Press Play with Greg Fenton 005
The Past, Present and Future of Music
Welcome to Press Play 005 with our brilliant resident contributor, Greg Fenton. In this edition we bring you a handpicked mix of tracks, albums and performances that capture the pulse of music at its most vibrant.
Blending iconic classics with bold new discoveries, Greg’s selections speak to everyone – from casual listeners to devoted music heads. Linking the past, present, and future of sound, he offers us all a perspective that’s both insightful and inspiring.
"Without music, life would be a mistake."
Friedrich Nietzsche
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Welcome to the fifth edition of everything vital in the world of electronic music from past to present and future according to our music aficionado Greg Fenton. You can tell we’re on the approach to summer as compilations and thoughts appear geared in that direction from white islands to coastal plains. Cynicism aside, there is a lot of excellent music on the horizon. Let’s go!
Table of Contents
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Past – Tim Buckley – Happy Sad – Elektra (1969)
I was planning on writing about Roy Harper’s seminal Stormcock, though somehow the mood flipped, and Happy Sad came to mind instead. Tim Buckley dispensed with the more traditional structures of Blues, Country and harder Rock, as was the norm by the end of the sixties, to delve into looser, jazzier territory for his third, most accomplished album
It is pretty astonishing how he incorporated so many different flavours into his painting of sound landscaping worlds of heady emotion and sonic storytelling. Artists such as Frank Zappa and The Grateful Dead also ploughed their own unique, experimental takes, but it was Tim Buckley who sounded like he was located in his own curved-out space.
Past – Extraordinary Melodic Flair
Having said that, a direct comparison can be drawn between Van Morrison’s Astral Weeks and its influence on this course of direction released in the previous year. Van’s seminal work employed a similar diversity of playing and musical arrangements, but maybe that was just the way the wind was blowing. Either way, it felt like a most welcome change.
Infused with an extraordinary melodic flair, his guitar accompanies the searching vibraphone played beautifully by David Friedman throughout. Nothing feels particularly hurried, although it is fused with a probing, cosmic energy, whatever the mood which may be expressed at any given moment. Opening with the exceptional Strange Feelin’, it’s fascinating to observe the interplay between the soloing guitars as they float, singing the blues yet offset by effortless strains of jazz that swing the music in shifting directions. That combination of differences creates something new and different alongside such heavenly vocals.
Past – Irresistibly Composed Piece of Music
Every time I play it, the smouldering, hazy opening sequence of notes never fails but sends shivers of anticipation. Buzzin Fly, adds an extra spring to the step by igniting joy and the feeling that everything might be possible. At least a possibility? It remains an irresistibly composed piece of music drifting endlessly across the ticking clock of life.
The ten-plus minutes of “Love From Room 109 At The Islander (On Pacific Coast Highway)” even open with the sound of waves overlapping the soulful caress of melancholy and yearning, which he can flip to a suggestion of something else as sensual depths are explored with careful intrigue. Which has part of the innate charm of his playing alongside that exquisite guitar tone he achieved so effortlessly.
His voice soars, lifting your feelings to places you’ve never been, steering you in directions unknown. It’s also in the way the music unfolds, introducing fresh elements like the haunting cello and resonating changes that occur through the various chords and changing intonations. Amazing and transformative.
Dream Letter is intense, to say the least, as sounds are woven into the narrative so intricately that it’s challenging to listen to. Yet fully rewarding. Contrasts are dealt again with the arrival of Gypsy Woman, undoubtedly the funkiest number on the album due in large part to the punchy percussion fuelling the flame as words fly. Another extensive track clocks in at over twelve minutes as excitement builds in the air, and Buckley’s voice speaks loud and clearly to the turbulent times they were recorded.
Past – A Darker Kiss of Reality
Could it be said that Tim’s voice was that of the sixties breaking down into a darker kiss of reality as the dream faded, co-opted by corporate culture just as Acid | House did many years later? You could also say in that regard that Jim Morrison was, therefore, more of a contemporary than at first thought.
Completing the album is perhaps the sound for which Tim Buckley was often celebrated: a mournful longing also found in the likes of the superlative Song To The Siren. These sentiments are also reignited in the tantalising “Sing a Song for You,” which is likewise finely tuned in so many ways. It’s hard to fathom. The song is underscored by John Miller’s brilliant double bass, which accompanies the world-worn expressions with grace to the very end.
