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Media book reviews and New Zealand book reviews

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Authors, Christian, Metal, and World contributors in the book

"First of all, I'd like to say I am honored to be a part of this book Justin St. Vincent put together, it offers refreshing insights on music! Since I'm a musician in the Metal scene, it's interesting to me how Metal musicians think about spirituality, since many of the lyrics are often based on that, whether it's about religion or faith in something else than yourself. I think this book offers a different view on Metal music, especially an unexpected one. Reading this book makes music even more interesting, your listening experience will never be the same again!"
- Sander Gommans, guitarist and vocalist in After Forever

"As I read and re-read my copy of THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF MUSIC, I am constantly reminded, as are all my friends who read this important book, why music means so much to every living soul on earth. In an age of fake spiritualists of all genres, it is refreshing to read a book that is concerned with sharing and enlightening, and which goes for the GOLD, not the gelt! Each of the contributors for this fascinating new book have their own song to sing and their own story to tell, and reading what they have written reminds me of why I chose the long road of music as my journey in life, and why music is so important as a force for healing in the world. As I approach 80, I find kids still in their teens who enjoy the book as much as I do. As long as sincere music from the heart which is built to last is with us, this valuable  document of the thoughts of those who create it will have a shelf life as well. And that means that the book will be here for a LONG TIME! It is a book for all time, NOT a one hit wonder! Thank you Justin St. Vincent and all those who were involved in sharing their thoughts which add something positive and of enduring value to the World. Share this book with your family and friends."
- David Amram, author of "Upbeat: Nine Lives Of A Musical Cat"

"There has long been a need to focus on the new wave of spirituality emerging in the musical world. In this book, Justin has allowed many of the leaders of this new awareness to speak their piece giving insights into an unheralded yet important phenomenon. "THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF MUSIC" is an invaluable asset for those looking to gain understanding of an important trend of these times."
- Antion, Hawaiian chant musician and vocalist

"As I opened the book it was a feeling of newness that came to me. I felt like a little boy who was about to experience his first Spiritual awakening. Then I began to read and realized what an important and powerful book this is. "THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF MUSIC" addresses that which some would like to dismiss and believe that they created all by there own capabilities. Think again... Lady Music was always by your side. Enjoy the discovery!"
- Gonzo Sandoval, drummer in Armored Saint

"THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF MUSIC is an invitation to explore ourselves as human beings, at a significant time of change and transition, in the world of the 21st Century. Justin St. Vincent masterfully integrates and presents a compilation of the words and insights from the experience and journeys of artists and writers, whose vocation is to feed and replenish our heart and soul, with the international language of emotion – music. This book contains a refreshing depth of spirit and reminds us in our search for a meaningful life that we must learn to listen to the music within, in our attempt to create meaningful connections with life and others."
- Kevin Asbjörnson, contemporary pianist and keynote speaker

"With over 6 billion people on earth, there are over 6 billion perspectives of spirituality. Narrow these perspectives down to a select few who create music and the vision takes on a finer texture; a harmonic quality if you will. From the conceptual to the personal, THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF MUSIC is a literary work of art that introduces the reader to the deep connection between the amorphous nature of spirituality contrasted with the tangible feelings music creates in the hearts of those who live it. Deeply insightful and filled with a contrast that only human diversity can inspire, this book is sure to reveal a new way of connecting God with the ever-creative soul within every person; musical creator and musical listener alike. Bravo to Justin St. Vincent for this worthy collection of essays and interviews."
- Robert Anthony Aviles, 7-string electric violinist

"I love THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF MUSIC because it shows what professional musicians and songwriters thought about music and spirituality. Spirituality is the only truly important thing in life and music is a powerful doorway into the mysterious and holy things of our universe. Everyone who considers themselves a musician will enjoy this book, regardless of their spiritual stance."
- Seth Hecox, guitarist and keyboards in Becoming The Archetype

"Writing about music is tricky enough in and of itself. To define how music and spirit relate and unite is nigh on impossible. The contributors to Justin St. Vincent's bold THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF MUSIC actually dare to delve into this unsolvable mystery. While words on a page could never truly replicate the divinity of its creation, its emotional impact, or how it connects us to each other and to our spiritual essence, these brief, articulate essays shed new and brighter light on what has been, since our species first walked upright, an absolutely essential part of human experience - music."
- Rand Bishop, author of "Makin' Stuff Up: Secrets Of Songcraft And Survival In The Music-Biz"

