Masada - Alef

I have a lot of appreciation for devoted avant-garde artists like John Zorn who aren't afraid to combine and experiment with various different styles and elements to come up with an inimitable freak of a sound that is unmistakably theirs. Masada is just one of several ways in which Zorn has proven himself to be one such innovator in a world of drones. This album combines classical jazz with kletzmer and Jewish scales into an intelligently composed package to create something that is refreshing, adventurous, and overall very endearing to listen to. All of the players are top-notch -- I can personally attest as a drummer that Joey Baron is a great jazz drummer, playing with both classy subtlety and exciting bombast -- the melodies are well thought out and moving, and the improvisation is riveting. The album alternates between the fast and frantic "Jair", the calm and mysterious "Bith Aneth", and the midpaced and melodic "Kanah". Can you believe that Zorn was able to churn out as many as 300 Masada songs in one year (not taking into account all the other shit that he's made)? Crazy. Plus, Masada's entire discography is a good accessible alternative to the noisy and obscure stuff that Zorn is usually known for.

Favorite track: "Tahah"
Least favorite track: "Zelah"

Get it here

Weird Little Boy - s/t

A lot of people trash this avant-garde noise album, which is a collaboration between, among others, Mike Patton (Faith No More), John Zorn, and Trey Spruance (Secret Chiefs 3). Spruance himself has called the album "a piece of shit". Honestly, they're not far off the mark. However, this is still a damn interesting clunker of an album. It's not awful by any means -- just unremarkable in some places. It sounds like unfinished work; like a collection of ambient noises and minimalistic jam sessions. It's interesting and at times oddly relaxing, though, so it wouldn't hurt to check it out. Besides, there are a few cool moments on here, like the trash-doom "Lungfull of Water" (awesome), the eerie "Seance", and the wacky pastiche of noises called "Two Weeks On A Morphine Drip".

Favorite track: "Lungfull of Water"
Least favorite track: "Waiting"

Get it here