the gray evenness as mist from the waves; sporadically, unexpectedly. I was reminded of Idaho, vocal-wise, and God is an Astronaut (somewhat), in terms of the post-rock-sounding music. This might just be one of the most... how do I put this... not just beautiful, but alluring albums.

Extra note: I think their band name explains the atmosphere of their music nicely. I've never been in a bluetile lounge, but if I ever was, this is the music I'd like to hear playing.

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Bedhead - The Dark Ages EP

1996; 3 tracks

Three really pretty and blissful tracks. Five men. Each chord change sounds like the earth turning on its axis.

At night when there's no moon
No one has a history
The dark ages last a few hours
But that's all the time that's needed
To erase memories, create horrible dreams, ruin sleep
Destroy all possibility of elimination

Boduf Songs - There is Something Hanging Above You EP

2009; 5 tracks

Boduf Songs is Mat Sweet from Southampton (UK). There is Something Hanging Above You shows a very minimalist side to the musician, although I haven't exactly heard much else from him. I fell in love right away with this album's enchanting, sad atmosphere consisting of, primarily, his voice and his guitar. I love the touching piano parts as well, but "Left Behind Like a Piece of Shit" is my favorite track.

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