[Smallfish-releases-text] Smallfish Mailout 01/08/05
justusfish
justusfish@smallfish.co.uk
Mon, 1 Aug 2005 17:03:22 +0100
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Smallfish Releases 01/08/05
Greetings.
As I only did a mailout at the end of last week you'll find that quite a =
lot of stuff crosses over. However, there are plenty of new Techy bits =
(including the splendid Tricky Disco / GTO split on Kompakt Extra) plus =
the new Background stuff. Add to that some tasty restocks from Mosz and =
Spekk plus the delightfully wonderful CD from Fenton (aka Shuttle358) on =
Plop and there are some fabulous bits to be enjoying!
As there's not much news to add I'll keep it brief for the moment and do =
an update later on in the week.
Ooh, one thing to mention is that we have some wicked Background =
T-Shirts. They'll go up on the site a little later in the week but, =
believe me, they are very tasty indeed!
OK, that's that.
Have a safe and mellow week.
Peace.
The Fish.
Smallfish Records | 329 Old Street | London | EC1V 9LE | +44 [0] 20 7739 =
2252 | www.smallfish.co.uk
New Releases (Vinyl): Electronica
DMX KREW - THE TRANSACTIONAL INTERPRETATION - REPHLEX - LP (CAT176LP)
Two equally intriguing LP's in one week from DMX it is, then.
Again, this is really pure electronica, utilising stark loops
and simplistic melodies in an "Analord-stripped-bare" style. =
Seemingly
(again) very Kraftwerk inspired (one track was almost "It's More
Fun To Compute", another has curiously Eno-esque vocals!). =
Definitely
one the Rephlex heads will snap up. Released Monday 1st August
although we can send it mailorder to arrive on Monday. =20
DMX KREW - MANY WORLDS - REPHLEX - LP (CAT175LP)
A surprisingly non-electro based 9-track LP from DMX, subtitled
"The Collapse Of The Wave Function Volume 4". Straightforward,
often downtempo electronic loops and simple melodies combine in
this almost "Analord-stripped-bare" project, kinda reminiscent
at times of Kraftwerk (one track sounds like it could break into
"Showroom Dummies" at any minute!). Will no doubt fly out. Released
Monday 1st August although we can send it mailorder to arrive
on Monday.=20
ELLIOT LIPP - ELLIOT LIPP - EASTERN DEVELOPMENTS - LP (EDM011LP)
Beats, sountrack influenced instrumentals, samples galore. A very
'Eastern Developements' type of album from young Mr Lipp. =
Pleasureable
enough and almost, although thankfully not quite, coffetable.
Get yer luggs round some Lipps.............
EXPOSURES, THE - LOST RECORDINGS 2000 - 2004 - EASTERN DEVELOPMENTS - =
LP (EDM12LP)
Compilation LP of this criminally underated trio from Berlin.
These guys have been writing music for film & television since
the 1980's. This is a rare collection of work that the trio composed
under the influence of fellow German, digital/sampling artist
Jan Jelinek. This really is a tremendous collection of modern
electronica and very worthy of you attention. Thankyou Eastern
Developements for unearthing this treasure for us............
HUMAN LEG, THE - ELECTRONIC ELVIS - ATRONIC - LP (TRON01)
Bizarre concept, bizarre execution! Yes, this really is an LP
of Elvis covers gone electronic / synth pop / electro. It's =
impossible
to tell quite how seriously they're taking this... something about
it tells me these guys are genuine Elvis fans (it's certainly
been done with a certain amount of affection) but i'm sure there's
some tongues planted firmly in cheeks at the same time... if i
didn't know otherwise i'd think the KLF might be behind this!
The vocalist sounds a little like Alan Vega (of Suicide). =
Definitely
one you HAVE to have a listen to.
KSCHZT - THE EARTH'S HUM - BLASE - LP (BLA007)
Restock. Coming from the man that brought us the wonderful MD
albums on Merck as well as the superb previous single on Blase,
it's no surprise to find that Jakko's almost unpronouncable Kschzt
full length is a beauty. Mixing up a whole slew of electronic
styles from pacey electronica to Detroit influenced Tech sounds
via some wonderfully abstract moments and quality breakbeat based
tracks, this is a joy from beginning to end and features some
incredibly detailed programming and production that really fits
the overall feel. Mature, engaging and interesting throughout,
this is yet another string in Blase's bow and a super moment for
Kschzt. Definitely recommended.
MONOCEROS - BELLS / LIMBUS - EXPANDING - 7" (EVS8:04)
RESTOCK. PENULTIMATE RELEASE IN THE SECOND 7" SERIES FROM EXPANDING
COMES FROM MONOCEROS... AND IT'S FABULOUS! GREEN VINYL, TWO TRACKS,
PURE ELECTRONICA BLISS WITH LOADS OF MELODY AND GROOVING BEATS.
DELICATELY PUT TOGETHER AND LOVINGLY CRAFTED, THIS IS RIGHT UP
MY STREET AND WILL NO DOUBT BE RIGHT UP YOURS AS WELL.
VARIOUS - WHITE COCK 1 - COCK ROCK DISCO - 12" (COCK1-12)
Heeeere we go!!! Five thunderous bangers from the likes of =
Knifehandchop,
Jason Forrest, Xanopticon and Duran Duran Duran. Like Planet Mu
on speed, like a possessed hoover making love to Fugazi at 45rpm,
like the Beatles...... =20
.........No, nothing at all like the Beatles. This marvellous
release comes with free stickers and a 'Disturb Yer Nan' poster.
You know you always get value with the Cock!!!
Restocks (Vinyl): Electronica
ANALOG~1 - B-LINE - MCMLXV PRODUCTIONS - 12" (M-0002)
THIS IS JUST A FANTASTIC RELEASE. MCMLXV HAVE ONE FOOT FIRMLY
IN THE PAST BUT WITH A CONTEMPORARY FEEL AS WELL. THIS IS HOW
ELECTRONICA SHOULD BE DONE IN MY OPINION... WARM, DEEP, GORGEOUS,
LOVINGLY CRAFTED AND DEEPLY ATMOSPHERIC. LOVELY ELECTRO BASED
RHYTHMS AND SUPER LUSH PADS PLUS A COUPLE OF WONDERFUL BEATLESS
BITS. IT SOUNDS LIKE MID '90'S BRITISH ELCTRONICA BUT COULD ALMOST
BE ON AI AS WELL. I CAN'T DO THIS JUSTICE REALLY SO JUST CHECK
IT OUT AND I'M SURE YOU'LL FALL IN LOVE WITH IT JUST LIKE I DID.
RECOMMENDED MOST HIGHLY.
APHEX TWIN - REMIXES 1 - UNKNOWN - 2xLP (ATW01)
WELL, WELL. A SELECTION OF REMIXES BY A CERTAIN APHEX TWIN. SEEMS
A BIT LIKE THE 26 MIXES FOR CASH COMPILATION BUT, TO BE FAIR,
YOU CAN'T KNOCK A VINYL VERSION THAT INCLUDES HIS STAGGERINGLY
COOL VERSIONS OF ST ETIENNE, NAV KATZE, SEEFEEL, CURVE, BABY FORD,
MEAT BEAT MANIFESTO, THE GENTLE PEOPLE AND THE BEATNIKS. PLUS
YOU GET THE ACID EDIT OF WINDOWLICKER AS WELL. STORMING STUFF
THAT IT WOULD PROBABLY BE FOOLISH TO MISS!
AROVANE - LILIES - CITY CENTRE OFFICES - LP (TOWERBLOCK020)
THIS ALBUM REALLY DOESN'T NEED ANY INTRODUCTION, I'M SURE. AROVANE'S
THIRD LONG PLAYER AND HIS SECOND FOR C.C.O. IS A GENUINE BEAUTY
THAT MANAGES TO CAPTURE THE ESSENCE OF 'TIDES' ALONG WITH HINTS
OF THE DARKER, MORE ELECTRONIC 'ATOL SCRAP'. SUCCESSFULLY MELDING
THESE TWO IDEAS TOGETHER AND ADDING LUSCIOUS LAYERS OF MELODY
WITH HARP, HARPSICHORD AND PIANOS PAYS OFF AND THE OVERALL FEEL
OF THE ALBUM IS ONE OF SOOTHING PURITY. SIMPLY PUT, YOU NEED THIS
ALBUM IF YOU HAVE ANY INTEREST IN ELECTRONICA. ESSENTIAL.
DIGITONAL - THE CENTRE CANNOT HOLD - SEED - 12" (SEEDEP10)
AT LONG LAST, DIGITONAL'S FIRST PROPER EP FOR SEED REORDS DROPS,
AND IT'S A TRUE WINNER. TAKING THE DEPTH AND BEAUTY OF THE ALBUM
FROM TOYTRONIC AND ADDING NEW TOUCHES OF VOCALS, A DARKER FEEL
AND THE SAME LEVEL OF OBSESSIVELY PERFECT PRODUCTION. AMAZINGLY
EMOTIVE AND MATURE SOUNDING, THIS IS AN ESSENTIAL RELEASE FOR
ANY ELECTRONICA HEADS. CLASS.
DJ OLIVE - COONYMUS EP - AGRICULTURE - 12" (AG020)
TWO TRACKS OF ABSTRACT BROKEN INSTRUMENTAL ELECTRONIC HIP HOP
WITH A LOVELY, SMOOTH, NOIR-ISH MELODIC FEEL TO IT, MAKING IT
VERY ACCESSIBLE. FLIP OVER FOR A MUCH MORE MINIMAL, EXTENDED =
SOUNDSCAPE
PIECE. THOSE INTO MERCK, HEFTY OR EASTERN DEVELOPMENTS SHOULD
INVESTIGATE THIS....
MAPS AND DIAGRAMS - TACTILE LOVE EP - ARABLE - 12" (ARABLE3)
ROBIN 'ISAN' SAVILLE'S ARABLE LABEL IS ONLY THREE RELEASES OLD
AND YET THE QUALITY OF THOSE RELEASES TELLS YOU ALL YOU NEED TO
KNOW. SO FAR PSAPP AND FLOTEL HAVE PROVIDED SUPER DEEP, SUPER
BEAUTIFUL ELECTRONIC MOMENTS AND NOW IT'S THE TURN OF MAPS + =
DIAGRAMS.
EIGHT TRACKS TAKING THE FORM OF FOUR MAIN TRACKS AND FOUR SHORTER
INTERLUDE PIECES. EVERY SINGLE MOMENT ON THIS EP IS A JOY WITH
A DELICATELY PUT TOGETHER SELECTION OF MELODIC ELECTRONICS PAR
EXCELLENCE. SUBTLE RHYTHMIC SHIFTS, BEATLESS MOMENTS OF PURE AMBIENT
PLEASURE... THE LIST GOES ON. A TREMENDOUS PIECE OF WORK THAT
COMES HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
MARSEN JULES - HERBSTLAUB - CITY CENTRE OFFICES - LP (TOWERBLOCK023)
I WONDERED HOW LONG IT WOULD BE BEFORE SOMEONE PICKED UP MARTIN
JUHLS MOST WONDERFUL MUSIC UNDER THE MARSEN JULES PSEUDONYM. AFTER
A SERIES OF AMAZING RELEASES FOR SEVERAL INTERNET LABELS (AS BOTH
MARSEN JULES AND KRILL.MINIMA) CITY CENTRE OFFICES HAVE SEEN FIT
TO RELEASE THIS STAGGERINGLY BEAUTIFUL ALBUM. DIFFICULT TO CLASSIFY
MUSICALLY, IT IS A BLEND OF THE FINEST SCULPTURAL ELECTRONICA
MIXED WITH AN OVERTLY CLASSICAL, CHAMBER MUSIC SOUND. TO SIMPLY
DESCRIBE IT AS 'CLASSICAL GAS' IS TO DO IT A SEVERE INJUSTICE.
THIS IS ORIGINAL MUSIC, LOVINGLY CREATED AND BEAUTIFULLY PRODUCED
THAT'S EXPANSIVE, ENGAGING AND JUST PLAIN WONDERFUL. ALBUM OF
THE WEEK, MONTH AND PROBABLY YEAR. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
RASHAMON - WINDO LOCA - HIGHPOINT LOWLIFE - 7" (HPLL008)
HIGHPOINT LOWLIFE DO IT AGAIN, WITH ANOTHER GREAT MUSICAL OFFERING.
THIS TIME, RASHAMON DELIVERS THE GOODS ON A NICE TWO TRACK 7".
MELODIC, BUT NOT TWEE ELECTRONICA WITH A HEAVY DOSE OF HIP HOP
STYLING TO THE BEATS AND SOME GREAT MOMENTS OF CONSIDERABLY MORE
EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAMMING. ALWAYS RETURNS TO A COHERENT AND FLUID
SOUND THAT'S FULL OF GROOVE AS WELL AS WARMTH. FILE NEXT TO MACHINE
DRUM AND PREFUSE, AND THAT SHOULD GIVE YOU AN IDEA OF WHAT IT'S
LIKE. EXCELLENT STUFF AS ALWAYS.
SWOD - GEHEN - CITY CENTRE OFFICES - LP (TOWERBLOCK021)
OH MY GOSH! THIS IS A SUPREMELY BEAUTIFUL RELEASE. CITY CONTRE
OFFICES DELIVER A DELICIOUS COCKTAIL OF GENTLE PIANOS, LUSCIOUS
ELECTRONICS AND DEEP, DEEP ATMOSPHERES. BEAUTIFULLY PUT TOGETHER
AND WONDERFULLY PRODUCED, THIS IS AN ALBUM THAT SHOULD APPEAL
TO FANS OF THE EQUALLY WONDERFUL 'VRIOON' ALBUM BY CARSTEN NICOLAI
AND RYUICHI SAKAMOTO, BUT ALSO ANYONE WITH AN EAR FOR MELODIC,
GORGEOUS MUSIC. UTTERLY RECOMMENDED.
VARIOUS - BARBECUE BEETS EP2 - AGRICULTURE - 12" (AG022)
POSSIBLY THE MOST DIVERSE RELEASE ON AGRICULTURE YET. YOU GET
SOMETHING VERY RELAXED AND FUNKY FROM TREY MAX, A PIECE OF STRIPPED
DOWN, SLOWED UP, DOOM-LADEN B-BOY ACTION FROM SCOTTY HARD, SOMETHING
VERY DUBBY FROM TELEKINETIC SOULMATE AND FINALLY DJ RUPTURE PUTS
IN POSSIBLY THE MOST MUSICAL AND INVENTIVE TRACK OF HIS CAREER.
YUNX - IN THE HEART OF THE NIGHT - A.I. - 2xLP (AI013LP)
OK, so the title sounds like something in the vein of Berlin's
"take my breath away", but be assured this is nothing like that.
The cover shows, I presume, a Japanese skyscape, with "Yunx"
subtlely embossed through the streetlight. Open it up and you'll
find a double pack of eclectic music. From melodic and sci-fi
influenced electronics, often wearing the heavy boots of melancholy,
and easily mistakable for the likes of Plaid; to jazz laden and
loungey beat tracks; to more perky electronics that have a leaning
to toe tapping and head nodding - kind of relaxed techno. Very
nice...
New Releases (Vinyl): Techno / Electro
ALEXANDER EAST - BEGINNING WEEKEND - RAUM MUSIK - 12" (MUSIK048)
Raum on form here again with this slamming release from Alexander
East. What it does, it does so well that it's very hard to resist
the minimalistic, almost old-school feel that you get from this.
Phat 4/4 beats and reduced sounds that have this punctuating bleepy
noise to accentuate the grooves. A very, very good release for
those seeking some pure dancefloor pleasure with absolutely no
cheese whatsoever. Wicked.
ARGY - LOVE DOSE - POKER FLAT - 12" (PFR60)
Bleepy, funky, crisply produced Tech sounds here from the label
that can. Both originals are really very good but the real highlight
(for most people, anyway) is the Luciano remix. A superb reduction
of the original mix that keeps the bleeps and gives them a punchier,
more groove based sound as well as offering a stunning arrangement
that's just made for the floor. Brilliant stuff.
BINAURAL - SWITCH EP - SCSI - 12" (SCSIID018)
You can always rely on SCSI to deliver the goods when it comes
to Electro and this EP is no exception. 5 tough grooves with a
slightly Drexciyan feel at times and lots of moody synth sounds.
Adding to the flava are the Pacey, purist rhythms which are sure
to get the Electro-heads in a lather. Wicked stuff all round and
difficult to fault in any way. Props to SCSI once again.
BLACK ONE - THE NEW EP - TEMPLE - 10" (TEMPLE008)
A very subtle and deeply minimal slab of Technoid fun from back
in the day here. Khan's Temple label put out some monsters and
this is a lovely 10" slab of purple vinyl (original copy, I hasten
to add) with cracking 4/4 beats and reduced sounds. Still has
that acidic touch that made all the Air Liquide related stuff
so good but in a more muted fashion. Definitely one to pick up!
COUNTERATTACK - CLINAMEN E.P. - COUNTERATTACK - 12" (CA01)
Strong techno cuts with a very Robert Hood feel. Fast but not
harsh. Involved but thoughtful. Some nice variety too. A few electro
beats, some minimal almost tech-house tracks with a Moodymann
like restraint in the arrangement, a pounder or two. Gosh, the
list goes on. Well worth your attention....
DAVE MILLER - MITCHELLS RACCOLTA - BACKGROUND - 2xLP (BG045)
Firstly, apologies to both Dave Miller and our customers for the
lengthy delay on us getting this in so late. There are no excuses
I'm afraid. so I shall continue on with the review. Dave's earlier
work on Background was slowly but surely moving into more textural
territory. The glitched-out funk of his 12"s was firmly in the
Techno camp but always with a lighter and more sculptural feel.
This album takes that approach to a new level with its wonderfully
deep chords and sounds coupled with a jazzy lick (in a Scape-ish
sort of way) to some of the beautifully intricate percussion.
There are some more groove based tracks as well to counterpoint
the more downbeat moments and as a whole it's an extremely well
thought out and put together piece of work. Warm, atmopsheric
and highly recommended.=20
DB - TROON EP - BACKGROUND - 12" (BG044)
Cracking selection of tracks from DB which features a mix from
label owner and Sound Variation head honcho Andy Vaz. DB's cuts
are minimalistic Techno in the finest tradition of this brilliant
label with super chord sounds that meander over the subtle, =
shuffling
beats in the best way. Funky? Yup. Atmospheric? Yup. Andy's mix
is slightly more reduced and has that bleepy sort of sound that
the Sound Variations are famous for. A well rounded and extremely
splendid record. Recommended.
DJ SHIRAKURA / GOLDFISH & DER DULZ - TUNING#03 - BOXER SPORT - 12" =
(BOXER030)
The third release in the Tuning series comes from Shirakura and
Goldfish. Not their originals but remixes from Hemmann & Kaden
and Chardronnet respectively. Dirty, funky Tech sounds that sits
very happily with the other Boxer releases but has a slightly
edgier feel to it and a rawness that's really going to do it on
the dancefloor. Killer stuff that comes recommended.
DJ SILVER - IT WON'T STOP - TEMPLE - 10" (TEMPLE009)
Solid, Chicago influenced Techno sounds from Khan's Temple imprint
from back in the late '90's. Funky, tough and very dancefloor
friendly and on splendid grey vinyl. These are original copies
so don't expect them to last long at all!
DR. WALKER & M. FLUX - HOBO 903 - HARVEST - 12" (886048)
Potty four track EP from the splendid pairing of Dr. Walker and
M. Flux. Top notch downbeat breaks with a dub-heavy and slightly
silly sound that's definitely tongue-in-cheek but has some serious
depth going on. One to get the head nodding. Vintage gear from
the good old days. Top.
DUPLEX 100 - BIG SHOT - TREIBSTOFF - 12" (TREIBSTOFF54)
Big and bouncy and strangely electro sounding on the A-side, Phil
Stumpf and Sam Rouanet deliver some top notch Techno grooves here
with a nicely funky House twist. Very stringy and very much based
on the idea of melody they concoct a very convincing sound that
fits with Treibstoff exactly but has, possibly, a slightly lighter
sound than some of the other releases. Whatever, it's a great
one and definitely worth having a listen to.
EGOEXPRESS - ARANDA REMIXES - LADOMAT 2000 - 12" (LADO2173)
I must confess that I flipped straight to the Lawrence mix of
this as I always trust him to get it right and he's definitely
done that here. The original mix is a very pleasant guitar track
which Lawrence takes as a starting point and then develops into
one of his trademark tracks... all melody and groove and =
wonderfulness.
The Isolee mix is pretty damn good as well and features a nicely
choppy but really warm and funky sound that's half House and half
Techno. The Egoexpress mix is a stripped down Tech cut with a
hypnotic vocal and gnarly bass sounds. A really good all round
release.=20
FRIVOLOUS - KEVORK MOTION EP - BACKGROUND - 12" (BG047)
Lovely, playful and scatty Techno sounds from Frivolous here.
Five tracks that have a similar style to his releases on Karloff
and, certainly, his earlier Background material. Possibly not
quite as stripped down and featuring a full and fruity set of
quirky sounds and some shuffling, groovy beats. Hits that balance
between Tech and House with a great deal of style. Recommended?
Yup, you bet.
GOLDFRAPP - OOH LA LA (TIEFSCHWARZ DUB) - MUTE - 12" (12MUTE342)
Big old tune this with Tiefschwarz on top form. A cracking dub
version in their own inimitable style. The flip has two versions
by Benny Benassi (which aren't very good), but that's OK, the
A-side is strong. Promo version.
JOHN RINGO - AUF DER KUGEL STAND KEIN NAME - FEST IM SATTEL - 12" =
(FESTIM SATTEL01)
Supposedly this is the work of a very, very well known German
producer but I don't know which one. Possibly the silliest track
I've heard in ages. It's a Schaffel cut that's made up of Commodore
64 SID chip sounds an, actually, sounds very much like it's a
direct lift of a game from years ago. Kind of funny, I guess,
but you'll definitely need to check it yourself to make up your
own mind.
KHAN - I DON'T WANNA SAY ANYTHING - HARVEST - 2xLP (519544)
Khan, on Harvest... a winning combination and no mistake. This
has a defiantly Air Liquide style in every way: Moody analogues,
plenty of Acid and squidgy 303s, Electro and Techno beats soaked
in effects and a strangely dubby texture to some of the tracks.
Vintage, brilliant... unlike anyone else really. You need to check
this out if you're a fan of their sound. Get it quick though!
LAWRENCE - THE NIGHT WILL LAST FOREVER REMIXES - LADOMAT 2000 - 12" =
(LADO2175)
I'm slightly concerned about the teaming up of Ladomat and Novamute
and their penchant for endlessly remixing things... particularly
Lawrence. So far, however, we're still in the realms of quality
and both the John Tejada and Lusine remixes are quite simply superb.
J.T. delivers a gnarly, bass driven mix with all of his funked-out,
skippy trademarks whilst Lusine opts for a flat, warm, yet =
atmospherically
moody version which is absolutely spot on. Add to that a new and
exclusive track and you've got an indispensible release from one
of my favourite artists. Killer.
LE TIGRE - THIS ISLAND REMIXES VOL. 2 - CHICKS ON SPEED - 12" (COSR24)
More interesting than the first volume in as much as it has remixes
from Peaches, NDB (aka Elliot Taub and John Selway) and vocal
and instrumental mixes from (erk!) Junior Senior. In some ways,
it's a good job i'm very busy today.... Released Monday 1st August
although we can send it mailorder to arrive on Monday.=20
MADONNA 303 / GIZZ TV - PRAISE THE LORD / TRUCK DRIVER - TEMPLE - 10" =
(TEMPLE005)
One of those records that when you hear it you'll probably remember
it straight away. Madonna 303's 'Praise The Lord' really is a
bit of a dancefloor gem from the past and this really is an original
red vinyl 10" copy! Slamming Techno beats and plenty of gained-up,
distorted 303 sounds all over the place. Don't miss out as these
are going to fly out!
MARIEL ITO - INDEXED EP - MODERN LOVE - 12" (LOVE014)
Hoorah! It's a modern Love record that isn't limited to 459 copies.
Which means that you'll be able to buy it without panicking and
scrabbling about desperately. That's a good thing as it's a splendid
release. One half of Treibstoff's Maetrik provides the lions share
of the music with a little help from Brian Aneurysm (aka Confutatis)
on one track and CJ Jeff on another. It's a cunning blend of 4/4
Techno with a dark and moody atmosphere (not unlike the Confutatis
EP on Ai). There's a smashing Electro cut as well which will =
definitely
find favour with fans of Claro and Bitstream, then you get a =
downbeat
Electronica track at the end which rounds things up very nicely.
Top EP this. Recommended.
MOVING NINJA - SHELLCODE - TECTONIC - 12" (TEC002)
Dark yet stripped-bare grime, moody and cinematic with an excellent
line in percussive sounds. Well-produced, and certainly up there
with anything in this genre around at the moment. Fans of Vex'd
in particular should check this.=20
OLIVER HACKE - SUBJECT CARRIER REMIXES - TRAPEZ - 12" (TRAPEZ054)
Two superb remixes of tracks from Oliver Hacke's 'Subject Carrier'
album. John Tejada and Alex Under are the producers on duty and,
as you'd probably imagine, both versions are tracks to savour.
Making full use of the original tracks you get two distinctly
different sounds... J.T's has a chordy, grooving feel whilst Alex's
is a more reduced and clicky affair with acres of funk. A very
good release from Trapez. Get in there!
REMUTE - FLASH / MUSIC MAKES YOU / ODYSSEY REMIXES - MY BEST FRIEND - =
12" (MBFLTD12007)
I think it's fair to say that My Best Friend's Limited series
sits at the slightly more Euro and commercial end of things and
with this set of remixes of tracks by Riley & Steve Barnes, Break
3000 and Robert Schulze, you're getting a lot of dancefloor friendly
material for your money. Denis Karimani under his Remute guise
gets stuck into all three tracks and provides some cracking grooves
that concentrate on floor-filling and somewhat epic sounds, but
never loses sight of the underground-ness of the Cologne scene.
Tip top and totally mint condition (to use a rubbish phrase from
a rubbish TV program).
RHYTHM_MAKER - EVERY NOW AND THEN, ANGER EP - BACKGROUND - 12" (BG046)
Ah, yes... Rhythm_Maker. This is a fabulous release that eschews
the more downbeat and clicked-out sound that Background have =
concnetrated
on for a while now and delivers a pure injection of minimal, funked
up, deeply atmospheric Techno fun. Reduced sounds and a couple
of nice Housey moments on the B-side that add a true variety to
the proceedings. You don't get minimal Techno like this very often
so my advice would be to make the most of it while it's there!
Top stuff.
SWEET N CANDY - FIDDLESTICKS EP - REGULAR - 12" (REGULAR15)
Sweet n Candy follow up a very good run of singles with this top
notch groover for Spanish label Regular. 3 tracks of glitchy,
funky Techno sounds with wicked production and the kind of driving,
rolling basslines that'll get you up and about in no time. Cracking
edits and little drops and breaks that keep it interesting =
throughout
and, overall, another really excellent release from Regular. =
Recommended.
THE ADVENT A.K.A. CISCO FERREIRA - T.R.I.N.I.T.Y. - TRESOR - 3xLP =
(TRESOR.219)
The Advent return with a new name??? Cisco Ferreira!!! Just in
case you overlooked them they've popped in an AKA, just to make
sure. Now that's confidence! It's what you'd expect from an Advent
LP, well executed, razor sharp bangin' club cuts, healthy nods
in the direction of Surgeon, Regis et al, obligetory spoken word
electro cut (& not that bad either) and enough energy to power
a small city.
TOCOTRONIC - PURE VERNUNFT DARF NIEMALS SIEGEN REMIXE - KOMPAKT POP - =
12" (KOMPOP7)
Big one for Kompakt Pop here. Tocotronic are pretty big in their
homeland and you can see why. Their original mix is a rocky, poppy
guitar based affair that could easily top the indie charts! For
the rest of us, however, the more pertinent question is regarding
the remixes. Luckily Superpitcher and the legendary Wasserman
deliver by the bucketload with the kind of slightly trancey, very
dancefloor orientated Pop Techno that we've come to know, respect
and love from the Cologne massive. The vocals might annoy some
people, but as ever, you should definitely give this a listen.
TRICKY DISCO / GTO - TRICKY DISCO / PURE (ENERGY) - KOMPAKT EXTRA - =
12" (KOMEX30)
This, on the face of it, would seem to be a very strange release
from Kompakt Extra. As it turns out it's a really good release
that actually stands the test of time very well. Michael Wells
was well known around the early '90's for his ability to produce
thumping club sounds and here you get two of his finest moments.
There's liable to be a big split as far as the most popular track
goes (there certainly was here at Smallfish) but suffice to say
that both tracks are genuine classics, both are liable to put
a big grin on your face and they still have the power to make
people groove. Props to Kompakt for digging out some old gems.
UNKNOWN - ALLNIGHT ALLRIGHT - RINSE - 12" (RINSE02)
The first Rinse was pretty good and this one's not bad either.
A cheeky, synthy track that has minimal Techno elements mixed
with an Electro feel plus a cheeky Disco sample. Sounds very much
like a re-edit in my opinion and will probably find a following
with lots of people, thus proving my taste in music completely
wrong... hey-ho.
UNKNOWN - SHADES OF DANK - UNKNOWN - 12" (SOD001)
A very cheeky one sided house reworking of Moodymanns 'Shades
of Jae'. Bootleg-a-rama. Sounds like a very modern third generation
chicago update. Sorta like it was done by an artist formerly found
on Classic Records. It reeks of DJ Sneak to me but =
whadda-eye-noooo...........
CHECK !!!
VARIOUS - ADJUNCT VOLUME ONE - ADJUNCT - 12" (ADJUNCT01)
First release from this new label and what a line-up! John Tejada,
Pheek, Bruno Pronsato and [A]pendics.shuffle all provide killer
minimal, dancefloor Techno grooves that have energy, funky, =
weirdness
and killer production in abundance. You couldn't ask for a better
start than this and I'll definitely be keeping a keen eye on their
future releases. Great stuff.
VARIOUS - SOMA DUBS VOL. 4 - SOMA - 12" (SOMA176)
Four Soma dubs / instrumentals / remixes for your listening =
pleasure.
