Modern Harmonic US レコード& CD

Review: Four Rooms reflects a very fun time in Hollywood, or at least the annals of American cinema. Co-directed by Allison Anders, Alexandre Rockwell, Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino, the story of the fictional Los Angeles-set Hotel Mon Signor, and the strange, demanding, off-putting, and straight up intimidating guests that stay there on New Year's Eve - just as Tim Roth starts his first shift on the job as bellhop - is full of energy and a carefree, playful attitude. It's the kind of movie which, if it were made today, would no doubt be rushed straight to the bottom of the New Releases section on whatever streaming service you've given in to because it would feel cheap rather than charismatic. But in 1994, catching a quintet of fresh filmmakers on the rise, at a time when positivity reigned and the silver screen still had an ounce of class, means the whole thing worked well. As for the soundtrack, we veer between Americana and a reworking of the theme from 1960s US TV series Bewitched, weird, meditative vocal drone and lounge music.

Review: Since its release way back in 1968, The Perfumed Garden has become a much-discussed cult classic. It's certainly a unique offering, with the whole thing built around Indian vocalist and poet Chitra Neogy's sultry and expressive spoken word interpretation of a centuries-old erotic text that has been likened to the better-known Karma-Sutra. Neogy's spoken word vocals, which often come drenched in reverb, are simply sublime, with some tracks consisting merely of these inspired readings. Where the album really comes alive, though, is when her words are given musical accompaniment - think sitar, tabla, strings and more - from an ensemble of experienced Indian musicians. An oddball gem that's well worth further investigation.

Review: Sun Ra and the Arkestra defy convention as a non-traditional studio ensemble and each record in their vast discography proves this as it unfolds as a celestial journey. This release, Thunder Of The Gods sheds light on the group's origins. 'Calling Planet Earth - We'll Wait For You' emerges from Ra's Universe In Blue tapes, from around 1971, while the title track and 'Moonshots Across the Sky' hail from the 1966 Strange Strings sessions. Unearthed by Michael D. Anderson of the Sun Ra Music Archive, these gems showcase Ra's sonic artistry. Modern Harmonic pairs the music with visual art by Chesley Bonestell, who blends his iconic piece 'Formation of the Earth's Continents' with Ra's cosmic soundscapes to great effect.

Review: Released in 1983, Sun Ra & His Outer Space Arkestra's cosmic jazz odyssey A Fireside Chat With Lucifer defies conventional musical boundaries as it transports listeners to otherworldly realms through its avant-garde improvisations and surreal sonic landscapes. Sun Ra's visionary leadership and the Arkestra's eclectic instrumentation create a sonic tapestry that melds free jazz, electronics, and cosmic philosophy so that the long player serves as a testament to Sun Ra's innovative spirit, pushing the boundaries of jazz into uncharted territories, while offering a mesmerizing and otherworldly experience that resonates with the avant-garde and experimental music aficionados alike.