"This great book shows that many musicians have a deep connection to spirituality. Music helps us to reconnect with our deeper sense of life. Justin St. Vincent succeeded in inviting visionary musicians to speak freely about their relationship to spirituality and music. We need more of this in a world which is focussed  mainly on materialistic things, on money and banal subjects."
- Wolfgang Bossinger, author of "The Healing Power Of Singing"

"THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF MUSIC is one of the most exciting concepts put together. It fusions the different ideas from all walks of people engulfed in the same purpose, feeling their soul through music. It's amazing to read so many opinions from musicians and producers with such varied styles of music being connected in the same thoughts. Justin St. Vincent's hard work has given us a chance of studying a concept in our modern world which has been with us since ancient times, THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF MUSIC."
- Danny Felice, guitarist, mandolin player, and vocalist in Breed 77

"The eclectic essays collected in Justin St. Vincent's THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF MUSIC reveal that there are at least as many pathways to spirit as there are genres of music, and that no one form of service to the Muse is any more or less vital or valid than another. This fast-paced yet long-lasting book will resonate in the reader's mind like a freshly-voiced chord played on a well-tuned instrument."
- Will Clipman, artist, percussionist, and poet

"It is not often that musicians are asked to reveal their thoughts about THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF MUSIC. So it is a brilliant idea of the editor Justin St. Vincent to elicit from musicians of such diverse backgrounds and styles just that. The power of these writings is how much common spiritual ground there is amongst the authors. From such a book could be constructed a whole philosophy of music. From the field of sound therapy are Don Campbell, Jonathan Goldman, John Beaulieu, Chloë Goodchild, and Sharry Edwards; they provide deep and inspiring views of how music is a healing force in the world. Most unexpected and welcomed are the musings of the many rock musicians represented. This volume will become an important reference work for all those who sense the power of music to transform their lives and have not had the vocabulary to express these feelings."
- Dr. James D’Angelo, author of “The Healing Power Of The Human Voice: Mantras, Chants, And Seed Sounds For Health And Harmony”

"Justin St. Vincent has gathered some of the leading lights in world spiritual music for his deeply thoughtful book THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF MUSIC. This is a wonderful collection of heartfelt descriptions of the spiritual and personal meaning of music by foremost composers, musicians, and writers on music and spirituality. Here we find inspiring words by some our most inspiring people in music. As I read, I find myself truly linked with other musicians and those who live in the healing power of music. Ideal for an expanded concept of what to listen for in music and continued creativity in life."
- Peter Davison, composer, musician, and producer

"I was pleasantly surprised to open up the book and see contributions by such a wide variety of people with such varying opinions on the subject of spirituality in music. It's definitely insightful, reading opinions that span from a "spirituality is everything" to "spirituality is nothing" standpoint. I think this topic, although thoroughly covered poetically in song, is often brushed over when candidly addressed, so it's really cool to hear what people really think about THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF MUSIC."
- Ryan Clark, vocalist in Demon Hunter

"The blood, sweat and soul that Justin put into THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF MUSIC is astonishing with an extraordinary result. His efforts have produced an inspired work of art that will reside in libraries and reference repository for decades to come. I'm very thankful for his patience, his tenacity, his vision, his sense of art and history as this publication came together because it is now known worldwide. I'm honored to be included in this incredibly visionary landscape that profiles a great many of the most talented and profound thinkers in the arena of sound and music. Justin has brought to consciousness what music and spirit means to the human race."
- Sharry Edwards, Founder and Pioneer of Human BioAcoustics

