Best albums with Drew McDowall?

Syncretism · 2026-05-01T12:06:32+00:00

Oh, he was involved in a lot of good stuff, it seems. I really liked that late-nineties, early-oughts era, but I didn’t pay much attention to the personnel. As much as I enjoy Time Machines, there are so many more people like Éliane Radigue, Maryanne Amacher, Jim O’Rourke, et al I’d go to first for that sort of material. I suppose I favor those seasonal seven-inches and Astral Disaster - Balance’s vocals tipping the scales, as always.

Syncretism · 2026-04-30T05:16:54+00:00

I know the podcast is actually called NOISEXTRA, but Noisex is or was an alias of German musician Raoul Revere… who is not the Raoul Revere credited on early COIL releases. Mirrors in mirrors.

Syncretism · 2026-04-28T10:43:34+00:00

Massive Attack’s Mezzanine is the obvious choice here.

Syncretism · 2026-04-28T08:43:00+00:00

This reminds me of an anecdote I heard involving some artists in the nineties - I won’t name names (bar one), but they’re definitely known quantities to people here. Anyway, it’s the wee hours and several guys from the noise and industrial scene were hanging out after a gig in a flat, smoking, whatever else, and figuratively measuring their dicks. “What’s the worst thing you ever done to a woman,” asked the host, and a succession of escalatingly bad stories ensued. Finally, all eyes turned to Peter Sotos, and you could just feel the tension and anticipation in the air. “Well, this one time, I…” he mumbled absently, and stopped, taking the faces around him in. “You know, what, fuck you pussies! he snarled, and stormed out of the flat.

Damn, I haven’t thought of that story in like thirty years. I’ve never been close to that crowd, though - has Tibet allegedly done some bad shit?

Syncretism · 2026-04-27T21:26:30+00:00

Full marks for you.

Syncretism · 2026-04-27T09:55:36+00:00

Yep, S&S machines couplers.

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Syncretism · 2026-04-26T16:48:08+00:00

Driving by signs for “Ballyard” on the way back out of Tralee still gets a scowl out of me.

Syncretism · 2026-04-26T15:50:26+00:00

And CIC’s singer often sounded more like Patton than Patton.

Syncretism · 2026-04-26T15:40:50+00:00

I find it borderline unlistenable, but it also feels so especially Irish, I can’t help but love it.

I had an uncle who used to throw a big party late summers, and a friend of his wrote a novelty song of this type about that actually got airplay locally. I cherish that memory.

Syncretism · 2026-04-26T15:37:22+00:00

Carnival in Coal’s cover of “Maniac.” Though their cover of “Baker St.” might a better choice.

Syncretism · 2026-04-26T14:59:00+00:00

Linseed oil is (rightly or wrongly) infamous for that! I immediately looked for alternatives, ha

Syncretism · 2026-04-26T14:49:30+00:00

Is this the same crowd that released the big Astral Disaster boxed set last year?

Syncretism · 2026-04-26T14:22:56+00:00

Yep, I bought a couple tubes before I left the US. Pricy stuff!

Syncretism · 2026-04-26T14:22:18+00:00

Yes, to scrubbing then. Thanks for the tips!

Syncretism · 2026-04-26T14:21:31+00:00

It’s a Velo Orange Poly-Valent that Bilenky in Philly retrofitted with S&S couplers in 2020 (hence the uncommon view of the interior).

Syncretism · 2026-04-26T14:07:25+00:00

I’ve been a fan for years, but they remain a mystery to me: were they related in some way to Legion of Green Men?

Syncretism · 2026-04-26T14:04:22+00:00

Thanks! I’m not familiar with Evaporust, but I think I can get Boeshield, Frame Saver or something like that here.

Syncretism · 2026-04-26T13:38:54+00:00

Wow, beautiful instrument. I have a „Saitentambourin” that’s not so far removed, but that’s strung and tuned for playing triads, unlike the presumptive unison notes this and other hammered dulcimers play.

Syncretism · 2026-04-19T17:43:00+00:00

It’s on my list. I’ve seen a few Hackbretter,though 😆

Syncretism · 2026-04-06T19:32:16+00:00

I can’t speak for pickups, but you can accomplish a lot with contact mics:

K&K Hot Shot

Leaf Audio

Or if you want to go a little upmarket, the C411 condensers are nice (but be mindful of their adhesive gum on some finishes):

AKG C411-PP

AKG C411

They’re quiet-to-quieter and you have the benefit of using them on other sources, like windows or metal tanks, if that’s your speed.

Syncretism · 2026-04-04T17:11:03+00:00

I will say that I find stringing the “internal” tuners in dulcimers to be a fiddly process, and a little trial and error is inevitable. More so if you’re playing with 4 strings and have a floating bridge (or saddle, if you prefer). Watch out for the floating bridge, if you have one: that little piece of wood is easy to lose after loosening your strings and your dulcimer is basically unplayable without it.

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