Hyperstory is the current project of Los Angeles-based multi-instrumentalist C. Scott Blevins. Hyperstory’s self-titled debut album, featuring musicians who have played with the likes of Miles Davis, Beck and Jane’s Addiction, will be released November 10 on the Pureland label. The album is a mixture of live instrumentation and programming, and it seamlessly blends genres as diverse as funk, post-rock and jazz. Blevins made MAGNET a mix tape, and you can definitely hear the influence these artists have had on Hyperstory’s music.
“A Happening” (download):
https://magnetmagazine.com/audio/AHappening.mp3
“Ascension” (download):
https://magnetmagazine.com/audio/Ascension.mp3
John Coltrane “A Love Supreme Part 1”
Coltrane’s playing is multidimensional, surreal and seems to exist outside of time. Listening to him find his way musically when he improvises is transformative. He creates a unique world that takes you to an alternate plane. Video
Massive Attack “Teardrop”
This track astounds me. It’s a very haunting song. The production couldn’t be more perfect: dirty, dark and enveloping. The vocal is the centerpiece, delivering a really unique and perfectly suited performance. A classic album with multiple great tracks. Video
Jeff Buckley “Lover, You Should’ve Come Over”
Jeff Buckley had a sublime voice, and this track is emotive and brilliant from beginning to end. I think this song is a good representative of the classic record it appears on. Video
Roberta Flack “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”
I fall in love every time I hear this song. It’s achingly beautiful. The track is so simple, yet so moving; it is a testament to the power of a great song and a great performance. It doesn’t need to be complex, it just needs to be what it is: perfect. Video
Miles Davis “All Blues”
A timeless track on what is one of the greatest records of all time. If I were blasted off into space on a 30-year mission and I could only take one record with me, this might very well be the one. No matter how many times I listen to it, it just does not get old; it just seems to get better over time. It’s hard to believe that it was recorded nearly 50 years ago, because it’s probably more relevant now than ever. It’s a masterpiece of the highest order. Video
The Good, The Bad & The Queen “Herculean”
This song creates a ominous sonic world and transports me to the underbelly of some far-away urban cityscape at night—maybe London. Good stuff. Video
The Cinematic Orchestra “Durian”
Brilliant blend of classic jazz elements with electronica production sensibilities. A unique work and highly listenable. Great to chill to late at night, when the world is asleep. Like I’m doing right now as I write this. Video
Stevie Ray Vaughan “Life Without You”
This song expresses the way I feel about SRV and his leaving this world too early. For my money, he was maybe the most expressive and naturally skilled guitarist ever. Video
Ben Folds Five “Don’t Change Your Plans”
This one reminds me of a time of personal transition and brings me back when I hear it. It’s reflective and a little sad, yet it has a sense of conviction at the same time. It feels like a complex-yet-familiar emotion to me. Video
Brian Wilson/Beach Boys “Our Prayer”
What can you say about this? It’s bewitching. Reverent, mysterious and somber. Perhaps a direct glimpse into the the musical soul of Brian Wilson. And just when you think it’s going to end a little too sad, he sticks in a classic, warm and sunny California chord at the end. Video
—photo by Headhunter