A surprisingly fine Death In Vegas mix of Slam (much more minimal
and underplayed than you might expect), the Henrik Schwarz dub
of Alex Smoke, Alex's own dub of "Don't See The Point", and another
chance to grab the Claro Intelecto dub of Vector Lovers' "Futures
In Plastic" (a Claro track you can actually buy this week!). =
Released
Monday 1st August although we can send it mailorder to arrive
on Monday.=20
Restocks (Vinyl): Techno / Electro
ALDEN TYRELL - DISCO LUNAR MODULE (MORE REMIXES!) - CLONE - 12" =
(MOGS02)
HELL'S TEETH, OUR ALDEN'S MILKING HIS DISCO LUNAR MODULE FOR ALL
IT'S WORTH, ISN'T HE? THESE ARE THE "U4RIA SUPERDUNKEL" REMIXES
(VERSION 1.0 AND 1.25, MIND) BUT TO BE FAIR THEY ARE AN ABSOLUTELY
SUPER PAIR OF DRAMATIC ELECTRO TRACKS (ALBEIT BOTH QUITE SIMILAR)
ON A PAR WITH ANY OF THE CLONE OR VIEWLEXX GEAR.
ALEX UNDER - LAS BICICLETAS SON PARA EL VERANO - TRAPEZ - 12" =
(TRAPEZ047)
TRAPEZ BACK ON FORM AGAIN WITH THIS TOP EP FROM NEW KID ON THE
BLACK (IN A MANNER OF SPEAKING), ALEX UNDER. HIS GROOVES ARE DEEP,
CLUB FRIENDLY, BEAUTIFULLY PRODUCED AND GENERALLY VERY FUNKY INDEED.
IT'S GOING TO FLY, SO DON'T DELAY!
ALEX UNDER - SORBERE CEREBROS EP - TRAPEZ - 12" (TRAPEZ051)
STRONG AND SOLID UP TO 'LA BICACLETAS' FROM ALEX UNDER. DEEP,
MINIMAL, YET VERY FUNKY TECHNO SOUNDS WITH A VERY PLAYABLE, MIXABLE
FEEL. VERY TRAPEZ, VERY GOOD. GO GET IT.
ALTER EGO - TRANSPHORMER - KLANG - 3xLP (KLANG85)
HERE IT IS THEN. THE HOTLY TOUTED ALTER EGO ALBUM IS A PURE =
DANCEFLOOR
FRENZY OF BLISTERING TECHNO GROOVES THE LIKE OF WHICH I'VE NOT
HEARD FOR SOME TIME. NO CONCESSIONS TO ANYTHING BUT MAKING YOU
MOVE WITH A SELECTION OF MONSTROUS CLUB TRACKS THAT SHOULD BE
SMASHING IT ALL OVER THE PLACE IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE. QUITE
SIMPLY A MASSIVE ALBUM. RECOMMENDED.
ANDY VAZ - SOUND VARIATION REMIXES - SOUND VARIATION - 2xLP =
(SOUNDVARIATION5-5)
WHAT AN ABSOLUTELY CRACKING WAY TO TIE UP THIS ALREADY BRILLIANT
SERIES OF SUPERLATIVE MINIMAL TECHNO SOUNDS FROM BACKGROUND LABEL
BOSS ANDY VAZ. THIS DOUBLE PACK PROVIDES A SELECTION OF =
INTERPRETATIONS
FROM SI-CUT.DB, DAVE MILLER, KLUNDER, GEOFF WHITE, DEAN DECOSTA,
MITCHELL AKIYAMA, FRIVOLOUS, PORTABLE AND SMYGLYSNNA. NO PARTICULR
FAVOURITE AS THEY'RE ALL STUNNING EXAMPLES OF HOW TO DO ATMOSPHERIC,
DEEP, MINIMAL GROOVES. AN ESSENTIAL PURCHASE FOR FANS OF THE GENRE.
ANNA KAUFEN - DRIVE IN / DRIVE OUT REMIXES - A TOUCH OF CLASS - 12" =
(ATOC010)
FINALLY THE REMIXES OF THIS TOP AKUFEN TRACK ARRIVE. THE ORIGINAL
VERSION OF 'WHO CAREZ' IS PRESENT ON THE B-SIDE, BUT IT'S DAVE
MILLER'S TWO VERSIONS THAT REALLY STEAL THE SHOW. THE FIRST IS
A SMASHING DOWNBEAT GLITCH ROMP WITH A PHAT, SLOW, ALMOST ELECTRO
BEAT WHILST THE SECOND IS AN OFFBEAT, TWO STEP TECHNO GROOVER.
FABULOUS VERSIONS.
ARTIFICIAL LATVAMAKI - TRAPEZ LIMITED 34 - TRAPEZ - 12" (TRAPEZLTD34)
ANOTHER USEFUL ADDITION TO THE TRAPEZ LIMITED CATALOGUE, THIS
TIME FROM ARTIFICIAL LATVAMAKI. QUITE BOUNCY AND ACCESSIBLE TECHNO
SOUNDS THROUGHOUT WITH A NICELY TECHNICAL FEEL AND MORE THAN ENOUGH
BITS TO MAKE PEOPLE DANCE IN A CLUB SITUATION. THE FLIP HAS THE
BEST TRACK FOR ME, 'FROTEE', WHICH KICKS OFF ON AN ELECTRO VIBE
AND GETS INTO THE PHAT, CRISPLY PRODUCED 4/4 HALFWAY THROUGH.
QUALITY STUFF.
BURIAL - SOUTH LONDON BOROUGHS - HYPERDUB - 12" (HDB001)
SERIOUSLY DARK AND EERIE GRIME - I'M SURPRISED THE LIKES OF REPHLEX
AND PLANET MU AREN'T FIGHTING OVER THIS ONE. THE TWO TRACKS ON
SIDE ONE ARE CLAUSTROPHIC, INTENSE YET BY NO MEANS OVERWROUGHT
TWO-STEP THAT WILL STILL CAUSE DEVASTATION ON THE DANCEFLOOR.
THE TWO B-SIDES ARE OF A MORE MINIMAL, ELECTRONIC NATURE BUT EQUALLY
DOOMY. FIRST CLASS. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I GIVE YOU GOTH GRIME
(OR GROTH!).
CHRISTOPHER JUST - B.O.B. - POMELO - 12" (POM15)
Cripes alive! This is a banger. Putting it on, I was expecting
a disco / house / techno sort of affair and then I remembered
it's on Pomelo. What you end up with are 3 fierce electro-based
tracks with almost entirely distorted up sounds and beats that
will bang through your head and really get into your feet. An
absolutely wicked ep all round. Bravo.
DAVE MILLER - JIGSAW MUSIC EP - BACKGROUND - 12" (BG029)
ANOTHER FABULOUS EP FROM DAVE MILLER WHICH IS AT IT'S BEST WHEN
HE'S DOING THE ULTRA MINIMAL, DEEPLY ATMOSPHERIC STUFF THAT MAKES
UP MOST OF THIS EP. LUSH SOUNDS AND ALMOST JAZZ LIKE TOUCHES OF
MELODY GIVE IT A BEAUTIFUL SOUND. THERE'S ONE JERKY, GLITCHY TRACK
THAT SEEMS LIKE HE HAD A MOMENTARY ATTACK OF THE AKUFENS, BUT
WE WON'T HOLD THAT AGAINST HIM BECAUSE THE REST IS SO DAMN GOOD.
BACKGROUND ROCKS. SIMPLE AS THAT!
DB - PERON - BACKGROUND - 2xLP (BG040)
I ALWAYS LOOK FORWARD TO BACKGROUND ALBUMS BECAUSE THERE'S ALWAYS
A DELICATE BALANCE OF OFFBEAT, OBSCURE ELECTRONICA COUPLED WITH
A DEEP SEATED GROOVE THAT'LL DO IT ON THE FLOOR. THIS IS NO =
DIFFERENT
AND IT CREATES A LOVELY HYBRID OF DELICATELY PRODUCED AND FRAGILE
MINIMALISM MIXED WITH A MORE SUBSTANTIAL, FLOOR BASED SOUND. SOUND
DESIGN IS EXCELLENT AND THE MOSTLY 4/4 BASED TRACKS ARE BEAUTIFULLY
PUT TOGETHER. A WINNING COMBINATION THEN AND HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
DJ KOZE A.K.A. MONACO SCHRANZE / GEBR. TEICHMANN - SPEICHER 25 - =
KOMPAKT EXTRA - 12" (KOMEX25)
IT'S A QUARTER OF A CENTURY FOR THE KOMPAKT EXTRA LABEL AND IT'S
A BLISTERING ASSAULT ALL ROUND FROM KOZE AND GEBR. TEICHMANN.
DARK, PROGRESSIVE, SLAMMING CLUB SOUNDS FOR THE MORE UPBEAT =
DANCEFLOORS...
JUST WHAT YOU'D EXPECT, REALLY.
DOMINIK EULBERG - ROTBAUCHUNKEN REMIXE - TRAUM - 12" (TRAUMV58)
PROPS GO TO BOTH OF THE REMIXERS HERE. ROBAG WRUHME TURNS IN A
GREAT VERSION WITH HIS TRADEMARK QUALITY BUT TOBI NEUMANN TAKES
THE WINNING FLAG WITH HIS SUPERBLY OFF-KILTER MIX THAT HAS DEPTH,
WEIRDNESS AND KILLER 4/4 BEATS. SERIOUSLY, THIS IS A WICKED TRACK
AND YOU'LL WANT TO CHECK IT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. RECOMMENDED.
GABRIEL ANANDA / CHRISTIAN KALTENHOFER - SPLIT EP - LIEBE DETAIL - 12" =
(LIEBE005)
Split EP from Gabriel and Christian here which hits all the right
spots if you'r einto funky Cologne style Techno and House. Jerky,
but not too much, solidly hypnotic throughout and a nicely Electro
influenced feel to the sounds, melodies and basslines. Good stuff.
JAMES DIN A4 - KOMMUNEL - BACKGROUND - 12" (BG042)
JAMES DIN IS HAVING A RUN OF COOL RELEASES AT THE MOMENT WHICH
IS A GREAT THING AS HIS BLEND OF SUBTLE, SHUFFLING MINIMAL TECHNO
AND HOUSE IS FANTASTIC. THIS FIVE TRACK OFFERING IS BEAUTIFULLY
PUT TOGETHER AND FEATURES A RANGE OF SOUNDS AND STYLES THAT ARE
FUNKY, FRESH AND FULL OF GREAT SOUND DESIGN. A WICKED EP.
JUSTUS KOHNCKE / DJ KOZE - SPEICHER 20 - KOMPAKT EXTRA - 12" (KOMEX20)
THESE SPEICHER RELEASES ARE ON A BIT OF A ROLL AT THE MOMENT.
JUSTUS KOHNCKE AND DJ KOZE POUND IT UP FINE STYLE WITH TWO FABULOUS
DANCEFLOOR TRACKS. JUSTUS HAS A TOUGH, GRINDING SOUND THAT'S VERY
MUCH IN LINE WITH THE OTHER SPEICHERS BUT KEEPS IT A WEE BIT SOFTER
AT TIMES AND UPS THE ANTE AFTER THE BREAKDOWN. DJ KOZE'S CUT IS
SIMPLY BRILLIANT AND WORKS IN A SIMILAR WAY TO DONNACHA COSTELLO'S
COLOUR SERIES BY BEING MINIMAL, EVEN A BIT PLASTIKMAN-ESQUE AND
FEATURING A SLOW BUILD AND WICKEDLY DEEP BREAK. ABSOLUTE CLAS
ALL ROUND. OH, AND I APOLOGISE IF I'VE GOT THE TRACKS AROUND THE
WORONG WAY AS IT'S DIFFICULT TO TELL WHICH ONE'S WHICH SOMETIMES!
KOERNER & TREPLEC - UNTENRUMGEHTSBESSER - MILNOR MODERN - 12" =
(MMR.004)
Milnor Modern deliver another staggeringly deep and funky selection
of ultra-minimal Techno sounds. Every release so far has been
superb and the level of detail on this record is magnificent.
Crispy, crunchy rhythms with a healthy dose of glitchyness and
crackle coupled with delicious, melodic breaks and chords are
the hallmarks and along with some rumbling bass sounds makes this
another essential release. Awesome stuff.
LEGOWELT - BEYOND THE CONGO - BUNKER - 12" (B3044)
JUST WHAT THE SMALLFISH ELECTRO DOCTOR ORDERED - A NEW SIX TRACK
EP FROM THE MIGHTY LEGOWELT. IN ALL HONESTY, THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE
BELTER AND AS STRONG AS ANY ELECTRO RECORD I'VE HEARD ALL YEAR.
THE PRODUCTION IS ULTRA DEEP, AND A CUT ABOVE THE REST. THROBBING,
PULSATING, ROUGH AND SLEAZY JUST THE WAY I LIKE IT (AND MY ELECTRO,
AHEM).
NATHAN FAKE - DINAMO / COHEED REMIXES (DOMINIK EULBERG / MICHAEL - =
TRAUM - 12" (TRAUMV60)
NOW, BEARING IN MIND JUST HOW MASSIVE THE ORIGINAL WAS, I THOUGHT
IT WAS GOING TO BE SOMETHING OF A TALL ORDER FOR ANYONE TO DO
'DINAMO' ANY JUSTICE. DOMINIK EULBERG, HOWEVER, HAS TAKEN A COUPLE
OF ELEMENTS AND USED THEM TO FINE, FINE EFFECT. A CRISPY, DRY
SOUNDING BEAT AND THE QUALITY BURBLY ANALOGUE LINE FROM THE ORIGINAL
ARE MORE THAN ENOUGH TO MAKE THIS A DANCEFLOOR BEAST AND IDEAL
FOR MIXING INTO THE ORIGINAL. MICHAEL MAYER GETS BUSY WITH 'COHEED'
ON THE FLIPSIDE AND TURNS IT INTO A SOMEWHAT EPIC VERSION WITH
SOARING SYNTHS AND A PSEUDO-TRANCE FEEL. ALL VERY PLEASING, REALLY.
PLASTIQUE MITTE CROWD - PLASTIQUE MITTE CROWD EP - INZEST - 12" =
(INZEST003)
INZEST DLIVER THREE PERKY TRACKS THAT VARY BETWEEN HOUSEY TECHNO
AND A MORE VOCAL LED ELECTRO FLAVA. VERY COLOGNE, VERY NOW. CHECK.
POM POM - POM POM 19 - POM POM - 12" (POMPOM19)
THIS SERIES IS JUST GONNA RUN AND RUN BY THE LOOKS OF IT. AN =
INTERESTING
ONE, THIS - BOUNCY RHYTHMS AND SCI-FI SYNTH MELODIES WELDED TOGETHER
INTO THIS MINIMAL, METALLIC SLAB OF LEFTFIELD / ROBOTIC TECHNO.
ON THE B-SIDE THINGS HEAD DOWN A MUCH, CRUNCHIER, HEAVIER =
SHITKATAPULT
/ T.RAUMSCHMIERE PATH. NEAT.
PORTABLE - FLICKER EP - BACKGROUND - 12" (BG041)
MY FAVOURITE PORTABLE RELEASE SO FAR WITHOUT ANY DOUBT. THREE
TRACKS OF SUBTE SHIFFLING, EXTREMELY WELL PRODUCED ELECTRONICA
/ TECHNO. THE A-SIDE IS THE DANCEFLOOR TRACK AND HAS A POUNDINGLY
GROOVY BEAT AND A COOL, ALMOST OLD SCHOOL HOUSE FEEL ALONG WITH
A DEEP GLITCH FLAVA. THE FLIP IS MORE DOWNBEAT IN ATTITUDE AND
SOUND AND FEATURES TWO LOVELY TRACKS THAT WON'T SET THE FLOOR
ALIGHT BUT WILL GENTLY MAKE YOU TAKE NOTICE WITH THEIR EXCELLENT
PALETTE OF DEEP AND FRIENDLY SOUNDS. A WICKED EP.
RA-X - THE OPIUM DEN (PARTS V-VIII) - MIGHTY ROBOT - 12" =
(MR00000000000001)
I WISH MORE PEOPLE MADE ELECTRO RECORDS WITH THE SORT OF DEPTH
AND WARMTH THIS HAS GOT. THE PRODUCTION IS FABULOUSLY DEEP, THE
SECOND TRACK ALMOST HAVING THAT EARLY WARP KINDA VIBE. THE STANDOUT
TRACK, HOWEVER IS THE THIRD (PART VII?), WITH ITS MID-TEMPO, STASIS
/ B12 IF THEY WERE AROUND IN THE EIGHTIES FEEL. IF YOU LIKE CLARO
INTELECTO, YOU NEED TO HEAR THIS TOO!
SLG - QUARTER PAST ELEVEN EP - LEVEL RECORDS - 12" (LEVEL04)
Level Records has only put out 4 releases so far but they've been
of such exceptionally high quality that I always eagerly await
a new one. This doesn't disappoint at all and, in fact, could
easily be my favourite 12" so far. The deepest of Techno grooves
with subtle, shining chord sequences made up of gentle sinewave
sounds plus funky, House influenced beats that have just enough
shuffle to groove it whilst remaining true to their Techno roots.
A wonderful ep for playing and listening to that will easily stand
the test of time. Recommended.
TERRENCE DIXON - BIONIC MAN EP - BACKGROUND - 12" (BG001)
THE FIRST RELEASE ON THIS WICKED LABEL AND DEFINITELY A PORTENT
OF THINGS THAT WERE TO COME. HEAVENLY MINIMALISM WITH A FUTURISTIC,
STRIPPED DOWN FEEL. VERY, VERY NICE.
VARIOUS - ELEKTRONISCHE MUSIK - INTERKONTINENTAL 4 - TRAUM - 2xLP =
(TRAUMV59)
HUGELY IMPRESSIVE FOURTH INSTALLMENT OF THIS FIRMLY ESTABLISHED
SERIES THAT SEES THE LIKES OF OLIVER HACKE, PETER SCHUMANN, =
SWAT-SQUAD,
DOMINK EULBERG, JESSE SOMFAY, STEVE BARNES & RILEY REINHOLD, OFF
POP AND POPNEBO ALL DELIVERING SUPERBLY WICKED TECHNO TRACKS.
TAKE MY WORD FOR IT... THIS IS BRILLIANT STUFF AND COMES HIGHLY
RECOMMENDED.
VARIOUS - IMMER NULL - KOMPAKT - 12" (KOM122)
With this release we are witnessing the birth of something new
and very, very special indeed. This 4 track ep sees the resurgance
of the ultra-minimal Profan / Kompakt Techno sound that they really
became famous for in the early days. This certainly has something
to do with Michael Mayer's exceptional 'Immer' mix CD, concept-wise
and if the first four cuts are anything to go by it's going to
be a very special series indeed. Michael himself, M:I:5, Reinhard
Voigt and Jurgen Paape all feature and the tracks, although you
proably already know some of them, are so powerful when put together
that it makes it an irresistable record. From dubbed-out, =
stripped-down
tech to the kind of edited, choppy, reverse-sample sound that
Wolfgang Voigt does so uniquely well. Deep and essential sounds.
Highly, highly recommended.
VARIOUS - TOTAL 5 - KOMPAKT - 2xLP (KOM80)
TOTALLY KOMPAKT - FOR THE FIFTH TIME. UPBEAT DUBBY TECHNO FROM
THE LABEL THAT CAN. ARTISTS: SUPERPITCHER, REINHARD VOIGT, T.
RAUMSCHMIERE, LABEL BOSS - M. MAYER, JOACHIM SPIETH, THOMAS =
FEHLMANN,
THE MODERNIST AND HEIB. DEEPLY KOMPAKT, DEEPLY GROOVY.
VEX'D - DEGENERATE - PLANET MU - 2xLP (ZIQ115LP)
This strikes me as a potential landmark release. This storming
album from Vex'd is a seriously potent and full-on cocktail of
grime, dubstep, bleep techno, twisted D&B, old skool jungle and
electronica that old Aphex fans will be able to relate to as much
as the grimeheads and dubstep kids. Surely the most important
grime release to date, seeing as it moves the whole genre on several
stages. Check this out immediately.=20
New Releases (Vinyl): US Techno / Electro
ACTUAL JAKSHUN - SEQUENTIAL CIRCUS - MINUS - 12" (MINUS27)
Great minimal house/techno tracks here from Actual Jakshun. =
Stripped,
sparse, cold and damn groovy. Not only that, but check out the
Marc Houle remix of the title track. Blinding. A seriously good
record...=20
New Releases (Vinyl): House
AMP DOG KNIGHT - OVER U - MAHOGANI - 12" (M.M-15)
Best Mahogani release for a while here with this lush offering
from Moodymann under his Amp Dog Knight guise. He's delivered
an upbeat, soulful, yet strangely off-kilter set of tracks that
should actually get people dancing as well as pleasing the fans
who like it obscure and deep as hell. There's something about
the vocal mix with its subtle freestyle / scat style that really
works a treat. Super stuff.
DELLS, THE / MASTER JAY - NO WAY BACK / DISCO EDITS - FUNHOUSE - 12" =
(FUN001)
Cheeky little disco re-edit 12" here. Apart from a very nice =
instrumental
edit of The Dells we also have a blinding re-arrangement of "No
Way Back" a la Master Jay. Good time ole skool flavours to savour.
C H E C K ! !
ROBERTA SWEED - HOW SWEED IT IS - KDJ - 12" (KDJ-34)
Restock. This is, to be realistic, one of the best Moodymann tracks
in a long, long time. As soon as you drop the needle (or carefully
place it, rather) you can hear it... Weird chord sounds, flat,
but punchy beats, a soulful, Detroit sounding warmth and flava...
when the Rhodes piano comes in it's a really dream-like sound
that swept me off my feet. Highly, highly recommended and an =
essential
Kenny Dixon release... no arguments.
TUSSLE / STRANGER & CAPT. DELICIOUS - I'M AN INDIAN TOO / =
PINKFLOYDMOVEMENT - YESCA - 12" (YESCA00)
Split 12" here between Tussle and Stranger. Tussle's track 'I'm
An Indian Too' has a strong nu wave feel but still retains a warm
almost deep house atmosphere. Stranger's 'Pinkfloydmovement' has
a fierce plucked bassline, also with nu wave leanings but harsher
in arrangement and production. Two great house tracks, both paying
respect to the early eighties but both in very different ways.
Restocks (Vinyl): House
FURTHER DETAILS - VOLUME TWO - A TOUCH OF CLASS - 12" (ATC015)
A NICE MIX OF SOULFUL STYLES HERE. THE FIRST CUT IS VERY MUCH
IN THE MOODYMANN / THEO STYLE WITH SOME DEEP MUSIC AND THOSE LOVELY
LOOSE CLAPS. THE OTHER CUTS HERE RANGE FROM A BEAUTIFUL LARRY
HEARD SOUND TO ONE CUT WITH A DERRICK MAY FEEL TO IT! THE MORE
I LISTEN TO THIS THE MORE I LIKE IT. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED....
YOUR FAVOURITE DANCER - EP 1 - BIGBEAR - 12" (BB027)
Nice selection of the finest quality Disco re-edits here from
this Bearfunk offshoot. Very much falls into the category of DJ
tool but each cut definitely has its own flava. Useful and fun
throughout.
New Releases (Vinyl): Hip Hop
GREENHOUSE EFFECT VS. RADIOHEAD - GREENHOUSE EFFECT VS. RADIOHEAD - =
UNKNOWN - LP (VS001LP)
Ltd edition Japanese import on green vinyl of Greenhouse Effect
rapping over tracks made from Radiohead samples/loops. Although
on paper this may seem workable, to these ears it really is not.
Maybe your ears will fare better...
KILLA KELA - RAVE OF THE FUTURE - SPIT KINGDOM - 10" (KELA002)
New limited gatefold 10" (plus poster and stickers!) from human
beatbox sensation Killa Kela, who's currently being touted as
the next big thing in British Hip Hop. Certainly this has all
the makings of a hit, and i dare say with the right support he'll
go far. For those into Dizzee Rascal, Wiley, Roots Manuva etc,
i also say check this out.=20
MAKER - SHOOTING THE BREEZE - GALAPAGOS 4 - LP (G4LP0031)
Decent album here from Maker. Instrumental hip hop very much in
the vein of old RJD2. Warm beaks, untraceable loops, very snare
heavy and almost lounge in the way it tackles it's task with such
ease. Very worth a listen............
MED AKA MEDAPHOAR - GET BACK - STONESTHROW - 12" (STH2113)
Produced by Just Blaze, who's clearly been influenced by Timbaland
/ Missy Elliott's "Pass The Dutch". On the reverse, a Madlib =
production
("Get A Grip"). Released Monday 1st August although we can send
it mailorder to arrive on Monday.=20
ROOKWOOD / MC TRIP - WHAT'S YOUR NAME / RINGSIDE - SPIT KINGDOM - 12" =
(SPK01)
Neat split 12" on Killa Kela's Spit Kingdom label. Really good
quality British Hip Hop with sound production - the Rookwood side
is produced by Plus One (Scratch Perverts), the MC Trip side by
Beni G (The Mixologists). To be investigated.=20
New Releases (Vinyl): Eclectic Beats
TREVA WHATEVA - MUSIC'S MADE OF MEMORIES - NINJA TUNE - 3xLP (ZEN106)
What's the deal with Treva Whateva? I mean, who is he? What's
the point of it all? Whilst there's nothing particularly bad about
what he does, you have to say it all sounds a little dated. Ninja
are a weird old label... either their releases are absolutely
cutting-edge or sound like stuff they were releasing a decade
ago! Jazzy, breaky, loungy, funky, kitchy, eclecticy it is then!
Released Monday 1st August although we can send it mailorder to
arrive on Monday.=20
New Releases (Vinyl): Guitar Based
DARREN HAYMAN - CARAVAN SONGS - STATIC CARAVAN - 7" (VAN92-7)
Ahh, It's Darren Hayman from Hefner. This 7" was recorded in a
relatives caravan by the sea in Northumberland between 2003 &
2004 (one long holiday).The tracks are both charming and intriguing
and a fine example of stunning songwriting and blinding bedroom
production. Slick!!!!!
FRED MOLLIN - FRIDAY THE 13TH - THE SERIES SOUNDTRACK - CRESCENDO - LP =
(GNPS8018)
Something for the horror friends here. The original sountrack
to the slightly more obscure offshoot television series of the
seminal horror film creation that was Friday the 13th. Full of
spacy effects, sad strings, supended orchestral action, and general
fright music. Worth for the great cover alone.=20
JONATHAN SHEFFER - IN A SHALLOW GRAVE - VARESE SARABANDE - LP =
(STV81359)
String and harpsichord dominated soundtrack to this strange looking
1988 film. Quite moody in places, and generally of the more quiet
variety, with a few tear jerking sadness tracks in between. Tears
almost rolling down my cheeks while writing this....=20
TEST ICICLES - BOA VS PYTHON - DOMINO - 7" (RUG205)
Well, i like to think i know a bit about what Domino (one of my
favourite labels) are putting out, but have to say i'm completely
ignorant on the subject of Test Icicles. Even after listening
to this, i'm not much the wiser and a little nonplussed. Kinda
sounded like a cross between The Darkness, The Cramps and Franz
Ferdinand. It's on headache-inducing green vinyl. I did all that
without making a joke about their name, too. Released Monday 1st
August although we can send it mailorder to arrive on Monday.
=20
TURIN BRAKES - OVER AND OVER - SOURCE - 7" (SOUR114)
Brand new single from Turin Brakes. Very much the sound we've
come to expect from them (country indie pop) but still perfectly
pleasant and summery. Certainly worth 99p, that's for sure.=20
New Releases (Vinyl): Funk / Jazz / Soul
MARVIN GAYE - I WANT YOU (DANNY K EDITS) - EDIT - 12" (EDIT03)
Three different edits of this beautiful Marvin Gaye song by the
very talented Mr Krivit. The a-side is possibly the best edit,
concentrating heavily on the breakdown, extending it with loving
care. The first b-side version edits out the breakdown altogether
and concentrates on the groove whilst the second version is entirely
instrumental. How Mr K managed that I'll never know. All in all
it's a wonderful song and these are wonderful edits. You'll need
two!!
New Releases (CD): Electronica
ANDREY KIRITCHENKO - TRUE DELUSION - SPEKK - CD (KK:006)
Restock. A slight departure from the usual ultra-minimal Spekk
sound here from Ukrainian Andrey Kiritchenko. Rather than using
digital fragmentation and reduced sound we get a full sounding
and strikingly beautiful series of eight tracks split into two
distinct halves. The first is concerned with the gentle processing
of acoustic guitars coupled with wonderfully dense background
sounds and hiss. All four tracks are gorgeous. The second half
uses piano as the basis for the constructions and, again, adds
a serious amount of background found-sounds to create layers and
layers of compelling noise. A genuinely lovely release from a
brilliant label. Of course, the artwork is absolutely sublime
as well. Highly recommended.
BEAR IN HEAVEN - TUNES NEXTDOOR TO SONGS - EASTERN DEVELOPMENTS - CD =
(EDM10CD)
An absolute torrent of new Eastern Developments releases this
week, which is a bit of pain as there really are some beauties
amongst them and one or two are bound to be neglected. This is
an absolute stunner, to be honest, and follows on perfectly from
the Lori Scacco album. A wonderful, melancholic 4-track EP (21
mins) again comparable to Lunz as well as Max Richter or that
piano-based Eluvium album of last year. Sigur Ros would also be
a legitimate comparison at times, likewise Hood, especially towards
the end. Very impressive.=20
BORIS HAUF - SOFT LEFT ONTO WESTLAND - MOSZ - CD (MOSZ008)
Boris Hauf's debut for Viennese label Mosz is a varied and extremely
good fun affair. It would seem that, as far as digital minimalism
goes, he's definitley not taking it too seriously and has managed
to imbue the whole CD with a perky and lively sense of humour.
Whether it's Raster Noton style clicks and sub-bass, harsh =
manipulations,
lush drones or even found sounds and field recordings, you get
the sense that he's enjoying every minute. Fans of the other output
on the label so far should investigate and if you like your =
electronics
minimal you should do the same. Great stuff that comes recommended.
BOVAFLUX - WHERE THERE WAS NOTHING - HIGHPOINT LOWLIFE - CD (HPLL013)
Highpoint Lowlife hit the spot here with a super CD album from
Electronica artist Bovaflux. Having put out tracks on compilations
and several MP3 Net.labels, it's good to see a long player making
its way onto the shelves. The sounds are at once familiar, =
comfortable
and very beautiful indeed. Laced with melody, lush chords and
clever rhythm programming it's something of a hybrid sound that
would sit very happily on the shelves of fans of Expanding and
Toytronic. That's not to say it's derivative, more that it has
an identifiable flava that's extremely pleasing to the ears. As
soon as I put it on I knew it was going to be good and, of you're
a fan of electronics in general or the aforementioned labels,
this is seriously worth checking out. recommended.
ELLIOT LIPP - ELLIOT LIPP - EASTERN DEVELOPMENTS - CD (EDM011CD)
Beats, soundtrack influenced instrumentals, samples galore. A
very 'Eastern Developements' type of album from young Mr Lipp.
