Music Visions: July 2025 #2
Bathory - Bathory (1984)
It's been a while since I'd given Bathory a call since 2022. I was getting into a huge black metal phase and I bought the vinyl at the time. It's been a few years but this self-titled still hits. Sure, the mixing is kind of awful and the vocals and drumming are crunchy and muffled but that's the charm of the genre. It's why I love early Carcass, too. You're getting moody and blazing riffs with no fucks given.
Favorites: Hades, Necromancy, Sacrifice, Armageddon, War
Sary Moussa - Wind, Again (2025)
This new Sary Moussa album has become a favorite of mine this year. There's lots of tension and open bellowing spaces between the organs, the guitar, the clarinet, and the drums. The compositions bubble up to amazing climaxes that evaporate and leave behind a beautiful mist of bright emotion. It's something you have to dedicate some time. It's out now on the Other People music label, founded by Nicolas Jaar. They even have a collaborative album with Charbel Haber that I would also highly recommend.
Favorites: I Will Never Write a Song About You, Everywhere at Once, White Dust, A Storm, a Gift
Flipper - Sex Bomb Baby! (1987)
I've loved Flipper for years, but I hadn't listened to this compilation until recently. You're getting a taste of what they were about before ever having a studio album, and it's both rough and hilarious. I love how nonsensical and rude and comedic they sound and it really makes me wish I had seen them perform in-person. Though it is an entertaining listen, making a conventional song didn't sound like a priority for them and I struggle to call it an easy recommendation. I would definitely go listen to Generic Flipper first, but if you want to see the "behind the scenes", this is a great peek behind the curtain.
Favorites: Sex Bomb, Ha Ha Ha, Sacrifice (Live), Earthworm, End of the Game
Namco Sampling Masters - Ridge Racer Remix -30th Anniv. Sounds- (2024)
It makes me happy that we still get Ridge Racer content despite its age. If you love video games and hearing re-imagined versions of classic VGM, this remix compilation has little bit for everyone. It's got the breakbeats, the hardcore stompers, and the chill synth-jams. Most of all, it sounds great front to back.
Favorites: Feeling Over (Sampling Masters MEGA Remix), Ridge Racer (J99 Remix), Rare Hero (ミフメイ Remix), Rotterdam Nation (Sho Okada Remix), Grip (Ryu☆ Remix), Over the Highway (kors k Remix)