The newest Secret Chiefs 3 album

Secret Chiefs 3: Traditionalists
Le Mani Destre Recise Degli Ultimi Uomini



Recently ordered this one through the Web of Mimicry site. Alas, the soundtrack to an unmade horror film is classic SC3 with intense instrumentation and moody themes throughout. The band (on this album performing as "The Traditionalists"), pays respect to the Italian film composers this record reflects so much of. It is not for the faint-hearted or easy listening ears, but *is* for folks like me who crave, new, unique, instrumental music. Check it. :)

( give 'er 4 of 5 stars)

LOVER OF MUSIC

Your boy ETK loves the music - in many forms, styles and contexts. Recently we convinced a friend and former Volcano writer, Pounder, to get himself a blog. Low and behold - here it is - and with much laughter and appreciation, I hereby adopt "Judson's" music rating system as standard inclusion on all recent music listen lists found on this site and others. (5 being best, 1 worst)

1. Soft Machine - Third (3.2)
2. Rush - Permanent Waves (5.0)
3. Hi Fi Killers - Hi Fi Killers (3.4)
4. Scorpions - In Trance (3.4)
5. Secret Chiefs Trio - Eyes of Flesh (live)(4.0)
6. Boards of Canada - Geodaddi (3.8)
7. Estradasphere - Buck Fever (3.5)
8. Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon (5.0)
9. Frank Zappa - Weasels Ripped My Flesh (4.3)
10. Critters Buggin' - Bumpa (4.1)

SECRET CHIEFS TRIO

On November 3rd much of the West Coast wandered around in a gloomy haze, pondering the next 4 years under the dark cloud of the George Bush "regime". In San Francisco the cloud hung over the city and dripped with tears of a million people - but there was a small consolation: People came together to reflect and share in a positive, healing musical experience by the Bay area's Secret Chiefs Trio. Lead by the under-appreciated talents of Mr. Bungle guitarist/songwriter, Trey Spruance, and a supporting cast of amazing Bay area musicians - the Chiefs played a chilling middle-eastern flavored set of modern jihad and rock flavored music that could not have been more fitting on this sad day. It had been several years since Spruance brought the live incarnation of his project before the people - and his timing could not have been more appropriate. It was refreshing to see young people of the West embrace the sounds of the East and weave them together to bring a unique and fresh sound that further illustrates the "one world" we live in. A big thank you to Trey for the performance. Live sounds from the show are currently being administered - keep your eyes peeled here for news.

Headliner for the evening were labelmates, Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, who layed out a very heavy, theatrical performance not for the faint hearted. Formally known as Idiot Flesh, The Museum's impressive instrumental array includes many homemade devices suggestive of the avant-garde. Having little in common with those who have marred the field, whether mere arty obscurists, jock-like musical gymnasts, or high-brow snoots, SGM certainly have a varied audience and skillfully embrace their role as entertainers. Even though the band boasts heavy-hitters like Carla Kihlstedt (Tin Hat Trio) and Nils Frykdahl of Faun Fables, this is a band that survives and thrives supremely through heavy touring, and in the process has amassed a devoted (to say the least) following.

Check the Web of Mimicry website for more info. on both of these fine bands.