Pleasureable enough and almost, although thankfully not quite,
coffetable. Get yer luggs round some Lipps.............
EXPOSURES, THE - LOST RECORDINGS 2000-2004 - EASTERN DEVELOPMENTS - CD =
(EDM12CD)
Compilation LP of this criminally underated trio from Berlin.
These guys have been writing music for film & television since
the 1980's. This is a rare collection of work that the trio composed
under the influence of fellow German, digital/sampling artist
Jan Jelinek. This really is a tremendous collection of modern
electronica and very worthy of you attention. Thankyou Eastern
Developements for unearthing this treasure for us............
EZEKIEL HONIG AND MORGAN PACKARD - EARLY MORNING MIGRATION - MICROCOSM =
- CD (MCOSM1009)
Microcosm is a label that we've been following very closely here
at Smallfish and this, for me, fulfills all the promise that we've
thus far seen. Label boss Ezekiel Honig has consistently been
putting out fabulous Techno and Electronica releases on a number
of labels and the sheer depth, simplicity and warmth of his sound
is simply a joy to listen to. Subtle 4/4's have been his trademark
so far so it's interesting to see him put his sound into a more
ambient and textural persepctive. With help from Morgan Packard
(weho actually provides half of the tracks on the CD) he's created
a dense, lovingly crafted and gentle selection that is melodic
without ever being obvious. Muted soundscapes and rhythmic pulses
sit underneath the tracks and the luscious layers that lie on
top of everything are quite divine. Everything you would or could
want from a piece of ambient Electronica. Highly, highly =
recommended.
FENTON (SHUTTLE358) - PUP - PLOP - CD (PLIP-3014)
What can you say about a new album from such a heavily respected
and loved artist as Dan Abrams aka Shuttle358? To discover that
this exquisite gem of a release had landed on our doorstep today
after being unsure as to quite how we'd get hold of it was a moment
to treasure. And here for your listening pleasure is, conceivably,
the highest point so far achieved in the field of Electronica
and organic, guitar based music. Dan has put together a sparkling
collection of gentle, lilting and achingly beautiful tracks that
will do their absolute utmost to soothe and enchant you with =
beautifully
picked and played melodies. Couple that with the sort of deft
manipulations that have made him the figure he is within the sphere
of this sort of minimal music and you have a shining, shimmering
example of exactly how to do it. A very special album indeed and
one that we're incredibly proud to be able to offer you. You simply
have to check this out! Highly, highly recommended.
FOURCOLOR - WATER MIRROR - APESTAARTJE - CD (STAARTJE016)
RESTOCK. FOLLOWING ON FROM THE RECENT ALBUM RELEASE ON 12K COMES
THIS ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL SEVEN TRACK CD FOR THE EXCELLENT =
APESTAARTJE
IMPRINT. FONICA'S KEIICHI SUGIMOTO'S SOLO PROJECT IS A DELIGHTFULLY
MELODIC AND MEANDERING SELECTION OF BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED ELECTRONICA
WITH GENTLE DRIFTS OF SOUND FORMING THE MAIN PART OF THE TRACKS.
INTRICATELY WOVEN INTO THE MIX ARE OCCASIONAL MOMENTS OF CLICK,
HISS AND HUM ALONG WITH GORGEOUSLY DENSE LAYERS OF TEXTURE. THE
LAST TRACK IS A TWENTY TWO MINUTE PIECE RECORDED FOR A FILM BY
JUN MIYAZAKI AND TRUE TO THE IDEA IT'S A MAGNIFICENTLY SUBTLE
PIECE OF FILMIC MUSIC. THIS ONE IS HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
GUSTAV - RETTET DIE WALE - MOSZ - CD (MOSZ005)
RESTOCK. FIFTH RELEASE FROM THE VIENNESE MOSZ IMPRINT (RUN BY
ONE OF THE GUYS FROM RADIAN UNLESS I'M VERY MUCH MISTAKEN). THIS
IS A WONDERFUL AND BEAUTIFUL ALBUM OF INNOCENT AND PLAYFUL =
ELECTRONICA
THAT CONCENTRATES ON A VOCAL STYLE WITH EVA 'GUSTAV' JANTSCHITSCH
PROVIDING THE VOICE AND THE MUSIC. COMES ACROSS LIKE A CROSS BETWEEN
LALI PUNA, BJORK AND AGF AND AS SUCH IS AN INTRIGUING CD THAT'S
FULL OF WARMTH AND LUSHNESS. LOW-KEY, SLIGHTLY GLITCHY SOUNDS
FORM THE BASIS AND IT'S A DEFINITE WINNER. WELL WORTH CHECKING
OUT.
HORACIO POLLARD - THE OWL ALBUM - NEIGH%MUSIC - CD (????)
Home-made CDR laptoptronica shenanigans a go-go, and a full-length
16-track album to boot. Frantic, Red Bull-fuelled broken noise
and electronics to be filed next to the likes of Squarepusher,
Planet Mu and Tigerbeat. I'm not sure what the owl obsession is
all about, maybe this will reveal itself after repeated listens.
Perhaps it's cos it's such a hoot (right, this is your final =
warning...
- Ed)!=20
JOHN HUDAK - ROOM WITH SKY - SPEKK - CD (KK:003)
Restock. Third release from this little-known but wonderful Japanese
label run by Hefty's Mondii. John Hudak is an audio artist from
New York and this CD is a wonderful, beautiful piece of work.
Taking an hour-long recorded stream of consciousness whilst in
his apartment overlooking the Hudson river in N.Y. the work was
then processed with a series of computer manipulations and turned
into an icily fragile, gorgeously delicate electronic piece. It
flows with a simple series of notes which create a summery, ethereal
sound that really conjures up images of a sunny afternoon. Quite
simply brilliant, this one is highly recommended for fans of 12k,
L-ne or Raster Noton. Awesome.
KAPITAL BAND 1 - 2CD - MOSZ - CD (MOSZ001)
RESTOCK. THIS IS THE FIRST RELEASE FROM VIENNESE LABEL MOSZ AND
IT'S VERY INTERESTING FOR TWO REASONS. THE FIRST IS THAT MUSICALLY
IT'S ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT! ELEVEN TRACKS OF TREATED DRUMS AND
PERCUSSION THAT, FROM THE CONCEPT, SOUNDS COOL, BUT DOESN'T =
NCESSARILY
MAKE FOR GOOD REPEATED LISTENING. HOEVER, THE WAY IT'S BEEN DONE
IS MAGNIFICENT. THE DRUMS ARE ALWAYS EVER PRESENT IN THE MIX,
BUT THE PROCESSING THAT'S BEEN UTILISED GIVES IT A WONDRFULLY
DENSE AND SURPRISINGLY MELODIC SOUND. SO, YOU GET TEXTURES A LA
GAS, ELECTROSTATIC SOUNDS A LA RASTER NOTON, AND A GENEROUS AMOUNT
OF SUBTLE MELODY TO BOOT. DELICIOUS AND VERY SATISFYING. THE SECOND
REASON IS THAT YOU A CD COVER THAT CAN BE CUT IN HALF TO MAKE
A NEW ONE AND EVEN A PRE-PRINTED CDR SO YOU CAN MAKE ANOTHER COPY
OF THE CD AND PRESUMABLY GIVE IT TO SOMEONE AS A GIFT! VERY =
INVENTIVE
AND YET ANOTHER NICE TOUCH ON A CD THAT'S ALREADY PACKED FULL
OF GOODNESS. RECOMMENDED.
KSCHZT - THE EARTH'S HUM - BLASE - CD (BLA007CD)
Restock. Coming from the man that brought us the wonderful MD
albums on Merck as well as the superb previous single on Blase,
it's no surprise to find that Jakko's almost unpronouncable Kschzt
full length is a beauty. Mixing up a whole slew of electronic
styles from pacey electronica to Detroit influenced Tech sounds
via some wonderfully abstract moments and quality breakbeat based
tracks, this is a joy from beginning to end and features some
incredibly detailed programming and production that really fits
the overall feel. Mature, engaging and interesting throughout,
this is yet another string in Blase's bow and a super moment for
Kschzt. Definitely recommended.
LEB LAZE - PRESSURE EP - EASTERN DEVELOPMENTS - CD (EDM9CD)
I dunno, you wait an eternity for a new Eastern Developments release
and suddenly five come along at once. Featuring fellow ED signing
Ahmad Szabo, this five-track EP is a solid slab of electronic
/ leftfield instrumental hip hop very much in the style we've
come to know and love over the years, ie. organic, melodic, musical.
If you're a Prefuse fan, you'll obviously want to check this out.
=20
MARTIN SIEWERT - NO NEED TO BE LONESOME - MOSZ - CD (MOSZ002)
RESTOCK. A GREAT PROJECT FROM MARTIN SIEWERT ON THIS EXCELLENT
VIENNESE LABEL THAT SEES CONTRIBUTIONS FROM SUCH LUMINARIES AS
PATRICK PULSINGER AND WERNER DAFELDECKER. FIVE TRACKS THAT =
CONTINUALLY
CONFOUND EXPECTATIONS BY BEING A HEADY MIXTURE OF LUSH ELECTRONICS,
EXPERIMENTAL DRONES, RASTER NOTON STYLE ELECTROSTATIC SOUNDS AND
RHYTHMS PLUS SOME MORE TRADITIONAL DRUM MACHINE WORK. VASTLY =
ENGAGING
AND FULL OF CHARACTER, THIS ONE IS DEFINITELY RECOMMENDED FOR
FANS OF HIS OTHER WORK, PLUS EABSTRACT ELECTRONICS IN GENERAL.
METALYCEE - ANOTHER WHITE ALBUM - MOSZ - CD (MOSZ004)
RESTOCK. A SLIGHTLY SCHIZOPHRENIC OFFERING FROM THOSE NICE PEOPLE
AT MOSZ IN VIENNA. THIS OOZES CHARACTER WITH ITS ODDBALL BLEND
OF GAS STYLE DRONE TRACKS, SCRUNCHED UP ELECTRONIC WORK AND FULL
ON PSYCHEDELIC PROG AND KRAUTROCK TRACKS. EACH CUT IS A MINI VOYAGE
THROUGH ENGAGING SOUND DESIGN AND, ON REPEATED LISTENINGS, OFFERS
MORE AND MORE EACH TIME. STRANGE, TO BE SURE, BUT VERY REWARDING
INDEED. CHECK.
MOUNTAINS - MOUNTAINS - APESTAARTJE - CD (STAARTJE018)
RESTOCK. I'VE BEEN RANTING ON ABOUT APESTAARTJE FOR SOME TIME
AND IT'S INCREDIBLY NICE TO FINALLY GET THIS MOST RECENT RELEASE.
A COLLABORATION BETWEEN BRENDON ANDEREGG AND LABEL OWNER KOEN
HOLTKAMP (OTHERWISE KNOWN AS AERO), IT CONCERNS ITSELF WITH THE
COMBINING OF ACOUSTIC, LIVE INFLUENCES AND A MORE ELECTRONIC,
EXPERIMENTAL FEEL. FOUR PIECES OF WORK WHICH ARE DOMINATED BY
A TRULY WONDROUS SENSE OF SPACE AND MELODY PLUS SUBTLE LAYERS
OF SOUND AND SKILLFUL INSTRUMENTATION. SIMPLY PUT, IF YOU'RE A
FAN OF 12K, SPEKK, PLOP, LIST OR THE OTHER APESTAARTJE RELEASES
(AND I KNOW I AM) YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST CHECK THIS DELIGHTFUL ALBUM
OUT.
PERCEVALMUSIC - VIESCOLAIRE - EFFERVESCENCE - CD (FRVSENS07CD)
Really bizarre but hypnotic stuff which combines / alternates
chopped-up strings, harpischord and classical motifs with a harsher,
instrumental (post) rock sound, in a really lo-fi, rough 'n' ready
way. Whether clanging drums and abrasive guitars rubbing shoulders
with laptop-treated strings quartets sounds like your idea of
fun or not, this is certainly unique and quite unlike anything
else around at the moment.=20
SEBASTIEN ROUX - PILLOW - APESTAARTJE - CD (STAARTJE017)
RESTOCK. APESTAARTJE IS GOING TO START GETTING SOME SERIOUS =
RECOGNITION
SOON AND IF IT CARRIES ON WITH RELEASES OF THIS CALIBRE IT'LL
SOON BE UP THERE WITH THE LIKES OF 12K AND LINE, IF IT ISN'T =
ALREADY!
THE INCREDIBLY TALENTED SOMETIME 12K ARTIST SEBASTIEN ROUX HAS
CRAFTED A LOVELY CD THAT SIMPLY FLIES BY WHEN YOU'RE LISTENING
TO IT. DEEP TEXTURES, CLEVER USE OF HIGH FREQUENCIES THAT PUNCTUATE
THE SOUNDS AND A LOVINGLY PUT TOGETHER PALETTE OF SOUNDS ARE HIS
TRADEMARKS, AND THIS CD DELIVERS ALL OF THAT IN BUCKETLOADS. YOU
SIMPLY HAVE TO CHECK THIS OUT IF YOU'RE INTO RASTER, 12K OR LINE.
BRILLIANT AND HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
STUNTMAN5 - MELTED PLASTIC FAKE - EFFERVESCENCE - CD (FRVSENS10CD)
Definitely one that will appeal to fans of Anticon's recent output,
as it really has a slight Odd Nosdam / Dosh / Clouddead / Why?
flava, ie. off-kilter MBV-esque guitars, lo-fi electronics and
left-of-centre rhymes delivered in that dry, effortless, =
off-the-cuff
but poetic way. Watch this space.=20
VARIOUS - KALK SEEDS - KARAOKE KALK - CD (KALK30CD)
The organic, heartwarming, melodic sound of Karaoke Kalk gets
showcased to perfection across this full-length sampler CD. Many
a previously unreleased track to be had from the likes of Roman,
Hausmeister, Sora & Wechsel Garland, Hauschka, Tagaki Masakatsu,
Kandis, Le Rok, Donna Regina, Takeo Toyama Trio etc plus album
tracks from Toog, Pascal Schafer, Marz and Kuchen Meets Mapstation,
and a new QuickTime movie from Pluramon. Chilled and often quite
beautiful, this is a great way of getting into a great label.
Restocks (CD): Electronica
DAEDELUS - OF SNOWDONIA - PLUG RESEARCH - CD (PR44CD)
YES! YES! EASILY ONE OF MY EARLY CONTENDERS FOR ALBUM OF THE YEAR.
DAEDELUS IS JUST ON FIRE AT THE MOMENT AND THIS ALBUM PROVES YET
AGAIN THAT HE'S A MAJOR FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH. STUNNINGLY
MAD SAMPLE DRIVEN MUSIC THAT TAKES ON JAZZ, HIP HOP, BEATS, =
ELECTRONICA
AND SO MUCH MORE. CHOPPED UP, OFFBEAT, OFFKILTER, ODDBALL STUFF
WITH THE KIND OF LOOSE, FLOWING FEEL THAT SOUNDS SO FRESH COMPARED
TO THE GENERALLY TIGHT ELECTRONIC THAT DOMINATES. JUST AN ESSENTIAL
PIECE OF WORK THAT YOU HAVE TO CHECK OUT. BRILLIANT.
DAVID LAST - PUSH PULL - AGRICULTURE - CD (AG039CD)
BIT OF GENRE BUSTER, THIS. QUIRKY, ALL-ENCOMPASSING ELECTRONICS
WITH A DEFINITE JAPANESE FLAVOUR TO PROCEEDINGS. EVERYTHING FROM
CUT-UP WEST LONDON TO DOWNTEMPO TO CUTE ELECTRONICA GOING ON HERE
- THINK NOBUKAZU TAKEMURA MEETS PLAID MEETS ATOM HEART WITH MAYBE
A HINT OF TZADIK.
DJ OLIVE - BODEGA - AGRICULTURE - CD (AG026CD)
A COLLAGE OF 18 CUTS OF CHOPPED ELECTRONICS AND SAMPLES WITH SO
MUCH GOING ON IN EACH TRACK. A REAL MASS OF LAYERED SOUNDS WHICH
ARE CONSTENTLY EVOLVING. TAKE THE JOURNEY AND HAVE A LISTEN......
EXPERIMENTAL AUDIO RESEARCH - WORN TO A SHADOW - LUMBERTON TRADING =
COMPANY - CD (LUMB001)
FOUR TRACKS TRANSLATES INTO OVER 50 MINUTES OF MUSIC. THEY REALLY
DO DO WHAT THEIR NAME SUGGESTS - THIS IS EXPERIMENTAL AUDIO.=20
OFTEN RATHER BEAUTIFUL, OFTEN DARK AND FOREBODING AND OFTEN =
SOMETHING
THAT MIGHT BELONG IN A "NEW-AGE" SETTING. IT WORKS THOUGH, AND
ALTHOUGH YOU MIGHT GET INTO TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION IN PASSING,
IT IS ACTUALLY VERY LISTENABLE.
JULIEN NETO - LE FUMEUR DE CIEL - TYPE - CD (TYPE006)
MELANCHOLY RULES ON THIS SPLENDID RELEASE FROM THE UK'S FOREMOST
ELECTRONICA IMPRINT. I DON'T WANT TO HARP ON ABOUT HOW GOOD THE
LABEL IS, BUT WITH THIS RELEASE THEY'VE PROVIDED ANOTHER INTIMATE
GLIMPSE INTO THE WORLD OF ELECTRONIC / ORGANIC MUSIC. JULIEN NETO'S
DEBUT IS, SIMPLY PUT, A WONDERFULLY SOOTHING, INCREDIBLY DETAILED
JOURNEY THROUGH AMBIENT ATMOSPHERICS. GENTLY LILTING TONES ARE
LAYERED OVER SUBLIME CHORD STRUCTURES AND, YES, THERE IS A SLIGHTLY
CLASSICAL FEEL HERE, BUT IT'S VERY SUBTLE. MOSTLY BEATLESS, IT
IS AN ALBUM OF EBBS AND FLOWS THAT DRIFTS DREAMILY THROUGH YOUR
SPACE NEVER QUITE LETTING GO. AT TIMES IT COULD EASILY BE THE
SOUNDTRACK TO YOUR FAVOURITE SCI-FI FILM, AT OTHERS THE BACKING
MUSIC FOR A TRIP TO THE COUNTRY. QUITE RIGHTLY HAILED AS A BRILLIANT
PIECE OF WORK, THIS COMES HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
LALI PUNA - I THOUGHT I WAS OVER THAT - RARE, REMIXED AND B-SI - MORR =
MUSIC - 2xCD (MORR056CD)
NICELY DOUBLE CD PACKAGE OF LOTS OF GREAT LALI PUNA B-SIDES, =
RARITIES
AND REMIXES. NINETEEN TRACKS TO GET YOUR TEETH INTO AND PLENTY
OF NICE TRACKS THAT RANGE FROM THEIR OWN VERSIONS OF OTHER PEOPLE
TO OTHER ARTISTS REMIXING THEM. TO ROCOCO ROT, BOMB THE BASS,
ALIAS, TWO LONE SWORDSMEN, BOOM BIP, FLOWCHART AND SIXTOO ARE
JUST SOME OF THE ARTISTS ON HERE AND IF YOU ADD THAT TO THE RARITIES
THAT ARE ALSO INCLUDED YOU'VE GOT A GREAT PACKAGE.
LUCKY PIERRE - TOUCHPOOL - MELODIC - CD (MELO27CD)
THE FIRST TRULY ESSENTIAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR? YES, I THINK SO.
THIS IS A TRULY WONDERFUL PIECE OF WORK FROM AIDAN MOFFAT, USING
A BROAD ARRAY OF DELIGHTFUL SAMPLES TO CREATE A WARM, ATMOSPHERIC
SOUNDTRACK TO ALL MANNER OF LATE NIGHT ACTIVITIES, I DARE SAY.
EMOTIVE AND FULL OF LIFE AND DETAIL, THIS IS QUITE GENUINELY AN
ABSOLUTE MUST IN ANYONE'S LIFE. I'M SERIOUS - BUY IT!
MARKUS GUENTNER - 1981 - KOMPAKT - CD (KOMCD39)
ABSOLUTELY LUSH ALBUM FROM ONE OF THE POP AMBIENT SERIES' STALWART
PRODUCERS. IF YOU WANT SWATHES OF LAYERED CHORDS AND GENTLE TOUCHES
OF MELODY ALONG WITH SUBTLE, DUBBY 4/4 BEATS, LOOK NO FURTHER.
THERE IS ONE MORE UPBEAT SCHAFFEL TRACK ON HERE AS WELL WHICH
STICKS OUT A BIT, BUT GENERALLY THIS IS PURE ELECTRONIC BLISS.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
NETTLE - FIRECAMP STORIES REMIXED - AGRICULTURE - CD (AG019CD)
A RIGHT MIXED BAG ON THIS ALBUM OF REMIXES. STARTING WITH =
ELECTRONIC
ARABIC HIP HOP BY NETTLE HIMSELF, THINGS MOVE INTO MORE ABSTRACT
TERRITORY (NOISY AT TIMES, GLITCHY AND MINIMAL AT OTHERS) WITH
MIXES FROM THE LIKES OF DJ RUPTURE, HRVATSKI, DONNA SUMMER, =
TIMEBLIND
AND LOTS OF OTHERS. OCCASIONALLY THINGS GET MIDDLE EASTERN AGAIN
- THE STAND OUT TRACKS FOR ME. SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE - GOOD WITH
IT TOO.
NETTLE - BUILD A FORT, SET THAT ON FIRE - AGRICULTURE - CD (AG016CD)
VENETIAN SNARES, SPEEDRANCH, BOMB 20, ALEC EMPIRE, KID 606, DAVID
JACOBS - IF YOU'RE A FAN OF ANY OF THESE, YOU'LL FIND MUCH TO
ENJOY HERE. INCLUDES A REMIX FROM DJ SCUD & A BONUS TRACK BY ESP.
ROUGH & READY, THE WAY WE LIKE IT! BTW - NETTLE IS DJ RUPTURE
OF TIGERBEAT FAME.
RJ VALEO - SEPTEMBER - TYPE - CD (TYPECD001)
I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS FOR A WHILE! THE HOTLY TIPPED NEW LABEL
TYPE DELIVERS IT'S FIRST RELEASE AND IT'S AN ABSOLUTE SMASHER.RJ
VALEO'S DEBUT ON HOBBY INDUSTRIES WAS A SUPERB PIECE OF WORK AND
THIS BETTERS IT IN MY OPINION. A FULL EIGHT TRACK ALBUM OF SOME
OF THE MOST DELECTABLY ATMOSPHERIC ELECTRONICA AROUND. TAKING
CUES FROM LABELS SUCH AS SCAPE AND ARTISTS SUCH AS DUB TRACTOR,
THIS ALBUM HAS SOME LUSH, ICY COLD SOUNDING TEXTURES AND CHORDS
COUPLED WITH SUBTLE, DOWNBEAT RHYTHMIC STRUCTURES THAT SIT HAPPILY
IN A SEMI GLITCH KIND OF STYLE. CONVERSELY, THERE ARE A COUPLE
OF MORE UPBEAT TRACKS WITH QUALITY BEATS AND A MORE LIVELY SOUND
TO THE MELODIES WHICH COMPLEMENTS THE OTHER HAUNTING TRACKS =
PERFECTLY.
AN OUTSTANDING FIRST RELEASE FOR TYPE AND A BRILLIANT PIECE OF
WORK FROM RJ VALEO. LETS HOPE THEY CAN KEEP IT UP. RESPECT.
VARIOUS - POP AMBIENT 2005 - KOMPAKT - CD (KOMCD37)
THIS YEARS INSTALLMENT OF THE WONDEROUS POP AMBIENT SERIES IS
AN ABSOLUTE WHIRLPOOL OF BLISS. 12 TRACKS OF THE MOST DELIGHTFULLY
ATMOSPHERIC AMBIENT ELECTRONICA FROM SUCH HOUSEHOLD NAMES AS (WELL,
THEY'RE HOUSEHOLD NAMES AROUND MY HOUSEHOLD ANYWAY!) THE ORB,
GAS, TRIOLA, KLIMEK, ANDREW THOMAS, ULF LOHMANN, THOMAS FEHLMANN,
DJ KOZE, PETER GRUMMICH, POPNONAME AND PASS INTO SILENCE. TEXTURAL
HEAVEN. ESSENTIAL.
VARIOUS - BBQ BEETS.2 RETURN OF THE YAMS - AGRICULTURE - CD (AG031CD)
BUDGET PRICE ROUND-UP OF AGRICULTURE TRACKS, AND WHAT A FINE =
SELECTION
IT IS. NINETEEN CUTS ALTOGETHER FROM THE LIKES OF DJ WALLY, DJ
OLIVE, DAVID LAST, NETTLE, LLOOP AND MORE. BEAT ORIENTATED AT
ALL TIMES, BE IT HARD AND DEEP OR FUNKY AND CRUNCHY. ORGANIC SOUNDS
PLAY THROUGHOUT WITH ELECTRONICA BACKING IT ALL UP VERY NICELY.
A SOLID PACKAGE REGARDLESS OF WHETHER YOU KNOW THE LABEL OR NOT.
New Releases (CD): Techno / Electro
DAVE MILLER - MITCHELLS RACCOLTA - BACKGROUND - CD (BG045CD)
Firstly, apologies to both Dave Miller and our customers for the
lengthy delay on us getting this in so late. There are no excuses
I'm afraid. so I shall continue on with the review. Dave's earlier
work on Background was slowly but surely moving into more textural
territory. The glitched-out funk of his 12"s was firmly in the
Techno camp but always with a lighter and more sculptural feel.
This album takes that approach to a new level with its wonderfully
deep chords and sounds coupled with a jazzy lick (in a Scape-ish
sort of way) to some of the beautifully intricate percussion.
There are some more groove based tracks as well to counterpoint
the more downbeat moments and as a whole it's an extremely well
thought out and put together piece of work. Warm, atmopsheric
and highly recommended.=20
KHAN AND WALKER - RADIOWAVES - HARVEST - CD (8365002)
Anything that sees Khan and Dr. Walker working together is going
to be good... and this doesn't disappoint in any way at all. Hailing
from 1995 this has all the hallmarks of an Air Liquide / Blue
/ XXC3 release (not surprisingly, I suppose) with its intense
analogue sounds and programming, totally original Techno / Electro
beats and loads of squidgy acidic moments. Couple that with a
couple of surprisingly hardcore experimental moments and you've
got an album to savour. Super stuff that even after 10 years stands
proud and tall amongst the plethora of Electronica that's out
there.
VARIOUS - IN TECHNICOLOR - HARVEST - CD (8215392)
Harvest continued the work that the Air Liquide guys started with
labels such as Blue, XXC3, Temple and Electro Bunker Cologne by
signing up the same artists and allowing them to carry on what
they were doing pretty much inobstructed. Hence, you get a superb
compilation that's full of late '90's Techno / Electronica that
features the likes of Burger/Ink, The Modernist, Air Liquide =
themselves,
Khan, Dr. Walker, Kron, The Bionaut and loads more. A wonderfully
diverse and comprehensive collection of music from a very special
era. Quality.
VARIOUS - LIQUID SKY COLOGNE - VOLUME THREE - ELECTRO BUNKER COLOGNE - =
CD (EBCCD003)
Subtitled 'M.A.F.I.A. Electronique', this third volume of the
Liquid Sky series featuring Cologne's finest features no =
track-listing,
but a whole series of live recordings of Dr. Walker, The Bionaut,
Peta, Kandis and M. Flux. Awesome, acidic Techno sounds from an
era that still absolutely does it for me. Anything to do with
the Air Liquide crew is pretty much guaranteed to float my boat...
see if it does yours!
VARIOUS - LIQUID SKY COLOGNE - VOLUME TWO - ELECTRO BUNKER COLOGNE - =
CD (EBCCD002)
Second volume of the Liquid Sky compilation series comes from
a similar group of Air Liquide related artists. Live recordings
of Frank Heiss, Dr. Walker, Strobocop, Mike Stone, 2 Live And
Die In Cologne (good name!) and various others. Acid tinged tracks
that, quite simply, rock! Techno fo the highest order from a golden
age.=20
VARIOUS - LIQUID SKY COLOGNE - VOLUME ONE - ELECTRO BUNKER COLOGNE - =
CD (EBCCD001)
Electro Bunker Cologne's first Liquid Sky compilation features
some absolute mid to late '90's gems from the Air Liquide crew
and friends. There are some amazing tracks on here courtesy of
Dr. Walker, Pierrot Premier, J. Burger, Strobocop and Frnak Heiss.
They take the form of mini selections of tracks that were recorded
live. Stunning Cologne Techno that really is from a truly classic
era.
VARIOUS - TEMPLE RECORDS - VOLUME ONE - TEMPLE - CD (TEMPLECD001)
Whooah there! A storming compilation of tracks from the Temple
catalogue. Run by Air Liquide's Khan, Temple put out some fantastic
Cologne Techno and Electronica records with an American twist
(as Khan ran it from New York). There are some real gems on here
and the uncompromising music comes from Madonna 303, Black One,
Jammin' Unit, Bizz O.D., Khan himself, Cube 40 and Gizz T.V. A
stunning mixture of Techno and breaks and acid and loads of other
nice things. I'm not wearing rose-tinted specs when I say that
this is brilliant stuff!
VARIOUS - TEMPLE OF ELECTRONICA - THE OCEAN BLUE JAM-SESSION - TEMPLE =
- CD (TEMPLECD002)
The second volume of music from Temple actually includes tracks
from XXC3 as well as Temple. When you consider the quality of
the sounds on here from artists such as Khan & Walker (with the
awesome 'Empire State Building'), X-911 ('Oxygen'... stunning),
Pierrot Premier, Thomas Thorn & Walker, Electric Indigo and =
Soulslinger
it's fairly clear that this is a fabulous document of a sound
that is still very relevant today. Cologne style in the best =
possible
way... Techno, Acid and Electronica. Brilliant.
Restocks (CD): Techno / Electro
808 STATE - NEWBUILD - REPHLEX - CD (CAT080CD)
RECORDED IN 1988, REISSUED BY REPHLEX BACK IN 1999, REPROMOTED
IN 2004 FOLLOWING THE SUCCESS OF PREBUILD (I PRESUME?). 808 STATE'S
PROPER DEBUT ALBUM IS AN ACID MASTERCLASS WHICH INCLUDES THE =
STUNNING
ORIGINAL OF "FLOW COMA" (ONE OF THE TWO REMIXES BY AFX A FEW YEARS
BACK), PLUS SIX EQUALLY AWE-INSPIRING, RUMP SHAKING TUNES FROM
THE VAULTS. BRING ON THE 303 (AS MIKE QUITE RIGHTLY JUST DEMANDED)!
