R.I.P. Stephen Samuel Gordon AKA The Spaceape

Unfortunately, many of you reading my blog may not be familiar with this name. However, his monolithic voice has appeared on many tracks from the London based Hyperdub label, a massively relevant voice in modern electronic music.

His spoken word appears on what I believe to be one of the most important releases of modern times, Burial's debut album in 2006. That eponymous track, like the rest of the album, does not age. It is timeless. It gets stuck in my head on a regular basis. This news is absolutely crushing. And just before the release of a new ep of his work with Kode9, just released this week.

This from Hyperdub's Facebook page:

We are devastated to announce that on Thursday 2nd October, Stephen Samuel Gordon aka The Spaceape, vocalist, poet and live performer, passed away peacefully after a 5 year struggle with a rare form of cancer. He leaves behind his wife Luciana and 6 year old daughter, Cleo. His first release was the 1st release on Hyperdub, 'Sine of the Dub' in 2004 with Kode9, with whom he also released 2 albums, Memories of the Future (2006) and Black Sun (2011). In 2012 he also self-released the Xorcism EP, appeared on the track 'Spaceape' on Burial's debut album in 2006, and also collaborated with The Bug, Martyn, Jerry Dammers, Redshape, Dub Gabriel, the Echologist and more. Last Monday he released his new EP with Kode9, 'Killing Season' including the video 'Devil is a Liar' http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Dtc4Y4Xyjo which was filmed in July 2014. Our sincere condolences go out to his family and friends, and all who have been touched by his writings and performances. His Hyperdub family will always miss him.

Take a listen to this mind melting track. Eight years old and it still sounds like the future.




And this is the video from the upcoming release.

Burial - Truant / Rough Sleeper 12" (Hyperdub, 2012)

One of my favorite UK producers is back with an EP length single clocking in at about 25 minutes. Odd, but everything he does throws me for a loop, most importantly the music. Both tracks are much different than anything he's done before. Exploring flavors of 2-step to dub techno to noise, Burial experiments here in a way that shows his class, still above the rest in his "genre". Nothing sounds like him, and nothing ever will. The first track is darker than previous work, yet the second is er...umm... positive? uplifting? Yep, he even worked in a House anthem. Nothing is stagnant. Fine work from a continually impressive artist. I highly recommend the vinyl.






Read full review of Truant / Rough Sleeper - BURIAL on Boomkat.com ©

Black Math - Phantom Power (Permanent Records, 2010)

This is the most exciting and possibly the best rock band in Chicago. There, I said it. I will not get tired of them...ever.

These compositions are predominantly darkwave a la early Cure but also contain groovy slabs of nasty shoegaze. They toy with garage rock, occasional girl group vocals and crunchy yet danceable post-punk. Mind you, all of this occurs in each cut. Always creative and never boring, Black Math know how to play me like a harp. i never would have thought anyone could fuse many of my favorite genres so effortlessly.

They use an interesting setup of guitar, keyboards, electric cello and drum machine, a configuration that enhances their already definitive recording technique. If they manage to stick together, look for them to have quite a loyal cult following.

Get It Here

Lux and Ivy's Favorites

This is a fan-curated series of compilations showcasing bands that heavily influenced The Cramps. Some of the best 50's and 60's swinging pop and rock you'll ever hear. There are thirteen of these that I'm aware of. I just discovered them and its pretty much changing my life. Say Daddy, like, have a party. Yeah. Dig that.

Get them from the WFMU radio archives