Reptaliens describes themselves as "low-fi chameleon dreamscapes of abstract expressionism and surrealism." But what does that mean for the non-Martians among us? Glossy indie pop influenced by the optimism and futurism of the Space Age, synthesizers and jazzy drumming included, of course. Perfect for listening while sitting on your cyan, vinyl hassock and contemplating all the wonders this "technology" thing will bring to our modern lives. Ahead of their set at SXSW, these dreamy Portland weirdos docked in Tucson and let us know which albums send them into outer space.
Catch Reptaliens at Club Congress. 7 p.m. Monday, March 11. 311 East Congress Street. $5-8.
Of Montreal
Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer?
I picked up this record in 2012 at Ranch Records in Salem, Oregon, where I grew up. A friend of mine, David Ballantine, worked there and suggested it to me and I got home and it didn't leave my speakers for that entire summer and continues to make rounds at least once a week. The prose, melodies, and enthusiastically playful sound and delivery shaped a lot of song and lyric writing for me. I love the balance of darkness and light in every aspect of the record.
Gary Wilson
Forgotten Lovers
This record is slightly new to me but feels like I've been searching for his music my entire life. A friend introduced me to the music of Gary Wilson prior to a tour we did together where I had the pleasure of sharing the stage with The King of Endicott (G. Wilson) and my obsession only grew. The record is emotionally pure and luscious with jazzy pop substance, full of heart and truth and dense with pieces of his soul reaching out through his lyrics, instrumentation, and composition. I'm obsessed and you will be, too.
Anika
S/T
The style of recording and fidelity has made a huge impact on how I record tape delays and use echo effects. I love the darkness of the post-punk dub sounds and her take on all of the covers she records.
Deerhunter
Cryptograms
I love the ambient interludes that flow through this album and the soundscapes that tie all the songs together. The album is super dreamy and the song writing is amazing.
Burial
Untrue
This album is super dark and moody. I got a lot of inspiration for sampling from these songs and I love how they seem to drone while simultaneously keep moving forward.