It’s easy to say this, but Happy Sad is more than just about the sounds it contains. When you listen, you will hear why.
*Visit Tim Buckley Online
“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.”
Bob Marley
Present – The Light Brigade – Shuffle The Deck – Mystic Arts
Beginning with a fantastic David Holmes collaboration with Two Love Swordsman’s Keith Tenniswood (Shuffle The Deck) and Michael Andrews (Only Love Can Save Us) is the third release from Belfast’s Mystic Arts imprint. Shinning arpeggios coupled with impressionistic synthesisers fuel this excessively wonderful music
Buy The Light Brigade – Shuffle The Deck – Mystic Arts here
Present – Acid Nab – Might Go Out – Freebooter Lounge
While we’re in the capital city one of the other exciting labels highlighting Northern Ireland’s persistent presence is The Freebooter Lounge. Try, Acid Nab – Might Go Out, shuffling off into a night-time of funky pleasure, complete with a tougher House remix by Klark Bent.
Buy Acid Nab – Might Go Out – Freebooter Lounge here
Present – Lapalace – Music to Watch Seeds Grow by Vol.6 – Music to Watch Seeds Grow by
Next is the sensuous and eloquent music created by Manchester artist Lapalace as part of the Music To Watch Seeds Grow By series (Lavender) which feels particularly fitting given the time of year. Sitting somewhere between ambience and classical the sonic palette is both mind-expanding and emotionally resonating.
Download/Stream Lapalace (Lavender) – Music to Watch Seeds Grow by on Bandcamp
Present – Vyvyan – I Have Specific Needs EP – Sound De Jour
Vyvyan (aka PBR Streetgang’s Bonar Bradberry) delivers three excellent electro infused cuts for his latest release for Sound De Jour. However, the tracks forming ‘I Have Specific Needs’ also play an important role evolving the genre into the future while retaining its pure essence of machine soul. There is also a brilliant Dharma reworking to absorb.
Buy Vyvyan – I Have Special Needs EP on Sound De Jour here
“Music is the universal language of mankind.”
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Present – La Fleur – Free My Mind – PIAS Èlectronique
If speed if your need then the energetic La Fleur – Free My Mind will satisfy. Remixed by William Kiss this all guns blazing version feeds tribal drums into a fiery concoction of voices and edgy effects all delivered in quick-fire tempo. The ROKAR Remix of Chian contrasts by exercising charm with its swinging rhythms and melodic charges warming the more soulful vocals for hot summer nights.
Buy La Fleur – Free My Mind on PIAS Èlectronique here
Present – Herbert and Momoko – Someone Like You – Strut / Accidental
And finally this month we have a new single from Herbert & Momoko (Matthew Herbert & Momoko Gill) Someone Like You via Strut / Accidental taken from their forthcoming and I have to say exceptional new album, Clay released at the end of June. I say that because it’s a welcome return to the art of song writing and song, while the music fizzes with all sorts of enticing, crystal qualities.
Buy The Herbert and Momoko Album Clay here
Future – Press Play Recommendations
The fourth episode of the monthly Magazine Sixty Radio, presented by Sean Holland, is up now. This edition features seminal producer and recording artist, Steve Miller aka Afterlife. In an extended interview, Steve discusses music, the state of Balearic, analogue synths, and the future of sonic creativity.
Listen to Sean Holland and Steve Miller aka Afterlife
This Month on Magazine Sixty
You can catch up with all of the latest releases reviewed at Magazine Sixty and interviews featuring the creative, invigorating works of Margaux Gazur, who has just released a stunning new album – Blurred Memories for Smallville Records
Magazine Sixty interview with Margaux Gazur
And from the brilliant Death on the Balcony in an in-depth interview. We spoke with the duo about their thoughts on club culture, the art of music production, and more, having recently released Where Do We Go? on Loot Recordings.
Magazine Sixty interview with Death on the Balcony
Recommended Releases
Recommended releases this month come from Pig&Dan – Journey Within. This is the first artist-only release on the legendary Café del Mar Music label, arriving packed full of quality vibes. The sunshine awaits..
See you there and see you here next month!!
When you’ve soaked it all in, be sure to visit his site, MagazineSixty, for even more deep dives and discoveries!
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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