My future is living in the past

Now that the year has changed, we will take the time and take a brief look at some of our favorite 2013 releases. It should be noted that all of us are still actively purchasing albums from the past decades, hence a majority of the new releases are unfortunately being neglected each year due to the lack of both time and money. Thus, in addition the new releases we did actually obtain and enjoy in 2013, we will also pick up some of the 2013 albums that we did not have time for, but which all seem very interesting.

1. Anoushka Shankar – Traces of You

Traces of You is the sixth studio album by sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar – the daughter of the most legendary sitar player, Ravi Shankar. The style here is somewhere between her previous work: grounded in Hindustani Classical music with influences of electronic and pop music. The British producer Nitin Sawhney has done a great job here and the album features three songs with Anoushka's half-sister Norah Jones on vocals and piano which are all very pleasant ear candy.

 

2. Ernst Reijseger, Harmen Fraanje & Mola Sylla – Down Deep

I saw this trio perform in a jazz festival and I was so taken back by their music and energy that I just had to purchase their album on the spot – and I haven't been disappointed. The trio consists of a cello, a piano and African percussions and singing, and the music is as exciting as the ensemble. Mixture of jazz, western art music and African influences, Down Deep is a unique and beautiful mixture.

 

3. Houria Aïchi – Renayate

The previous album by this interesting Algerian Berber singer along side with the French fusion group L'Hijaz'Câr was the first ever album post we ever did. Her new album is a bit more traditional as she is accompanied by all Algerian quartet and each track pays tribute to the most prolific Algerian female singers. Overall a very interesting release both musically and from an ethnomusicological point of view. 

4. The Ocean – Pelagial

Pelagial is the newest release by the post-metal giant The Ocean and it has hit the charts with outstanding reviews, top scores in almost every one! It has two sides, one with lyrics and one purely instrumental the second side being mixed a bit differently. As a whole, this album is their best one to date. It takes you to a ride from the surface of post-metal to deeper and deeper towards the deepest and toughest sounds that this German/Swiss ensemble can offer.

5. Miguel Ángel Cortés – El calvario de un genio

The flamenco guitarist from Granada returns with his third solo album. Once again he showcases his sensibility and taste he has over his instrument and music. Playing is pitch perfect as always but never self-purposeful. The compositions themselves are evident evidence of the growing maturity of the composing of one of the best flamenco guitarists out there.

 

Living in the past:

1. Zbigniew Preisner & Lisa Gerard – Diaries of Hope

The scores Mr. Preisner did for the films of the great Krzysztof Kieslowski are among the most superb film scores in the history of cinema, and who could stand not in awe once hearing the majestic, dark, mournful and deep contralto of Lisa Gerrard from Dead Can Dance? Team these two together and we have one 2013 release I am dying to acquire.

2. Kayhan Kalhor & Erdal Erzincan – Kula Kulluk Yakisir Mi

I saw this fantastic duo perform live during a world music festival and my appreciation for them has grown enormously since that. I have listened to their first album in and out countless times so when the new album was announced, I got pretty excited. Unfortunately, I have not got my hands on the disc yet because my local record store has had some trouble with their distributor. I still have very high hopes on this one.

3. Orphaned Land – All Is One

These Israeli prog metallers totally rocked our socks off with their 2004 release Mabool. Even tough its' successor, The Never Ending Way of OrWarrior was not as tight, it as still a pretty solid and good album. I am willing to give their new album a fair chance because I still believe that they have a ton of potential.
 

4. Marc Sinan – Hasretim: Journey to Anatolia

A musical road movie/record through Anatolia which searches the cultural identity and roots of traditional Turkish and Armenian musicians sounds like a release tailor made for me. Not only being a musical record but also an ethnomusicological document makes this multimedia release all the more exciting.

5. Kayo Dot – Hubardo

This band has been one of our favorites for a very long time and I personally regard their debut, Choirs of the Eye as one the best albums of all time. Period. I have heard that this album is their best since their debut and while writing this post, I am asking myself the crucial question: Why do not I own this album already!?