Way back when, I mentioned that I'd discovered Tangent Audio while working on the 2007 Buyer's Guide. Initially, I was attracted to the Tangent gear because of the affordable prices. Later, that attraction grew. First because I'd seen how handsome the gear was, and then because Richard Kolhruss, Tangent's US distributor, sold me on the company's attention to detail. I was intrigued, and wondered if I'd wandered into something special and new.
After a storm, the sun would come out and throw an enormous spotlight on the ocean, setting everything ablaze with ever-changing colors and shapes. Words like "glorious," "heavenly," and "miraculous" kept coming to mind.
Afterwards, we spent the most delicious morning together, just holding one another. Everything felt so thick and hot and gorged. We couldn't help but move slowly. Time felt eternal.
Aidan Baker’s Already Drowning is our “Recording of the Month” for June 2013. In preparation for our review, I asked Baker a few questions about the album. We discussed literary and musical influences, the songwriting and recording process, and the importance of sound.SM
"You know what I want for Christmas, mom."
"What?"
"I'm not asking you if you know; I'm telling you that you do know."
"What?"
"What do you mean, 'What'?" You know, right?"
"How would I know?"
"Mom, you always know."
"Not this year, Stephen. This year I don't know. Tell me."
"I don't want to tell you. I want you to just know."
"Stephen, I'm telling you: I. Don't. Know."
"Yes, you do."
"Stephen!"
"Mom!"
"Just tell me, boy."
"Nope."
"That's it."
"What?"
"You're getting socks."
It gets extremely cold in my apartment. Each winter, I curse and shiver and seal my windows with plastic and tape. The kitchen is coldest. I place a small electric heater on top of my refrigerator and turn it to high. I can hear the whirring sound from my living room, but it’s not loud enough to disturb my listening.
A couple of months ago, I heard an interesting segment on NPR about Sam Hillmer's Representing NYC project. Hillmer, a NYC school teacher, partners his students with indie-rock musicians to create hip-hop albums. The children are given an opportunity to express themselves and gain real experience in the art of commerce, while the musicians get to contribute to the working-class communities they've recently moved into.