Serfs – Sha La La – La Later On

Serfs – Sha La La – La Later On

Despite its sunny sing-along title and the fact that it features covers of songs by Jerry Garcia and Curtis Mayfield, Jon Collin’s latest album of ambient-guitar music under the name Surfs is a pretty lonely and lackadaisical affair. Rather than using significant atmospherics or looping, Collin relies on a completely clean electric guitar and an empty room to create a beautiful and singular work, sounding like an even sparser version of Matthew Mullane’s still-fantastic solo acoustic LP from earlier this year. Great end of summer transitioning tunes. Purchase this, and the rest of Cabin Floor Esoterica’s gorgeously packaged new batch, direct from the label.

Purchase.

Matthew Mullane – VDSQ: Solo Acoustic Vol. 4

Matthew Mullane – VDSQ: Solo Acoustic Vol. 4

From Vin Du Select Qualitite‘s venerable “Solo Acoustic” series, which has brought us stellar records from the likes of Thurston Moore and Mark McGuire, comes this absolutely classic set from Fabric mastermind Matthew Mullane. Completely different from his upcoming electronic LP on Spectrum Spools (which will likely be reviewed here soon), this set features completely raw, one-take acoustic guitar compositions. Honestly, just some of the most beautiful, transcendent music I’ve come across recently and without a doubt one of my early shoe-in contenders for album of the year. Check out the sample up on Mimaroglu and grab this immediately. Totally and completely essential.

Purchase.

Black Eagle Child – Lobelia

Black Eagle Child – Lobelia

Catching my attention with his recent split with Eureka on Stunned, Michael Jantz, known to the music world as Black Eagle Child, writes gorgeous, nostalgic guitar pieces that are hitting the spot for me in a major way now. Recently put out by the wonderful Preservation label, Lobelia is his first full-length release and is a bittersweet and uplifting meditation on family, birth, and memory. Truly astounding work – this is simply beautiful music.

Purchase.