Inspiration through the underworld of sound?
YES!!
Here we dive deep into the gloomy soul of post-punk and explore the obscure corner of the music universe.
Recommended albums from Morten:
Joy Division, Closer
"Closer" by Joy Division is a somber masterpiece released in 1980. The album opens with the melancholy tone of the song "Atrocity Exhibition," which sets the mood for the rest of the journey. Ian Curtis' deep and intense vocal performances express pain and disillusionment throughout the album. "Isolation" reflects feelings of loneliness and isolation, while "Passover" explores deeper existential themes. The lyrics in "Heart and Soul" and "Twenty Four Hours" shed light on Curtis' inner demons. Peter Hook's bass lines in songs like "The Eternal" have a somber sound. Martin Hannett's production adds a layer of atmosphere and contributes to the unique sound of the album. "Decades" closes the album with a sense of inevitable end. "Closer" stands as a monument to the darker sides of post-punk and has inspired countless bands for decades. Each track on the album is like a deep dive into the human soul. Listening to it is like walking through an emotional maze. "Closer" remains a timeless and deeply moving experience. The Fall, The Unutterable
The Fall, The Unutterable
The Unutterable is an album from The Fall, released in 2000, and it shows Mark E. Smith's uncompromising approach to music. The album is a complex mix of post-punk, experimental rock and Smith's characteristic spoken word. The title track, "The Joke," and "Dr. Bucks' Letter" stand out for their sharp, angular rhythm section and Smith's sarcastic, often cryptic lyrics. The album explores a wide range of sounds, from noisy guitar riffs to electronic elements. The Fall's constantly changing line-up is reflected in the variety of musical styles on the album. Mark E. Smith's distinctive vocal style adds a rough and unpredictable edge to each track. "The Unutterable" shows The Fall at their most eclectic, and it's a challenging but satisfying dive into an alternative musical world.
Dirty Beaches, Badlands
Dirty Beaches is a music project started by Alex Zhang Hungtai. The album "Badlands" was released in 2011 and has elements of experimental post-punk and ambient music. Hungtai uses a diverse range of sounds, including loops, samples and vintage recordings, to create a unique soundscape. "Badlands" has often been described as a mixture of 50's rock'n'roll, Lynchian atmospheres and modern experimental pop. Reflecting an eclectic musical melting pot, the album has gained acclaim for its distinctive vibe and exploration of sound
Suicide, Suicide
Suicide is an experimental music duo formed by Alan Vega and Martin Rev in the early 1970s. They were pioneers in electronic music and are often seen as an early influence on genres such as post-punk and synthpunk. The duo became known for their minimalist approach, where Vega's bold vocals and Rev's repetitively intense keyboard and synthesizer arrangements created a unique and somber soundscape.
Suicide's self-titled debut album, released in 1977, explores the sonic landscape in an innovative way. Songs like "Ghost Rider" and "Frankie Teardrop" are examples of their experimental and intense musical expression. Combining the energy of punk with avant-garde exploration of sound, the album has been recognized as a ground-breaking work that has inspired many artists in alternative music.
Suicide created a unique space for themselves in music history, and their radical approach has left a lasting impression on the soundscape of experimental and electronic music.
The Smiths, Hatful of Hollow
Released in 1984, this album is a collection of early singles, B-sides and alternate takes. "Hatful of Hollow" is famous for capturing The Smiths at an early stage of their career, giving listeners a glimpse of the band's evolution and distinctive sound. Songs like "How Soon Is Now?" and "This Charming Man" are included in the album and it is appreciated for its authentic and raw atmosphere. It well portrays the band's early post-punk and indie-pop aesthetic.
"Hatful of Hollow" from The Smiths stands out not only for its musical variety and rawness, but also for its outstanding lyrics and fantastic guitar playing. Morrissey's emotionally charged and insightful lyrics add depth to each song, exploring themes of love, loneliness and community with remarkable skill. Johnny Marr's guitar playing is iconic and adds a distinctive creativity, from jangle-pop riffs to atmospheric tones. The combination of these elements makes "Hatful of Hollow" a timeless work, where the lyrics resonate with listeners and Marr's guitar playing adds an extra layer of genius to the band's musical legacy.
The Cramps, Psychedelic Jungle
"Psychedelic Jungle" is an album by The Cramps, released in 1981. An iconic work of the psychobilly genre, this album demonstrates The Cramps' unique blend of punk, rockabilly and garage rock. Guitarist Poison Ivy's distinct riffs and Lux Interior's raw vocals give the album a raw and energetic edge. "Green Door," "Goo Goo Muck," and "Can't Find My Mind" are examples of songs that capture the band's dirty-rocking, raw style. "Psychedelic Jungle" bears the stamp of the 50's rock'n'roll aesthetic, but is drawn into a more dark and experimental direction. The album is full of surreal and often humorous lyrics that give the Cramps a typical character trait. "Psychedelic Jungle" has been a significant influence in alternative music, and it illustrates The Cramps' ability to create a unique and timeless sound that continues to inspire musicians today.
Public Image Ltd, Metal box (Second Edition)
"Metal Box" is an album by Public Image Ltd (PiL), released in 1979. It is notable for its unique presentation, originally released as three 12-inch singles packaged in a metal box. The album is a groundbreaking work that explores post-punk, experimental rock and dub music. John Lydon's distinctive vocals, along with Keith Levene's innovative guitar work and Jah Wobble's distinctive bass lines, give the album a distinct sound. "Albatross" opens the album with hypnotic rhythms, while "Metal Box" and "Careering" show PiL's ability to create sonic landscapes. The lyrics are introspective and socially critical, and they challenge the listener to think deeply. The album has an industrial and futuristic atmosphere, and it is known to have inspired many alternative music genres. "Metal Box" remains an important work in post-punk history, and the packaging itself symbolizes the band's unique approach to musical presentation.
Deutsch Amerikanische Freundschaft, Die Kleinen und die Bösen
"Die Kleinen und die Bösen" is strongly experimental, challenging and goes beyond a verse's wildest imagination. DAF incorporates a unique combination of monotonous synth arrangements, repetitive rhythms and extensive use of guitars. The guitars lay a blanket of unpleasant noise around the music, and this creates an intense and boundary-breaking sound experience. A pioneering work in experimental electronic music, the album explores unconventional territories by breaking with traditional genres. DAF's bold approach to the soundscape, particularly the use of guitar elements, gives the album a distinct edge and adds to the overall emotional discomfort that permeates the work's atmosphere. "Die Kleinen und die Bösen" remains a marked expression of musical experimentation and is a key component in the development of industrial and electronic music.
Iggy & The Stooges, Raw Power
"Raw Power" is an album by Iggy and the Stooges, released in 1973. This album is known for its intensity, raw energy and early influence on punk rock. With Iggy Pop's aggressive vocals, James Williamson's sharp guitar riffs and the brutal rhythm section, "Raw Power" delivers a powerful soundscape.
Songs like "Search and Destroy" and the title track "Raw Power" are examples of the album's energetic and unconventional approach to rock. The album has been considered a pioneer in punk and hard rock, and it has inspired generations of musicians.
Iggy and the Stooges' "Raw Power" is a timeless classic that still stands as a monument to raw, raw musical power and a seminal influence on punk and alternative rock.