ALTER EGO - TRANSPHORMER - KLANG - CD (KLANGCD11)
HERE IT IS THEN. THE HOTLY TOUTED ALTER EGO ALBUM IS A PURE =
DANCEFLOOR
FRENZY OF BLISTERING TECHNO GROOVES THE LIKE OF WHICH I'VE NOT
HEARD FOR SOME TIME. NO CONCESSIONS TO ANYTHING BUT MAKING YOU
MOVE WITH A SELECTION OF MONSTROUS CLUB TRACKS THAT SHOULD BE
SMASHING IT ALL OVER THE PLACE IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE. QUITE
SIMPLY A MASSIVE ALBUM. RECOMMENDED.
ANDREA PARKER - NOBODY'S PERFECT - TOUCHIN' BASS - CD (TB012CD)
21 TRACK MIX CD FROM THE DECKS (OR COMPUTER) OF ANDREA PARKER
WHICH IS A GREAT ROUND-UP OF THE FIRST TEN RELEASES ON HER OWN
TOUCHIN' BASS LABEL. CUTS FROM DJ GODFATHER, ADJ, CHAOTIC STATE,
SYNC 24, EGGFOOYOUNG, HYDRAULIX, CULTEK AND ANDREA HERSELF DELIVER
A HIGH OCTANE DOSE OF DANCEFLOOR ELECTRO PLEASURE. A BARGAIN!
DB - PERON - BACKGROUND - CD (BG040CD)
I ALWAYS LOOK FORWARD TO BACKGROUND ALBUMS BECAUSE THERE'S ALWAYS
A DELICATE BALANCE OF OFFBEAT, OBSCURE ELECTRONICA COUPLED WITH
A DEEP SEATED GROOVE THAT'LL DO IT ON THE FLOOR. THIS IS NO =
DIFFERENT
AND IT CREATES A LOVELY HYBRID OF DELICATELY PRODUCED AND FRAGILE
MINIMALISM MIXED WITH A MORE SUBSTANTIAL, FLOOR BASED SOUND. SOUND
DESIGN IS EXCELLENT AND THE MOSTLY 4/4 BASED TRACKS ARE BEAUTIFULLY
PUT TOGETHER. A WINNING COMBINATION THEN AND HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
VARIOUS - 2RABIMMEL 2RABAMMEL 2RABUM 2BUM BUM - AREAL - CD (AREALCD04)
Areal present the '2Rabimmel' album for your listening pleasure.
Featuring the more wayward, off-kilter side of their sound (as
if they weren't oddball enough already!) it's got cuts from the
usual suspects including Basteroid, Metope, Ada, Konfekt, Remute,
Roan and Imogen and is a very convincing selection of tunes to
make you rock on the dancefloor. Tough, dirty, really nicely =
produced
sounds as you'd expect from such a quality label. The CD version
also includes the four tracks from the previous 12".=20
VARIOUS - ELEKTRONISCHE MUSIK - INTERKONTINENTAL 4 - TRAUM - CD =
(TRAUMCD17)
HUGELY IMPRESSIVE FOURTH INSTALLMENT OF THIS FIRMLY ESTABLISHED
SERIES THAT SEES THE LIKES OF OLIVER HACKE, PETER SCHUMANN, =
SWAT-SQUAD,
NATHAN FAKE, TERRAE, DOMINK EULBERG, JESSE SOMFAY, STEVE BARNES
& RILEY REINHOLD, OFF POP AND POPNEBO ALL DELIVERING SUPERBLY
WICKED TECHNO TRACKS. TAKE MY WORD FOR IT... THIS IS BRILLIANT
STUFF AND COMES HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
VEX'D - DEGENERATE - PLANET MU - 2xCD (ZIQ115CD)
This strikes me as a potential landmark release. This storming
album from Vex'd is a seriously potent and full-on cocktail of
grime, dubstep, bleep techno, twisted D&B, old skool jungle and
electronica that old Aphex fans will be able to relate to as much
as the grimeheads and dubstep kids. Surely the most important
grime release to date, seeing as it moves the whole genre on several
stages. Check this out immediately. This initial pressing of the
CD version comes with a special limited edition 6-track CD of
Vex'd earlier singles on Subtext, Planet Mu and Destructive, making
this even more essential.=20
New Releases (CD): House
RECLOOSE - HIATUS ON THE HORIZON - PEACEFROG - CD (PFG064CDUK)
Recloose go all soulful on us. Reminds one a little of Amp Fiddler,
only this is more club-orientated. Fans of his earlier material
might be a little alienated by this, but the production is tight
and upfront. Is bound to do well. Released Monday 1st August =
although
we can send it mailorder to arrive on Monday.=20
New Releases (CD): Eclectic Beats
TREVA WHATEVA - MUSICS MADE OF MEMORIES - NINJA TUNE - CD (ZENCD106)
What's the deal with Treva Whateva? I mean, who is he? What's
the point of it all? Whilst there's nothing particularly bad about
what he does, you have to say it all sounds a little dated. Ninja
are a weird old label... either their releases are absolutely
cutting-edge or sound like stuff they were releasing a decade
ago! Jazzy, breaky, loungy, funky, kitchy, eclecticy it is then!
Released Monday 1st August although we can send it mailorder to
arrive on Monday.=20
Restocks (CD): Eclectic Beats
VARIOUS - BARBECUE BEETS - AGRICULTURE - CD (AG007CD)
TWENTY ONE TRACK CD FROM AN ARRAY OF ARTISTS INCLUDING DJ WALLY,
DJ OLIVE AND OTHERS. CHILLED BREAK BEATS COMBINE WITH LAID BACK
CITY SOUNDS. SOMETIMES FUNKY, SOMETIMES CHILLED - SOMETHING FOR
THOSE LAZY SUNDAY AFTERNOON BARBECUES!
New Releases (CD): Guitar Based
BLINDFOLD - BLINDFOLD - RESONANT - CD (RESCD013)
I hope Resonant are getting a grant from the Icelandic government,
as they're really doing a stern job unearthing talent from that
part of the world. Not so much post rock as post-tronica, perhaps...
this is uncontrived, affecting music which despite its textural
/ soundscape qualities is still firmly rooted in the songwriting
camp. Washes of etheriel guitars and atmospherics remind one of
(particularly) Dub Tractor, Ulrich Schnauss, Slowdive, Sigur Ros,
Port Royal and Stafraenn Hakon. Superb. Released Monday 1st August
although we can send it mailorder to arrive on Monday.=20
CAN - UNLIMITED EDITION (REMASTER) - MUTE - CD (SPOONSA2324)
Several months before the release of their 'official' album of
1974 ("Soon Over Babaluma"), an LP entitled "Limited Edition"
was issued in a short run by United Artists, consisting of 13
unreleased, rough edged, occasionally flawed chunks of songs every
bit as great as their more familiar material. By 1976, Can had
signed to Virgin, who reissued this LP with six additional tracks,
hence "Unlimited Edition". Not surprisingly, this fully remastered
SACD edition sounds as vital now as ever.=20
CAN - SOON AFTER BABALUMA (REMASTER) - MUTE - CD (SPOONSA10)
Although something like their 6th album (recorded in the summer
of 1974), this album in some ways marked the debut of essential
Can with the classic line-up of Schmidt, Czukay, Liebezeit and
Karoli (Suzuki having recently left in order to marry and become
a Jehovah's Witness). This rebirth saw the beginning of (what's
described here as) their "mystery dance and zero-gravity =
expeditions"!
Definitely landmark.=20
CAN - LANDED (REMASTER) - MUTE - CD (SPOONSA25)
Can's 7th album (from 1975) was their second (I think) after Damo
Suzuki left, seeing a return to the original line-up (albeit minus
vocalist Malcolm Mooney). You'll notice the technological =
advancement;
this was also their first 16-track recording. A progression of
sorts but still instantly identifiable as Can. As ever, they remain
hard to beat.=20
CAN - FUTURE DAYS (REMASTER) - MUTE - CD (SPOONSA9)
What a classic this is. Generally regarded as one of Can's finest
(not to mention most accessible) albums, this SACD remaster =
(compatible
with CD and SACD players alike) is an essential purchase to both
passing admirers and committed fans alike. Tremendous stuff that
still sounds incredibly contemporary considering it was released
in 1973 - shows how ahead of their time they were.=20
ET SANS - PAR NOUSSSS TOUSS LES TROUS DE VOS CRANES! - ALIEN 8 - CD =
(ALE52D)
According to Babelfish (which is always entertaining), the title
translates (when you remove the superfluous S's) as "By us all
holes of your craniums", which although makes little sense does
sound like a Godspeed-related album title (which this project
is, featuring interchangable-as-they-are members of Le Fly Pan
Am, GY!BE and A Silver Mt. Zion). "Together they seamlessly =
intermingle
experimental based psychedelic-pop with vintage industrial music
with a nod towards classic Krautrock of the 70's" it says here,
and i'm in no frame of mind to argue with that. Released Monday
1st August although we can send it mailorder to arrive on Monday.
=20
FURSAXA - LEPIDOPTERA - ALL TOMORROWS PARTIES - CD (ATPRCD13)
Neo-folk, i believe is the genre. Admirers of Animal Collective,
Black Dice, and the whole ATP raison d'etre (eg. Bardo Pond) should
certainly pay attention to this one-woman (guitar, organ, voice,
flute, accordion, various percussion) outfit. As contemporary
as it is retro, as experimental as it is hypnotic. Lovely, actually.
Released Monday 1st August although we can send it mailorder to
arrive on Monday.=20
GARY NUMAN - LIVING ORNAMENTS '80 - BEGGARS BANQUET - 2xCD =
(BEGA156CDD)
Two well-recorded live sets from Mr. Numan, both dating from 1980
when he was at the peak of his fame. All the classics on here
- "I Die: You Die", "Down In The Park", "Are 'Friends' Electric",
"We Are Glass", "Cars", "I Dream Of Wires" etc. One for committed
fans and passing admirers alike. Released Monday 1st August although
we can send it mailorder to arrive on Monday.=20
LORI SCACCO - CIRCLES - EASTERN DEVELOPMENTS - CD (EDM7CD)
I really defy anyone to find this anything other than a beautiful
piece of work. Hazy, extremely relaxed, melancholic, intricate
and intimate, this is akin to a very chilled Tortoise meets Savath
& Savalas (particularly in the early days) with hints of Lunz
or Pullman. Also, think the first Telefon Tel Aviv album. Do
not overlook this absolute gem of a release, which i guarantee
you will love!=20
VARIOUS - DAD'S ARMY: MUSIC FROM THE TELEVISION SERIES - CD41 - CD =
(CD41010)
"Don't tell him your name, Pike!". I don't remember there being
a great deal of music in Dad's Army other than "Who Do You Think
You Are Kidding, Mr Hitler?" but a quick glance at the sleevenotes
tells me this isn't the case. A total of 26 war time songs from
Jack Hylton, Billy Cotton, Joe Loss, Arthur Askey, Gracie Fields,
Henry Hall, Vera Lynn and, of course, Bud Flanagan. Reminds me
of my grandparents! Released Monday 1st August although we can
send it mailorder to arrive on Monday.=20
Restocks (CD): Guitar Based
AMINO PEOPLE - WORK IT OUT - FENCE - CD (FNC803CD)
Not an easy one to categorise in terms of genre (it could equally
at times go in the Electronica section) but comparisons wise,
think Tuung, the Wobblyhead label, The Go! Team, some of the Sarah
artists. So, yes, it's quite diverse but certainly rooted in all
things Sixties - imagine if Herman's Hermits were around today
and signed to Melodic! Lovely stuff that went down well when played
in the shop.=20
GANG GANG DANCE - GOD'S MONEY - THE SOCIAL REGISTRY - CD (TSR019CD)
STARTING OFF SOUNDING LIKE A CROSS BETWEEN SOMETHING ON PAW TRACKS
AND KITCHEN MOTORS - THE WORDS ODD AND BIZARRE SPRING TO MIND.
CHILD-LIKE VOCALS MEET VARIOUSLY ABSTRACT AND THEN DRAMIC SOUNDS
IN SOMETHING THAT SOUNDS AS MUCH LIKE SOUND THEATRE AS AN ACTUAL
ALBUM. PROPER EXPERIMENTAL MUSIC FROM THIS UNDER RATED OUTFIT.
MEK OBAAM - YOU AND I - EARSUGAR - CD (EARSUGAR15CD)
IT'S ALL OVER IN A FLASH (NINE SONGS IN A MERE 23 MINUTES), BUT
PLEASE DON'T LET THAT PUT YOU OFF - THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST INDIE
POP ALBUMS I'VE HEARD ALL YEAR. SEEMINGLY INFLUENCED BY VINTAGE
CREATION / EARLY CHEMIKAL UNDERGROUND / ALL THINGS GREAT ABOUT
BRITISH INDIE GUITAR MUSIC IN THE EIGHTIES AND NINETIES, MEK OBAAM
HAS COME UP WITH A REAL WINNER THAT SHOULD CHARM THE PANTS OFF
ANYONE APPROXIMATELY MY AGE! INCLUDES BOTH SIDES OF THE BRILLIANT
BUT HIGHLY LIMITED "GOODNIGHT, AND THANKYOU" 7" THAT MOST OF YOU
WILL HAVE (SADLY) MISSED OUT ON, TOO. MEK, YOU'RE THE MAN (OR
MEN).
SUPER REVERB - AVANT GARDE IS THE FRENCH WORD FOR SH*T - EARSUGAR - CD =
(EARSUGAR16CD)
ANOTHER GEM FROM THE EVER-RELIABLE EARSUGAR BRIGADE. OFF-THE-WALL,
QUIRKY, EXPERIMENTAL AND LO-FI, THIS IS SOUNDSCAPE-Y INDIE NOISE
POP ECLECTISM A LA THE BETA BAND MEETS ANIMAL COLLECTIVE. REALLY,
THAT'S WHAT THEY SOUND LIKE. LIKE THE IDEA OF THAT, DON'T YOU?
THEN CHECK THIS OUT AT ONCE - IT'S SERIOUSLY GOOD. GREAT TITLE,
TOO....
VETIVER - VETIVER - DICRISTINA - CD (STEP02)
FEATURING AN ALL STAR CAST OF MUSICIANS INCLUDING DEVENDRA BANHART,
MY BLOODY VALENTINE'S COLM O'CIOSOIG AND HOPE SANDOVAL THIS IS
A FABULOUS ALBUM RECORDED IN THE BAY AREA THAT USES TRADITIONAL
AMERICAN FOLK MUSIC AS ITS INSPIRATION. WONDERFULLY MELANCHOLIC
AND COUNTRY SOUNDING, THIS IS A RARE TREAT INDEED. RECOMMENDED.
Restocks (CD): Funk / Jazz / Soul
BREAKESTRA - THE LIVE MIX PART 1 - ROOTDOWN - CD (RD003)
WICKED LIVE MIX OF COVERS FROM THE TALENTED BREAKESTRA. COVERS
THAT YOU'LL IMMEDIATELY RECOGNISE, INCLUDING TRACKS FROM THE OUTLAW
BLUES BAND, JIMMY SMITH, THE METERS, HERBIE HANCOCK, BOBBY BYRD,
BILLY BROOKS, THE HEADHUNTERS AND OTHERS. DEEPLY GROOVY, FUNKY
AND RECOMMENDED.
New Releases (CD): Reggae / Dub
COCOA TEA - 20 TRACKS OF COCOA TEA - FRONT LINE REGGAE CLASSICS - CD =
(CDFL2044)
Guess what's on this CD? Yes, that's right. Cocoa Tea was one
of the first singers to emerge from dancehall while still =
maintaining
a roots approach that would address social and global issues.
Prime early eighties gear.=20
FRANKIE PAUL - 20 MASSIVE HITS - FRONT LINE REGGAE CLASSICS - CD =
(CDFL2043)
More vintage early eighties dancehall on this best-of compilation
of Frankie Paul hits, including the anthem "Worries In The Dance"
and the ode to ganja that was "Tu-Shun-Peng". Produced by George
Phang and Henry 'Junjo' Lawes.=20
VARIOUS - 20 SUPER HITS: VOLCANO ALLSTARS - FRONT LINE REGGAE CLASSICS =
- CD (CDFL2040)
Twenty Henry 'Junjo' Lawes productions of the early eighties here.
Henry was a pioneering Jamaican dancehall producer who utilised
the digital rhythm structures courtesy of the Roots Radics band,
with mixing from legendary dub producer Scientist. Includes tracks
by Frankie Paul, Yellowman, Barrington Levy, Don Carlos, John
Holt, Cocoa Tea, Eek A Mouse etc.=20
VARIOUS - GEORGE PHANG PRESENTS POWERHOUSE VOL. 1 - FRONT LINE REGGAE =
CLASSICS - CD (CDFL2042)
Twenty thumping great dancehall hits of the early eighties here
from respected Jamaican producer of the time, George Phang. =
Yellowman,
Al Campbell, Frankie Paul, Sugar Minott, Barrington Levy, Leroy
Smart, Tenor Saw, Freddie McGregor and others all feature.=20
YELLOWMAN - 20 SUPER HITS - FRONT LINE REGGAE CLASSICS - CD (CDFL2040)
Best-of compilation from Yellowman, 20 tracks dating from the
early eighties, mainly produced by Henry 'Junjo' Lawes. He was
pretty prolific in his time, so the compilers have done well in
narrowing the selection down. File under: dancehall.=20
New Releases (CD): Experimental
FRANCISCO LOPEZ - LIVE IN MONTREAL - ALIEN 8 - CD (ALE54D)
Francisco Lopez we know from his highly original releases on Mego,
Alien 8 and Bottrop-Boy, and this live album (which could mean
anything, i hear no audience) captures him on typically devastating
form. Barely audible for the main part, but extremely intense
at other times, this none more black CD comes with a free strip
of material... which is also black. Profound. Released Monday
1st August although we can send it mailorder to arrive on Monday.
=20
MECHA FIXES CLOCKS - ORBITING WITH SCREWDRIVERS - ALIEN 8 - CD =
(ALE50D)
Minimal, experimental neo/avant-classical that's as detailed as
it is challenging, but never obtrusive. A veteran of Montreal's
experimental scene, Michel F. Cote has assembled a carefully chosen
ensemble from the city's Musique Actuelle community, as well as
fixing clocks on his days off. Released Monday 1st August although
we can send it mailorder to arrive on Monday.=20
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<DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><U><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2>Smallfish Releases=20
01/08/05</FONT></U></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><U><FONT face=3DTahoma =
size=3D2></FONT></U></STRONG> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><U><FONT face=3DTahoma =
size=3D2></FONT></U></STRONG> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2>Greetings.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2>As I only did a mailout at the end of =
last week=20
you'll find that quite a lot of stuff crosses over. However, there are =
plenty of=20
new Techy bits (including the splendid Tricky Disco / GTO split on =
Kompakt=20
Extra) plus the new Background stuff. Add to that some tasty =
restocks=20
from Mosz and Spekk plus the delightfully wonderful CD from Fenton (aka=20
Shuttle358) on Plop and there are some fabulous bits to be=20
enjoying!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2>As there's not much news to add I'll =
keep it brief=20
for the moment and do an update later on in the week.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2>Ooh, one thing to mention is that we =
have some=20
wicked Background T-Shirts. They'll go up on the site a little later in =
the week=20
but, believe me, they are very tasty indeed!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2>OK, that's that.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2>Have a safe and mellow =
week.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2>Peace.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2>The Fish.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D1>Smallfish Records | 329 Old Street | =
London | EC1V=20
9LE | +44 [0] 20 7739 2252 | <A=20
href=3D"http://www.smallfish.co.uk">www.smallfish.co.uk</A></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D1></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D1></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>New Releases (Vinyl): Electronica</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> DMX KREW - THE TRANSACTIONAL =
INTERPRETATION -=20
REPHLEX - LP (CAT176LP)<BR> Two equally intriguing =
LP's in one=20
week from DMX it is, then.<BR> Again, this is really =
pure=20
electronica, utilising stark loops<BR> and simplistic =
melodies=20
in an "Analord-stripped-bare" style. Seemingly<BR> =
(again)=20
very Kraftwerk inspired (one track was almost "It's =
More<BR> =20
Fun To Compute", another has curiously Eno-esque vocals!).=20
Definitely<BR> one the Rephlex heads will snap up. =
Released=20
Monday 1st August<BR> although we can send it =
mailorder to=20
arrive on Monday. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> DMX KREW - MANY WORLDS - REPHLEX - LP=20
(CAT175LP)<BR> A surprisingly non-electro based =
9-track LP=20
from DMX, subtitled<BR> "The Collapse Of The Wave =
Function=20
Volume 4". Straightforward,<BR> often downtempo =
electronic=20
loops and simple melodies combine in<BR> this almost=20
"Analord-stripped-bare" project, kinda reminiscent<BR> =
at=20
times of Kraftwerk (one track sounds like it could break=20
into<BR> "Showroom Dummies" at any minute!). Will no =
doubt fly=20
out. Released<BR> Monday 1st August although we can =
send it=20
mailorder to arrive<BR> on Monday. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> ELLIOT LIPP - ELLIOT LIPP - EASTERN =
DEVELOPMENTS -=20
LP (EDM011LP)<BR> Beats, sountrack influenced =
instrumentals,=20
samples galore. A very<BR> 'Eastern Developements' =
type of=20
album from young Mr Lipp. Pleasureable<BR> enough and =
almost,=20
although thankfully not quite, coffetable.<BR> Get yer =
luggs=20
round some Lipps.............</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> EXPOSURES, THE - LOST RECORDINGS 2000 - =
2004 -=20
EASTERN DEVELOPMENTS - LP (EDM12LP)<BR> Compilation LP =
of this=20
criminally underated trio from Berlin.<BR> These guys =
have=20
been writing music for film & television since<BR> =
the=20
1980's. This is a rare collection of work that the trio=20
composed<BR> under the influence of fellow German,=20
digital/sampling artist<BR> Jan Jelinek. This really =
is a=20
tremendous collection of modern<BR> electronica and =
very=20
worthy of you attention. Thankyou Eastern<BR> =
Developements=20
for unearthing this treasure for us............</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> HUMAN LEG, THE - ELECTRONIC ELVIS - =
ATRONIC - LP=20
(TRON01)<BR> Bizarre concept, bizarre execution! Yes, =
this=20
really is an LP<BR> of Elvis covers gone electronic / =
synth=20
pop / electro. It's impossible<BR> to tell quite =
how=20
seriously they're taking this... something about<BR> =
it tells=20
me these guys are genuine Elvis fans (it's =
certainly<BR> been=20
done with a certain amount of affection) but i'm sure=20
there's<BR> some tongues planted firmly in cheeks at =
the same=20
time... if i<BR> didn't know otherwise i'd think the =
KLF might=20
be behind this!<BR> The vocalist sounds a little =
like=20
Alan Vega (of Suicide). Definitely<BR> one you HAVE to =
have a=20
listen to.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> KSCHZT - THE EARTH'S HUM - BLASE - LP=20
(BLA007)<BR> Restock. Coming from the man that brought =
us the=20
wonderful MD<BR> albums on Merck as well as the superb =
previous single on Blase,<BR> it's no surprise to find =
that=20
Jakko's almost unpronouncable Kschzt<BR> full length =
is a=20
beauty. Mixing up a whole slew of electronic<BR> =
styles from=20
pacey electronica to Detroit influenced Tech =
sounds<BR> via=20
some wonderfully abstract moments and quality breakbeat=20
based<BR> tracks, this is a joy from beginning to end =
and=20
features some<BR> incredibly detailed programming and=20
production that really fits<BR> the overall feel. =
Mature,=20
engaging and interesting throughout,<BR> this is yet =
another=20
string in Blase's bow and a super moment for<BR> =
Kschzt.=20
Definitely recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> MONOCEROS - BELLS / LIMBUS - EXPANDING - =
7"=20
(EVS8:04)<BR> RESTOCK. PENULTIMATE RELEASE IN THE =
SECOND 7"=20
SERIES FROM EXPANDING<BR> COMES FROM MONOCEROS... AND =
IT'S=20
FABULOUS! GREEN VINYL, TWO TRACKS,<BR> PURE =
ELECTRONICA BLISS=20
WITH LOADS OF MELODY AND GROOVING BEATS.<BR> =
DELICATELY PUT=20
TOGETHER AND LOVINGLY CRAFTED, THIS IS RIGHT UP<BR> MY =
STREET=20
AND WILL NO DOUBT BE RIGHT UP YOURS AS WELL.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> VARIOUS - WHITE COCK 1 - COCK ROCK DISCO =
- 12"=20
(COCK1-12)<BR> Heeeere we go!!! Five thunderous =
bangers from=20
the likes of Knifehandchop,<BR> Jason Forrest, =
Xanopticon and=20
Duran Duran Duran. Like Planet Mu<BR> on speed, like a =
possessed hoover making love to Fugazi at 45rpm,<BR> =
like the=20
Beatles...... =
&=
nbsp; &n=
bsp; =20
<BR> .........No, nothing at all like the =
Beatles. This=20
marvellous<BR> release comes with free stickers and a =
'Disturb=20
Yer Nan' poster.<BR> You know you always get value =
with the=20
Cock!!!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>Restocks (Vinyl): Electronica</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> ANALOG~1 - B-LINE - MCMLXV PRODUCTIONS - =
12"=20
(M-0002)<BR> THIS IS JUST A FANTASTIC RELEASE. MCMLXV =
HAVE ONE=20
FOOT FIRMLY<BR> IN THE PAST BUT WITH A CONTEMPORARY =
FEEL AS=20
WELL. THIS IS HOW<BR> ELECTRONICA SHOULD BE DONE IN MY =
OPINION... WARM, DEEP, GORGEOUS,<BR> LOVINGLY CRAFTED =
AND=20
DEEPLY ATMOSPHERIC. LOVELY ELECTRO BASED<BR> RHYTHMS =
AND SUPER=20
LUSH PADS PLUS A COUPLE OF WONDERFUL BEATLESS<BR> =
BITS. IT=20
SOUNDS LIKE MID '90'S BRITISH ELCTRONICA BUT COULD =
ALMOST<BR> =20
BE ON AI AS WELL. I CAN'T DO THIS JUSTICE REALLY SO JUST=20
CHECK<BR> IT OUT AND I'M SURE YOU'LL FALL IN LOVE WITH =
IT JUST=20
LIKE I DID.<BR> RECOMMENDED MOST HIGHLY.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> APHEX TWIN - REMIXES 1 - UNKNOWN - 2xLP=20
(ATW01)<BR> WELL, WELL. A SELECTION OF REMIXES BY A =
CERTAIN=20
APHEX TWIN. SEEMS<BR> A BIT LIKE THE 26 MIXES FOR CASH =
COMPILATION BUT, TO BE FAIR,<BR> YOU CAN'T KNOCK A =
VINYL=20
VERSION THAT INCLUDES HIS STAGGERINGLY<BR> COOL =
VERSIONS OF ST=20
ETIENNE, NAV KATZE, SEEFEEL, CURVE, BABY FORD,<BR> =
MEAT BEAT=20
MANIFESTO, THE GENTLE PEOPLE AND THE BEATNIKS. =
PLUS<BR> YOU=20
GET THE ACID EDIT OF WINDOWLICKER AS WELL. STORMING =
STUFF<BR> =20
THAT IT WOULD PROBABLY BE FOOLISH TO MISS!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> AROVANE - LILIES - CITY CENTRE OFFICES - =
LP=20
(TOWERBLOCK020)<BR> THIS ALBUM REALLY DOESN'T NEED ANY =
INTRODUCTION, I'M SURE. AROVANE'S<BR> THIRD LONG =
PLAYER AND=20
HIS SECOND FOR C.C.O. IS A GENUINE BEAUTY<BR> THAT =
MANAGES TO=20
CAPTURE THE ESSENCE OF 'TIDES' ALONG WITH HINTS<BR> OF =
THE=20
DARKER, MORE ELECTRONIC 'ATOL SCRAP'. SUCCESSFULLY =
MELDING<BR> =20
THESE TWO IDEAS TOGETHER AND ADDING LUSCIOUS LAYERS OF=20
MELODY<BR> WITH HARP, HARPSICHORD AND PIANOS PAYS OFF =
AND THE=20
OVERALL FEEL<BR> OF THE ALBUM IS ONE OF SOOTHING =
PURITY.=20
SIMPLY PUT, YOU NEED THIS<BR> ALBUM IF YOU HAVE ANY =
INTEREST=20
IN ELECTRONICA. ESSENTIAL.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> DIGITONAL - THE CENTRE CANNOT HOLD - SEED =
- 12"=20
(SEEDEP10)<BR> AT LONG LAST, DIGITONAL'S FIRST PROPER =
EP FOR=20
SEED REORDS DROPS,<BR> AND IT'S A TRUE WINNER. TAKING =
THE=20
DEPTH AND BEAUTY OF THE ALBUM<BR> FROM TOYTRONIC AND =
ADDING=20
NEW TOUCHES OF VOCALS, A DARKER FEEL<BR> AND THE SAME =
LEVEL OF=20
OBSESSIVELY PERFECT PRODUCTION. AMAZINGLY<BR> EMOTIVE =
AND=20
MATURE SOUNDING, THIS IS AN ESSENTIAL RELEASE FOR<BR> =
ANY=20
ELECTRONICA HEADS. CLASS.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> DJ OLIVE - COONYMUS EP - AGRICULTURE - =
12"=20
(AG020)<BR> TWO TRACKS OF ABSTRACT BROKEN INSTRUMENTAL =
ELECTRONIC HIP HOP<BR> WITH A LOVELY, SMOOTH, NOIR-ISH =
MELODIC=20
FEEL TO IT, MAKING IT<BR> VERY ACCESSIBLE. FLIP OVER =
