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:::Album Title Notes:::
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The album title "Counting Coup" was borrowed from the passed down tradition of the same name found among many North American tribes and most specifically of those found among the plains regions and some other neighboring tribes and groups. The act involved into a warrior contest of sorts with prestige earned by the ability to get as close in proximity to an enemy entity then touch them physically, either with an object or bare hand, while swiftly making escape thereafter with an emphasis on remaining unscathed or uninjured upon return to the safety of their own tribe's awaiting band. Acts which caused startle and more so embarrassment upon an enemy target caught off guard in such a manner was more desirable and gained a higher level of respect for the warrior than others more injurious and/or fatal in outcome. Both seen as bravery in the face of the enemy as well as a tactic set towards demeaning the morale of the enemy though the mere merciful action that it was, basically sparing of an enemies life. A patronizing act and strong sign of true power and cunningness reflected upon the warrior and his tribe. These instances would serve as a ranking system as well as enrichening tribal yore through their oral telling and retellings which would become legends in their own cultural right with time and tradition preserving the most epic of these. Taught to the next both orally and also tangibly through various decorative ordainments. Such as carved notches most often applied to weapons or staffs, through painted or affixed stripes or bands on a warrior's clothing or ritual uniform, attached or adorning feathers of a rare or prized variety worn or tied into the hair, as well as hand painted murals depicting particular scenes recalling the warrior's more specific efforts set in advertisement. Recognized as a desirable and thrilling act of a purely honorable action, it was both heroic and stealthily brazen to both warrior and tribe alike. Often even the enemy themselves would pass on such tales. Though more through a preventive determination rather than an actual clear admiration for their enemies in any personal appraisal sense assigned per individual. More so from tribes belonged to neighboring communities and found mostly among the bands that often lived and roamed across the plain regions of the Northern Americas at the time— or so it goes as far as I have come to believe through available accounts read in the past.
Either way an admirable if not uncommon and entirely rare practice in our modern arenas and battlefields. Civilized but again the irony seems lost upon most and so too sadly the practice itself brought on by other things claiming to be a more thorough 'equalizer' among mankind. Yes there is irony for days to ore just among the title's origins alone. The album contents, a rich vein promises to pay off many times beyond it's own humble and minimalistic weight. This is lo-fi western sounds among the rolling drones of fog reminded of simpler times with a much more respectable naturally born citizen at hand upon the land they would become one with again as yet before and very much firstly. So all the same an honorable title for this modern gifted boon. Enjoy.

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:::Album Version Notes:::
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This is a version of the IVC album known simply as, 12, as released by the wonderful Eagle Stone Collective based in France. The differences may be less apparent if noticed at all upon the initial listen. Besides the track-listing order there are a few other subtle nuances that the dedicated listener will encounter. Hence this album is more rightfully titled as: 12‎ ½ - The "Counting Coup" Mixes... but that is not official and only for introspection respectively. This is louder, with choice compression in some spots to raise softer instances but also adding some rawness along with a disquiet more swift pace to the overall album as compared to the original. It really boils down to preference in a relative manner. Based more likely on one's device and setup than anything else. This more sound system ready maybe but I digress. I honestly enjoy them both without hinderance. The album itself is remarkable regardless and so makes any heavy comparison rather trite. Though I understand this more now than before. This point has me only thankful to have the chance to release this album in our own special and slowly way. With the valid fact alone of dividing continents and a worldwide trend of over inflated postage rates ever rising serving as the greatest of any noble excuses yet. As putting this great album into the awareness of as many as possible is the real aim. Only way to slip if only slightly under such proximity restrictions we all face in the current greed crazed world and whatever makes attainment possible is worthy action. Obviously I feel a little guilty for double dipping herein but F-hole in a guitar I have no regrets and would do it again. So once again for the year 2021 here is a gem of a one of a kind masterpiece though only if ever so slightly and under an eagle eye master jeweler at scope's helm! —DRIET/][/CASA