"In his book THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF MUSIC, Justin St. Vincent has not only put together a comprehensive compilation of the varied spiritual ideas and points of view from a multitude of many different musicians, he has brought together a community of sorts that are willing to seek out and discover all available feelings of honesty and forms of introspection applying to the magick and beauty of music. The amazing thing about these essays is the sheer spectrum of opposite tastes and the diverse genres that are displayed from page to page; Christian, Metal, Reggae, Punk, Techno, Hip-Hop et al. From religion to personal politics and everything in between, it's all here. This is a must have collection for anyone interested in the countless and assorted evaluations of musicians and their opinions of spirituality in music and sonic universality. It comes highly recommended."
- Michael IX Williams, vocalist in EYEHATEGOD

"THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF MUSIC is the kind of book that's good for everyone. Whether your relationship with music is as a music maker or an avid listener, open to any page and there's something that will inspire you. The words are grounding and stabilizing, uplifting and enlightening, and carry a message that can be applied to anything in life, not just music. It's a great pleasure to be part of this book, and I thank Justin St. Vincent for inviting me to join this diverse and talented group of contributors all sharing their stories, points of view, and a piece of themselves."
- Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal, guitarist in Guns N' Roses

"Having read through THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF MUSIC, I felt both mind-boggled by the perplexity of views and yet in touch with each and every contributor. It's a glorious ride and also a rather healthy exercise in conceptual thinking to align your mind with so many diverse impressions. If variety is the spice of life, then this book would be considered gourmet vindaloo. Rarely has a topic of such paramount importance been so extensively researched, it's a treasure trove for the culture vulture as much as for the cross-cultural psychologist. Most of all, many people get to share a lot of love through the reading and writing of these pages."
- Lenny Ibizarre, DJ and music producer

"THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF MUSIC is true to its name in every since of the word. Within you will find a vast wealth of information from musicians with the full spectrum of spiritual influences. It is great to read some wise words that all music-lovers will love. I am reminded when reading the book about the spiritual force of music in the world today. Music Lives!"
- Joseph Israel, reggae musician and vocalist

"I found it an honor to be asked to give some of my own personal feelings about music and spirituality, and then see them added in such an inspiring book along with a rainbow of fine artists. Being a musician and hearing stories from other musicians I already enjoy, and some I just got turned on to after reading the book, I'm intrigued by the light they can all shine on the same subject from their own perspective. I found that there were some surprises and also many similarities from very different styles of music. Yet it seems there is still a "harmony" and "spirit" we all can share with each other and our listeners when we all add together our parts to "the giant symphony in the sky"."
- Craig Chaquico, former lead guitarist in Jefferson Starship

"Justin St. Vincent, in his new book THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF MUSIC, explores the magic of music and its universal appeal and power. He has compiled interviews from an eclectic group of musicians from around the world, both religious and non-religious, who all answer the question "What do you believe is the spiritual significance of music?" Justin St. Vincent has done a fine job collecting perspectives from such a varied group of musicians, from musicians like Ravi Shankar and Michael Franti, to musicologists like Don Campbell. An interesting read on a valuable subject, the book illuminates the universal nature of music and how important it is to our spiritual, emotional, and even our physical selves."
- Scott Johnson, Executive Director of the Positive Music Association

"It is through music that the soul manifests itself on Earth. True, music is invisible, but it is a powerful 'Force' as each sound, each vibration produces movement in space and releases powers within each human being. So, what is striking in THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF MUSIC is that the compilation of a great variety of individual testimonials - just like many different musical instruments with their own pitch and timbre - comes together as a beautifully orchestrated concerto for 100 soloists. Through words carefully chosen to talk about music and spirituality, the fusion of the contributors’ voices above and around us is a simultaneous fusion of their souls and spirits. They come out as one. And that's significant: our inner power is based on unity and on harmony. Thank you, Conductor Justin St. Vincent!"
- Gilles Laheurte, soprano saxophonist

"There are interviews in Justin St. Vincent's THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF MUSIC that rank with the most sublime passages in Rilke's Letters to a Young Poet. I would recommend this book for any young musician seeking inspiration and solace in a world that doesn't always "get" the spiritual dimension of music, or how close making, playing, and listening to music is to the core of who we are. St. Vincent's far-reaching, even ecumenical choice of interviews is itself a message about how tolerance for each other's music is a path to the universal brotherhood and sisterhood of humanity."
- Kurt Leland, author of “Music And The Soul: A Listener’s Guide To Achieving Transcendent Musical Experiences”

"THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF MUSIC is a very interesting read, and I was certainly surprised and happy at the same time, that many of the views from the artists in this book completely differ from mine. Many people believe there is some sort of spirituality in music, whereas for me music is a way of expressing my opinions and feelings... I think any fan of the many genres of music today will find this book very interesting as well as insightful. Justin St. Vincent came up with an interesting idea and certainly followed through with it. So go out and get the book."
- Paul Speckmann, bassist and vocalist in Master

"When I was asked by Justin St. Vincent to pen something for his book THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF MUSIC, I jumped at the chance to give my thoughts on the subject. After I received my copy, which is very well done, I began to read and couldn't put it down. It's very interesting to digest all the other thoughts and opinions on this subject from such a wide range of musicians, authors, and teachers. Bottom line to me is that music and spirituality are both universal and speak to people. I believe this book will enlighten those that read it, and pound into your soul just how important music and spirituality are! Great job to Justin and all involved in the making of this great book."
- Ronny Munroe, vocalist in Metal Church

"THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF MUSIC has done an incredible job of capturing the innermost personal thoughts, ideals, and concepts from many of today's most innovative cutting-edge musicians using a wide and diverse cross-section of artists and genres. Never before has there been such a conglomerate of different styled artists in one body of work speaking directly from the heart and soul of the world with which we call music."
- John Astl, guitarist in Resurrection

"Great book! So many different and diverse takes on THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF MUSIC provided in it's pages… each one a unique facet."
- Michael Stearns, composer, sound designer, and soundtrack producer

"If you want to see evidence of what might be described as the breadth of divine spiritual embrace, read THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF MUSIC, but read first, beginning on page 164, Brief Biographies. Then turn back to page 1. A wide gamut is represented. Here is fair warning: Be prepared to have your preconceived boundaries stretched… stretched beyond our understanding, not God’s. See, in dynamic tension, pages 111 and 158/9. Justin St. Vincent, the book’s editor, functions more as orchestrator or conductor in this project. He has found the connecting motif in music and coaxes it to light, no matter how far it must travel for its commonality to be seen."
- Dr. Terry York, co-author of “The Voice Of Our Congregation: Seeking And Celebrating God's Song For Us”

Matt Venuti's Hangisphere is an album of diverse energy and stylistic innovation, exploring the extraordinary world of the PanArt Hang, the world's latest acoustic instrument for the 21st Century. Album tracks "The Yolanda Trail" is a heart-felt romantic tribute, "Hang Bauhaus" has a soulful delicacy, and "Elephunk" delivers a funky fusion of great grooves and world beats. Hangisphere is soul-soothing and passionate display from composer, multi-instrumentalist, and sound-innovator Matt Venuti. Essential music that touches the heart, expands the mind, and plays the soul of the PanArt Hang. Hangisphere also contains guest appearances from members of San Francisco band The Venusians.

I/O\I is an experimental-electronic pop-rock project pioneered by Stafford Davis. "I/O\I (Self-Titled)" fulfills a creative collision of influences from art, literature, music, and philosophy to produce a contagiously-catchy album of noise-pop. A collective montage of musical-motifs creates the piano grandeur of "Compass", electro-freak-beat of "People's Shelves", shopping-list style of "Product", progressive-noise epic of "Code", country textures of "Umbra", and phrase-punch-rock of "Tellavision". I/O\I is a multi-dimensional project tapping into different musical directions embracing a psychedelic experience somewhere between epilepsy and ecstasy.

Kimba Arem's Gaearth Dreaming CD is a multi-dimensional surround-sound experience reawakening our senses to the wonders of creation. Each of the seven tracks from "The Journey Begins" to "Innerdimensonal" are unique auditory landscapes with extensive use of didjeridu drones, harmonic resonance, and vocal overtoning. Listeners are washed in a wonderful world of sound, experiencing a sonic relationship with nature, both representative and symbolic of our interconnectedness and interdependence with the Earth. Gaearth Dreaming is visioned, recorded, and mixed with love and intention, ideal for therapeutic bodywork, meditation, and relaxation.

