From its haunting ANOHNI opening to a conclusive 45-minute-long rumination on Björk’s “Stonemilker,” a Dazed Mix of remixes and original compositions by Forest Swords (aka producer Matthew Barnes) delivers a stark sonic landscape with a topography declared by emotional states. There’s haze, introspection, curiosity and adventure bound together across the two hours—with experimentation and concise composition as the through line. Forest Swords’ new album, Compassion, …
If you couldn’t catch Björk on tour performing her heartbreak-to-healing Vulnicura, the Icelandic artist has collected her favorite performances into a live album, plus a few classics like “Wanderlust.” The luxury edition boxset includes a double LP and CD, as well as six photo prints and a build-your-own Björk moth paper mask—based on James Merry original design she wore on tour. It ships September, when …
This year, musicians protested through shouts and rhymes, exposed painful wounds, gave the middle finger to haters and, most of all, perfectly captured the essence of the here and now through their songs. In no particular order, here are 12 musical highlights from our soundtrack to 2015, including everything from uneasy electronica to acoustic tearjerkers. Revisit the songs we noted in our Listen section (updated …
