Death In June - Behind The Mask NTSC. DVD. (Label: Soleilmoon, Cat.No: S6K001)
Interview DVD with Douglas P, attempting to get behind the scenes of the classic Kraut band. Filmed in New York at the start of 2005, it is a roller coaster ride through Douglas' life from childhood to his war-entrenched teen years to coming out to punk rock to neo folk and into the future. The man is interviewed by Darryl Hell, whose idea to replicate a day long conversation he had with Douglas P a few months earlier seems to suit them both; a unique insight into the innerworkings of this band. DVD extras include an image montage with rare versions of "Satans Feast", "Golden Wedding Of Sorrow" and "Come Before Christ And Murder Love" as well as additional interview footage.
Death In June - Phoenix Has Risen. CD. (Label: Nerus/Soleilmoon, Cat.No: NERUS2)
Collection of recently discovered recordings that were unknown even to members of the group until 2005. Featured here are eight rehearsal studio recordings from 1981 and the 1983 September 9th gig at The Living Room, London. Critical to the bands history, this was the night Douglas P. and David Tibet were introduced to each other by Alan McGee. A major album for all Death In June fans out there.
Death In June - Take Care And Control. CD. (Label: Nerus/Soleilmoon, Cat.No: NERUS42)
1998 album by the commanders of dark industrial. A platter of scathing militance and surreal atmospheres backed by a wealth of experience makes this a truly masterful release. Features contributions by Albin Julius of Der Blutharsch. Although sometimes considered controversial, Death In June has become very influential in certain post-industrial musical circles, this album coming from the era when Douglas P was the sole member of the group, his choice of collaboration this time inspiring each album.
A three-way project of Sharron Kraus, Meg Baird (Espers) & Helena Espvall (Espers). This is a beautiful recording of traditional folk material, with the most stunning singing and arrangements of some of England and Appalachia's finest songs. "The songs on this record were recorded after many an evening swapping songs (and beers!) in Fishtown, Philadelphia, where Sharron had moved from her native England, and Meg and Helena were already installed. Meg and Sharron both had traditional music backgrounds and would meet up and teach each other Appalachian and English ballads, and improvise harmonies and alternate melodies. At some point Helena was invited along and her voice and cello added a rich new layer. We wanted to record the songs in a way that would capture the relaxed atmosphere of our gatherings, so we recorded all nine songs live in one afternoon."
Espers - II. CD. (Label: Drag City, Cat.No: WEBB110CD)
This 2006 album finds the group at sextet size, with greater powers & capabilities than before. The sound is achieved using a mad variety of instruments, from a standard Martin 6 string acoustic, Fender jazz bass & drumkit to more exotic implements such as doumbek, dholak & male & female larynx. The outcome is a friendly new sensation, it warms the room & dims the lights with dense yet agile atmospherics, still in communion with the realities of our present day.Beautiful digi package rounds off the release.
Compilation double CD, celebrating ten years of modern folk and psychedelia. Hand picked selection of all types of folk (Acid/Neo/Experimental/Wyrd/Astral and everything else you can think of) and some psychedelia from the Hand / Eye label. Includes Witch Hunt, Tinsel, Mason Jones, Pelt, Stone Breath, Diano Obscura and many, many more. A perfect selection for people interested in the more left-field modern Folk.
The first release on a brave new label: over 23 minutes of freshly improvised 'aaaarg' (for which read avant garde electric music) from Mick Grey and Nicholas Davis, featuring silvery hypnotic guitar lines, distant drums (no, not the Jim Reeves song), desolate vocals and a distinct end-of-the-world/ lost- st-sea feel that will appeal equally to fans of both Current 93 and Pink Floyd!! The first in a a mini-series from Nick, (a former collaborator with Michael Gira, Charlemagne Plaestine, Gerard Malanga and Paul Buck) and his collaborator, guitarist Nicholas Davis. Handmade packaging includes a black digipak, hand-written lyrics and a piece of mirror on the cover!! All copies numbered.
One of the year's most fascinating debuts- eerie stuttering fostpolk/ postfolk/ apocalyptic folk/ folktronica that traverses both the light and the dark. The result of a collaboration betwixt minimalist outsider musician Nihiruneko and guitarist Nick Grey (see his own album also on this site) whose group Cameras features members of Swans, the Pogues, Amber Asylum and Current 93, this album actually bears a relation to the work of that band as well as Six Organs, Cocorosie, Black Heart Procession and others of that ilk. According to their distributor the fact that the front cover has a gecko on it is a selling point, but to be honest the music sounds fascinating enough in itself. Definitely worth investigation.
