Ubiquity
2008
Highlands
About This Album
When songwriter and producer Damon Aaron debuted his strange yet alluring Ballast for Plug Research in 2005, he showcased his love of folk, DJ club, and soul dressed in glitchy electronics. It was lo-fi, yet succeeded. Aaron has been on the scene playing guitar, producing, and performing under a variety of guises; he's also worked with hip-hop mystic Divine Styler and Los Angeles' brilliant spiritual club jazz collective Build an Ark. On 2008's Highlands, Aaron and his collaborators -- including the wonderful violist and composer Miguel Atwood-Ferguson from Build an Ark -- weave a romantic tapestry of sophisticated songwriting skill employing lithe, seductive, and heartfelt babymaker soul; sultry laid-back hip-hop beats; and old-fashioned synth effects with fingerpicked guitars, flutes, saxophones, and organic percussion. Check "Matinee" and "Fire" (which would make for a killer 45) that open the set. In each case, slippery beats, naturally heartfelt sultry vocals, achingly beautiful -- and simple -- lyrics, a well-placed flute solo, and delicate and ethereal synths and hand drums are accompanied by Aaron's killer guitar playing that is equal parts Americana roots and Curtis Mayfield.
Track List (try tracks 2,3,5 and 6)

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