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Ecstasy Symphonies (1) by B. Neptune on Mixcloud

Initially conceived October, 2008, for Sebastian Meissner, upon witnessing a live performance at Cranbrook’s Art Museum, a year before the release of Movies is Magic (Anticipate, 2009).

Whatever happened to the promise of Christmas Decorations’ two tracks for 12k’s Blueprints compilation?! Anyway, Pita’s “Retour” has been replaced by “CE3” -- an early favorite -- could it even be described as ‘pretty’?! Initially only available on a split 12” with Kevin Drumm (BOXmedia, 2001), later tacked on to the Get Out CD reissue (EMego, 2008). And Andrew Thomas’ “Hushhh (remix)” has been replaced by Philip Jeck’s “Spirits Up.”

I have fond memories of being asked to DJ a Detroit fashion show and I had Jeck’s “Spirits Up” cranking right before the girls took the runway. Drama. Anticipation. Tension. Thanks Amy!

Re-mixed and re-assembled March, 2013.

First in a series of ambient jamz sets.

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Sun Araw "Glowing Green" by B. Neptune on Mixcloud

One of the most enjoyable discoveries I’ve had since closing the metro-detroit record shop has been Cameron Stallones’ Sun Araw project. His first releases were raw and sprawling, and got compared to the likes of Spacemen 3’s “Sound of Confusion,” but he soon channeled some underground-indie-tropicalia into his sound, harnessed some dub and blues, and currently finds himself sounding quirkier than ever, all the while increasing the complexity of his songwriting and guitar licks – reminding one of Royal Trux’s Neil Hagerty perhaps –while enlisting ex-Spaceman Sonic Boom for mastering duties. Full circle I say.

This is a compilation I made for a long-time friend of some of my favorites: from 2008’s “Beach Head” EP to the most recent full-length, “The Inner Treaty,” released in September 2012 on his own Sun Ark label with help in production and distribution from Drag City.

Dig.

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John Cale "New York in the 1960s" by B. Neptune on Mixcloud

John Cale’s musical legacy stretches back before The Velvet Underground, to the early 1960s, jamming all night flights with early minimalism guru La Monte Young alongside Tony Conrad, Marian Zazeela and as well as original VU drummer, Angus Maclise.
Featuring my favorites from the triple disc set, New York in the 1960s. I’ve taken the liberty to edit lead track, “Sun Blindness Music,” to a mere 5:41 – consider it a “radio” edit that would’ve fit perfectly on a 7” single from back in the day. From there, I’ve mixed in just the ending of “Big Apple Express,” in which a member of the NYFD, downstairs from Cale’s studio, simply can’t take the ‘noise’ any longer and goes off -- “not another peep!” What follows is an hour of intense, droning minimalism, textures and tones to get lost in, whereas “Terry’s Cha Cha” is a welcome reprieve. Quite beautiful stuff just given the chance.
Originally compiled July 2008.

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Mystery Mix 1 by B. Neptune on Mixcloud

Part one. Not necessarily a “mystery mix” anymore… Originally conceived as an unlabeled mix – some indie underground classics, others overlooked obscurities – from “the vaults” (1988-2003) that were meant as “fun, timeless songs for easy listening in the car,” and not necessarily needing to know what they are for enjoyment’s sake. Originally compiled 2009.

Images: Rothko, no. 61, 1953 (top), untitled, blue divided by blue, 1966 (bottom)

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Mystery Mix 2 by B. Neptune on Mixcloud

Part two. Not necessarily a “mystery mix” anymore… Originally conceived as an unlabeled mix – some indie underground classics, others overlooked obscurities – from “the vaults” (1988-2003) that were meant as “fun, timeless songs for easy listening in the car,” and not necessarily needing to know what they are for enjoyment’s sake. Originally compiled 2009.

Images, Rothko: no. 14, 1960 (top), no. 16 (red, brown and black), 1958 (bottom)