Ten Of The Best: John Westhaver (TBWNIAS)

I am pleased, nay honoured, to say that this Ten Of The Best has been chosen by Mr John Westhaver, skinsman with the mighty The Band Whose Name Is A Symbol, owner of Birdman Sound, a record shop so good it makes we want to move to Canada, and a man whose musical knowledge is legendary and taste is beyond question. John also hosts a radio show, Friday Morning Cartunes, on CKCU.FM that is well worth checking out - loads of cool sounds. John takes us through his favourite releases of the last year, and there's some cracking stuff.

Mater Dronic - 20.000 Leguas De Viaje Psicoactivo (private press)

JC Sisto is the consummate purveyor of all that is awesome regarding proper historical perspective in the “hear & now” dealing with the beastial psychedelic hydra. 6 sides that take you perfectly to any place or planet you want to go. Mr. Sisto is toe to toe with Nick Saloman, Terry Brooks and other brothers of that exclusive club.



Plastic Crimewave Syndicate - S/T (Swordfish)

Steve Krakow is the “Guardian of The Psychedelic Galaxy” based in Chicago. This freshly minted album is an electric psych wet dream that continues the journey that he previously paved with Moonrises and Plastic Crimewave Syndicate.



Herbcraft - Wot Oz (Woodsist)

The 4th long player from Maine, USA’s Herbcraft…sizzling fuzzed out guitar mantra’s that will defo have all woodlot elves high on mushrooms, These folks have a high batting average... 24-7…total killer!



Dead Sea Apes- Spectral Domain (Cardinal Fuzz)

The pride of Manchester, UK ? Should be! Godlike album of cavernous instrumental cerebral psych and to my ears, a “deep shit” perfect understanding of the best krautrock from the early 70’s had to offer. Needs to be heard to be fully understood. Brilliant!



10 000 Russos- S/T (Fuzz Club)

Portuguese outfit who light the fire under the motorik sounds of the 70’s and the smoke of the neo psych guitar wall of sound from the 80’s. Tribal ! Great, from start to finish.



Blown Out - Drifting Way Out Between Suns (Riot Season)

I freak out every time Mike Vest gets a record out, no matter what coat he wears…3 Blown Out LP’s in one year but this was the first waxed! I’d take this over Hendrix anytime ! Wanna fight about it? Get stuffed!



The Silence - Hark (Drag City)

Masaki Batoh and several other ex-Ghost (Japan) folks have churned out their 2nd magnum opus of 2015. 4 sides of understated, perfectly executed, Zen-psych, as only true masters can do. 1972 but actually 2015…Godlike!



Eternal Tapestry - Strawberries (Thrill Jockey)

Every album these Oregon-zo-nauts have released is worth their weight in gold. 4 sides of drifted, drugged, dark woods electric jams…bong rawk of the highest order (as usual)



Matt "MV" Valentine - Hidden Mound (Golden Lab)

Owning 20 some MV & EE LPs made this one a no brainer! So great it has to be heard to be appreciated. Neil Young could never have made an album this awesome. You can get way lost in the forest on this one! Superb!



Squadra Omega - Altri Occhi Ci Guardano (Sound Of Cobra) 3 records in one year! An ambitious double from an incredibly talented group that combine experimental tendencies with dense krautrock like echoes and classic Italian 70’s prog cues. This one is the jewel in their crown.

SQUADRA OMEGA - Il Buio Dentro from SLOWBOAT FILMS on Vimeo.

Cheers John......bloody fine list!