na: constellation
Constellation, one of Canada’s most respected independent labels hit the site today, and per usual I’m hugely excited. A sampling of the highlights below…
Carla Bozulich - Evangelista
I reviewed this ex-Geraldine Fibbers’ frontwoman’s solo debut for Constellation on Stylus thusly:
The opening “Evangelista I” sets the tone. It’s a nearly ten-minute death march that encompasses raving preachers, a discomfiting mass of strings, and Bozulich’s wildly vacillating vocals (from a whisper to a scream). Those waiting for Willie [reference to her then-recent collab with Willie Nelson] to show up and contribute a guitar melody will turn this off by the third minute—those familiar with Bozulich’s entire oeuvre will be hooked.
Also of note: a cover of Low’s “Pissed” that is somehow even more creepy than the original. Fans of this will want to definitely check out Elizabeth Anka Vajagic’s Stand With the Stillness.
Vic Chesnutt - North Star Deserter
Paraplegic musician Vic Chesnutt has been admired by the Constellation gang for years. When mutual friend Jem Cohen suggested to Chesnutt that he record his next album at the label’s frequent recording space Hotel2Tango, you could tell it was going to be something special. Drawing in members of Godspeed, Silver Mt. Zion, and Guy Picciotto from Fugazi, the record is hushed brilliance. Grab it now.
Silver Mt. Zion - He Has Left Us Alone…
If you’re somehow into Godspeed and haven’t heard of this group, have a got a treat for you! If you are into Godspeed and have heard of this group and still don’t have this… you get the drift. This is one of my favorite releases on Constellation. In mostly doing away with Godspeed’s penchant for the crescendo, Efrim Menuck, Sophie Trudeau and Thierry Amar (all members of Godspeed) create a barren landscape that allows piano, violin, and bass to interact with one another. They often probe one another for long stretches, teasing out a melody over minutes, reveling in its ability to entrance. Beautiful stuff.
Do Make Say Think - You, You’re a History in Rust / Yet Yet
One of the other respected post-rock institutions on the label, Do Make Say Think are more well-known for their ability to fold improvisation into their rollicking tunes. I like You, You’re… the best, but that may simply be because it appeals to my poppier leanings. Try out the “The Universe!” and see if we’re on the same wave-length. If not, “A Tender History In Rust” might be your thing.
There are tons of interesting sidelights, too: Black Ox Orkestra plays klezmer pop, Droopy Butt Begone was the experimental side-project of Godspeed’s drummer, and the instrumental dub excursions of Exhaust. But, if you’re just beginning with Constellation, I’d suggest sticking with the four above and working from there.
I want to be able to buy constellation in the UK!!!
Holy hell that’s incredible news. And I somehow haven’t used my downloads for this month! Time to get everything I don’t have on CD already.
And yeah, that Vic Chesnutt album? One of my top 5 for 2007. I haven’t actually made a list yet, but I’m sure on that one.
I also vouch for Hrsta’s “Ghosts will come and kiss our eyes.” I’ve been digging that album for quite some time.
Sometimes europe sucks….
The Sandro Perri record is nice, I’ve been wanting to hear this:
http://www.emusic.com/album/Sandro-Perri-Tiny-Mirrors-MP3-Download/11142026.html
(and if you like it, try some Nat Baldwin):
http://www.emusic.com/artist/Nat-Baldwin-MP3-Download/11677829.html
Great news!!! Now I wish I had been more patient and not bought from elsewhere. Well, I don’t mind giving them a bit more cash… and Sandro Perri is a genius.
Maybe we should somehow band together and vow not to buy from certain labels until they go with emusic… hold em’ to ransom.
Yah, being Canadian I’ve been able to pick up the majority of the Constellation Catalogue on the cheap ($15 an album as compared to an average of $20). Although, I’m a bit past the point where I simply buy anything the label comes up with.
My recommendations:
Exhaust
Hanged-Up
Do Make Say Think
Fly Pan Am (when it shows up of course)
for some reason, i was always under the impression that constellation was always here. i just got really happy.
Michael, you may be thinking about Kranky which gave wider release to the Godspeed, You Black Emperor! albums. I think earlier on they were responsible for making the CD available where CST only had Vinyl or Vice-versa.
Great news, especially since I search Do Make Say Think everytime my downloads replenish with the hope that they their records will magically appear on the site!
The new Carla Bozulich album (which is supposed to come out in March) features members of A Silver Mt. Zion.
I just got the Glissandro 70 s/t album (only 5 tracks!) and it is really worth the downloads, particularly for anyone excited about the recent crop of “death disco” acts off of Italians Do It Better (e.g. Invisible Conga People and “I Feel Electric (Tiedye Remix)”) or the Quiet Village remixes (but not so much their tracks) or just groovy music in general!