Kimba Arem's Gaearth Dreaming DVD is a visual companion to her Gaearth Dreaming CD. An audio-visual experience for inner peace, self-empowerment, and self-healing. A track-by-track summary showcases an impressive inventory of indigenous instruments from ancient cultures, and ecological environments sourced from the archives of creation. Also included is a fascinating booklet revealing the remarkable science of sound healing, further illuminating innovative recording techniques, and reinforcing the importance of inspiration and intention. Gaearth Dreaming is a blissful journey blessed with sonic nutrients for the soul.

Secret Chiefs 3's Xaphan explores emotive and evocative music from John Zorn's Masada Book Two: The Book of Angels. An album that weaves several musical styles through an intricate tapestry of sound. Listen for the playful percussion and apocalyptic-funk of "Shoel", harp and vocal interplay on "Barakiel", intuitive guitars and gypsy swing of "Asron", bass versus clavinet on "Balberith", klezmer-jazz rhythms of "Omael", plus the heavenly harmonies and soulful seduction for "Hamaya". Trey Spruance is a sonic alchemist; conjuring meticulously crafted rhythms, cultivating musical calligraphy, with a spectacular sound signature from Secret Chiefs 3.

Bar Kokhba's Lucifer balances musical traditions from both Ashkenazi and Sephardic klezmer styles with latin, surf, and world music. A choice selection of ten tracks from John Zorn's prolific portfolio of over three-hundred compositions for Masada Book Two: The Book of Angels. These tunes all reference a name from the spiritual study of angelology. Personal favourites from the tenth edition in this Tzadik series include "Zazel", "Gediel", "Rahal", "Azbugah", and "Abdiel". Bar Kokhba play intimate chamber music that illustrates a beautiful collage of contrast and creativity; delicate and diverse music expressed with eloquence and elegance.

John Zorn's The Dreamers is a delightfully lyrical and poetic journey through instrumental fairy tales from the Electric Masada all-stars. Album opener "Mow Mow" sets the tone for a marvellous dream-like tour into a mesmeric world of exotica music. Listen for Jamie Saft's piano via "A Ride On Cottonfair", John Zorn's alto-sax on "Toys", both Marc Ribot's guitar and Kenny Wollesen's vibes on "Of Wonder And Certainty". "The Dreamers" is a varied and vibrant release perfect for fans who fell in love with John Zorn's "The Gift". Tzadik's incredible artwork for this album also features a sheet of sixteen collectable character stickers in a stunning CD package.

Andrew Lyddon's White Rose expresses remarkable resonance from an orchestral gong married with the sound of Himalayan singing bowls. Each track was intentionally made to be a meditation experience, designed to benefit the body, mind, and soul in a prepared and sacred space. "White Rose", "Invocation Of The White Rose", "Stillness Of The White Rose", and "The Sound Resting Within Itself" each provide a time for reflection of what has been, and what is to come. "Opening Attunement" and "Closing Attunement" frame the entire sound sequence. Andrew Lyddon produces harmonic resonance music with peace, love, and light.

Andrew Lyddon's The Temple Bell brings the ancient artform of singing bowls from the Buddhist tradition into the light. Delicate and dense tones create a harmonic resonance that washes the soul with shimmering sound waves. "Opening Attunement" and "Closing Attunement" are spoken "sealing" pieces encouraging listeners to attune their inner senses to the infinite sound of harmony and healing. "The Temple Bell - Part 1" and "The Temple Bell - Part 2" are played on a Paiste saturn gong, singing bowls, and Himalayan temple gong. A sound experience for peaceful meditation, restful relaxation, and creating an atmosphere of sacred space.

Derrick Scocchera's A Perfect Place is a short black and white film featuring a profoundly eclectic soundtrack by Mike Patton. This black comedy follows Tom (Mark Boone Junior) and poker bubby Eddie (Bill Moseley) in their dilemma of finding a perfect place to bury the body of flatmate Dennis (Tom Miller) when battered by a bass guitar. A Perfect Place is a pseudo-haunting and playfully humourous story from Fantoma Films, landmarking Ipecac Recordings' 100th release in a special edition film and soundtrack package. This CD and DVD release includes "A Perfect Place" movie, scene selection, trailer, and fifteen song soundtrack.