Looking For Europe - Neofolk Und Hintergrunde (Dietel & Gerten). Book. (Label: Auerbach, Cat.No: AB013B)
AVAILABLE IN GERMAN ONLY- those who cannot speak it may wish to consider carefully before purchasing!! A huge, compendious, glossily-bound tome detailing the history, key bands, ideals and aesthetics of this particularly European, Eurocentric, often misunderstood and highly controversial musical genre (examples of wich include Death In June, Sol Invictus and Fire and Ice) which evolved out of the Goth and industrial scenes of the 80s into a historically reverent, rich and varied sound of its own, covering the works of pagans and Christians, extreme left and far right (if one believes in such concepts), gay and straight, clanking electronic noise merchants to fragile puritan folk balladeers. The book deals with the diversity and tensions within the genre in a non-dogmatic and objective manner, possibly the first and only publication to do so. Shame it's not in English!! See also the CD and extra-mega-deluxe box set available.
Looking For Europe - The Neofolk Compendium (Various). 4-CD Set. (Label: Auerbach, Cat.No: AB013)
An introduction to what may be music's best kept secret- certainly nothing one will read about in the UK music press!! Released to accompany the book of the same name, this four CD set is a fascinating investigation into the world of a folk music that evolved originally out of the Goth, Industrial and DIY punk scenes of the early to mid-80s, but then reached back further to the primeval origins of true European music. Often criticised by the effete far left for what they believe are 'flirtations with right-wing imagery' (although to be honest bands like Death In June, Der Blutharsch and Fire And Ice do slightly more than just flirt with it) and a bone of contention with regard to free speech and censorship, the works of these bands - also including Rose McDowall's Sorrow, Tony Wakeford's misunderstood Sol Invictus (far more 'Eurocentric' and based in olde ghoste storye imagery than anything vaguely right wing), Blood Axis, In Gowan Ring, Hagalaz Runedance (actually based around the girlfriend of a member of Emperor) and Ain Soph (not the 70s band) have produced, regardless of one's opinions, some staggeringly beautiful music, possibly the only song-based music left that is devoid of any American influence- although Americans like Boyd Rice are just as important to the scene's development. In this strange netherworld, traditional folk singers like Andrew King, who collects from the archives of Cecil Sharp, rub shoulders with clanking industrialists like Genesis P Orridge, Laibach and Test Department, as well as the works of those who influenced them such as Scott Walker, Nico, Paul Giovanni's Magnet and even The Strawbs. This exceedingly lavish gold-embossed and clothbound box set, released here seperately from the book, features a 100-page booklet of its own, which includes liner notes and much information on the artists involved. Several of the tracks here are previously unreleased- making it an even more fascinating purchase.
LIMITED EDITION- 500 COPIES ONLY!! The whole megillah- the four CD clothbound gold-embossed digipak set with 100 page booklet, complete with the huge 544 page book (in German, mind you) "Looking For Europe: Neofolk Und Hintergrunde" and an exclusive poster packaged in a simply HUGE 31x31 designed box. Yea, verily expensive, but a stunning thing to own. See also the CD and book both sold seperately.
During live shows by this mind- altering contemporary band, audiences had been floored by renditions of traditionals like the bittersweet "Black is the Color" or the intergalactic take on Michael Hurley’s "Blue Mountain". The next step was inevitable: Let's do a covers album! Selections were made: Hurley, Nico, Durutti Column, Blue Oyster Cult, trad cuts inspired by Bert Jansch & the Famous Jug Band & a new original called "Dead King". We could call The Weed Tree yet another exemplary example of acid folk, baroque psych or sunshine pop with a sinister edge but none of this brings us any closer to giving meaning to a mess of unexplainable tears, the result of the old happy/sad life humdrum that, by now, is a personal blueprint for an album gifted with the arch beauty of the Weed Tree. So, The Weed Tree is an album between the stations, but, as transitions go, this is just further proof that Espers are at the apex of what makes music meaningful & meaning matter in music today. (Could we please have some of what the person who wrote this is on?- Freak Eds) Limited 180 gram Audiophile lp
During live shows by this extraordinary new band, audiences were floored by renditions of traditionals like the bittersweet "Black is the Color" or the intergalactic take on Michael Hurley’s "Blue Mountain". The next step was inevitable: Let's do a covers album! Selections were made: Hurley, Nico, Durutti Column, Blue Oyster Cult, trad cuts inspired by Bert Jansch & the Famous Jug Band & a new original called "Dead King". We could call The Weed Tree yet another exemplary example of acid folk, baroque psych or sunshine pop with a sinister edge but none of this brings us any closer to giving meaning to a mess of unexplainable tears, the result of the old happy/sad life humdrum that, by now, is a personal blueprint for an album gifted with the arch beauty of the Weed Tree. So, The Weed Tree is an album between the stations, but, as transitions go, this is just further proof that Espers are at the apex of what makes music meaningful & meaning matter in music today. (Could we please have some of what the person who wrote this is on?- Freak Eds)
Very limited vinyl run (textured sleeve & insert) by the band who combine the elemental sound of acid-folk with the baroque arrangements of late 60s chamber rock. Fully versed in the sumptuous vernacular of drug music, the cradle of Appalachian song, and the succinct truths of the three-minute pop ballad, this 2005 release is an irresistible collection of sweet and subtle songs essential for fans of Fairport Convention, Pentangle, Jackson C. Franck, Linda Perhacs, Bread, Love & Dreams and Bert Jansch. Espers give us the sound of music the way it should be heard - with the ease, infectious grace and absolute beauty of an ever expansive trio bound for always greater pastures. This is prime modern psychedelic folk of the very highest calibre. Highly Recommended.
