Sorry for the lack of updates lately (new job + relocation + new clean linux desktop install + final-round contestant on dancing with the stars). I know the fans of CCROW Networks are relentless and quite demanding; in light of this fact, I will attempt to make up for the weeks of silence with the following music recommendations:

I. Fennesz/Sakamoto: Cendre [Touch]

(Full disclosure: I’ve been waiting for this album for over a year)

This is a no-brainer. An album that gets richer through each listen. Sakamoto’s delicate piano with Fennesz’s ambient laptop/processed guitar dabbling. Completely different aesthetic from the Alva Noto/Sakamoto collaboration.

II. Taylor Deupree: Landing [Room40]

Great label, great artist. A short ambient number spread over three tracks. It’s over before you know it (in a good way), which is probably the exact intent.

III. Machinefabriek: Weleer [Lampse Audiovisual Recordings]

This album is all over the place sonically, yet maintains a certain consistency – not easy to pull-off. Machinefabriek has quickly become one of my favorite artists (just learned of him last year); his music is typically a noisy affair fused with melody. An easy recommendations to those fans of Tim Hecker, Fennesz, Belong, etc.

IV. Interpol: Antics [Matador] (Bonus Hot97 Throw-back from 2004)

OK, you probably already own this album, have listened to it 50+ times and have seen them in concert six times. However, it’s time to get excited again since their next album is coming out soon. I still prefer Turn On The Bright Lights (it’s one of my favorite indie albums of all-time), but Antics has great moments. I’m continually impressed by how these guys maintain artistic integrity even as their popularity sky-rockets.

V. Idaho: The Lone Gunman [Idaho Music]

It may seem a bit random (and it is), but this is an underrated album that deserves more attention. It’s also a good summer album.