FOR A=20
MUCH MORE MINIMAL, EXTENDED SOUNDSCAPE<BR> PIECE. =
THOSE INTO=20
MERCK, HEFTY OR EASTERN DEVELOPMENTS SHOULD<BR> =
INVESTIGATE=20
THIS....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> MAPS AND DIAGRAMS - TACTILE LOVE EP - =
ARABLE - 12"=20
(ARABLE3)<BR> ROBIN 'ISAN' SAVILLE'S ARABLE LABEL IS =
ONLY=20
THREE RELEASES OLD<BR> AND YET THE QUALITY OF THOSE =
RELEASES=20
TELLS YOU ALL YOU NEED TO<BR> KNOW. SO FAR PSAPP AND =
FLOTEL=20
HAVE PROVIDED SUPER DEEP, SUPER<BR> BEAUTIFUL =
ELECTRONIC=20
MOMENTS AND NOW IT'S THE TURN OF MAPS + DIAGRAMS.<BR> =
EIGHT=20
TRACKS TAKING THE FORM OF FOUR MAIN TRACKS AND FOUR=20
SHORTER<BR> INTERLUDE PIECES. EVERY SINGLE MOMENT ON =
THIS EP=20
IS A JOY WITH<BR> A DELICATELY PUT TOGETHER SELECTION =
OF=20
MELODIC ELECTRONICS PAR<BR> EXCELLENCE. SUBTLE =
RHYTHMIC=20
SHIFTS, BEATLESS MOMENTS OF PURE AMBIENT<BR> =
PLEASURE... THE=20
LIST GOES ON. A TREMENDOUS PIECE OF WORK THAT<BR> =
COMES=20
HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> MARSEN JULES - HERBSTLAUB - CITY CENTRE =
OFFICES -=20
LP (TOWERBLOCK023)<BR> I WONDERED HOW LONG IT WOULD BE =
BEFORE=20
SOMEONE PICKED UP MARTIN<BR> JUHLS MOST WONDERFUL =
MUSIC UNDER=20
THE MARSEN JULES PSEUDONYM. AFTER<BR> A SERIES OF =
AMAZING=20
RELEASES FOR SEVERAL INTERNET LABELS (AS BOTH<BR> =
MARSEN JULES=20
AND KRILL.MINIMA) CITY CENTRE OFFICES HAVE SEEN =
FIT<BR> TO=20
RELEASE THIS STAGGERINGLY BEAUTIFUL ALBUM. DIFFICULT TO=20
CLASSIFY<BR> MUSICALLY, IT IS A BLEND OF THE FINEST =
SCULPTURAL=20
ELECTRONICA<BR> MIXED WITH AN OVERTLY CLASSICAL, =
CHAMBER MUSIC=20
SOUND. TO SIMPLY<BR> DESCRIBE IT AS 'CLASSICAL GAS' IS =
TO DO=20
IT A SEVERE INJUSTICE.<BR> THIS IS ORIGINAL MUSIC, =
LOVINGLY=20
CREATED AND BEAUTIFULLY PRODUCED<BR> THAT'S EXPANSIVE, =
ENGAGING AND JUST PLAIN WONDERFUL. ALBUM OF<BR> THE =
WEEK,=20
MONTH AND PROBABLY YEAR. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> RASHAMON - WINDO LOCA - HIGHPOINT LOWLIFE =
- 7"=20
(HPLL008)<BR> HIGHPOINT LOWLIFE DO IT AGAIN, WITH =
ANOTHER=20
GREAT MUSICAL OFFERING.<BR> THIS TIME, RASHAMON =
DELIVERS THE=20
GOODS ON A NICE TWO TRACK 7".<BR> MELODIC, BUT NOT =
TWEE=20
ELECTRONICA WITH A HEAVY DOSE OF HIP HOP<BR> STYLING =
TO THE=20
BEATS AND SOME GREAT MOMENTS OF CONSIDERABLY MORE<BR> =20
EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAMMING. ALWAYS RETURNS TO A COHERENT AND=20
FLUID<BR> SOUND THAT'S FULL OF GROOVE AS WELL AS =
WARMTH. FILE=20
NEXT TO MACHINE<BR> DRUM AND PREFUSE, AND THAT SHOULD =
GIVE YOU=20
AN IDEA OF WHAT IT'S<BR> LIKE. EXCELLENT STUFF AS=20
ALWAYS.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> SWOD - GEHEN - CITY CENTRE OFFICES - LP=20
(TOWERBLOCK021)<BR> OH MY GOSH! THIS IS A SUPREMELY =
BEAUTIFUL=20
RELEASE. CITY CONTRE<BR> OFFICES DELIVER A DELICIOUS =
COCKTAIL=20
OF GENTLE PIANOS, LUSCIOUS<BR> ELECTRONICS AND DEEP, =
DEEP=20
ATMOSPHERES. BEAUTIFULLY PUT TOGETHER<BR> AND =
WONDERFULLY=20
PRODUCED, THIS IS AN ALBUM THAT SHOULD APPEAL<BR> TO =
FANS OF=20
THE EQUALLY WONDERFUL 'VRIOON' ALBUM BY CARSTEN =
NICOLAI<BR> =20
AND RYUICHI SAKAMOTO, BUT ALSO ANYONE WITH AN EAR FOR=20
MELODIC,<BR> GORGEOUS MUSIC. UTTERLY =
RECOMMENDED.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> VARIOUS - BARBECUE BEETS EP2 - =
AGRICULTURE - 12"=20
(AG022)<BR> POSSIBLY THE MOST DIVERSE RELEASE ON =
AGRICULTURE=20
YET. YOU GET<BR> SOMETHING VERY RELAXED AND FUNKY FROM =
TREY=20
MAX, A PIECE OF STRIPPED<BR> DOWN, SLOWED UP, =
DOOM-LADEN B-BOY=20
ACTION FROM SCOTTY HARD, SOMETHING<BR> VERY DUBBY FROM =
TELEKINETIC SOULMATE AND FINALLY DJ RUPTURE PUTS<BR> =
IN=20
POSSIBLY THE MOST MUSICAL AND INVENTIVE TRACK OF HIS =
CAREER.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> YUNX - IN THE HEART OF THE NIGHT - A.I. - =
2xLP=20
(AI013LP)<BR> OK, so the title sounds like something =
in the=20
vein of Berlin's<BR> "take my breath away", but be =
assured=20
this is nothing like that.<BR> The cover shows, =
I=20
presume, a Japanese skyscape, with "Yunx"<BR> subtlely =
embossed through the streetlight. Open it up and=20
you'll<BR> find a double pack of eclectic music. =
From=20
melodic and sci-fi<BR> influenced electronics, often =
wearing=20
the heavy boots of melancholy,<BR> and easily =
mistakable for=20
the likes of Plaid; to jazz laden and<BR> loungey beat =
tracks;=20
to more perky electronics that have a leaning<BR> to =
toe=20
tapping and head nodding - kind of relaxed techno. =20
Very<BR> nice...</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>New Releases (Vinyl): Techno / =
Electro</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> ALEXANDER EAST - BEGINNING WEEKEND - RAUM =
MUSIK -=20
12" (MUSIK048)<BR> Raum on form here again with this =
slamming=20
release from Alexander<BR> East. What it does, it does =
so well=20
that it's very hard to resist<BR> the minimalistic, =
almost=20
old-school feel that you get from this.<BR> Phat 4/4 =
beats and=20
reduced sounds that have this punctuating bleepy<BR> =
noise to=20
accentuate the grooves. A very, very good release =
for<BR> =20
those seeking some pure dancefloor pleasure with absolutely=20
no<BR> cheese whatsoever. Wicked.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> ARGY - LOVE DOSE - POKER FLAT - 12"=20
(PFR60)<BR> Bleepy, funky, crisply produced Tech =
sounds here=20
from the label<BR> that can. Both originals are really =
very=20
good but the real highlight<BR> (for most people, =
anyway) is=20
the Luciano remix. A superb reduction<BR> of the =
original mix=20
that keeps the bleeps and gives them a punchier,<BR> =
more=20
groove based sound as well as offering a stunning=20
arrangement<BR> that's just made for the floor. =
Brilliant=20
stuff.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> BINAURAL - SWITCH EP - SCSI - 12"=20
(SCSIID018)<BR> You can always rely on SCSI to deliver =
the=20
goods when it comes<BR> to Electro and this EP is no=20
exception. 5 tough grooves with a<BR> slightly =
Drexciyan feel=20
at times and lots of moody synth sounds.<BR> Adding to =
the=20
flava are the Pacey, purist rhythms which are sure<BR> =
to get=20
the Electro-heads in a lather. Wicked stuff all round =
and<BR> =20
difficult to fault in any way. Props to SCSI once again.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> BLACK ONE - THE NEW EP - TEMPLE - 10"=20
(TEMPLE008)<BR> A very subtle and deeply minimal slab =
of=20
Technoid fun from back<BR> in the day here. Khan's =
Temple=20
label put out some monsters and<BR> this is a lovely =
10" slab=20
of purple vinyl (original copy, I hasten<BR> to add) =
with=20
cracking 4/4 beats and reduced sounds. Still has<BR> =
that=20
acidic touch that made all the Air Liquide related =
stuff<BR> =20
so good but in a more muted fashion. Definitely one to pick =
up!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> COUNTERATTACK - CLINAMEN E.P. - =
COUNTERATTACK - 12"=20
(CA01)<BR> Strong techno cuts with a very Robert Hood =
feel.=20
Fast but not<BR> harsh. Involved but thoughtful. Some =
nice=20
variety too. A few electro<BR> beats, some minimal =
almost=20
tech-house tracks with a Moodymann<BR> like restraint =
in the=20
arrangement, a pounder or two. Gosh, the<BR> list goes =
on.=20
Well worth your attention....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> DAVE MILLER - MITCHELLS RACCOLTA - =
BACKGROUND -=20
2xLP (BG045)<BR> Firstly, apologies to both Dave =
Miller and=20
our customers for the<BR> lengthy delay on us getting =
this in=20
so late. There are no excuses<BR> I'm afraid. so I =
shall=20
continue on with the review. Dave's earlier<BR> work =
on=20
Background was slowly but surely moving into more =
textural<BR> =20
territory. The glitched-out funk of his 12"s was firmly in=20
the<BR> Techno camp but always with a lighter and more =
sculptural feel.<BR> This album takes that approach to =
a new=20
level with its wonderfully<BR> deep chords and sounds =
coupled=20
with a jazzy lick (in a Scape-ish<BR> sort of way) to =
some of=20
the beautifully intricate percussion.<BR> There are =
some more=20
groove based tracks as well to counterpoint<BR> the =
more=20
downbeat moments and as a whole it's an extremely =
well<BR> =20
thought out and put together piece of work. Warm,=20
atmopsheric<BR> and highly recommended. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> DB - TROON EP - BACKGROUND - 12"=20
(BG044)<BR> Cracking selection of tracks from DB which =
features a mix from<BR> label owner and Sound =
Variation head=20
honcho Andy Vaz. DB's cuts<BR> are minimalistic Techno =
in the=20
finest tradition of this brilliant<BR> label with =
super chord=20
sounds that meander over the subtle, shuffling<BR> =
beats in=20
the best way. Funky? Yup. Atmospheric? Yup. Andy's =
mix<BR> is=20
slightly more reduced and has that bleepy sort of sound=20
that<BR> the Sound Variations are famous for. A well =
rounded=20
and extremely<BR> splendid record. =
Recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> DJ SHIRAKURA / GOLDFISH & DER DULZ - =
TUNING#03=20
- BOXER SPORT - 12" (BOXER030)<BR> The third release =
in the=20
Tuning series comes from Shirakura and<BR> Goldfish. =
Not their=20
originals but remixes from Hemmann & Kaden<BR> and =
Chardronnet respectively. Dirty, funky Tech sounds that=20
sits<BR> very happily with the other Boxer releases =
but has a=20
slightly<BR> edgier feel to it and a rawness that's =
really=20
going to do it on<BR> the dancefloor. Killer stuff =
that comes=20
recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> DJ SILVER - IT WON'T STOP - TEMPLE - 10"=20
(TEMPLE009)<BR> Solid, Chicago influenced Techno =
sounds from=20
Khan's Temple imprint<BR> from back in the late '90's. =
Funky,=20
tough and very dancefloor<BR> friendly and on splendid =
grey=20
vinyl. These are original copies<BR> so don't expect =
them to=20
last long at all!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> DR. WALKER & M. FLUX - HOBO 903 - =
HARVEST - 12"=20
(886048)<BR> Potty four track EP from the splendid =
pairing of=20
Dr. Walker and<BR> M. Flux. Top notch downbeat breaks =
with a=20
dub-heavy and slightly<BR> silly sound that's =
definitely=20
tongue-in-cheek but has some serious<BR> depth going =
on. One=20
to get the head nodding. Vintage gear from<BR> the =
good old=20
days. Top.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> DUPLEX 100 - BIG SHOT - TREIBSTOFF - 12"=20
(TREIBSTOFF54)<BR> Big and bouncy and strangely =
electro=20
sounding on the A-side, Phil<BR> Stumpf and Sam =
Rouanet=20
deliver some top notch Techno grooves here<BR> with a =
nicely=20
funky House twist. Very stringy and very much =
based<BR> on the=20
idea of melody they concoct a very convincing sound =
that<BR> =20
fits with Treibstoff exactly but has, possibly, a slightly=20
lighter<BR> sound than some of the other releases. =
Whatever,=20
it's a great<BR> one and definitely worth having a =
listen=20
to.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> EGOEXPRESS - ARANDA REMIXES - LADOMAT =
2000 - 12"=20
(LADO2173)<BR> I must confess that I flipped straight =
to the=20
Lawrence mix of<BR> this as I always trust him to get =
it right=20
and he's definitely<BR> done that here. The original =
mix is a=20
very pleasant guitar track<BR> which Lawrence takes as =
a=20
starting point and then develops into<BR> one of his =
trademark=20
tracks... all melody and groove and wonderfulness.<BR> =
The=20
Isolee mix is pretty damn good as well and features a=20
nicely<BR> choppy but really warm and funky sound =
that's half=20
House and half<BR> Techno. The Egoexpress mix is a =
stripped=20
down Tech cut with a<BR> hypnotic vocal and gnarly =
bass=20
sounds. A really good all round<BR> release. =
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> FRIVOLOUS - KEVORK MOTION EP - BACKGROUND =
- 12"=20
(BG047)<BR> Lovely, playful and scatty Techno sounds =
from=20
Frivolous here.<BR> Five tracks that have a similar =
style to=20
his releases on Karloff<BR> and, certainly, his =
earlier=20
Background material. Possibly not<BR> quite as =
stripped down=20
and featuring a full and fruity set of<BR> quirky =
sounds and=20
some shuffling, groovy beats. Hits that balance<BR> =
between=20
Tech and House with a great deal of style. =
Recommended?<BR> =20
Yup, you bet.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> GOLDFRAPP - OOH LA LA (TIEFSCHWARZ DUB) - =
MUTE -=20
12" (12MUTE342)<BR> Big old tune this with Tiefschwarz =
on top=20
form. A cracking dub<BR> version in their own =
inimitable=20
style. The flip has two versions<BR> by Benny Benassi =
(which=20
aren't very good), but that's OK, the<BR> A-side is =
strong.=20
Promo version.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> JOHN RINGO - AUF DER KUGEL STAND KEIN =
NAME - FEST=20
IM SATTEL - 12" (FESTIM SATTEL01)<BR> Supposedly this =
is the=20
work of a very, very well known German<BR> producer =
but I=20
don't know which one. Possibly the silliest track<BR> =
I've=20
heard in ages. It's a Schaffel cut that's made up of=20
Commodore<BR> 64 SID chip sounds an, actually, sounds =
very=20
much like it's a<BR> direct lift of a game from years =
ago.=20
Kind of funny, I guess,<BR> but you'll definitely need =
to=20
check it yourself to make up your<BR> own =
mind.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> KHAN - I DON'T WANNA SAY ANYTHING - =
HARVEST - 2xLP=20
(519544)<BR> Khan, on Harvest... a winning combination =
and no=20
mistake. This<BR> has a defiantly Air Liquide style in =
every=20
way: Moody analogues,<BR> plenty of Acid and squidgy =
303s,=20
Electro and Techno beats soaked<BR> in effects and a =
strangely=20
dubby texture to some of the tracks.<BR> Vintage, =
brilliant...=20
unlike anyone else really. You need to check<BR> this =
out if=20
you're a fan of their sound. Get it quick though!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> LAWRENCE - THE NIGHT WILL LAST FOREVER =
REMIXES -=20
LADOMAT 2000 - 12" (LADO2175)<BR> I'm slightly =
concerned about=20
the teaming up of Ladomat and Novamute<BR> and their =
penchant=20
for endlessly remixing things... particularly<BR> =
Lawrence. So=20
far, however, we're still in the realms of quality<BR> =
and=20
both the John Tejada and Lusine remixes are quite simply=20
superb.<BR> J.T. delivers a gnarly, bass driven mix =
with all=20
of his funked-out,<BR> skippy trademarks whilst Lusine =
opts=20
for a flat, warm, yet atmospherically<BR> moody =
version which=20
is absolutely spot on. Add to that a new and<BR> =
exclusive=20
track and you've got an indispensible release from =
one<BR> of=20
my favourite artists. Killer.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> LE TIGRE - THIS ISLAND REMIXES VOL. 2 - =
CHICKS ON=20
SPEED - 12" (COSR24)<BR> More interesting than the =
first=20
volume in as much as it has remixes<BR> from Peaches, =
NDB (aka=20
Elliot Taub and John Selway) and vocal<BR> and =
instrumental=20
mixes from (erk!) Junior Senior. In some ways,<BR> =
it's a good=20
job i'm very busy today.... Released Monday 1st =
August<BR> =20
although we can send it mailorder to arrive on Monday. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> MADONNA 303 / GIZZ TV - PRAISE THE LORD / =
TRUCK=20
DRIVER - TEMPLE - 10" (TEMPLE005)<BR> One of those =
records=20
that when you hear it you'll probably remember<BR> it =
straight=20
away. Madonna 303's 'Praise The Lord' really is a<BR> =
bit of a=20
dancefloor gem from the past and this really is an=20
original<BR> red vinyl 10" copy! Slamming Techno beats =
and=20
plenty of gained-up,<BR> distorted 303 sounds all over =
the=20
place. Don't miss out as these<BR> are going to fly=20
out!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> MARIEL ITO - INDEXED EP - MODERN LOVE - =
12"=20
(LOVE014)<BR> Hoorah! It's a modern Love record that =
isn't=20
limited to 459 copies.<BR> Which means that you'll be =
able to=20
buy it without panicking and<BR> scrabbling about =
desperately.=20
That's a good thing as it's a splendid<BR> release. =
One half=20
of Treibstoff's Maetrik provides the lions share<BR> =
of the=20
music with a little help from Brian Aneurysm (aka=20
Confutatis)<BR> on one track and CJ Jeff on another. =
It's a=20
cunning blend of 4/4<BR> Techno with a dark and moody=20
atmosphere (not unlike the Confutatis<BR> EP on Ai). =
There's a=20
smashing Electro cut as well which will definitely<BR> =
find=20
favour with fans of Claro and Bitstream, then you get a=20
downbeat<BR> Electronica track at the end which rounds =
things=20
up very nicely.<BR> Top EP this. =
Recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> MOVING NINJA - SHELLCODE - TECTONIC - 12" =
(TEC002)<BR> Dark yet stripped-bare grime, moody and =
cinematic=20
with an excellent<BR> line in percussive sounds.=20
Well-produced, and certainly up there<BR> with =
anything in=20
this genre around at the moment. Fans of Vex'd<BR> in=20
particular should check this. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> OLIVER HACKE - SUBJECT CARRIER REMIXES - =
TRAPEZ -=20
12" (TRAPEZ054)<BR> Two superb remixes of tracks from =
Oliver=20
Hacke's 'Subject Carrier'<BR> album. John Tejada and =
Alex=20
Under are the producers on duty and,<BR> as you'd =
probably=20
imagine, both versions are tracks to savour.<BR> =
Making full=20
use of the original tracks you get two distinctly<BR> =20
different sounds... J.T's has a chordy, grooving feel whilst=20
Alex's<BR> is a more reduced and clicky affair with =
acres of=20
funk. A very<BR> good release from Trapez. Get in=20
there!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> REMUTE - FLASH / MUSIC MAKES YOU / =
ODYSSEY REMIXES=20
- MY BEST FRIEND - 12" (MBFLTD12007)<BR> I think it's =
fair to=20
say that My Best Friend's Limited series<BR> sits at =
the=20
slightly more Euro and commercial end of things =
and<BR> with=20
this set of remixes of tracks by Riley & Steve Barnes,=20
Break<BR> 3000 and Robert Schulze, you're getting a =
lot of=20
dancefloor friendly<BR> material for your money. Denis =
Karimani under his Remute guise<BR> gets stuck into =
all three=20
tracks and provides some cracking grooves<BR> that =
concentrate=20
on floor-filling and somewhat epic sounds, but<BR> =
never loses=20
sight of the underground-ness of the Cologne =
scene.<BR> Tip=20
top and totally mint condition (to use a rubbish phrase=20
from<BR> a rubbish TV program).</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> RHYTHM_MAKER - EVERY NOW AND THEN, ANGER =
EP -=20
BACKGROUND - 12" (BG046)<BR> Ah, yes... Rhythm_Maker. =
This is=20
a fabulous release that eschews<BR> the more downbeat =
and=20
clicked-out sound that Background have =
concnetrated<BR> on for=20
a while now and delivers a pure injection of minimal,=20
funked<BR> up, deeply atmospheric Techno fun. Reduced =
sounds=20
and a couple<BR> of nice Housey moments on the B-side =
that add=20
a true variety to<BR> the proceedings. You don't get =
minimal=20
Techno like this very often<BR> so my advice would be =
to make=20
the most of it while it's there!<BR> Top =
stuff.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> SWEET N CANDY - FIDDLESTICKS EP - REGULAR =
- 12"=20
(REGULAR15)<BR> Sweet n Candy follow up a very good =
run of=20
singles with this top<BR> notch groover for Spanish =
label=20
Regular. 3 tracks of glitchy,<BR> funky Techno sounds =
with=20
wicked production and the kind of driving,<BR> rolling =
basslines that'll get you up and about in no time.=20
Cracking<BR> edits and little drops and breaks that =
keep it=20
interesting throughout<BR> and, overall, another =
really=20
excellent release from Regular. Recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> THE ADVENT A.K.A. CISCO FERREIRA - =
T.R.I.N.I.T.Y. -=20
TRESOR - 3xLP (TRESOR.219)<BR> The Advent return with =
a new=20
name??? Cisco Ferreira!!! Just in<BR> case you=20
overlooked them they've popped in an AKA, just to =
make<BR> =20
sure. Now that's confidence! It's what you'd expect from an=20
Advent<BR> LP, well executed, razor sharp =
bangin' club=20
cuts, healthy nods<BR> in the direction of Surgeon, =
Regis et=20
al, obligetory spoken word<BR> electro cut (& not =
that bad=20
either) and enough energy to power<BR> a small=20
city.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> TOCOTRONIC - PURE VERNUNFT DARF NIEMALS =
SIEGEN=20
REMIXE - KOMPAKT POP - 12" (KOMPOP7)<BR> Big one for =
Kompakt=20
Pop here. Tocotronic are pretty big in their<BR> =
homeland and=20
you can see why. Their original mix is a rocky, =
poppy<BR> =20
guitar based affair that could easily top the indie charts!=20
For<BR> the rest of us, however, the more pertinent =
question=20
is regarding<BR> the remixes. Luckily Superpitcher and =
the=20
legendary Wasserman<BR> deliver by the bucketload with =
the=20
kind of slightly trancey, very<BR> dancefloor =
orientated Pop=20
Techno that we've come to know, respect<BR> and love =
from the=20
Cologne massive. The vocals might annoy some<BR> =
people, but=20
as ever, you should definitely give this a listen.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> TRICKY DISCO / GTO - TRICKY DISCO / PURE =
(ENERGY) -=20
KOMPAKT EXTRA - 12" (KOMEX30)<BR> This, on the face of =
it,=20
would seem to be a very strange release<BR> from =
Kompakt=20
Extra. As it turns out it's a really good release<BR> =
that=20
actually stands the test of time very well. Michael =
Wells<BR> =20
was well known around the early '90's for his ability to=20
produce<BR> thumping club sounds and here you get two =
of his=20
finest moments.<BR> There's liable to be a big split =
as far as=20
the most popular track<BR> goes (there certainly was =
here at=20
Smallfish) but suffice to say<BR> that both tracks are =
genuine=20
classics, both are liable to put<BR> a big grin on =
your face=20
and they still have the power to make<BR> people =
groove. Props=20
to Kompakt for digging out some old gems.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> UNKNOWN - ALLNIGHT ALLRIGHT - RINSE - 12" =
(RINSE02)<BR> The first Rinse was pretty good and this =
one's=20
not bad either.<BR> A cheeky, synthy track that has =
minimal=20
Techno elements mixed<BR> with an Electro feel plus a =
cheeky=20
Disco sample. Sounds very much<BR> like a re-edit in =
my=20
opinion and will probably find a following<BR> with =
lots of=20
people, thus proving my taste in music completely<BR> =
wrong...=20
hey-ho.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> UNKNOWN - SHADES OF DANK - UNKNOWN - 12"=20
(SOD001)<BR> A very cheeky one sided house reworking =
of=20
Moodymanns 'Shades<BR> of Jae'. Bootleg-a-rama. Sounds =
like a=20
very modern third generation<BR> chicago update. Sorta =
like it=20
was done by an artist formerly found<BR> on Classic =
Records.=20
It reeks of DJ Sneak to me but=20
whadda-eye-noooo...........<BR> CHECK =
!!!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> VARIOUS - ADJUNCT VOLUME ONE - ADJUNCT - =
12"=20
(ADJUNCT01)<BR> First release from this new label and =
what a=20
line-up! John Tejada,<BR> Pheek, Bruno Pronsato and=20
[A]pendics.shuffle all provide killer<BR> minimal, =
dancefloor=20
Techno grooves that have energy, funky, weirdness<BR> =
and=20
killer production in abundance. You couldn't ask for a=20
better<BR> start than this and I'll definitely be =
keeping a=20
keen eye on their<BR> future releases. Great=20
stuff.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> VARIOUS - SOMA DUBS VOL. 4 - SOMA - 12"=20
(SOMA176)<BR> Four Soma dubs / instrumentals / remixes =
for=20
your listening pleasure.<BR> A surprisingly fine Death =
In=20
Vegas mix of Slam (much more minimal<BR> and =
underplayed than=20
you might expect), the Henrik Schwarz dub<BR> of Alex =
Smoke,=20
Alex's own dub of "Don't See The Point", and =
another<BR> =20
chance to grab the Claro Intelecto dub of Vector Lovers'=20
"Futures<BR> In Plastic" (a Claro track you can =
actually buy=20
this week!). Released<BR> Monday 1st August although =
we can=20
send it mailorder to arrive<BR> on Monday. =
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>Restocks (Vinyl): Techno / Electro</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> ALDEN TYRELL - DISCO LUNAR MODULE (MORE =
REMIXES!) -=20
CLONE - 12" (MOGS02)<BR> HELL'S TEETH, OUR ALDEN'S =
MILKING HIS=20
DISCO LUNAR MODULE FOR ALL<BR> IT'S WORTH, ISN'T HE? =
THESE ARE=20
THE "U4RIA SUPERDUNKEL" REMIXES<BR> (VERSION 1.0 AND =
1.25,=20
MIND) BUT TO BE FAIR THEY ARE AN ABSOLUTELY<BR> SUPER =
PAIR OF=20
DRAMATIC ELECTRO TRACKS (ALBEIT BOTH QUITE =
SIMILAR)<BR> ON A=20
PAR WITH ANY OF THE CLONE OR VIEWLEXX GEAR.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> ALEX UNDER - LAS BICICLETAS SON PARA EL =
VERANO -=20
TRAPEZ - 12" (TRAPEZ047)<BR> TRAPEZ BACK ON FORM AGAIN =
WITH=20
THIS TOP EP FROM NEW KID ON THE<BR> BLACK (IN A MANNER =
OF=20
SPEAKING), ALEX UNDER. HIS GROOVES ARE DEEP,<BR> CLUB=20
FRIENDLY, BEAUTIFULLY PRODUCED AND GENERALLY VERY FUNKY=20
INDEED.<BR> IT'S GOING TO FLY, SO DON'T =
