Press Play with Greg Fenton 004
The Past, Present and Future of Music
Welcome to Press Play 004 with Greg Fenton our wonderful resident contributor, offering you a curated selection of tracks, albums, and performances that embody the vibrancy of music. Revisiting timeless classics and introducing ground-breaking new sounds, Greg’s recommendations cater to a diverse audience, from casual listeners to dedicated enthusiasts. His ability to connect the dots between the past, present, and future of genres provides us all with a unique, comprehensive and engaging perspective. Don’t forget when you’re done here to head over to his MagazineSixty site!
"Without music, life would be a mistake."
Friedrich Nietzsche
So, here’s the fourth edition of everything vital, according to the world of Magazine Sixty, to tempt you into the world of electronic music from past to present and future. Let’s go!
Table of Contents
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Past – David Sylvian – Secrets Of The Beehive – Virgin Records (1987)
As incredible as most of the body of work Japan created, there is something more profound and resonating about David Sylvian‘s solo writing. Maybe that’s centred on collective ageing and the enlightenment of experience, or the simple depth of voice as an extra lower tone slips into the register. Then, the indelible impression of jazz brushing effortlessly across the album adds an additional dimension. At the same time, a range of other similarly exotic influences, such as lilting folk themes, play their part in drawing out the poetic license of superlative music.
Another thought occurred to me, perhaps off the wall, given the amount of time I spend writing about electronic/ dance music, which is how the words and melodies would lend themselves to interpretation via the contemporary world of electrical possibility. That is apart from the more rigid structures of disco or house. Perhaps that says something, too, about time and limits.
The Art of Songwriting
Pivoted in the art of songwriting, the eloquence of the words trip off the tongue. Try any given number, although there is something inherent in the introspective beauty of Orpheus that spells out excellence as keys change to accentuate meaning and purpose. The flamenco-steeped guitar of When Poets Dreamed Of Angels talks in another language. Still, it is most unsettling, speaking of violence against a conversely uplifting backdrop of an extended instrumental as rhythms and their percussive counterparts excel themselves.
Secrets Of The Beehive was released in 1987 and featured musicians like Danny Thompson and Ryuichi Sakamoto, who scripted many of the orchestral sections, among other contributors. The former’s unmistakable bass playing on Mother and Child adds a cool refrain to the smouldering embers of Sylvain’s devastating voice. At the same time, the piano gets intense and late-night meandering through secretive aural pathways.
The Power of Music Transcends
The opening passages of Let The Happiness In illuminate the full spectrum of celluloid of dreams in ways beyond expectation, cumulating in contrasting joyful passages as the power of music transcends, a resplendent and echoing atmosphere as a release. Uncomplicated and yet resilient as the music evolves into heart-warming climbs and the reach for heaven. The final number, Waterfall, only highlights the probity, the search for meaning alongside the swoon as the sheer quality of Sylvian’s pen remains as pointed as ever.
*Visit David Sylvian Online
“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.”
Bob Marley
Present – Balaphonic – Resolution Revolutions – NuNorthern Soul
The first highlight is Balaphonic’s, resolution revolutions album, which is released on NuNorthern Soul. Proving to be a real feast for summertime consumption as Danny Ward, aka Moodymanc, aka Balaphonic, dives deep into a world of fiery percussion and sizzling grooves, the album quickly proves to be as much about rhythm as it is about emotional rollercoasters.
Buy Balaphonic’s – resolution revolutions on Juno here
Present – Mathew Jonson, Argenis Brito, Guti, madnax, kanova and EVSTAD – N.O.M 00 – Never On Monday
Next is the inaugural release by Never On Monday, featuring a wealth of collaboration and solo creations from Mathew Jonson, Argenis Brito, Guti, MEDNAX, kanova and EVSTAD – N.O.M 00. Forward-thinking music that soaks up the past while translating it into something newer.
Present – Prajnaghosa – Flow of Adhisthana – The Deep Treasury
For a contrast that touches upon the sublime, try Prajnaghosa – Flow of Adhisthana, released on the aptly named Into The Deep Treasury. Musically lyrical, this incredible landscape of mostly serene sounds touches each emotion like it was its first encounter.