Mike Patton's soundtrack to A Perfect Place takes you through the surreal and suspenseful tones of a short film from Derrick Scocchera. A perfect blend of jazz-rock and noise-pop for "A Perfect Twist (Vocal)", Komeda-style lullaby vocals on "A Little Poker Tomorrow Night?", 1930's pop-swing on "A Dream Of Roses", with "Swinging The Body" referencing Mancini's "Charade", kooky organ on "Catholic Tribe", and outstanding operatic vocals on "Il Cupo Dolore". All music was written, performed, produced, and mixed by Mike Patton, with additional percussion by Mr. Bungle's drummer Danny Heifetz and William Winant on "Main Title" and "Batucada".

Jonathan Goldman's The 7 Secrets Of Sound Healing is essential reading for everyone exploring the spiritual signficance of music. Over twenty-five years of experience, research, and teaching has been brought together to reveal revelations from the soul of sound. Wonderful wisdom is shared from ancient sacred texts to practical exercises and transformational testimonies. This book has truly blessed the world with an intimate understanding of sound to enhance the body, mind, and spirit. Also includes a free CD called "Peaceful Journey" applying all the secrets of sound healing.

Jonathan Goldman's Peaceful Journey presents a perfect companion for personal meditation, deep relaxation, and stress reduction. A beautiful mosaic of music married with the nurturing sounds of nature, featuring fluttering flutes and shimmering sounds to serenade the soul. Environmental effects, lyricless lullabies, and psychoacoustic harmonics combine with a tranquil stream to guide the mind to peaceful pastures. A recording that resonates with the heart revealing the true sound of healing is Love.

Eyvind Kang's Athlantis is a colourful creation weaving threads from choral and orchestral soundscapes. An aural essence that sounds both holy and haunting, inspired by arcane medieval texts from French hymnologist Marbod of Rennes, and Italian heretical philosopher Giordano Bruno. Athlantis includes operatic gymnastics from virtuoso vocalists Mike Patton and Jessika Kenney, among an incredible chorus of singers and musicians recorded live at Italy's Angelica and l'Altro Suono Festival during May 2006. Eyvind Kang has established himself as an enigmatic composer capable of exposing musical traditions that are glorious and triumphant.

Keith Kahn-Harris' Extreme Metal: Music And Culture On The Edge investigates sociological and subcultural insights from the world of Extreme Metal. An often misunderstood music scene where musicians explore positive and negative themes together, and an influential music identity that embraces the relevance of relationships empowered by community and friendship. Extreme Metal is a pioneering publication featuring interviews with both band members and music fans. Readers will find this text well referenced and researched; a critical and crucial companion for all fans of extreme music. Keith Kahn-Harris has produced a brilliant book expressing a sincere depth, focus, and passion for Extreme Metal.

Destructo Swarmbots' "Clear Light" explores an ambient-psyche soundscape signposted by etheral evocations. "Banta" begins the journey stepping into surreal territory that blurs the borders between improvised textures and an affiinity for the avant-garde. The compositional compass then guides you through "Phases", "Fireberry", and "Sipping On The Fog". All music on "Clear Light" was created and recorded by Mike Mare, mixed by Alap Momin (aka Oktopus), and mastered by James Plotkin. Destructo Swarmbots have also extensively toured throughout Europe, U.K., and U.S., and produced remarkable remixes for Dälek, Isis, and Trephine. "Clear Light" is another fine release from the prime portfolio on Public Guilt.

The Book Of Knots' new album "Traineater" builds a conceptual portrait of American cities denied of a post-modern existence. Anticipate well-crafted songs played to a textured narrative of sombre storytelling, especially "Hands Of Production", "The Ballad Of John Henry", and "Boomtown". The Book Of Knots features New York-based musicians from Skeleton Key, Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, Sparklehorse, and They Might Be Giants. "Traineater" also has several special guests, including Tom Waits, Carla Bozulich, Jon Langford, Megan Reilly, David Thomas, and Mike Watt.