DELAY!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> ALEX UNDER - SORBERE CEREBROS EP - TRAPEZ =
- 12"=20
(TRAPEZ051)<BR> STRONG AND SOLID UP TO 'LA BICACLETAS' =
FROM=20
ALEX UNDER. DEEP,<BR> MINIMAL, YET VERY FUNKY TECHNO =
SOUNDS=20
WITH A VERY PLAYABLE, MIXABLE<BR> FEEL. VERY TRAPEZ, =
VERY=20
GOOD. GO GET IT.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> ALTER EGO - TRANSPHORMER - KLANG - 3xLP=20
(KLANG85)<BR> HERE IT IS THEN. THE HOTLY TOUTED ALTER =
EGO=20
ALBUM IS A PURE DANCEFLOOR<BR> FRENZY OF BLISTERING =
TECHNO=20
GROOVES THE LIKE OF WHICH I'VE NOT<BR> HEARD FOR SOME =
TIME. NO=20
CONCESSIONS TO ANYTHING BUT MAKING YOU<BR> MOVE WITH A =
SELECTION OF MONSTROUS CLUB TRACKS THAT SHOULD BE<BR> =
SMASHING=20
IT ALL OVER THE PLACE IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE. =
QUITE<BR> =20
SIMPLY A MASSIVE ALBUM. RECOMMENDED.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> ANDY VAZ - SOUND VARIATION REMIXES - =
SOUND=20
VARIATION - 2xLP (SOUNDVARIATION5-5)<BR> WHAT AN =
ABSOLUTELY=20
CRACKING WAY TO TIE UP THIS ALREADY BRILLIANT<BR> =
SERIES OF=20
SUPERLATIVE MINIMAL TECHNO SOUNDS FROM BACKGROUND =
LABEL<BR> =20
BOSS ANDY VAZ. THIS DOUBLE PACK PROVIDES A SELECTION OF=20
INTERPRETATIONS<BR> FROM SI-CUT.DB, DAVE MILLER, =
KLUNDER,=20
GEOFF WHITE, DEAN DECOSTA,<BR> MITCHELL AKIYAMA, =
FRIVOLOUS,=20
PORTABLE AND SMYGLYSNNA. NO PARTICULR<BR> FAVOURITE AS =
THEY'RE=20
ALL STUNNING EXAMPLES OF HOW TO DO ATMOSPHERIC,<BR> =
DEEP,=20
MINIMAL GROOVES. AN ESSENTIAL PURCHASE FOR FANS OF THE =
GENRE.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> ANNA KAUFEN - DRIVE IN / DRIVE OUT =
REMIXES - A=20
TOUCH OF CLASS - 12" (ATOC010)<BR> FINALLY THE REMIXES =
OF THIS=20
TOP AKUFEN TRACK ARRIVE. THE ORIGINAL<BR> VERSION OF =
'WHO=20
CAREZ' IS PRESENT ON THE B-SIDE, BUT IT'S DAVE<BR> =
MILLER'S=20
TWO VERSIONS THAT REALLY STEAL THE SHOW. THE FIRST =
IS<BR> A=20
SMASHING DOWNBEAT GLITCH ROMP WITH A PHAT, SLOW, ALMOST=20
ELECTRO<BR> BEAT WHILST THE SECOND IS AN OFFBEAT, TWO =
STEP=20
TECHNO GROOVER.<BR> FABULOUS VERSIONS.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> ARTIFICIAL LATVAMAKI - TRAPEZ LIMITED 34 =
- TRAPEZ -=20
12" (TRAPEZLTD34)<BR> ANOTHER USEFUL ADDITION TO THE =
TRAPEZ=20
LIMITED CATALOGUE, THIS<BR> TIME FROM ARTIFICIAL =
LATVAMAKI.=20
QUITE BOUNCY AND ACCESSIBLE TECHNO<BR> SOUNDS =
THROUGHOUT WITH=20
A NICELY TECHNICAL FEEL AND MORE THAN ENOUGH<BR> BITS =
TO MAKE=20
PEOPLE DANCE IN A CLUB SITUATION. THE FLIP HAS THE<BR> =
BEST=20
TRACK FOR ME, 'FROTEE', WHICH KICKS OFF ON AN ELECTRO =
VIBE<BR> =20
AND GETS INTO THE PHAT, CRISPLY PRODUCED 4/4 HALFWAY=20
THROUGH.<BR> QUALITY STUFF.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> BURIAL - SOUTH LONDON BOROUGHS - HYPERDUB =
- 12"=20
(HDB001)<BR> SERIOUSLY DARK AND EERIE GRIME - I'M =
SURPRISED=20
THE LIKES OF REPHLEX<BR> AND PLANET MU AREN'T FIGHTING =
OVER=20
THIS ONE. THE TWO TRACKS ON<BR> SIDE ONE ARE =
CLAUSTROPHIC,=20
INTENSE YET BY NO MEANS OVERWROUGHT<BR> TWO-STEP THAT =
WILL=20
STILL CAUSE DEVASTATION ON THE DANCEFLOOR.<BR> THE TWO =
B-SIDES=20
ARE OF A MORE MINIMAL, ELECTRONIC NATURE BUT =
EQUALLY<BR> =20
DOOMY. FIRST CLASS. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I GIVE YOU GOTH=20
GRIME<BR> (OR GROTH!).</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> CHRISTOPHER JUST - B.O.B. - POMELO - 12"=20
(POM15)<BR> Cripes alive! This is a banger. Putting it =
on, I=20
was expecting<BR> a disco / house / techno sort of =
affair and=20
then I remembered<BR> it's on Pomelo. What you end up =
with are=20
3 fierce electro-based<BR> tracks with almost entirely =
distorted up sounds and beats that<BR> will bang =
through your=20
head and really get into your feet. An<BR> absolutely =
wicked=20
ep all round. Bravo.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> DAVE MILLER - JIGSAW MUSIC EP - =
BACKGROUND - 12"=20
(BG029)<BR> ANOTHER FABULOUS EP FROM DAVE MILLER WHICH =
IS AT=20
IT'S BEST WHEN<BR> HE'S DOING THE ULTRA MINIMAL, =
DEEPLY=20
ATMOSPHERIC STUFF THAT MAKES<BR> UP MOST OF THIS EP. =
LUSH=20
SOUNDS AND ALMOST JAZZ LIKE TOUCHES OF<BR> MELODY GIVE =
IT A=20
BEAUTIFUL SOUND. THERE'S ONE JERKY, GLITCHY TRACK<BR> =
THAT=20
SEEMS LIKE HE HAD A MOMENTARY ATTACK OF THE AKUFENS, =
BUT<BR> =20
WE WON'T HOLD THAT AGAINST HIM BECAUSE THE REST IS SO DAMN=20
GOOD.<BR> BACKGROUND ROCKS. SIMPLE AS =
THAT!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> DB - PERON - BACKGROUND - 2xLP=20
(BG040)<BR> I ALWAYS LOOK FORWARD TO BACKGROUND ALBUMS =
BECAUSE=20
THERE'S ALWAYS<BR> A DELICATE BALANCE OF OFFBEAT, =
OBSCURE=20
ELECTRONICA COUPLED WITH<BR> A DEEP SEATED GROOVE =
THAT'LL DO=20
IT ON THE FLOOR. THIS IS NO DIFFERENT<BR> AND IT =
CREATES A=20
LOVELY HYBRID OF DELICATELY PRODUCED AND FRAGILE<BR> =20
MINIMALISM MIXED WITH A MORE SUBSTANTIAL, FLOOR BASED SOUND.=20
SOUND<BR> DESIGN IS EXCELLENT AND THE MOSTLY 4/4 BASED =
TRACKS=20
ARE BEAUTIFULLY<BR> PUT TOGETHER. A WINNING =
COMBINATION THEN=20
AND HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> DJ KOZE A.K.A. MONACO SCHRANZE / GEBR. =
TEICHMANN -=20
SPEICHER 25 - KOMPAKT EXTRA - 12" (KOMEX25)<BR> IT'S A =
QUARTER=20
OF A CENTURY FOR THE KOMPAKT EXTRA LABEL AND IT'S<BR> =
A=20
BLISTERING ASSAULT ALL ROUND FROM KOZE AND GEBR.=20
TEICHMANN.<BR> DARK, PROGRESSIVE, SLAMMING CLUB SOUNDS =
FOR THE=20
MORE UPBEAT DANCEFLOORS...<BR> JUST WHAT YOU'D EXPECT, =
REALLY.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> DOMINIK EULBERG - ROTBAUCHUNKEN REMIXE - =
TRAUM -=20
12" (TRAUMV58)<BR> PROPS GO TO BOTH OF THE REMIXERS =
HERE.=20
ROBAG WRUHME TURNS IN A<BR> GREAT VERSION WITH HIS =
TRADEMARK=20
QUALITY BUT TOBI NEUMANN TAKES<BR> THE WINNING FLAG =
WITH HIS=20
SUPERBLY OFF-KILTER MIX THAT HAS DEPTH,<BR> WEIRDNESS =
AND=20
KILLER 4/4 BEATS. SERIOUSLY, THIS IS A WICKED =
TRACK<BR> AND=20
YOU'LL WANT TO CHECK IT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. RECOMMENDED.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> GABRIEL ANANDA / CHRISTIAN KALTENHOFER - =
SPLIT EP -=20
LIEBE DETAIL - 12" (LIEBE005)<BR> Split EP from =
Gabriel and=20
Christian here which hits all the right<BR> spots if =
you'r=20
einto funky Cologne style Techno and House. Jerky,<BR> =
but not=20
too much, solidly hypnotic throughout and a nicely =
Electro<BR> =20
influenced feel to the sounds, melodies and basslines. Good =
stuff.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> JAMES DIN A4 - KOMMUNEL - BACKGROUND - =
12"=20
(BG042)<BR> JAMES DIN IS HAVING A RUN OF COOL RELEASES =
AT THE=20
MOMENT WHICH<BR> IS A GREAT THING AS HIS BLEND OF =
SUBTLE,=20
SHUFFLING MINIMAL TECHNO<BR> AND HOUSE IS FANTASTIC. =
THIS FIVE=20
TRACK OFFERING IS BEAUTIFULLY<BR> PUT TOGETHER AND =
FEATURES A=20
RANGE OF SOUNDS AND STYLES THAT ARE<BR> FUNKY, FRESH =
AND FULL=20
OF GREAT SOUND DESIGN. A WICKED EP.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> JUSTUS KOHNCKE / DJ KOZE - SPEICHER 20 - =
KOMPAKT=20
EXTRA - 12" (KOMEX20)<BR> THESE SPEICHER RELEASES ARE =
ON A BIT=20
OF A ROLL AT THE MOMENT.<BR> JUSTUS KOHNCKE AND DJ =
KOZE POUND=20
IT UP FINE STYLE WITH TWO FABULOUS<BR> DANCEFLOOR =
TRACKS.=20
JUSTUS HAS A TOUGH, GRINDING SOUND THAT'S VERY<BR> =
MUCH IN=20
LINE WITH THE OTHER SPEICHERS BUT KEEPS IT A WEE BIT=20
SOFTER<BR> AT TIMES AND UPS THE ANTE AFTER THE =
BREAKDOWN. DJ=20
KOZE'S CUT IS<BR> SIMPLY BRILLIANT AND WORKS IN A =
SIMILAR WAY=20
TO DONNACHA COSTELLO'S<BR> COLOUR SERIES BY BEING =
MINIMAL,=20
EVEN A BIT PLASTIKMAN-ESQUE AND<BR> FEATURING A SLOW =
BUILD AND=20
WICKEDLY DEEP BREAK. ABSOLUTE CLAS<BR> ALL ROUND. OH, =
AND I=20
APOLOGISE IF I'VE GOT THE TRACKS AROUND THE<BR> WORONG =
WAY AS=20
IT'S DIFFICULT TO TELL WHICH ONE'S WHICH SOMETIMES!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> KOERNER & TREPLEC - =
UNTENRUMGEHTSBESSER -=20
MILNOR MODERN - 12" (MMR.004)<BR> Milnor Modern =
deliver=20
another staggeringly deep and funky selection<BR> of=20
ultra-minimal Techno sounds. Every release so far has =
been<BR> =20
superb and the level of detail on this record is=20
magnificent.<BR> Crispy, crunchy rhythms with a =
healthy dose=20
of glitchyness and<BR> crackle coupled with delicious, =
melodic=20
breaks and chords are<BR> the hallmarks and along with =
some=20
rumbling bass sounds makes this<BR> another essential =
release.=20
Awesome stuff.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> LEGOWELT - BEYOND THE CONGO - BUNKER - =
12"=20
(B3044)<BR> JUST WHAT THE SMALLFISH ELECTRO DOCTOR =
ORDERED - A=20
NEW SIX TRACK<BR> EP FROM THE MIGHTY LEGOWELT. IN ALL =
HONESTY,=20
THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE<BR> BELTER AND AS STRONG AS ANY =
ELECTRO=20
RECORD I'VE HEARD ALL YEAR.<BR> THE PRODUCTION IS =
ULTRA DEEP,=20
AND A CUT ABOVE THE REST. THROBBING,<BR> PULSATING, =
ROUGH AND=20
SLEAZY JUST THE WAY I LIKE IT (AND MY ELECTRO,<BR> =20
AHEM).</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> NATHAN FAKE - DINAMO / COHEED REMIXES =
(DOMINIK=20
EULBERG / MICHAEL - TRAUM - 12" (TRAUMV60)<BR> NOW, =
BEARING IN=20
MIND JUST HOW MASSIVE THE ORIGINAL WAS, I THOUGHT<BR> =
IT WAS=20
GOING TO BE SOMETHING OF A TALL ORDER FOR ANYONE TO =
DO<BR> =20
'DINAMO' ANY JUSTICE. DOMINIK EULBERG, HOWEVER, HAS TAKEN A=20
COUPLE<BR> OF ELEMENTS AND USED THEM TO FINE, FINE =
EFFECT. A=20
CRISPY, DRY<BR> SOUNDING BEAT AND THE QUALITY BURBLY =
ANALOGUE=20
LINE FROM THE ORIGINAL<BR> ARE MORE THAN ENOUGH TO =
MAKE THIS A=20
DANCEFLOOR BEAST AND IDEAL<BR> FOR MIXING INTO THE =
ORIGINAL.=20
MICHAEL MAYER GETS BUSY WITH 'COHEED'<BR> ON THE =
FLIPSIDE AND=20
TURNS IT INTO A SOMEWHAT EPIC VERSION WITH<BR> SOARING =
SYNTHS=20
AND A PSEUDO-TRANCE FEEL. ALL VERY PLEASING, REALLY.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> PLASTIQUE MITTE CROWD - PLASTIQUE MITTE =
CROWD EP -=20
INZEST - 12" (INZEST003)<BR> INZEST DLIVER THREE PERKY =
TRACKS=20
THAT VARY BETWEEN HOUSEY TECHNO<BR> AND A MORE VOCAL =
LED=20
ELECTRO FLAVA. VERY COLOGNE, VERY NOW. CHECK.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> POM POM - POM POM 19 - POM POM - 12"=20
(POMPOM19)<BR> THIS SERIES IS JUST GONNA RUN AND RUN =
BY THE=20
LOOKS OF IT. AN INTERESTING<BR> ONE, THIS - BOUNCY =
RHYTHMS AND=20
SCI-FI SYNTH MELODIES WELDED TOGETHER<BR> INTO THIS =
MINIMAL,=20
METALLIC SLAB OF LEFTFIELD / ROBOTIC TECHNO.<BR> ON =
THE B-SIDE=20
THINGS HEAD DOWN A MUCH, CRUNCHIER, HEAVIER =
SHITKATAPULT<BR> /=20
T.RAUMSCHMIERE PATH. NEAT.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> PORTABLE - FLICKER EP - BACKGROUND - 12"=20
(BG041)<BR> MY FAVOURITE PORTABLE RELEASE SO FAR =
WITHOUT ANY=20
DOUBT. THREE<BR> TRACKS OF SUBTE SHIFFLING, EXTREMELY =
WELL=20
PRODUCED ELECTRONICA<BR> / TECHNO. THE A-SIDE IS THE=20
DANCEFLOOR TRACK AND HAS A POUNDINGLY<BR> GROOVY BEAT =
AND A=20
COOL, ALMOST OLD SCHOOL HOUSE FEEL ALONG WITH<BR> A =
DEEP=20
GLITCH FLAVA. THE FLIP IS MORE DOWNBEAT IN ATTITUDE =
AND<BR> =20
SOUND AND FEATURES TWO LOVELY TRACKS THAT WON'T SET THE=20
FLOOR<BR> ALIGHT BUT WILL GENTLY MAKE YOU TAKE NOTICE =
WITH=20
THEIR EXCELLENT<BR> PALETTE OF DEEP AND FRIENDLY =
SOUNDS. A=20
WICKED EP.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> RA-X - THE OPIUM DEN (PARTS V-VIII) - =
MIGHTY ROBOT=20
- 12" (MR00000000000001)<BR> I WISH MORE PEOPLE MADE =
ELECTRO=20
RECORDS WITH THE SORT OF DEPTH<BR> AND WARMTH THIS HAS =
GOT.=20
THE PRODUCTION IS FABULOUSLY DEEP, THE<BR> SECOND =
TRACK ALMOST=20
HAVING THAT EARLY WARP KINDA VIBE. THE STANDOUT<BR> =
TRACK,=20
HOWEVER IS THE THIRD (PART VII?), WITH ITS MID-TEMPO,=20
STASIS<BR> / B12 IF THEY WERE AROUND IN THE EIGHTIES =
FEEL. IF=20
YOU LIKE CLARO<BR> INTELECTO, YOU NEED TO HEAR THIS=20
TOO!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> SLG - QUARTER PAST ELEVEN EP - LEVEL =
RECORDS - 12"=20
(LEVEL04)<BR> Level Records has only put out 4 =
releases so far=20
but they've been<BR> of such exceptionally high =
quality that I=20
always eagerly await<BR> a new one. This doesn't =
disappoint at=20
all and, in fact, could<BR> easily be my favourite 12" =
so far.=20
The deepest of Techno grooves<BR> with subtle, shining =
chord=20
sequences made up of gentle sinewave<BR> sounds plus =
funky,=20
House influenced beats that have just enough<BR> =
shuffle to=20
groove it whilst remaining true to their Techno =
roots.<BR> A=20
wonderful ep for playing and listening to that will easily=20
stand<BR> the test of time. Recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> TERRENCE DIXON - BIONIC MAN EP - =
BACKGROUND - 12"=20
(BG001)<BR> THE FIRST RELEASE ON THIS WICKED LABEL AND =
DEFINITELY A PORTENT<BR> OF THINGS THAT WERE TO COME. =
HEAVENLY=20
MINIMALISM WITH A FUTURISTIC,<BR> STRIPPED DOWN FEEL. =
VERY,=20
VERY NICE.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> VARIOUS - ELEKTRONISCHE MUSIK - =
INTERKONTINENTAL 4=20
- TRAUM - 2xLP (TRAUMV59)<BR> HUGELY IMPRESSIVE FOURTH =
INSTALLMENT OF THIS FIRMLY ESTABLISHED<BR> SERIES THAT =
SEES=20
THE LIKES OF OLIVER HACKE, PETER SCHUMANN, =
SWAT-SQUAD,<BR> =20
DOMINK EULBERG, JESSE SOMFAY, STEVE BARNES & RILEY REINHOLD,=20
OFF<BR> POP AND POPNEBO ALL DELIVERING SUPERBLY WICKED =
TECHNO=20
TRACKS.<BR> TAKE MY WORD FOR IT... THIS IS BRILLIANT =
STUFF AND=20
COMES HIGHLY<BR> RECOMMENDED.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> VARIOUS - IMMER NULL - KOMPAKT - 12"=20
(KOM122)<BR> With this release we are witnessing the =
birth of=20
something new<BR> and very, very special indeed. This =
4 track=20
ep sees the resurgance<BR> of the ultra-minimal Profan =
/=20
Kompakt Techno sound that they really<BR> became =
famous for in=20
the early days. This certainly has something<BR> to do =
with=20
Michael Mayer's exceptional 'Immer' mix CD, =
concept-wise<BR> =20
and if the first four cuts are anything to go by it's going=20
to<BR> be a very special series indeed. Michael =
himself,=20
M:I:5, Reinhard<BR> Voigt and Jurgen Paape all feature =
and the=20
tracks, although you<BR> proably already know some of =
them,=20
are so powerful when put together<BR> that it makes it =
an=20
irresistable record. From dubbed-out, =
stripped-down<BR> tech=20
to the kind of edited, choppy, reverse-sample sound =
that<BR> =20
Wolfgang Voigt does so uniquely well. Deep and essential=20
sounds.<BR> Highly, highly recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> VARIOUS - TOTAL 5 - KOMPAKT - 2xLP=20
(KOM80)<BR> TOTALLY KOMPAKT - FOR THE FIFTH =
TIME. UPBEAT=20
DUBBY TECHNO FROM<BR> THE LABEL THAT CAN. =
ARTISTS: =20
SUPERPITCHER, REINHARD VOIGT, T.<BR> RAUMSCHMIERE, =
LABEL BOSS=20
- M. MAYER, JOACHIM SPIETH, THOMAS FEHLMANN,<BR> THE =
MODERNIST=20
AND HEIB. DEEPLY KOMPAKT, DEEPLY GROOVY.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> VEX'D - DEGENERATE - PLANET MU - 2xLP=20
(ZIQ115LP)<BR> This strikes me as a potential landmark =
release. This storming<BR> album from Vex'd is a =
seriously=20
potent and full-on cocktail of<BR> grime, dubstep, =
bleep=20
techno, twisted D&B, old skool jungle and<BR> =
electronica=20
that old Aphex fans will be able to relate to as =
much<BR> as=20
the grimeheads and dubstep kids. Surely the most =
important<BR> =20
grime release to date, seeing as it moves the whole genre on=20
several<BR> stages. Check this out immediately. =
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>New Releases (Vinyl): US Techno / =
Electro</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> ACTUAL JAKSHUN - SEQUENTIAL CIRCUS - =
MINUS - 12"=20
(MINUS27)<BR> Great minimal house/techno tracks here =
from=20
Actual Jakshun. Stripped,<BR> sparse, cold and damn =
groovy.=20
Not only that, but check out the<BR> Marc Houle remix =
of the=20
title track. Blinding. A seriously good<BR> record...=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>New Releases (Vinyl): House</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> AMP DOG KNIGHT - OVER U - MAHOGANI - 12"=20
(M.M-15)<BR> Best Mahogani release for a while here =
with this=20
lush offering<BR> from Moodymann under his Amp Dog =
Knight=20
guise. He's delivered<BR> an upbeat, soulful, yet =
strangely=20
off-kilter set of tracks that<BR> should actually get =
people=20
dancing as well as pleasing the fans<BR> who like it =
obscure=20
and deep as hell. There's something about<BR> the =
vocal mix=20
with its subtle freestyle / scat style that really<BR> =
works a=20
treat. Super stuff.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> DELLS, THE / MASTER JAY - NO WAY BACK / =
DISCO EDITS=20
- FUNHOUSE - 12" (FUN001)<BR> Cheeky little disco =
re-edit 12"=20
here. Apart from a very nice instrumental<BR> edit of =
The=20
Dells we also have a blinding re-arrangement of =
"No<BR> Way=20
Back" a la Master Jay. Good time ole skool flavours to=20
savour.<BR> C H E C K ! !</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> ROBERTA SWEED - HOW SWEED IT IS - KDJ - =
12"=20
(KDJ-34)<BR> Restock. This is, to be realistic, one of =
the=20
best Moodymann tracks<BR> in a long, long time. As =
soon as you=20
drop the needle (or carefully<BR> place it, rather) =
you can=20
hear it... Weird chord sounds, flat,<BR> but punchy =
beats, a=20
soulful, Detroit sounding warmth and flava...<BR> when =
the=20
Rhodes piano comes in it's a really dream-like =
sound<BR> that=20
swept me off my feet. Highly, highly recommended and an=20
essential<BR> Kenny Dixon release... no=20
arguments.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> TUSSLE / STRANGER & CAPT. DELICIOUS - =
I'M AN=20
INDIAN TOO / PINKFLOYDMOVEMENT - YESCA - 12" =
(YESCA00)<BR> =20
Split 12" here between Tussle and Stranger. Tussle's track=20
'I'm<BR> An Indian Too' has a strong nu wave feel but =
still=20
retains a warm<BR> almost deep house atmosphere. =
Stranger's=20
'Pinkfloydmovement' has<BR> a fierce plucked bassline, =
also=20
with nu wave leanings but harsher<BR> in arrangement =
and=20
production. Two great house tracks, both paying<BR> =
respect to=20
the early eighties but both in very different ways.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>Restocks (Vinyl): House</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> FURTHER DETAILS - VOLUME TWO - A TOUCH OF =
CLASS -=20
12" (ATC015)<BR> A NICE MIX OF SOULFUL STYLES HERE. =
THE FIRST=20
CUT IS VERY MUCH<BR> IN THE MOODYMANN / THEO STYLE =
WITH SOME=20
DEEP MUSIC AND THOSE LOVELY<BR> LOOSE CLAPS. THE OTHER =
CUTS=20
HERE RANGE FROM A BEAUTIFUL LARRY<BR> HEARD SOUND TO =
ONE CUT=20
WITH A DERRICK MAY FEEL TO IT! THE MORE<BR> I LISTEN =
TO THIS=20
THE MORE I LIKE IT. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> YOUR FAVOURITE DANCER - EP 1 - BIGBEAR - =
12"=20
(BB027)<BR> Nice selection of the finest quality Disco =
re-edits here from<BR> this Bearfunk offshoot. Very =
much falls=20
into the category of DJ<BR> tool but each cut =
definitely has=20
its own flava. Useful and fun<BR> =
throughout.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>New Releases (Vinyl): Hip Hop</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> GREENHOUSE EFFECT VS. RADIOHEAD - =
GREENHOUSE EFFECT=20
VS. RADIOHEAD - UNKNOWN - LP (VS001LP)<BR> Ltd edition =
Japanese import on green vinyl of Greenhouse =
Effect<BR> =20
rapping over tracks made from Radiohead samples/loops.=20
Although<BR> on paper this may seem workable, to these =
ears it=20
really is not.<BR> Maybe your ears will fare=20
better...</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> KILLA KELA - RAVE OF THE FUTURE - SPIT =
KINGDOM -=20
10" (KELA002)<BR> New limited gatefold 10" (plus =
poster and=20
stickers!) from human<BR> beatbox sensation Killa =
Kela, who's=20
currently being touted as<BR> the next big thing in =
British=20
Hip Hop. Certainly this has all<BR> the makings of a =
hit, and=20
i dare say with the right support he'll<BR> go far. =
For those=20
into Dizzee Rascal, Wiley, Roots Manuva etc,<BR> i =
also say=20
check this out. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> MAKER - SHOOTING THE BREEZE - GALAPAGOS 4 =
- LP=20
(G4LP0031)<BR> Decent album here from Maker. =
Instrumental hip=20
hop very much in<BR> the vein of old RJD2. Warm beaks, =
untraceable loops, very snare<BR> heavy and almost =
lounge in=20
the way it tackles it's task with such<BR> ease. Very =
worth a=20
listen............</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> MED AKA MEDAPHOAR - GET BACK - =
STONESTHROW - 12"=20
(STH2113)<BR> Produced by Just Blaze, who's clearly =
been=20
influenced by Timbaland<BR> / Missy Elliott's "Pass =
The=20
Dutch". On the reverse, a Madlib production<BR> ("Get =
A=20
Grip"). Released Monday 1st August although we can =
send<BR> it=20
mailorder to arrive on Monday. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> ROOKWOOD / MC TRIP - WHAT'S YOUR NAME / =
RINGSIDE -=20
SPIT KINGDOM - 12" (SPK01)<BR> Neat split 12" on Killa =
Kela's=20
Spit Kingdom label. Really good<BR> quality British =
Hip Hop=20
with sound production - the Rookwood side<BR> is =
produced by=20
Plus One (Scratch Perverts), the MC Trip side by<BR> =
Beni G=20
(The Mixologists). To be investigated. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>New Releases (Vinyl): Eclectic =
Beats</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> TREVA WHATEVA - MUSIC'S MADE OF MEMORIES =
- NINJA=20
TUNE - 3xLP (ZEN106)<BR> What's the deal with Treva =
Whateva? I=20
mean, who is he? What's<BR> the point of it all? =
Whilst=20
there's nothing particularly bad about<BR> what he =
does, you=20
have to say it all sounds a little dated. Ninja<BR> =
are a=20
weird old label... either their releases are =
absolutely<BR> =20
cutting-edge or sound like stuff they were releasing a=20
decade<BR> ago! Jazzy, breaky, loungy, funky, kitchy,=20
eclecticy it is then!<BR> Released Monday 1st August =
although=20
we can send it mailorder to<BR> arrive on Monday.=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>New Releases (Vinyl): Guitar Based</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> DARREN HAYMAN - CARAVAN SONGS - STATIC =
CARAVAN - 7"=20
(VAN92-7)<BR> Ahh, It's Darren Hayman from Hefner. =
This 7" was=20
recorded in a<BR> relatives caravan by the sea in=20
Northumberland between 2003 &<BR> 2004 (one long=20
holiday).The tracks are both charming and =
intriguing<BR> and a=20
fine example of stunning songwriting and blinding =
bedroom<BR> =20
production. Slick!!!!!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> FRED MOLLIN - FRIDAY THE 13TH - THE =
SERIES=20
SOUNDTRACK - CRESCENDO - LP (GNPS8018)<BR> Something =
for the=20
horror friends here. The original sountrack<BR> to the =
slightly more obscure offshoot television series of =
the<BR> =20
seminal horror film creation that was Friday the 13th. Full=20
of<BR> spacy effects, sad strings, supended orchestral =
action,=20
and general<BR> fright music. Worth for the great =
cover alone.=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> JONATHAN SHEFFER - IN A SHALLOW GRAVE - =
VARESE=20
SARABANDE - LP (STV81359)<BR> String and harpsichord =
dominated=20
soundtrack to this strange looking<BR> 1988 film. =
Quite moody=20
in places, and generally of the more quiet<BR> =
variety, with a=20
few tear jerking sadness tracks in between. Tears<BR> =
almost=20
rolling down my cheeks while writing this.... </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> TEST ICICLES - BOA VS PYTHON - DOMINO - =
7"=20
(RUG205)<BR> Well, i like to think i know a bit about =
what=20
Domino (one of my<BR> favourite labels) are putting =
out, but=20
have to say i'm completely<BR> ignorant on the subject =
of Test=20
Icicles. Even after listening<BR> to this, i'm not =
much the=20
wiser and a little nonplussed. Kinda<BR> sounded like =
a cross=20
between The Darkness, The Cramps and Franz<BR> =
Ferdinand. It's=20
on headache-inducing green vinyl. I did all that<BR> =
without=20
making a joke about their name, too. Released Monday =
1st<BR> =20
August although we can send it mailorder to arrive on=20
Monday.<BR> </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> TURIN BRAKES - OVER AND OVER - SOURCE - =
7"=20
(SOUR114)<BR> Brand new single from Turin Brakes. Very =
much=20
the sound we've<BR> come to expect from them (country =
indie=20
pop) but still perfectly<BR> pleasant and summery. =
Certainly=20
worth 99p, that's for sure. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>New Releases (Vinyl): Funk / Jazz / =
Soul</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> MARVIN GAYE - I WANT YOU (DANNY K EDITS) =
- EDIT -=20
12" (EDIT03)<BR> Three different edits of this =
beautiful=20
Marvin Gaye song by the<BR> very talented Mr Krivit. =
The=20
a-side is possibly the best edit,<BR> concentrating =
heavily on=20
the breakdown, extending it with loving<BR> care. The =
first=20
b-side version edits out the breakdown altogether<BR> =
and=20
concentrates on the groove whilst the second version is=20
entirely<BR> instrumental. How Mr K managed that I'll =
never=20
know. All in all<BR> it's a wonderful song and these =
are=20
