B-Side of Life

  Fernando Gaspar was a member of the 60's band Os Conchas and also participated in a some songs with O conjunto Mistério. Os Conchas were a popular duo among the youth at the time in Portugal and well known for their harmonious vocals and covers of some popular hit songs. The musician then adopted the name Concha, and released a few singles under that name, among them "Ao povo do meu país" that contains a song called "Liberdade" with lyrics by Manuel Alegre.  This ''7 features two songs, side A has O Preço and side b has a bittersweet ode to the city of Lisbon with lyrics by Manuel Alegre called Lisboa perto e longe.Well crafted arrangements and catchy lyrics make up for 2 very short but sweet poppy portuguese songs. It was released by Metro-Som.   

  King Crimson's third studio album, Lizard. It features amazing cover art by Gini Barris and it depicts the band's name in medieval lettering alongside stunning details. All songs were written by Robert Fripp and Peter Sinfield. The compositions have strong jazz leanings and classical influences, being one of the jazziest album by the band. 

  Released in 1997 by XL Recordings, this is the third studio album by The Prodigy. It features songs that became classics like "Firestarter", "Breathe", "Smack my bitch up" and a lot others, such as one of my favourites "Narayana".  It was a hit at a time selling over 10 million copies worldwide as of 2019.  This is the 15th anniversary edition that has a few added bonus tracks with great remixes. 

Ethereal progressive doom from Italy with strong psych leanings and an undertone that reflects some of the tendencies of the 70's and 80's such as horror movies and symbols like skulls or castles. The songs are dark, mesmerizing and hypnotic with the use of the 70's synth mostly related to italian horror soundtracks.  The artwork is pretty amazing as well and so is the dark purple vynil. The sound is warm and perfect for those dark lonesome nights. 

Released in 1980, Iron Curtain Innocence is a fantastic set piece of psych lo-fi folk that was completely different of the new wave sound that was predominant during that time. Bobb Trimble was a peculiar figure and an outsider musician from Worcester, MA (USA). This album was originally released in a small pressing of about 500 copies and features a somewhat disturbing yet memorable cover. The music carries a dreamy atmosphere that is able to conjure the most amazing mental images.  This one is a reissue by Secretly Canadian and is considered by some to be a  cult record.

Two singles released in 1981 by irrevent portuguese singer Lena D'água, with the songs being written by Luís Pedro Fonseca, one of the members of the band Salada de Frutas. It's hard not to notice some Zappa influences that do not take away from the freshness or originality of the songs that have a unique approach.  Very cool and inexpensive single that I bought at a bookshop in Cascais. 

  Classical compositions from portuguese composer Armando José Fernandes (1906-1983). Intimate and romantic pieces that are filled with evocative and contemplative passages. Armando José Fernandes was one of a few important musicians of the neoclassical movement in Portugal.  Recorded in the 80's, it's a very inexpensive but intriguing record that also came with the signature of the original owner who was living in Canada at the time. Neat. 

Released in 1977, it's America's seventh studio album and was produced by George Martin. It was recorded in a mobile studio in Hawaii, and the tone is both mellow and melancholic. Soft rock with very tropical vibes and folk rock leanings. A classic. Got this at a basement of a bookshop for a very modest price.  It was also the last album to feature Dan Peek who embarked on a solo career as a christian musician releasing a few landmarks of the genre. 

  Extreme and surreal metal some have dubbed as avant-garde metal since it is complex and diverse. Disharmonic Orchestra released this album in 1992 and it still remains unique. The riffs are melodic and create unexpected melodies that delight an adventurous listener.  Not as hyped when it came out in the 90's it is now gaining new life as it is being revaluated and considered a landmark for metal that refuses to have borders or limits. 

Avant-garde pop from Japan that is both playful and sophisticated. Originally released in 1989, After Diner was fronted by female artist Haco and this LP is a set songs born from free improvisation and the mastery and fusion of several musical disciplines. Spontaneous, creative and fun, are some of the best ways to describe the sound the ensemble created. 

 Psych rock with strong infusions of funk straight out of India. Atomic Forest were the first and only psych rock band to release an album in India. Fuzzy and mellow guitars give away to some funky and easy-listening beats. It also features an interesting and quirky cover of The Godfather's main theme. This edition by Now Again comes with a very informative booklet with the band's history and some pretty cool photos as well. A must for those interested in psych rock. 

Intriguing instrumentals from Emma De Angelis, one of the most enigmatic figures of the 1970's italian scene of soundtrack and library music. Her short career is solid and rivals with other major figures of that time. The young sister of composers Guido and Maurizio de Angelis , Emma was encouraged by them to write music under the pseudonym Juniper, and would record a tight set of compositions.  These 3 tracks are delightful instrumentals which Emma composed before becoming a full-time visual artist. Psychedelic and funky, these compositions are an essential piece of the larger puzzle which is the rich italian soundtrack scene of the 70's. 

 Unique and mesmerizing new-age electronic by sound designer Denis Wize. This album is the first to compile Wize's solo and group compositions between 1979 and 1984. Wize studided at Trinity College under the modern classical composer Samuel Barber. He is listed in inumerous collaborations namely with european progressive band Gong. Another great issue by the label Finders Keepers.  For adventurous listeners, sound collages and new-age electronic that will break the space-time continuum. 

  This is Silverchair's debut album released in 1995 when all the band members were only 15 years old. Listening today after a really long time and was still surprised. Really well conceived alternative rock/grunge that exhibits a lot of maturity for a trio of teenagers. The first track Israel's son is a great blast and the top notch riffs are all around the rest of the 10 songs. A really laid back album of great grunge. 

  Nirvana may very well be like The Beatles for a jilted and angsty generation. A band that marked a generation and remained influential and innovative, on a league of its own. Grunge may have lost some of its influence today, but Incesticide will take you back to the 90's.  Featuring gem tracks like "Mexican Seafood" and "Aneurysm", Incesticide is a beautiful album. 

  Beautiful and abstract poetry from MC Aesop Rock in an assorted collection of complex and melodic beats. Stories are told and magnified by the spotless MC'S style of delivery, especially in themes like "No Regrets", a story about Lucy, an artist that embodies the spirit of individuality of doing what you really want and love and the anthem 9-5 er's about work and aspirations. It shapes and expands the border of hip-hop, an essential work of astract and conscious hip-hop. 

  Mesmerizing and magical score composed by Popol Vuh for the classic Herzog's film "Aguirre, The wrath of God (1972)". It was the first collaboration between the director and the german band. They would go on making more scores for Herzog's films. As entrancing and captivating as the film, the german band creates an atmosphere of beauty and subtle danger. Subdued epicness for a magical time. 

  Essential compilation of the british band, Visage, that helped shape the 80's sound and the new romantics movement. Tremendous pack of songs that take you back to the early 80's. The classic Fade to grey is present in the original version as well as a remixed one. Worthwhile if you feel like taking a trip back to the exuberant 80's.