SPEkTR have a legendary style saturated with inspired influences from Barry to Badalamenti and from Mancini to Morricone. Their latest album "B/W Vs. Technicolor" has been accurately described as a "Retro-Nü-Soundtrack", with artwork by Estradasphere designer Mike Bennewitz. SPEkTR showcase plenty of art rock attitude and share playful sonic explorations into their sound textures. A highly recommended group just like all your favourite film composers collaborating together to produce one incredible album. SPEkTR are perfectly positioned in the expanding portfolio of Xtreme Music.

S.P.E.C.T.R.E. are a stylistically diverse band that formed in Denmark during 2001 and released a debut EP called "The Microfilm Album". This is a crazy caper surf soundtrack played to a psychedelic heavy-rock party with twanged-out guitars and sci-fi film effects. "Car Chase", "House Search", and "The Rooftop Incident" all build tension to a musically mysterious adventure through a thrilling tale of deception and detection. An extremely short but sharp release linked together by a spy-spoof narrative. Essential listening for exploring the early roots of the now influential group SPEkTR.

Great Masters Of Modern Shamisen is a creative compilation from Kevin Kmetz showcasing new works by some of today's most celebrated Shamisen masters. God Of Shamisen perform a brilliant track called "California Burrito Dog Attack!", "The Kidnapper" features Fishtank Ensemble together with guitarist El Douje, and "Mary Jane" is another incredible song scripted by vocalist Danyl Johnson. This CD also contains several original songs from Tsugaru Shamisen protégé Mike Penny. Kevin Kmetz also covers the legendary Baroque composer Johann Sebastian Bach's "Toccatta".

Sir Millard Mulch's latest record is a commercial magnum opus separated into three discs: Creation, Motivation, and Transmutation. This triple-CD concept album is inspired by marketing principles, motivational publications, and several salesperson self-help tapes. He intelligently incorporates elements of esoteric philosophy, social metaphysics, with anti-post-modernist perspectives. Listen for covers of Mr. Bungle's "Merry Go Bye Bye", Estradasphere's "Hardball", the epic twenty-minute composition "Hemisphere III: Hermes", together with a multitude of guest appearances. This is Sir Millard Mulch's Web Of Mockey. Read his album, listen to his book.

Underblush are pioneering ethereal-electronica that reaches a place between delicate dreams and spiritual serenity. An innovative sound that experiments with the listener's suspended consciousness. Underblush write introspective lyrics together with synthesized arrangements, organic instrumentation and composed ambiance. "Last Alibi" and "Amber" have atmospheric introductions, utilizing layers of reverse resonance fused with fluttering feedback effects. Underblush is produced in San Francisco by project visionary Stefano Corazza and graced by angelic vocalist Alzara Getz.

Dephine Knormal Musik presents Knormalities V.3, a seven-inch vinyl compilation featuring exclusive tracks from four fantastic bands. Netherlands-based punk band The Ex perform "Giant" based on a short story by Roland Topor. French noise-core group Voodoo Muzak have contributed their song "Ibanen Dako". Chicago collective Cheer-Accident have released "The Stars", including lyrics from a poinient poem written by seventh grade student Stephanie Howell. Sleepytime Gorilla Museum raise a respectful salute to the Romans in their studio cover of "S.P.Q.R.", originally by British post-punk band This Heat. This rare release is limited to one-thousand and thirty copies and features fabulous artwork by Carla Kihlstedt.

Remains is from Still, one-third of New Jersey's experimental hip-hop trio Dälek. His latest release is an ambient record combining textured soundscapes with innovative turntablist techniques. Delicant ambience is meticulously mapped through a multitude of effects and produced using Technics 1200's. Remains also contains an enhanced section containing a verite-style movie montage from New York photographer Todd Boebel. Remains is exclusively available from Public Guilt records and includes hand-wrapped limited edition artwork. An exceptional release from a visionary of sound design.

Hercules' Icy Club is a rare release from four incredible live performances in Poland between legendary Ruins drummer Tatsuya Yoshida, and Ground Zero guitarist Kazuhisa Uchihashi. The 2CD limited edition comes in a hand-made leather jacket, individually numbered, with a twelve page booklet, and a special painting of the two musicians that is completely unique. There also exists a regular one disc version, exhibiting a selection of live excerpts from the great gigs in Poland. This is available to purchase online, and produced through the Wschodnie Triady radio show by Marcin Witkowski.