wonderful edits. You'll need<BR> two!!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>New Releases (CD): Electronica</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> ANDREY KIRITCHENKO - TRUE DELUSION - =
SPEKK - CD=20
(KK:006)<BR> Restock. A slight departure from the =
usual=20
ultra-minimal Spekk<BR> sound here from Ukrainian =
Andrey=20
Kiritchenko. Rather than using<BR> digital =
fragmentation and=20
reduced sound we get a full sounding<BR> and =
strikingly=20
beautiful series of eight tracks split into two<BR> =
distinct=20
halves. The first is concerned with the gentle =
processing<BR> =20
of acoustic guitars coupled with wonderfully dense=20
background<BR> sounds and hiss. All four tracks are =
gorgeous.=20
The second half<BR> uses piano as the basis for the=20
constructions and, again, adds<BR> a serious amount of =
background found-sounds to create layers and<BR> =
layers of=20
compelling noise. A genuinely lovely release from =
a<BR> =20
brilliant label. Of course, the artwork is absolutely=20
sublime<BR> as well. Highly recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> BEAR IN HEAVEN - TUNES NEXTDOOR TO SONGS =
- EASTERN=20
DEVELOPMENTS - CD (EDM10CD)<BR> An absolute torrent of =
new=20
Eastern Developments releases this<BR> week, which is =
a bit of=20
pain as there really are some beauties<BR> amongst =
them and=20
one or two are bound to be neglected. This is<BR> an =
absolute=20
stunner, to be honest, and follows on perfectly =
from<BR> the=20
Lori Scacco album. A wonderful, melancholic 4-track EP =
(21<BR> =20
mins) again comparable to Lunz as well as Max Richter or=20
that<BR> piano-based Eluvium album of last year. Sigur =
Ros=20
would also be<BR> a legitimate comparison at times, =
likewise=20
Hood, especially towards<BR> the end. Very impressive. =
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> BORIS HAUF - SOFT LEFT ONTO WESTLAND - =
MOSZ - CD=20
(MOSZ008)<BR> Boris Hauf's debut for Viennese label =
Mosz is a=20
varied and extremely<BR> good fun affair. It would =
seem that,=20
as far as digital minimalism<BR> goes, he's definitley =
not=20
taking it too seriously and has managed<BR> to imbue =
the whole=20
CD with a perky and lively sense of humour.<BR> =
Whether it's=20
Raster Noton style clicks and sub-bass, harsh=20
manipulations,<BR> lush drones or even found sounds =
and field=20
recordings, you get<BR> the sense that he's enjoying =
every=20
minute. Fans of the other output<BR> on the label so =
far=20
should investigate and if you like your =
electronics<BR> =20
minimal you should do the same. Great stuff that comes =
recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> BOVAFLUX - WHERE THERE WAS NOTHING - =
HIGHPOINT=20
LOWLIFE - CD (HPLL013)<BR> Highpoint Lowlife hit the =
spot here=20
with a super CD album from<BR> Electronica artist =
Bovaflux.=20
Having put out tracks on compilations<BR> and several =
MP3=20
Net.labels, it's good to see a long player making<BR> =
its way=20
onto the shelves. The sounds are at once familiar,=20
comfortable<BR> and very beautiful indeed. Laced with =
melody,=20
lush chords and<BR> clever rhythm programming =
it's=20
something of a hybrid sound that<BR> would sit very =
happily on=20
the shelves of fans of Expanding and<BR> Toytronic. =
That's not=20
to say it's derivative, more that it has<BR> an =
identifiable=20
flava that's extremely pleasing to the ears. As<BR> =
soon as I=20
put it on I knew it was going to be good and, of =
you're<BR> a=20
fan of electronics in general or the aforementioned=20
labels,<BR> this is seriously worth checking out.=20
recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> ELLIOT LIPP - ELLIOT LIPP - EASTERN =
DEVELOPMENTS -=20
CD (EDM011CD)<BR> Beats, soundtrack influenced =
instrumentals,=20
samples galore. A<BR> very 'Eastern Developements' =
type of=20
album from young Mr Lipp.<BR> Pleasureable enough and =
almost,=20
although thankfully not quite,<BR> coffetable. Get yer =
luggs=20
round some Lipps.............</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> EXPOSURES, THE - LOST RECORDINGS =
2000-2004 -=20
EASTERN DEVELOPMENTS - CD (EDM12CD)<BR> Compilation LP =
of this=20
criminally underated trio from Berlin.<BR> These guys =
have=20
been writing music for film & television since<BR> =
the=20
1980's. This is a rare collection of work that the trio=20
composed<BR> under the influence of fellow German,=20
digital/sampling artist<BR> Jan Jelinek. This really =
is a=20
tremendous collection of modern<BR> electronica and =
very=20
worthy of you attention. Thankyou Eastern<BR> =
Developements=20
for unearthing this treasure for us............</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> EZEKIEL HONIG AND MORGAN PACKARD - EARLY =
MORNING=20
MIGRATION - MICROCOSM - CD (MCOSM1009)<BR> Microcosm =
is a=20
label that we've been following very closely here<BR> =
at=20
Smallfish and this, for me, fulfills all the promise that=20
we've<BR> thus far seen. Label boss Ezekiel Honig has=20
consistently been<BR> putting out fabulous Techno and=20
Electronica releases on a number<BR> of labels and the =
sheer=20
depth, simplicity and warmth of his sound<BR> is =
simply a joy=20
to listen to. Subtle 4/4's have been his trademark<BR> =
so far=20
so it's interesting to see him put his sound into a =
more<BR> =20
ambient and textural persepctive. With help from Morgan=20
Packard<BR> (weho actually provides half of the tracks =
on the=20
CD) he's created<BR> a dense, lovingly crafted and =
gentle=20
selection that is melodic<BR> without ever being =
obvious.=20
Muted soundscapes and rhythmic pulses<BR> sit =
underneath the=20
tracks and the luscious layers that lie on<BR> top of=20
everything are quite divine. Everything you would or =
could<BR> =20
want from a piece of ambient Electronica. Highly, highly=20
recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> FENTON (SHUTTLE358) - PUP - PLOP - CD=20
(PLIP-3014)<BR> What can you say about a new album =
from such a=20
heavily respected<BR> and loved artist as Dan Abrams =
aka=20
Shuttle358? To discover that<BR> this exquisite gem of =
a=20
release had landed on our doorstep today<BR> after =
being=20
unsure as to quite how we'd get hold of it was a =
moment<BR> to=20
treasure. And here for your listening pleasure is,=20
conceivably,<BR> the highest point so far achieved in =
the=20
field of Electronica<BR> and organic, guitar based =
music. Dan=20
has put together a sparkling<BR> collection of gentle, =
lilting=20
and achingly beautiful tracks that<BR> will do their =
absolute=20
utmost to soothe and enchant you with beautifully<BR> =
picked=20
and played melodies. Couple that with the sort of =
deft<BR> =20
manipulations that have made him the figure he is within the=20
sphere<BR> of this sort of minimal music and you have =
a=20
shining, shimmering<BR> example of exactly how to do =
it. A=20
very special album indeed and<BR> one that we're =
incredibly=20
proud to be able to offer you. You simply<BR> have to =
check=20
this out! Highly, highly recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> FOURCOLOR - WATER MIRROR - APESTAARTJE - =
CD=20
(STAARTJE016)<BR> RESTOCK. FOLLOWING ON FROM THE =
RECENT ALBUM=20
RELEASE ON 12K COMES<BR> THIS ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL =
SEVEN TRACK=20
CD FOR THE EXCELLENT APESTAARTJE<BR> IMPRINT. FONICA'S =
KEIICHI=20
SUGIMOTO'S SOLO PROJECT IS A DELIGHTFULLY<BR> MELODIC =
AND=20
MEANDERING SELECTION OF BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED =
ELECTRONICA<BR> =20
WITH GENTLE DRIFTS OF SOUND FORMING THE MAIN PART OF THE=20
TRACKS.<BR> INTRICATELY WOVEN INTO THE MIX ARE =
OCCASIONAL=20
MOMENTS OF CLICK,<BR> HISS AND HUM ALONG WITH =
GORGEOUSLY DENSE=20
LAYERS OF TEXTURE. THE<BR> LAST TRACK IS A TWENTY TWO =
MINUTE=20
PIECE RECORDED FOR A FILM BY<BR> JUN MIYAZAKI =
AND TRUE=20
TO THE IDEA IT'S A MAGNIFICENTLY SUBTLE<BR> PIECE OF =
FILMIC=20
MUSIC. THIS ONE IS HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> GUSTAV - RETTET DIE WALE - MOSZ - CD=20
(MOSZ005)<BR> RESTOCK. FIFTH RELEASE FROM THE VIENNESE =
MOSZ=20
IMPRINT (RUN BY<BR> ONE OF THE GUYS FROM RADIAN UNLESS =
I'M=20
VERY MUCH MISTAKEN). THIS<BR> IS A WONDERFUL AND =
BEAUTIFUL=20
ALBUM OF INNOCENT AND PLAYFUL ELECTRONICA<BR> THAT=20
CONCENTRATES ON A VOCAL STYLE WITH EVA 'GUSTAV'=20
JANTSCHITSCH<BR> PROVIDING THE VOICE AND THE MUSIC. =
COMES=20
ACROSS LIKE A CROSS BETWEEN<BR> LALI PUNA, BJORK AND =
AGF AND=20
AS SUCH IS AN INTRIGUING CD THAT'S<BR> FULL OF WARMTH =
AND=20
LUSHNESS. LOW-KEY, SLIGHTLY GLITCHY SOUNDS<BR> FORM =
THE BASIS=20
AND IT'S A DEFINITE WINNER. WELL WORTH CHECKING<BR> =20
OUT.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> HORACIO POLLARD - THE OWL ALBUM - =
NEIGH%MUSIC - CD=20
(????)<BR> Home-made CDR laptoptronica shenanigans a =
go-go,=20
and a full-length<BR> 16-track album to boot. Frantic, =
Red=20
Bull-fuelled broken noise<BR> and electronics to be =
filed next=20
to the likes of Squarepusher,<BR> Planet Mu and =
Tigerbeat. I'm=20
not sure what the owl obsession is<BR> all about, =
maybe this=20
will reveal itself after repeated listens.<BR> Perhaps =
it's=20
cos it's such a hoot (right, this is your final =
warning...<BR> =20
- Ed)! </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> JOHN HUDAK - ROOM WITH SKY - SPEKK - CD=20
(KK:003)<BR> Restock. Third release from this =
little-known but=20
wonderful Japanese<BR> label run by Hefty's Mondii. =
John Hudak=20
is an audio artist from<BR> New York and this CD is a=20
wonderful, beautiful piece of work.<BR> Taking an =
hour-long=20
recorded stream of consciousness whilst in<BR> his =
apartment=20
overlooking the Hudson river in N.Y. the work was<BR> =
then=20
processed with a series of computer manipulations and=20
turned<BR> into an icily fragile, gorgeously delicate=20
electronic piece. It<BR> flows with a simple series of =
notes=20
which create a summery, ethereal<BR> sound that really =
conjures up images of a sunny afternoon. Quite<BR> =
simply=20
brilliant, this one is highly recommended for fans of =
12k,<BR> =20
L-ne or Raster Noton. Awesome.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> KAPITAL BAND 1 - 2CD - MOSZ - CD=20
(MOSZ001)<BR> RESTOCK. THIS IS THE FIRST RELEASE FROM =
VIENNESE=20
LABEL MOSZ AND<BR> IT'S VERY INTERESTING FOR TWO =
REASONS. THE=20
FIRST IS THAT MUSICALLY<BR> IT'S ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT! =
ELEVEN=20
TRACKS OF TREATED DRUMS AND<BR> PERCUSSION THAT, FROM =
THE=20
CONCEPT, SOUNDS COOL, BUT DOESN'T NCESSARILY<BR> MAKE =
FOR GOOD=20
REPEATED LISTENING. HOEVER, THE WAY IT'S BEEN DONE<BR> =
IS=20
MAGNIFICENT. THE DRUMS ARE ALWAYS EVER PRESENT IN THE =
MIX,<BR> =20
BUT THE PROCESSING THAT'S BEEN UTILISED GIVES IT A=20
WONDRFULLY<BR> DENSE AND SURPRISINGLY MELODIC SOUND. =
SO, YOU=20
GET TEXTURES A LA<BR> GAS, ELECTROSTATIC SOUNDS A LA =
RASTER=20
NOTON, AND A GENEROUS AMOUNT<BR> OF SUBTLE MELODY TO =
BOOT.=20
DELICIOUS AND VERY SATISFYING. THE SECOND<BR> REASON =
IS THAT=20
YOU A CD COVER THAT CAN BE CUT IN HALF TO MAKE<BR> A =
NEW ONE=20
AND EVEN A PRE-PRINTED CDR SO YOU CAN MAKE ANOTHER =
COPY<BR> OF=20
THE CD AND PRESUMABLY GIVE IT TO SOMEONE AS A GIFT! VERY=20
INVENTIVE<BR> AND YET ANOTHER NICE TOUCH ON A CD =
THAT'S=20
ALREADY PACKED FULL<BR> OF GOODNESS. =
RECOMMENDED.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> KSCHZT - THE EARTH'S HUM - BLASE - CD=20
(BLA007CD)<BR> Restock. Coming from the man that =
brought us=20
the wonderful MD<BR> albums on Merck as well as the =
superb=20
previous single on Blase,<BR> it's no surprise to find =
that=20
Jakko's almost unpronouncable Kschzt<BR> full length =
is a=20
beauty. Mixing up a whole slew of electronic<BR> =
styles from=20
pacey electronica to Detroit influenced Tech =
sounds<BR> via=20
some wonderfully abstract moments and quality breakbeat=20
based<BR> tracks, this is a joy from beginning to end =
and=20
features some<BR> incredibly detailed programming and=20
production that really fits<BR> the overall feel. =
Mature,=20
engaging and interesting throughout,<BR> this is yet =
another=20
string in Blase's bow and a super moment for<BR> =
Kschzt.=20
Definitely recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> LEB LAZE - PRESSURE EP - EASTERN =
DEVELOPMENTS - CD=20
(EDM9CD)<BR> I dunno, you wait an eternity for a new =
Eastern=20
Developments release<BR> and suddenly five come along =
at once.=20
Featuring fellow ED signing<BR> Ahmad Szabo, this =
five-track=20
EP is a solid slab of electronic<BR> / leftfield =
instrumental=20
hip hop very much in the style we've<BR> come to know =
and love=20
over the years, ie. organic, melodic, musical.<BR> If =
you're a=20
Prefuse fan, you'll obviously want to check this =
out.<BR> =20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> MARTIN SIEWERT - NO NEED TO BE LONESOME - =
MOSZ - CD=20
(MOSZ002)<BR> RESTOCK. A GREAT PROJECT FROM MARTIN =
SIEWERT ON=20
THIS EXCELLENT<BR> VIENNESE LABEL THAT SEES =
CONTRIBUTIONS FROM=20
SUCH LUMINARIES AS<BR> PATRICK PULSINGER AND WERNER=20
DAFELDECKER. FIVE TRACKS THAT CONTINUALLY<BR> CONFOUND =
EXPECTATIONS BY BEING A HEADY MIXTURE OF LUSH =
ELECTRONICS,<BR> =20
EXPERIMENTAL DRONES, RASTER NOTON STYLE ELECTROSTATIC SOUNDS=20
AND<BR> RHYTHMS PLUS SOME MORE TRADITIONAL DRUM =
MACHINE WORK.=20
VASTLY ENGAGING<BR> AND FULL OF CHARACTER, THIS ONE IS =
DEFINITELY RECOMMENDED FOR<BR> FANS OF HIS OTHER WORK, =
PLUS=20
EABSTRACT ELECTRONICS IN GENERAL.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> METALYCEE - ANOTHER WHITE ALBUM - MOSZ - =
CD=20
(MOSZ004)<BR> RESTOCK. A SLIGHTLY SCHIZOPHRENIC =
OFFERING FROM=20
THOSE NICE PEOPLE<BR> AT MOSZ IN VIENNA. THIS OOZES =
CHARACTER=20
WITH ITS ODDBALL BLEND<BR> OF GAS STYLE DRONE TRACKS,=20
SCRUNCHED UP ELECTRONIC WORK AND FULL<BR> ON =
PSYCHEDELIC PROG=20
AND KRAUTROCK TRACKS. EACH CUT IS A MINI VOYAGE<BR> =
THROUGH=20
ENGAGING SOUND DESIGN AND, ON REPEATED LISTENINGS, =
OFFERS<BR> =20
MORE AND MORE EACH TIME. STRANGE, TO BE SURE, BUT VERY=20
REWARDING<BR> INDEED. CHECK.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> MOUNTAINS - MOUNTAINS - APESTAARTJE - CD=20
(STAARTJE018)<BR> RESTOCK. I'VE BEEN RANTING ON ABOUT=20
APESTAARTJE FOR SOME TIME<BR> AND IT'S INCREDIBLY NICE =
TO=20
FINALLY GET THIS MOST RECENT RELEASE.<BR> A =
COLLABORATION=20
BETWEEN BRENDON ANDEREGG AND LABEL OWNER KOEN<BR> =
HOLTKAMP=20
(OTHERWISE KNOWN AS AERO), IT CONCERNS ITSELF WITH =
THE<BR> =20
COMBINING OF ACOUSTIC, LIVE INFLUENCES AND A MORE=20
ELECTRONIC,<BR> EXPERIMENTAL FEEL. FOUR PIECES OF WORK =
WHICH=20
ARE DOMINATED BY<BR> A TRULY WONDROUS SENSE OF SPACE =
AND=20
MELODY PLUS SUBTLE LAYERS<BR> OF SOUND AND SKILLFUL=20
INSTRUMENTATION. SIMPLY PUT, IF YOU'RE A<BR> FAN OF =
12K,=20
SPEKK, PLOP, LIST OR THE OTHER APESTAARTJE =
RELEASES<BR> (AND I=20
KNOW I AM) YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST CHECK THIS DELIGHTFUL =
ALBUM<BR> =20
OUT.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> PERCEVALMUSIC - VIESCOLAIRE - =
EFFERVESCENCE - CD=20
(FRVSENS07CD)<BR> Really bizarre but hypnotic stuff =
which=20
combines / alternates<BR> chopped-up strings, =
harpischord and=20
classical motifs with a harsher,<BR> instrumental =
(post) rock=20
sound, in a really lo-fi, rough 'n' ready<BR> way. =
Whether=20
clanging drums and abrasive guitars rubbing =
shoulders<BR> with=20
laptop-treated strings quartets sounds like your idea =
of<BR> =20
fun or not, this is certainly unique and quite unlike=20
anything<BR> else around at the moment. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> SEBASTIEN ROUX - PILLOW - APESTAARTJE - =
CD=20
(STAARTJE017)<BR> RESTOCK. APESTAARTJE IS GOING TO =
START=20
GETTING SOME SERIOUS RECOGNITION<BR> SOON AND IF IT =
CARRIES ON=20
WITH RELEASES OF THIS CALIBRE IT'LL<BR> SOON BE UP =
THERE WITH=20
THE LIKES OF 12K AND LINE, IF IT ISN'T ALREADY!<BR> =
THE=20
INCREDIBLY TALENTED SOMETIME 12K ARTIST SEBASTIEN ROUX =
HAS<BR> =20
CRAFTED A LOVELY CD THAT SIMPLY FLIES BY WHEN YOU'RE=20
LISTENING<BR> TO IT. DEEP TEXTURES, CLEVER USE OF HIGH =
FREQUENCIES THAT PUNCTUATE<BR> THE SOUNDS AND A =
LOVINGLY PUT=20
TOGETHER PALETTE OF SOUNDS ARE HIS<BR> TRADEMARKS, AND =
THIS CD=20
DELIVERS ALL OF THAT IN BUCKETLOADS. YOU<BR> SIMPLY =
HAVE TO=20
CHECK THIS OUT IF YOU'RE INTO RASTER, 12K OR LINE.<BR> =
BRILLIANT AND HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> STUNTMAN5 - MELTED PLASTIC FAKE - =
EFFERVESCENCE -=20
CD (FRVSENS10CD)<BR> Definitely one that will appeal =
to fans=20
of Anticon's recent output,<BR> as it really has a =
slight Odd=20
Nosdam / Dosh / Clouddead / Why?<BR> flava, ie. =
off-kilter=20
MBV-esque guitars, lo-fi electronics and<BR> =
left-of-centre=20
rhymes delivered in that dry, effortless, =
off-the-cuff<BR> but=20
poetic way. Watch this space. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> VARIOUS - KALK SEEDS - KARAOKE KALK - CD=20
(KALK30CD)<BR> The organic, heartwarming, melodic =
sound of=20
Karaoke Kalk gets<BR> showcased to perfection across =
this=20
full-length sampler CD. Many<BR> a previously =
unreleased track=20
to be had from the likes of Roman,<BR> Hausmeister, =
Sora &=20
Wechsel Garland, Hauschka, Tagaki Masakatsu,<BR> =
Kandis, Le=20
Rok, Donna Regina, Takeo Toyama Trio etc plus =
album<BR> tracks=20
from Toog, Pascal Schafer, Marz and Kuchen Meets=20
Mapstation,<BR> and a new QuickTime movie from =
Pluramon.=20
Chilled and often quite<BR> beautiful, this is a great =
way of=20
getting into a great label.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>Restocks (CD): Electronica</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> DAEDELUS - OF SNOWDONIA - PLUG RESEARCH - =
CD=20
(PR44CD)<BR> YES! YES! EASILY ONE OF MY EARLY =
CONTENDERS FOR=20
ALBUM OF THE YEAR.<BR> DAEDELUS IS JUST ON FIRE AT THE =
MOMENT=20
AND THIS ALBUM PROVES YET<BR> AGAIN THAT HE'S A MAJOR =
FORCE TO=20
BE RECKONED WITH. STUNNINGLY<BR> MAD SAMPLE DRIVEN =
MUSIC THAT=20
TAKES ON JAZZ, HIP HOP, BEATS, ELECTRONICA<BR> AND SO =
MUCH=20
MORE. CHOPPED UP, OFFBEAT, OFFKILTER, ODDBALL =
STUFF<BR> WITH=20
THE KIND OF LOOSE, FLOWING FEEL THAT SOUNDS SO FRESH=20
COMPARED<BR> TO THE GENERALLY TIGHT ELECTRONIC THAT =
DOMINATES.=20
JUST AN ESSENTIAL<BR> PIECE OF WORK THAT YOU HAVE TO =
CHECK=20
OUT. BRILLIANT.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> DAVID LAST - PUSH PULL - AGRICULTURE - CD =
(AG039CD)<BR> BIT OF GENRE BUSTER, THIS. QUIRKY,=20
ALL-ENCOMPASSING ELECTRONICS<BR> WITH A DEFINITE =
JAPANESE=20
FLAVOUR TO PROCEEDINGS. EVERYTHING FROM<BR> CUT-UP =
WEST LONDON=20
TO DOWNTEMPO TO CUTE ELECTRONICA GOING ON HERE<BR> - =
THINK=20
NOBUKAZU TAKEMURA MEETS PLAID MEETS ATOM HEART WITH =
MAYBE<BR> =20
A HINT OF TZADIK.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> DJ OLIVE - BODEGA - AGRICULTURE - CD=20
(AG026CD)<BR> A COLLAGE OF 18 CUTS OF CHOPPED =
ELECTRONICS AND=20
SAMPLES WITH SO<BR> MUCH GOING ON IN EACH TRACK. A =
REAL MASS=20
OF LAYERED SOUNDS WHICH<BR> ARE CONSTENTLY EVOLVING. =
TAKE THE=20
JOURNEY AND HAVE A LISTEN......</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> EXPERIMENTAL AUDIO RESEARCH - WORN TO A =
SHADOW -=20
LUMBERTON TRADING COMPANY - CD (LUMB001)<BR> FOUR =
TRACKS=20
TRANSLATES INTO OVER 50 MINUTES OF MUSIC. THEY=20
REALLY<BR> DO DO WHAT THEIR NAME SUGGESTS - THIS IS=20
EXPERIMENTAL AUDIO. <BR> OFTEN RATHER BEAUTIFUL, OFTEN =
DARK=20
AND FOREBODING AND OFTEN SOMETHING<BR> THAT MIGHT =
BELONG IN A=20
"NEW-AGE" SETTING. IT WORKS THOUGH, AND<BR> =
ALTHOUGH YOU=20
MIGHT GET INTO TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION IN =
PASSING,<BR> IT IS=20
ACTUALLY VERY LISTENABLE.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> JULIEN NETO - LE FUMEUR DE CIEL - TYPE - =
CD=20
(TYPE006)<BR> MELANCHOLY RULES ON THIS SPLENDID =
RELEASE FROM=20
THE UK'S FOREMOST<BR> ELECTRONICA IMPRINT. I DON'T =
WANT TO=20
HARP ON ABOUT HOW GOOD THE<BR> LABEL IS, BUT WITH THIS =
RELEASE=20
THEY'VE PROVIDED ANOTHER INTIMATE<BR> GLIMPSE INTO THE =
WORLD=20
OF ELECTRONIC / ORGANIC MUSIC. JULIEN NETO'S<BR> DEBUT =
IS,=20
SIMPLY PUT, A WONDERFULLY SOOTHING, INCREDIBLY =
DETAILED<BR> =20
JOURNEY THROUGH AMBIENT ATMOSPHERICS. GENTLY LILTING TONES=20
ARE<BR> LAYERED OVER SUBLIME CHORD STRUCTURES AND, =
YES, THERE=20
IS A SLIGHTLY<BR> CLASSICAL FEEL HERE, BUT IT'S VERY =
SUBTLE.=20
MOSTLY BEATLESS, IT<BR> IS AN ALBUM OF EBBS AND FLOWS =
THAT=20
DRIFTS DREAMILY THROUGH YOUR<BR> SPACE NEVER QUITE =
LETTING GO.=20
AT TIMES IT COULD EASILY BE THE<BR> SOUNDTRACK TO YOUR =
FAVOURITE SCI-FI FILM, AT OTHERS THE BACKING<BR> MUSIC =
FOR A=20
TRIP TO THE COUNTRY. QUITE RIGHTLY HAILED AS A =
BRILLIANT<BR> =20
PIECE OF WORK, THIS COMES HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> LALI PUNA - I THOUGHT I WAS OVER THAT - =
RARE,=20
REMIXED AND B-SI - MORR MUSIC - 2xCD (MORR056CD)<BR> =
NICELY=20
DOUBLE CD PACKAGE OF LOTS OF GREAT LALI PUNA B-SIDES,=20
RARITIES<BR> AND REMIXES. NINETEEN TRACKS TO GET YOUR =
TEETH=20
INTO AND PLENTY<BR> OF NICE TRACKS THAT RANGE FROM =
THEIR OWN=20
VERSIONS OF OTHER PEOPLE<BR> TO OTHER ARTISTS REMIXING =
THEM.=20
TO ROCOCO ROT, BOMB THE BASS,<BR> ALIAS, TWO LONE =
SWORDSMEN,=20
BOOM BIP, FLOWCHART AND SIXTOO ARE<BR> JUST SOME OF =
THE=20
ARTISTS ON HERE AND IF YOU ADD THAT TO THE =
RARITIES<BR> THAT=20
ARE ALSO INCLUDED YOU'VE GOT A GREAT PACKAGE.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> LUCKY PIERRE - TOUCHPOOL - MELODIC - CD=20
(MELO27CD)<BR> THE FIRST TRULY ESSENTIAL ALBUM OF THE =
YEAR?=20
YES, I THINK SO.<BR> THIS IS A TRULY WONDERFUL PIECE =
OF WORK=20
FROM AIDAN MOFFAT, USING<BR> A BROAD ARRAY OF =
DELIGHTFUL=20
SAMPLES TO CREATE A WARM, ATMOSPHERIC<BR> SOUNDTRACK =
TO ALL=20
MANNER OF LATE NIGHT ACTIVITIES, I DARE SAY.<BR> =
EMOTIVE AND=20
FULL OF LIFE AND DETAIL, THIS IS QUITE GENUINELY =
AN<BR> =20
ABSOLUTE MUST IN ANYONE'S LIFE. I'M SERIOUS - BUY IT!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> MARKUS GUENTNER - 1981 - KOMPAKT - CD=20
(KOMCD39)<BR> ABSOLUTELY LUSH ALBUM FROM ONE OF THE =
POP=20
AMBIENT SERIES' STALWART<BR> PRODUCERS. IF YOU WANT =
SWATHES OF=20
LAYERED CHORDS AND GENTLE TOUCHES<BR> OF MELODY ALONG =
WITH=20
SUBTLE, DUBBY 4/4 BEATS, LOOK NO FURTHER.<BR> THERE IS =
ONE=20
MORE UPBEAT SCHAFFEL TRACK ON HERE AS WELL WHICH<BR> =
STICKS=20
OUT A BIT, BUT GENERALLY THIS IS PURE ELECTRONIC =
BLISS.<BR> =20
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> NETTLE - FIRECAMP STORIES REMIXED - =
AGRICULTURE -=20
CD (AG019CD)<BR> A RIGHT MIXED BAG ON THIS ALBUM OF=20
REMIXES. STARTING WITH ELECTRONIC<BR> ARABIC HIP =
HOP BY=20
NETTLE HIMSELF, THINGS MOVE INTO MORE ABSTRACT<BR> =
TERRITORY=20
(NOISY AT TIMES, GLITCHY AND MINIMAL AT OTHERS) =
WITH<BR> MIXES=20
FROM THE LIKES OF DJ RUPTURE, HRVATSKI, DONNA SUMMER,=20
TIMEBLIND<BR> AND LOTS OF OTHERS. OCCASIONALLY =
THINGS=20
GET MIDDLE EASTERN AGAIN<BR> - THE STAND OUT TRACKS =
FOR ME.=20
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE - GOOD WITH<BR> IT =
TOO.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> NETTLE - BUILD A FORT, SET THAT ON FIRE - =
AGRICULTURE - CD (AG016CD)<BR> VENETIAN SNARES, =
SPEEDRANCH,=20
BOMB 20, ALEC EMPIRE, KID 606, DAVID<BR> JACOBS - IF =
YOU'RE A=20
FAN OF ANY OF THESE, YOU'LL FIND MUCH TO<BR> ENJOY =
HERE.=20
INCLUDES A REMIX FROM DJ SCUD & A BONUS TRACK BY =
ESP.<BR> =20
ROUGH & READY, THE WAY WE LIKE IT! BTW - NETTLE IS DJ=20
RUPTURE<BR> OF TIGERBEAT FAME.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> RJ VALEO - SEPTEMBER - TYPE - CD=20
(TYPECD001)<BR> I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS FOR A =
WHILE! THE=20
HOTLY TIPPED NEW LABEL<BR> TYPE DELIVERS IT'S FIRST =
RELEASE=20
AND IT'S AN ABSOLUTE SMASHER.RJ<BR> VALEO'S DEBUT ON =
HOBBY=20
INDUSTRIES WAS A SUPERB PIECE OF WORK AND<BR> THIS =
BETTERS IT=20
IN MY OPINION. A FULL EIGHT TRACK ALBUM OF SOME<BR> OF =
THE=20
MOST DELECTABLY ATMOSPHERIC ELECTRONICA AROUND. =
TAKING<BR> =20
CUES FROM LABELS SUCH AS SCAPE AND ARTISTS SUCH AS DUB=20
TRACTOR,<BR> THIS ALBUM HAS SOME LUSH, ICY COLD =
SOUNDING=20
TEXTURES AND CHORDS<BR> COUPLED WITH SUBTLE, DOWNBEAT =
RHYTHMIC=20
STRUCTURES THAT SIT HAPPILY<BR> IN A SEMI GLITCH KIND =
OF=20
STYLE. CONVERSELY, THERE ARE A COUPLE<BR> OF MORE =
UPBEAT=20
TRACKS WITH QUALITY BEATS AND A MORE LIVELY SOUND<BR> =
TO THE=20
MELODIES WHICH COMPLEMENTS THE OTHER HAUNTING TRACKS=20
PERFECTLY.<BR> AN OUTSTANDING FIRST RELEASE FOR TYPE =
AND A=20
BRILLIANT PIECE OF<BR> WORK FROM RJ VALEO. LETS HOPE =
THEY CAN=20
KEEP IT UP. RESPECT.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> VARIOUS - POP AMBIENT 2005 - KOMPAKT - CD =
(KOMCD37)<BR> THIS YEARS INSTALLMENT OF THE WONDEROUS =
POP=20
AMBIENT SERIES IS<BR> AN ABSOLUTE WHIRLPOOL OF BLISS. =
12=20
TRACKS OF THE MOST DELIGHTFULLY<BR> ATMOSPHERIC =
AMBIENT=20
ELECTRONICA FROM SUCH HOUSEHOLD NAMES AS (WELL,<BR> =20
THEY'RE HOUSEHOLD NAMES AROUND MY HOUSEHOLD ANYWAY!) THE=20
ORB,<BR> GAS, TRIOLA, KLIMEK, ANDREW THOMAS, ULF =
LOHMANN,=20
THOMAS FEHLMANN,<BR> DJ KOZE, PETER GRUMMICH, =
POPNONAME AND=20
PASS INTO SILENCE. TEXTURAL<BR> HEAVEN.=20
