Alpha: Stargazing

We're overdue for a couple of new posts around here, so here goes a couple of favorite discs from the early '00s.

First up, a truly under appreciated gem from 2004, Alpha's Stargazing. There aren't enough great things to say about this album, if you're got a think for lush, low-key, vocal electronic.

The songs here are almost all downtempo, and many of them feature some gorgeous, and very understated vocal performances (see: "Once Around town", "Lipstick at the Asylum" and "Saturn and Rain"). If you played this album in a dentist's office, no one would need novicaine. It's just straight-up relaxation.

LINK:
Alpha: Stargazing

The Wrens: Meadowlands

LINK:
The Wrens: The Meadowlands

Sufjan Stevens: Michigan

If you love Illinois, you're gonna like Michigan, Ole Suf-boy's home state and initial foray in to the much-discussed 50 states project. Though it is stylistically similar to it's follower, the album is little less dense and melodically developed, with fewer ensemble-oriented tunes and more of a solo and rock-band feel.

Highlights:

• "Flint" -- one of Suf's better solo piano ballads
  
• "For the Widows..." -- Banjo!
  
• "The Upper Peninsula" -- excellent vocal harmonies, and great band feel
  
• "Detroit, Lift Up..." -- Poly-rhythm madness you know and love

LINK:
Sufjan Stevens: Michigan

King Geedorah: Take Me To Your Leader

Here's a great, and under appreciated effort from MF Doom alter-ego, King Geedorah. Thanks to Rob for fixing me up with this one back in the day.

Leader finds Doom helming the production effort as well, and it shows some distinct flavor that combines monster movie samples with dense guitar, string and synth loops (see "Fazers" and "Krazy World"). There are also more stripped down cuts ("Anti-Matter") that pay homage to the jazz grooves of groups like A Tribe Called Quest.

DOWNLOAD:
King Geedorah - Take Me to Your Leader