)
Interview DVD with Douglas P, attempting to get behind the scenes of the classic Kraut band. Filmed in New York at the start of 2005, it is a roller coaster ride through Douglas' life from childhood to his war-entrenched teen years to coming out to punk rock to neo folk and into the future. The man is interviewed by Darryl Hell, whose idea to replicate a day long conversation he had with Douglas P a few months earlier seems to suit them both; a unique insight into the innerworkings of this band. DVD extras include an image montage with rare versions of "Satans Feast", "Golden Wedding Of Sorrow" and "Come Before Christ And Murder Love" as well as additional interview footage.)
Collection of recently discovered recordings that were unknown even to members of the group until 2005. Featured here are eight rehearsal studio recordings from 1981 and the 1983 September 9th gig at The Living Room, London. Critical to the bands history, this was the night Douglas P. and David Tibet were introduced to each other by Alan McGee. A major album for all Death In June fans out there.)
A three-way project of Sharron Kraus, Meg Baird (Espers) & Helena Espvall (Espers). This is a beautiful recording of traditional folk material, with the most stunning singing and arrangements of some of England and Appalachia's finest songs. "The songs on this record were recorded after many an evening swapping songs (and beers!) in Fishtown, Philadelphia, where Sharron had moved from her native England, and Meg and Helena were already installed. Meg and Sharron both had traditional music backgrounds and would meet up and teach each other Appalachian and English ballads, and improvise harmonies and alternate melodies. At some point Helena was invited along and her voice and cello added a rich new layer. We wanted to record the songs in a way that would capture the relaxed atmosphere of our gatherings, so we recorded all nine songs live in one afternoon.")
This 2006 album finds the group at sextet size, with greater powers & capabilities than before. The sound is achieved using a mad variety of instruments, from a standard Martin 6 string acoustic, Fender jazz bass & drumkit to more exotic implements such as doumbek, dholak & male & female larynx. The outcome is a friendly new sensation, it warms the room & dims the lights with dense yet agile atmospherics, still in communion with the realities of our present day.Beautiful digi package rounds off the release.)
The first release on a brave new label: over 23 minutes of freshly improvised 'aaaarg' (for which read avant garde electric music) from Mick Grey and Nicholas Davis, featuring silvery hypnotic guitar lines, distant drums (no, not the Jim Reeves song), desolate vocals and a distinct end-of-the-world/ lost- st-sea feel that will appeal equally to fans of both Current 93 and Pink Floyd!! The first in a a mini-series from Nick, (a former collaborator with Michael Gira, Charlemagne Plaestine, Gerard Malanga and Paul Buck) and his collaborator, guitarist Nicholas Davis. Handmade packaging includes a black digipak, hand-written lyrics and a piece of mirror on the cover!! All copies numbered.)
One of the year's most fascinating debuts- eerie stuttering fostpolk/ postfolk/ apocalyptic folk/ folktronica that traverses both the light and the dark. The result of a collaboration betwixt minimalist outsider musician Nihiruneko and guitarist Nick Grey (see his own album also on this site) whose group Cameras features members of Swans, the Pogues, Amber Asylum and Current 93, this album actually bears a relation to the work of that band as well as Six Organs, Cocorosie, Black Heart Procession and others of that ilk. According to their distributor the fact that the front cover has a gecko on it is a selling point, but to be honest the music sounds fascinating enough in itself. Definitely worth investigation.)