Download/Stream Prajnaghosa – Flow of Adhisthana on Bandcamp
Present – Vincent Casanova – Morning Light – Manjumasi
Returning to four on the floor is Vincent Casanova’s Morning Light on Manjumasi, featuring breathy voices, a congregation of engaging drums, and chiming notation that feels quietly hypnotic. There is a genuine depth and quality to unlock here across three great versions, although Lawrence’s remixes sing loudest.
“Music is the universal language of mankind.”
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Present – MirrorLake – Crateria – Osmura
One of the few positive things you can say about the benefits of modern social media is discovery. I found this wonderfully exhilarating release on the noteworthy Osmura label, and the results are implicit and far-reaching. Comprised of five stunning electronic compositions from MirrorLake that dare to venture into the future, this is about introspective inquiry as much as it is about the rewiring through modular synthesis of communal knowledge.
Download/ Stream MirrorLake – Crateria on Bandcamp
Present – LUMI – FU – Kneaded Pains
Last but not least is the most robust number this month, FU produced by LUMI. Released on the irrepressible Kneaded Pains, this pulls no punches, dispensing almost anything resembling subtly but serving incendiary late nights and then some. A heavy combination of brilliant drums drives this forward, as vocals entice sleazy intentions backed up by deliberately bruising synths like every second counts.
Download/Stream LUMI – FU on Bandcamp
Future Recommendations
The third episode of the monthly Magazine Sixty Radio, presented by Sean Holland, is up now. This edition of the Magazine Sixty Podcast features DJ and producer Pete Gooding. In an extended interview, Pete talks about his musical roots, DJing at the legendary Café Mambo, and the changes within the scene he has experienced as both a DJ and a manager. Pete has shared a one-hour mix from his Ibizan residency at La Torre to round out a fascinating conversation.
This Month on Magazine Sixty
You can up with all of the latest releases reviewed at Magazine Sixty and an interview with the legendary Marcia Carr who you can hear at the infamous Wild Wood festival in June on all things music and culture, plus from Medlar talking about his new album for Delusions of Grandeur and more.
Recommended releases this month this month come from Jazzanova – In Between Revisited: Jazzanova Live, replaying their landmark album from 20 years ago. Plus, a new long-player care off the intriguing Music To Watch Seeds Grow By imprint showcasing the deeply engaging music of Lapalace. And the cinematic expanse of UH’s – pleroma EP on PRAH Recordings adeptly rekindles joy and imaginative futures.
See you there and see you here next month!!
About MagazineSixty
At the heart of Greg Fenton’s work lies MagazineSixty, an online platform he created to showcase the best in contemporary music. The website is a treasure trove for fans of electronic and alternative sounds, offering a blend of album reviews, artist interviews, and features that delve into the creative processes behind some of the most compelling music being produced today. The site’s mission is to explore the intersection of artistry and innovation, highlighting the transformative power of music in a constantly evolving cultural landscape.
What sets MagazineSixty apart is its focus on quality over quantity. Fenton takes a discerning approach to curation, ensuring that every piece of content aligns with the site’s ethos of authenticity and depth. His reviews are not only detailed but also reflective, often connecting the music to broader cultural and historical contexts. This level of thoughtfulness has earned the website a loyal following, with readers appreciating its commitment to celebrating creativity without succumbing to the pressures of mainstream trends.
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Listen to the Live Stream of OpenLab
Noticed the black bar at the bottom of the screen? Listen now to OpenLab who are broadcasting worldwide via www.openlab.fm and on 106.4 FM in Ibiza and Formentera, OpenLab champions the worlds most exciting producers, artists, DJ’s and visual artists, offering their community a glimpse of ‘Tomorrows World.. Today’.
Want More Music? Click through to re-OpenLab
At Pen vs Sword, we are Partners in Sound with Openlab.fm in our re-OpenLab section, we re-introduce you to previously broadcast Openlab.fm shows delivering captivating audio experiences immerse yourself into – re-OpenLab is more than just a collection of past shows; it’s a curated journey through the eclectic and inspiring world of Openlab.fm’s programming.
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