Go F*** Yourself Demos provide a portfolio of G. Stuart Dahlquist's early recordings for the drone-rock collective Asva. This includes "By The Well Of Living And Seeing" featuring noise samples from DJ Spooky, and "Kill The Dog, Tie Them Up, Then Take The Money", both recorded at the Anaheim Museum. An early demo of "Fortune" is labelled under the original title "25 Year Old Garage Sale Bourbon" with Hildegard Von Bingen's "O Vis Aeternitatis". This rare independent release was limited to fifty-five copies, and features insightful interviews with G. Stuart Dahlquist and Steven O'Malley.

Asva's "Futurist's Against The Ocean" is a sonic storm of drone-rock, expressing Russian futurism with alchemic influences and subtle nuances in the avant-garde. Asva has musicians from Mr. Bungle, Secret Chiefs 3, Sunn 0))), and Burning Witch unleasing a legion of doom music. Listen closely to the whispered cyphers during Asva's opening track "Kill The Dog, Tie Them Up, Then Take The Money", and the resonating vocals during "Fortune". Asva is creative music that can open up the deepest of emotions, helping the listener to explore a vast landscape in soulful minimalist music.

Suspended Animation is the latest album from Mike Patton's diabolikal brainchild, Fantômas. The album's music contains chaotic cartoon samples, crazy children's music, and a choppy carnival of metal riffs. Track titles are based on the thirty day April calendar, supported by amazing artwork from Japanese pop cartoonist, Yoshimoto Nara. Every track on this album has been expertly crafted and precisely executed by Fantômas. An incredibly intricate and important album from the mind of Mike Patton: virtuoso composer, dynamic performer, and musical genius!

California Tsugaru Shamisen is a compilation showcasing music performed by Shamisen virtuoso Kevin Kmetz. This collection includes collaborations with Secret Chiefs 3, Estradasphere, El Douje, God Of Shamisen, and new material from Fishtank courtesy of Trey Spruance's Mimicry Records. A sonic fusion of Japanese folk, Romanian gypsy, Flamenco grooves, traditional music, and surf-rock styles. Album favourites include Fishtank's "The Last Shamisen Master" and God Of Shamisen's "Dragon String Attack!"

Ordkløver literally refers to "he who splits words" and features three Düreforsög members, vocalist Boriz Schiøler, guitarist Nis Bysted and drummer Andreas Hauer-Jensen. This project has a distinctive ability to fuse alternative Danish poetry with elements of rock music. Listeners will enjoy the disorientating drives of "Tyggegummi" and the playful masquerade of "Ingenting". The album's prime production is "Alphabeth", a vocal arrangement based upon alphabet recitation supported by choral percussion. A brilliant release from a captivating vocalist and his group of multitalented musicians.

Birth Of California Tsugaru Shamisen is a documentary profiling the incarnation of a new music style spearheaded by Santa Cruz musician Kevin Kmetz. This DVD is presented in Japanese and introduces great live performances from God Of Shamisen, Estradasphere's "Turkish Song" and their "Search For Sheriden", Secret Chiefs 3's "The Four (The Great Ishraqi Sun)", Fishtank's "Bordeas" and "The Last Shamisen Master". Kevin Kmetz also performs "Greatness" with proficient Shamisen performer Mike Penny, who has developed an original style and chord theory in California Tsugaru Shamisen. Extras include an additional thirty minutes of live video with God Of Shamisen's "Dragon String Attack!", Estradasphere's "Corporate Merger", Secret Chiefs 3's "The Three (Afghan Song)", and a fantastic composition from Fishtank.

Innominat is an exceptional animation short that explores the thought-provoking philosophy of existentialism in an ominous world. A bizarrely beautiful tale of Innominat's introspective journey is complemented by a perfect relationship created between complex music and intense visual imagery. This monochrome production combines an extremely clever musical montage from Type O Negative and Fantômas, produced by Lluis Garcia. The promotional DVD of Innominat also includes a portfolio listing of Neuraska Prodduccións plus an accompanying resumé from film director Epi García Ferrero. Innominat celebrated it's world premier during the short film showcase at IFCT 2005, the International Festival of Cinema and Technology.