AVAILABLE IN GERMAN ONLY- those who cannot speak it may wish to consider carefully before purchasing!! A huge, compendious, glossily-bound tome detailing the history, key bands, ideals and aesthetics of this particularly European, Eurocentric, often misunderstood and highly controversial musical genre (examples of wich include Death In June, Sol Invictus and Fire and Ice) which evolved out of the Goth and industrial scenes of the 80s into a historically reverent, rich and varied sound of its own, covering the works of pagans and Christians, extreme left and far right (if one believes in such concepts), gay and straight, clanking electronic noise merchants to fragile puritan folk balladeers. The book deals with the diversity and tensions within the genre in a non-dogmatic and objective manner, possibly the first and only publication to do so. Shame it's not in English!! See also the CD and extra-mega-deluxe box set available.)
An introduction to what may be music's best kept secret- certainly nothing one will read about in the UK music press!! Released to accompany the book of the same name, this four CD set is a fascinating investigation into the world of a folk music that evolved originally out of the Goth, Industrial and DIY punk scenes of the early to mid-80s, but then reached back further to the primeval origins of true European music. Often criticised by the effete far left for what they believe are 'flirtations with right-wing imagery' (although to be honest bands like Death In June, Der Blutharsch and Fire And Ice do slightly more than just flirt with it) and a bone of contention with regard to free speech and censorship, the works of these bands - also including Rose McDowall's Sorrow, Tony Wakeford's misunderstood Sol Invictus (far more 'Eurocentric' and based in olde ghoste storye imagery than anything vaguely right wing), Blood Axis, In Gowan Ring, Hagalaz Runedance (actually based around the girlfriend of a member of Emperor) and Ain Soph (not the 70s band) have produced, regardless of one's opinions, some staggeringly beautiful music, possibly the only song-based music left that is devoid of any American influence- although Americans like Boyd Rice are just as important to the scene's development. In this strange netherworld, traditional folk singers like Andrew King, who collects from the archives of Cecil Sharp, rub shoulders with clanking industrialists like Genesis P Orridge, Laibach and Test Department, as well as the works of those who influenced them such as Scott Walker, Nico, Paul Giovanni's Magnet and even The Strawbs. This exceedingly lavish gold-embossed and clothbound box set, released here seperately from the book, features a 100-page booklet of its own, which includes liner notes and much information on the artists involved. Several of the tracks here are previously unreleased- making it an even more fascinating purchase.)
LIMITED EDITION- 500 COPIES ONLY!! The whole megillah- the four CD clothbound gold-embossed digipak set with 100 page booklet, complete with the huge 544 page book (in German, mind you) "Looking For Europe: Neofolk Und Hintergrunde" and an exclusive poster packaged in a simply HUGE 31x31 designed box. Yea, verily expensive, but a stunning thing to own. See also the CD and book both sold seperately.)
During live shows by this mind- altering contemporary band, audiences had been floored by renditions of traditionals like the bittersweet "Black is the Color" or the intergalactic take on Michael Hurley’s "Blue Mountain". The next step was inevitable: Let's do a covers album! Selections were made: Hurley, Nico, Durutti Column, Blue Oyster Cult, trad cuts inspired by Bert Jansch & the Famous Jug Band & a new original called "Dead King". We could call The Weed Tree yet another exemplary example of acid folk, baroque psych or sunshine pop with a sinister edge but none of this brings us any closer to giving meaning to a mess of unexplainable tears, the result of the old happy/sad life humdrum that, by now, is a personal blueprint for an album gifted with the arch beauty of the Weed Tree. So, The Weed Tree is an album between the stations, but, as transitions go, this is just further proof that Espers are at the apex of what makes music meaningful & meaning matter in music today. (Could we please have some of what the person who wrote this is on?- Freak Eds) Limited 180 gram Audiophile lp)
Very limited vinyl run (textured sleeve & insert) by the band who combine the elemental sound of acid-folk with the baroque arrangements of late 60s chamber rock. Fully versed in the sumptuous vernacular of drug music, the cradle of Appalachian song, and the succinct truths of the three-minute pop ballad, this 2005 release is an irresistible collection of sweet and subtle songs essential for fans of Fairport Convention, Pentangle, Jackson C. Franck, Linda Perhacs, Bread, Love & Dreams and Bert Jansch. Espers give us the sound of music the way it should be heard - with the ease, infectious grace and absolute beauty of an ever expansive trio bound for always greater pastures. This is prime modern psychedelic folk of the very highest calibre. Highly Recommended.