You know, some years ago, I was talking to Brandi Carlile about albums that set a vibe versus ones that shake you up. I like to ride it out. She likes to be knocked around. Luckily, myriad options abound on both sides of that divide, but I get Tommy Guerrero and No Mans Land in my portfolio so I'm calling that a win.
Released in 2014, No Mans Land is a 17-song trek across ever-shifting sonic spaces that sound like blowing dust, deserted roads, and glistening horizons. With nary a lyric in sight, instrumental music must necessarily be evocative since it has to do all the work. Todo. You might even hear a duel at dawn, if you listen closely.
Asphalt Duchess describes it this way: "No Mans Land marks a change in the work of Tommy Guerrero: Beyond the clever alchemy of ambient jazz tinged by hip-hop and soul, T.G. reveals a mastery of a typical style that becomes unique and eternal, where are unveiled enjoyment, fun, and the raw talent of a mature artist who managed to preserve the purity of his childhood dreams." Yup.
To be sure, I get Brandi's point about records that don't let you lazy listen, but... man, it's also really cool to put an album on and just be immersed in its world.
Hear the whole episode on February 25 at 6 am, 12 pm, and 6 pm PT.
