This Month's Soundtrack, September 2009

Sep 1, 2009 12:00 PM, By Mike Levine

           
 

Check out new releases from top artists as picked by the EM editors for the September 2009 issue

These releases encompass a variety of musical styles and production methods. A common thread across many of these CDs is combining diverse influences.

THE HERBALISER BAND: SESSION 2 (!K7 RECORDS)

The latest release from this British experimental hip-hop collective is made up of tracks recorded during the past 12 years. The music combines jazz, hip-hop and even cinematic textures to concoct a tasty instrumental stew, replete with horns, turntables and funky drumming.
Here's a free download of the song "Geddim!" from the Herbaliser Band's Session 2 release.

SEASICK STEVE: DOG HOUSE MUSIC (BRONZERAT)

The music from this unusual bluesman features his solid voice and authentic finger-style slide-guitar playing (played on a guitar with only three strings). Dog House Music was released in 2006 in the UK (where Steve is quite well known), but is only now available in the U.S.
This is an excerpt from Seasick Steve's song "My Donny" off his CD Dog House Music.

BOMBA ESTEREO: BLOW UP (NACIONAL RECORDS)

This Columbian group mixes electronica, hip-hop and dub with Columbian Cumbia and Champeta styles into a compelling and very accessible dance-music blend. Lead singer Liliana “Li” Saumet is electrifying.
Get a free download of the song "Musica Accion" from Bomba Estereo's album, Blow Up.

TORTOISE: BEACONS OF ANCESTORSHIP (THRILL JOCKEY RECORDS)

This veteran outfit, considered a pioneer of the “post-rock” movement, plays instrumental rock that incorporates many varied musical influences, including rock, jazz, dub, Krautrock, electronica and more. This is the band's first album of new material in five years.
Listen to an excerpt from the song "Prepare Your Coffin" from Tortoise's new CD, Beacons of Ancestorship.

HUUN HUUR TU AND CARMEN RIZZO: ETERNAL (GROOVE HOUSE RECORDS)

Combining traditional Tuvan music with electronica might sound like an odd idea, but Rizzo and film composer Mark Governor pull it off with stunning results, adding an ambient component to the gorgeous and haunting tracks from Huun Huur Tu, a Tuvan traditional quartet.Listen to this excerpt from "Ancestors Lost," from the album Eternal by Huun Huur Tu and Carmen Rizzo. You can download a full track, "Tuvan Prayer" at hhtmusic.com .