anticon. mix (feat. anathallo / why? / dosh / others)

October 30, 2008

Until a couple of months ago when I was introduced to anticon records through listening to Why?’s Alopecia on some strong recommendations and learning that Anathallo had signed to the label, I had no idea that anticon. records existed.  Sure I had familiarity with some of their artists (especially Dosh, who I’ve seen a number of times in concert with Andrew Bird), but after recently began checking out their catalog, I’m kicking myself for not knowing about this label earlier.

Their entire philosophy towards music (found in the label’s about section) is fascinating, as is their company history and the vast catalog of largely genre-defying, unclassifiable artists (tags are the language of right wing genre police and radio charts to them).  Anticon even puts on an art exhibit which features visual art from members of it’s bands (all the album art from the label is extremely awesome, such as the above image which comes from Alopecia).

So to make up for lost time, I’m making a mix of some of the best stuff I’ve found on the anticon label (which is all available on their online store as well as emusic, hooray!). Download the songs below.

MP3 Dosh – Don’t Wait for the Needle To Drop

Like I mentioned before, I’ve seen Dosh perform with Andrew Bird before a number of times and many would recognize his song “Simple Exercies” which Andrew Bird provided vocals for on Armchair Apocrypha (renaming it “Simple X”). On this track Dosh tinkers with keys, bells, strings and an array of electronic textures to create a symphonic sound.

MP3 Anathallo – Noni’s Field

Ever since seeing Anathallo’s fantastic performance this song last year (saved for prosperity on youtube, via yours truly), I’ve been waiting for “Noni’s Field” to be released.  There’s a few different versions of the song floating around (demo, Engine Glow mix, etc) but this is the final album cut, and it’s by far the best.  The climax to this song is completely euphoric.

MP3 Restiform Bodies – Bobby Trendam Addendum

Although anticon spans countless genres, it’s probably most well-known for it’s avant-garde style hip-hop.  “Bobby Trendam Addendum” is a great example blending rap with funky electronic grooves.  Some killer beats here.

MP3 Why? – Fatalist Palmistry

I would consider Why? to be anticon’s flagship band, and Alopecia is a wonderful example of the kind of crazy genius of they are capable of.  Although some of this album goes over my head, there’s a number of songs like “Good Friday”, “Song of the Sad Assasin” and especially “Fatalist Palmistry” that are lyrically and melodically incredible.  This song has probably the best opening line I’ve heard all year.

MP3 Danielson – Did You Step On My Remix

I’m a big fan of the Ships-era Danielson, so I was really excited to see that anticon had released a remix single from that record.  The song replaces the trumpets and jittery guitar of the original with a thumping bass and some playful synth.

MP3 Alias – Well Water Black (feat. Why?)

This track from Alias (which features Why?) is a song like many on the anticon label is very hard to pigeonhole.  On one hand there’s a catchy, dance-floor ready, electronica aspect but there’s also a melodramatic quality to the “Well Water Black”, which spends much of it’s time toying with minor chords and bittersweet melodies.

MP3 Anathallo - The River

I didn’t think any Anathallo song was ever going to touch “A Great Wind, More Ash” but I think “The River” has topped it.  Click here to read my full evaluation or just download with the knowledge that it’s one of my very favorite songs of the year.

MP3 Son Lux – Break

Son Lux is a fairly new artist to anticon, but his experimental pop is a great addition the label and this mix.  The music reminds me somewhat of Eluvium in that its foundations are in classical music, but mixing the sound with a thick sonic landscapes is what gives Son Lux’s music its uniqueness.

MP3 Three More Shallows – Night At The Knight School

I was very impressed with both the multiple layering and the interesting progression of this track.  The transition to from the heavy fuzz opening to the intense drums-and-synth of the mid-section and then to stripped-down electronica is enthralling.

Posted by Taylor in Mix