ESSENTIAL.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> VARIOUS - BBQ BEETS.2 RETURN OF THE YAMS =
-=20
AGRICULTURE - CD (AG031CD)<BR> BUDGET PRICE ROUND-UP =
OF=20
AGRICULTURE TRACKS, AND WHAT A FINE SELECTION<BR> IT =
IS.=20
NINETEEN CUTS ALTOGETHER FROM THE LIKES OF DJ WALLY, =
DJ<BR> =20
OLIVE, DAVID LAST, NETTLE, LLOOP AND MORE. BEAT ORIENTATED=20
AT<BR> ALL TIMES, BE IT HARD AND DEEP OR FUNKY AND =
CRUNCHY.=20
ORGANIC SOUNDS<BR> PLAY THROUGHOUT WITH ELECTRONICA =
BACKING IT=20
ALL UP VERY NICELY.<BR> A SOLID PACKAGE REGARDLESS OF =
WHETHER=20
YOU KNOW THE LABEL OR NOT.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>New Releases (CD): Techno / Electro</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> DAVE MILLER - MITCHELLS RACCOLTA - =
BACKGROUND - CD=20
(BG045CD)<BR> Firstly, apologies to both Dave Miller =
and our=20
customers for the<BR> lengthy delay on us getting this =
in so=20
late. There are no excuses<BR> I'm afraid. so I shall =
continue=20
on with the review. Dave's earlier<BR> work on =
Background was=20
slowly but surely moving into more textural<BR> =
territory. The=20
glitched-out funk of his 12"s was firmly in the<BR> =
Techno=20
camp but always with a lighter and more sculptural =
feel.<BR> =20
This album takes that approach to a new level with its=20
wonderfully<BR> deep chords and sounds coupled with a =
jazzy=20
lick (in a Scape-ish<BR> sort of way) to some of the=20
beautifully intricate percussion.<BR> There are some =
more=20
groove based tracks as well to counterpoint<BR> the =
more=20
downbeat moments and as a whole it's an extremely =
well<BR> =20
thought out and put together piece of work. Warm,=20
atmopsheric<BR> and highly recommended. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> KHAN AND WALKER - RADIOWAVES - HARVEST - =
CD=20
(8365002)<BR> Anything that sees Khan and Dr. Walker =
working=20
together is going<BR> to be good... and this doesn't=20
disappoint in any way at all. Hailing<BR> from 1995 =
this has=20
all the hallmarks of an Air Liquide / Blue<BR> / XXC3 =
release=20
(not surprisingly, I suppose) with its intense<BR> =
analogue=20
sounds and programming, totally original Techno / =
Electro<BR> =20
beats and loads of squidgy acidic moments. Couple that with=20
a<BR> couple of surprisingly hardcore experimental =
moments and=20
you've<BR> got an album to savour. Super stuff that =
even after=20
10 years stands<BR> proud and tall amongst the =
plethora of=20
Electronica that's out<BR> there.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> VARIOUS - IN TECHNICOLOR - HARVEST - CD=20
(8215392)<BR> Harvest continued the work that the Air =
Liquide=20
guys started with<BR> labels such as Blue, XXC3, =
Temple and=20
Electro Bunker Cologne by<BR> signing up the same =
artists and=20
allowing them to carry on what<BR> they were doing =
pretty much=20
inobstructed. Hence, you get a superb<BR> compilation =
that's=20
full of late '90's Techno / Electronica that<BR> =
features the=20
likes of Burger/Ink, The Modernist, Air Liquide=20
themselves,<BR> Khan, Dr. Walker, Kron, The Bionaut =
and loads=20
more. A wonderfully<BR> diverse and comprehensive =
collection=20
of music from a very special<BR> era. =
Quality.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> VARIOUS - LIQUID SKY COLOGNE - VOLUME =
THREE -=20
ELECTRO BUNKER COLOGNE - CD (EBCCD003)<BR> Subtitled=20
'M.A.F.I.A. Electronique', this third volume of =
the<BR> Liquid=20
Sky series featuring Cologne's finest features no=20
track-listing,<BR> but a whole series of live =
recordings of=20
Dr. Walker, The Bionaut,<BR> Peta, Kandis and M. Flux. =
Awesome, acidic Techno sounds from an<BR> era that =
still=20
absolutely does it for me. Anything to do with<BR> the =
Air=20
Liquide crew is pretty much guaranteed to float my =
boat...<BR> =20
see if it does yours!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> VARIOUS - LIQUID SKY COLOGNE - VOLUME TWO =
- ELECTRO=20
BUNKER COLOGNE - CD (EBCCD002)<BR> Second volume of =
the Liquid=20
Sky compilation series comes from<BR> a similar group =
of Air=20
Liquide related artists. Live recordings<BR> of Frank =
Heiss,=20
Dr. Walker, Strobocop, Mike Stone, 2 Live And<BR> Die =
In=20
Cologne (good name!) and various others. Acid tinged=20
tracks<BR> that, quite simply, rock! Techno fo the =
highest=20
order from a golden<BR> age. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> VARIOUS - LIQUID SKY COLOGNE - VOLUME ONE =
- ELECTRO=20
BUNKER COLOGNE - CD (EBCCD001)<BR> Electro Bunker =
Cologne's=20
first Liquid Sky compilation features<BR> some =
absolute mid to=20
late '90's gems from the Air Liquide crew<BR> and =
friends.=20
There are some amazing tracks on here courtesy of<BR> =
Dr.=20
Walker, Pierrot Premier, J. Burger, Strobocop and Frnak=20
Heiss.<BR> They take the form of mini selections of =
tracks=20
that were recorded<BR> live. Stunning Cologne Techno =
that=20
really is from a truly classic<BR> era.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> VARIOUS - TEMPLE RECORDS - VOLUME ONE - =
TEMPLE - CD=20
(TEMPLECD001)<BR> Whooah there! A storming compilation =
of=20
tracks from the Temple<BR> catalogue. Run by Air =
Liquide's=20
Khan, Temple put out some fantastic<BR> Cologne Techno =
and=20
Electronica records with an American twist<BR> (as =
Khan ran it=20
from New York). There are some real gems on here<BR> =
and the=20
uncompromising music comes from Madonna 303, Black =
One,<BR> =20
Jammin' Unit, Bizz O.D., Khan himself, Cube 40 and Gizz T.V.=20
A<BR> stunning mixture of Techno and breaks and acid =
and loads=20
of other<BR> nice things. I'm not wearing rose-tinted =
specs=20
when I say that<BR> this is brilliant =
stuff!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> VARIOUS - TEMPLE OF ELECTRONICA - THE =
OCEAN BLUE=20
JAM-SESSION - TEMPLE - CD (TEMPLECD002)<BR> The second =
volume=20
of music from Temple actually includes tracks<BR> from =
XXC3 as=20
well as Temple. When you consider the quality of<BR> =
the=20
sounds on here from artists such as Khan & Walker (with=20
the<BR> awesome 'Empire State Building'), X-911 =
('Oxygen'...=20
stunning),<BR> Pierrot Premier, Thomas Thorn & =
Walker,=20
Electric Indigo and Soulslinger<BR> it's fairly clear =
that=20
this is a fabulous document of a sound<BR> that is =
still very=20
relevant today. Cologne style in the best possible<BR> =
way...=20
Techno, Acid and Electronica. Brilliant.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>Restocks (CD): Techno / Electro</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> 808 STATE - NEWBUILD - REPHLEX - CD=20
(CAT080CD)<BR> RECORDED IN 1988, REISSUED BY REPHLEX =
BACK IN=20
1999, REPROMOTED<BR> IN 2004 FOLLOWING THE SUCCESS OF =
PREBUILD=20
(I PRESUME?). 808 STATE'S<BR> PROPER DEBUT ALBUM IS AN =
ACID=20
MASTERCLASS WHICH INCLUDES THE STUNNING<BR> ORIGINAL =
OF "FLOW=20
COMA" (ONE OF THE TWO REMIXES BY AFX A FEW YEARS<BR> =
BACK),=20
PLUS SIX EQUALLY AWE-INSPIRING, RUMP SHAKING TUNES =
FROM<BR> =20
THE VAULTS. BRING ON THE 303 (AS MIKE QUITE RIGHTLY JUST =
DEMANDED)!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> ALTER EGO - TRANSPHORMER - KLANG - CD=20
(KLANGCD11)<BR> HERE IT IS THEN. THE HOTLY TOUTED =
ALTER EGO=20
ALBUM IS A PURE DANCEFLOOR<BR> FRENZY OF BLISTERING =
TECHNO=20
GROOVES THE LIKE OF WHICH I'VE NOT<BR> HEARD FOR SOME =
TIME. NO=20
CONCESSIONS TO ANYTHING BUT MAKING YOU<BR> MOVE WITH A =
SELECTION OF MONSTROUS CLUB TRACKS THAT SHOULD BE<BR> =
SMASHING=20
IT ALL OVER THE PLACE IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE. =
QUITE<BR> =20
SIMPLY A MASSIVE ALBUM. RECOMMENDED.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> ANDREA PARKER - NOBODY'S PERFECT - =
TOUCHIN' BASS -=20
CD (TB012CD)<BR> 21 TRACK MIX CD FROM THE DECKS (OR =
COMPUTER)=20
OF ANDREA PARKER<BR> WHICH IS A GREAT ROUND-UP OF THE =
FIRST=20
TEN RELEASES ON HER OWN<BR> TOUCHIN' BASS LABEL. CUTS =
FROM DJ=20
GODFATHER, ADJ, CHAOTIC STATE,<BR> SYNC 24, =
EGGFOOYOUNG,=20
HYDRAULIX, CULTEK AND ANDREA HERSELF DELIVER<BR> A =
HIGH OCTANE=20
DOSE OF DANCEFLOOR ELECTRO PLEASURE. A BARGAIN!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> DB - PERON - BACKGROUND - CD=20
(BG040CD)<BR> I ALWAYS LOOK FORWARD TO BACKGROUND =
ALBUMS=20
BECAUSE THERE'S ALWAYS<BR> A DELICATE BALANCE OF =
OFFBEAT,=20
OBSCURE ELECTRONICA COUPLED WITH<BR> A DEEP SEATED =
GROOVE=20
THAT'LL DO IT ON THE FLOOR. THIS IS NO DIFFERENT<BR> =
AND IT=20
CREATES A LOVELY HYBRID OF DELICATELY PRODUCED AND =
FRAGILE<BR> =20
MINIMALISM MIXED WITH A MORE SUBSTANTIAL, FLOOR BASED SOUND.=20
SOUND<BR> DESIGN IS EXCELLENT AND THE MOSTLY 4/4 BASED =
TRACKS=20
ARE BEAUTIFULLY<BR> PUT TOGETHER. A WINNING =
COMBINATION THEN=20
AND HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> VARIOUS - 2RABIMMEL 2RABAMMEL 2RABUM 2BUM =
BUM -=20
AREAL - CD (AREALCD04)<BR> Areal present the =
'2Rabimmel' album=20
for your listening pleasure.<BR> Featuring the more =
wayward,=20
off-kilter side of their sound (as<BR> if they weren't =
oddball=20
enough already!) it's got cuts from the<BR> usual =
suspects=20
including Basteroid, Metope, Ada, Konfekt, Remute,<BR> =
Roan=20
and Imogen and is a very convincing selection of tunes =
to<BR> =20
make you rock on the dancefloor. Tough, dirty, really nicely=20
produced<BR> sounds as you'd expect from such a =
quality label.=20
The CD version<BR> also includes the four tracks from =
the=20
previous 12". </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> VARIOUS - ELEKTRONISCHE MUSIK - =
INTERKONTINENTAL 4=20
- TRAUM - CD (TRAUMCD17)<BR> HUGELY IMPRESSIVE FOURTH=20
INSTALLMENT OF THIS FIRMLY ESTABLISHED<BR> SERIES THAT =
SEES=20
THE LIKES OF OLIVER HACKE, PETER SCHUMANN, =
SWAT-SQUAD,<BR> =20
NATHAN FAKE, TERRAE, DOMINK EULBERG, JESSE SOMFAY, STEVE=20
BARNES<BR> & RILEY REINHOLD, OFF POP AND POPNEBO =
ALL=20
DELIVERING SUPERBLY<BR> WICKED TECHNO TRACKS. TAKE MY =
WORD FOR=20
IT... THIS IS BRILLIANT<BR> STUFF AND COMES HIGHLY=20
RECOMMENDED.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> VEX'D - DEGENERATE - PLANET MU - 2xCD=20
(ZIQ115CD)<BR> This strikes me as a potential landmark =
release. This storming<BR> album from Vex'd is a =
seriously=20
potent and full-on cocktail of<BR> grime, dubstep, =
bleep=20
techno, twisted D&B, old skool jungle and<BR> =
electronica=20
that old Aphex fans will be able to relate to as =
much<BR> as=20
the grimeheads and dubstep kids. Surely the most =
important<BR> =20
grime release to date, seeing as it moves the whole genre on=20
several<BR> stages. Check this out immediately. This =
initial=20
pressing of the<BR> CD version comes with a special =
limited=20
edition 6-track CD of<BR> Vex'd earlier singles on =
Subtext,=20
Planet Mu and Destructive, making<BR> this even more=20
essential. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>New Releases (CD): House</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> RECLOOSE - HIATUS ON THE HORIZON - =
PEACEFROG - CD=20
(PFG064CDUK)<BR> Recloose go all soulful on us. =
Reminds one a=20
little of Amp Fiddler,<BR> only this is more =
club-orientated.=20
Fans of his earlier material<BR> might be a little =
alienated=20
by this, but the production is tight<BR> and upfront. =
Is bound=20
to do well. Released Monday 1st August although<BR> we =
can=20
send it mailorder to arrive on Monday. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>New Releases (CD): Eclectic Beats</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> TREVA WHATEVA - MUSICS MADE OF MEMORIES - =
NINJA=20
TUNE - CD (ZENCD106)<BR> What's the deal with Treva =
Whateva? I=20
mean, who is he? What's<BR> the point of it all? =
Whilst=20
there's nothing particularly bad about<BR> what he =
does, you=20
have to say it all sounds a little dated. Ninja<BR> =
are a=20
weird old label... either their releases are =
absolutely<BR> =20
cutting-edge or sound like stuff they were releasing a=20
decade<BR> ago! Jazzy, breaky, loungy, funky, kitchy,=20
eclecticy it is then!<BR> Released Monday 1st August =
although=20
we can send it mailorder to<BR> arrive on Monday.=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>Restocks (CD): Eclectic Beats</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> VARIOUS - BARBECUE BEETS - AGRICULTURE - =
CD=20
(AG007CD)<BR> TWENTY ONE TRACK CD FROM AN ARRAY OF =
ARTISTS=20
INCLUDING DJ WALLY,<BR> DJ OLIVE AND OTHERS. =
CHILLED=20
BREAK BEATS COMBINE WITH LAID BACK<BR> CITY =
SOUNDS. =20
SOMETIMES FUNKY, SOMETIMES CHILLED - SOMETHING FOR<BR> =
THOSE=20
LAZY SUNDAY AFTERNOON BARBECUES!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>New Releases (CD): Guitar Based</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> BLINDFOLD - BLINDFOLD - RESONANT - CD=20
(RESCD013)<BR> I hope Resonant are getting a grant =
from the=20
Icelandic government,<BR> as they're really doing a =
stern job=20
unearthing talent from that<BR> part of the world. Not =
so much=20
post rock as post-tronica, perhaps...<BR> this is =
uncontrived,=20
affecting music which despite its textural<BR> / =
soundscape=20
qualities is still firmly rooted in the =
songwriting<BR> camp.=20
Washes of etheriel guitars and atmospherics remind one =
of<BR> =20
(particularly) Dub Tractor, Ulrich Schnauss, Slowdive, Sigur=20
Ros,<BR> Port Royal and Stafraenn Hakon. Superb. =
Released=20
Monday 1st August<BR> although we can send it =
mailorder to=20
arrive on Monday. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> CAN - UNLIMITED EDITION (REMASTER) - MUTE =
- CD=20
(SPOONSA2324)<BR> Several months before the release of =
their=20
'official' album of<BR> 1974 ("Soon Over Babaluma"), =
an LP=20
entitled "Limited Edition"<BR> was issued in a short =
run by=20
United Artists, consisting of 13<BR> unreleased, rough =
edged,=20
occasionally flawed chunks of songs every<BR> bit as =
great as=20
their more familiar material. By 1976, Can had<BR> =
signed to=20
Virgin, who reissued this LP with six additional =
tracks,<BR> =20
hence "Unlimited Edition". Not surprisingly, this fully=20
remastered<BR> SACD edition sounds as vital now as =
ever.=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> CAN - SOON AFTER BABALUMA (REMASTER) - =
MUTE - CD=20
(SPOONSA10)<BR> Although something like their 6th =
album=20
(recorded in the summer<BR> of 1974), this album in =
some ways=20
marked the debut of essential<BR> Can with the classic =
line-up=20
of Schmidt, Czukay, Liebezeit and<BR> Karoli (Suzuki =
having=20
recently left in order to marry and become<BR> a =
Jehovah's=20
Witness). This rebirth saw the beginning of =
(what's<BR> =20
described here as) their "mystery dance and zero-gravity=20
expeditions"!<BR> Definitely landmark. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> CAN - LANDED (REMASTER) - MUTE - CD=20
(SPOONSA25)<BR> Can's 7th album (from 1975) was their =
second=20
(I think) after Damo<BR> Suzuki left, seeing a return =
to the=20
original line-up (albeit minus<BR> vocalist Malcolm =
Mooney).=20
You'll notice the technological advancement;<BR> this =
was also=20
their first 16-track recording. A progression of<BR> =
sorts but=20
still instantly identifiable as Can. As ever, they =
remain<BR> =20
hard to beat. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> CAN - FUTURE DAYS (REMASTER) - MUTE - CD=20
(SPOONSA9)<BR> What a classic this is. Generally =
regarded as=20
one of Can's finest<BR> (not to mention most =
accessible)=20
albums, this SACD remaster (compatible<BR> with CD and =
SACD=20
players alike) is an essential purchase to both<BR> =
passing=20
admirers and committed fans alike. Tremendous stuff =
that<BR> =20
still sounds incredibly contemporary considering it was=20
released<BR> in 1973 - shows how ahead of their time =
they=20
were. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> ET SANS - PAR NOUSSSS TOUSS LES TROUS DE =
VOS=20
CRANES! - ALIEN 8 - CD (ALE52D)<BR> According to =
Babelfish=20
(which is always entertaining), the title<BR> =
translates (when=20
you remove the superfluous S's) as "By us all<BR> =
holes of=20
your craniums", which although makes little sense =
does<BR> =20
sound like a Godspeed-related album title (which this=20
project<BR> is, featuring interchangable-as-they-are =
members=20
of Le Fly Pan<BR> Am, GY!BE and A Silver Mt. Zion). =
"Together=20
they seamlessly intermingle<BR> experimental based=20
psychedelic-pop with vintage industrial music<BR> with =
a nod=20
towards classic Krautrock of the 70's" it says =
here,<BR> and=20
i'm in no frame of mind to argue with that. Released=20
Monday<BR> 1st August although we can send it =
mailorder to=20
arrive on Monday.<BR> </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> FURSAXA - LEPIDOPTERA - ALL TOMORROWS =
PARTIES - CD=20
(ATPRCD13)<BR> Neo-folk, i believe is the genre. =
Admirers of=20
Animal Collective,<BR> Black Dice, and the whole ATP =
raison=20
d'etre (eg. Bardo Pond) should<BR> certainly pay =
attention to=20
this one-woman (guitar, organ, voice,<BR> flute, =
accordion,=20
various percussion) outfit. As contemporary<BR> as it =
is=20
retro, as experimental as it is hypnotic. Lovely,=20
actually.<BR> Released Monday 1st August although we =
can send=20
it mailorder to<BR> arrive on Monday. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> GARY NUMAN - LIVING ORNAMENTS '80 - =
BEGGARS BANQUET=20
- 2xCD (BEGA156CDD)<BR> Two well-recorded live sets =
from Mr.=20
Numan, both dating from 1980<BR> when he was at the =
peak of=20
his fame. All the classics on here<BR> - "I Die: You =
Die",=20
"Down In The Park", "Are 'Friends' Electric",<BR> "We =
Are=20
Glass", "Cars", "I Dream Of Wires" etc. One for =
committed<BR> =20
fans and passing admirers alike. Released Monday 1st August=20
although<BR> we can send it mailorder to arrive on =
Monday.=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> LORI SCACCO - CIRCLES - EASTERN =
DEVELOPMENTS - CD=20
(EDM7CD)<BR> I really defy anyone to find this =
anything other=20
than a beautiful<BR> piece of work. Hazy, extremely =
relaxed,=20
melancholic, intricate<BR> and intimate, this is akin =
to a=20
very chilled Tortoise meets Savath<BR> & Savalas=20
(particularly in the early days) with hints of =
Lunz<BR> or=20
Pullman. Also, think the first Telefon Tel Aviv album. =20
Do<BR> not overlook this absolute gem of a release, =
which i=20
guarantee<BR> you will love! </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> VARIOUS - DAD'S ARMY: MUSIC FROM THE =
TELEVISION=20
SERIES - CD41 - CD (CD41010)<BR> "Don't tell him your =
name,=20
Pike!". I don't remember there being<BR> a great deal =
of music=20
in Dad's Army other than "Who Do You Think<BR> You Are =
Kidding, Mr Hitler?" but a quick glance at the =
sleevenotes<BR> =20
tells me this isn't the case. A total of 26 war time songs=20
from<BR> Jack Hylton, Billy Cotton, Joe Loss, Arthur =
Askey,=20
Gracie Fields,<BR> Henry Hall, Vera Lynn and, of =
course, Bud=20
Flanagan. Reminds me<BR> of my grandparents! Released =
Monday=20
1st August although we can<BR> send it mailorder to =
arrive on=20
Monday. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>Restocks (CD): Guitar Based</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> AMINO PEOPLE - WORK IT OUT - FENCE - CD=20
(FNC803CD)<BR> Not an easy one to categorise in terms =
of genre=20
(it could equally<BR> at times go in the Electronica =
section)=20
but comparisons wise,<BR> think Tuung, the Wobblyhead =
label,=20
The Go! Team, some of the Sarah<BR> artists. So, yes, =
it's=20
quite diverse but certainly rooted in all<BR> things =
Sixties -=20
imagine if Herman's Hermits were around today<BR> and =
signed=20
to Melodic! Lovely stuff that went down well when =
played<BR> =20
in the shop. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> GANG GANG DANCE - GOD'S MONEY - THE =
SOCIAL REGISTRY=20
- CD (TSR019CD)<BR> STARTING OFF SOUNDING LIKE A CROSS =
BETWEEN=20
SOMETHING ON PAW TRACKS<BR> AND KITCHEN MOTORS - THE =
WORDS ODD=20
AND BIZARRE SPRING TO MIND.<BR> CHILD-LIKE =
VOCALS MEET=20
VARIOUSLY ABSTRACT AND THEN DRAMIC SOUNDS<BR> IN =
SOMETHING=20
THAT SOUNDS AS MUCH LIKE SOUND THEATRE AS AN =
ACTUAL<BR> =20
ALBUM. PROPER EXPERIMENTAL MUSIC FROM THIS UNDER RATED=20
OUTFIT.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> MEK OBAAM - YOU AND I - EARSUGAR - CD=20
(EARSUGAR15CD)<BR> IT'S ALL OVER IN A FLASH (NINE =
SONGS IN A=20
MERE 23 MINUTES), BUT<BR> PLEASE DON'T LET THAT PUT =
YOU OFF -=20
THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST INDIE<BR> POP ALBUMS I'VE =
HEARD ALL=20
YEAR. SEEMINGLY INFLUENCED BY VINTAGE<BR> CREATION / =
EARLY=20
CHEMIKAL UNDERGROUND / ALL THINGS GREAT ABOUT<BR> =
BRITISH=20
INDIE GUITAR MUSIC IN THE EIGHTIES AND NINETIES, MEK =
OBAAM<BR> =20
HAS COME UP WITH A REAL WINNER THAT SHOULD CHARM THE PANTS=20
OFF<BR> ANYONE APPROXIMATELY MY AGE! INCLUDES BOTH =
SIDES OF=20
THE BRILLIANT<BR> BUT HIGHLY LIMITED "GOODNIGHT, AND =
THANKYOU"=20
7" THAT MOST OF YOU<BR> WILL HAVE (SADLY) MISSED OUT =
ON, TOO.=20
MEK, YOU'RE THE MAN (OR<BR> MEN).</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> SUPER REVERB - AVANT GARDE IS THE FRENCH =
WORD FOR=20
SH*T - EARSUGAR - CD (EARSUGAR16CD)<BR> ANOTHER GEM =
FROM THE=20
EVER-RELIABLE EARSUGAR BRIGADE. OFF-THE-WALL,<BR> =
QUIRKY,=20
EXPERIMENTAL AND LO-FI, THIS IS SOUNDSCAPE-Y INDIE =
NOISE<BR> =20
POP ECLECTISM A LA THE BETA BAND MEETS ANIMAL COLLECTIVE.=20
REALLY,<BR> THAT'S WHAT THEY SOUND LIKE. LIKE THE IDEA =
OF=20
THAT, DON'T YOU?<BR> THEN CHECK THIS OUT AT ONCE - =
IT'S=20
SERIOUSLY GOOD. GREAT TITLE,<BR> TOO....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> VETIVER - VETIVER - DICRISTINA - CD=20
(STEP02)<BR> FEATURING AN ALL STAR CAST OF MUSICIANS =
INCLUDING=20
DEVENDRA BANHART,<BR> MY BLOODY VALENTINE'S COLM =
O'CIOSOIG AND=20
HOPE SANDOVAL THIS IS<BR> A FABULOUS ALBUM RECORDED IN =
THE BAY=20
AREA THAT USES TRADITIONAL<BR> AMERICAN FOLK MUSIC AS =
ITS=20
INSPIRATION. WONDERFULLY MELANCHOLIC<BR> AND COUNTRY =
SOUNDING,=20
THIS IS A RARE TREAT INDEED. RECOMMENDED.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>Restocks (CD): Funk / Jazz / Soul</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> BREAKESTRA - THE LIVE MIX PART 1 - =
ROOTDOWN - CD=20
(RD003)<BR> WICKED LIVE MIX OF COVERS FROM THE =
TALENTED=20
BREAKESTRA. COVERS<BR> THAT YOU'LL IMMEDIATELY=20
RECOGNISE, INCLUDING TRACKS FROM THE OUTLAW<BR> BLUES =
BAND,=20
JIMMY SMITH, THE METERS, HERBIE HANCOCK, BOBBY =
BYRD,<BR> BILLY=20
BROOKS, THE HEADHUNTERS AND OTHERS. DEEPLY GROOVY,=20
FUNKY<BR> AND RECOMMENDED.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>New Releases (CD): Reggae / Dub</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> COCOA TEA - 20 TRACKS OF COCOA TEA - =
FRONT LINE=20
REGGAE CLASSICS - CD (CDFL2044)<BR> Guess what's on =
this CD?=20
Yes, that's right. Cocoa Tea was one<BR> of the first =
singers=20
to emerge from dancehall while still maintaining<BR> a =
roots=20
approach that would address social and global =
issues.<BR> =20
Prime early eighties gear. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> FRANKIE PAUL - 20 MASSIVE HITS - FRONT =
LINE REGGAE=20
CLASSICS - CD (CDFL2043)<BR> More vintage early =
eighties=20
dancehall on this best-of compilation<BR> of Frankie =
Paul=20
hits, including the anthem "Worries In The Dance"<BR> =
and the=20
ode to ganja that was "Tu-Shun-Peng". Produced by =
George<BR> =20
Phang and Henry 'Junjo' Lawes. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> VARIOUS - 20 SUPER HITS: VOLCANO ALLSTARS =
- FRONT=20
LINE REGGAE CLASSICS - CD (CDFL2040)<BR> Twenty Henry =
'Junjo'=20
Lawes productions of the early eighties here.<BR> =
Henry was a=20
pioneering Jamaican dancehall producer who =
utilised<BR> the=20
digital rhythm structures courtesy of the Roots Radics=20
band,<BR> with mixing from legendary dub producer =
Scientist.=20
Includes tracks<BR> by Frankie Paul, Yellowman, =
Barrington=20
Levy, Don Carlos, John<BR> Holt, Cocoa Tea, Eek A =
Mouse etc.=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> VARIOUS - GEORGE PHANG PRESENTS =
POWERHOUSE VOL. 1 -=20
FRONT LINE REGGAE CLASSICS - CD (CDFL2042)<BR> Twenty =
thumping=20
great dancehall hits of the early eighties here<BR> =
from=20
respected Jamaican producer of the time, George Phang.=20
Yellowman,<BR> Al Campbell, Frankie Paul, Sugar =
Minott,=20
Barrington Levy, Leroy<BR> Smart, Tenor Saw, Freddie =
McGregor=20
and others all feature. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> YELLOWMAN - 20 SUPER HITS - FRONT LINE =
REGGAE=20
CLASSICS - CD (CDFL2040)<BR> Best-of compilation from=20
Yellowman, 20 tracks dating from the<BR> early =
eighties,=20
mainly produced by Henry 'Junjo' Lawes. He was<BR> =
pretty=20
prolific in his time, so the compilers have done well =
in<BR> =20
narrowing the selection down. File under: dancehall. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>New Releases (CD): Experimental</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> FRANCISCO LOPEZ - LIVE IN MONTREAL - =
ALIEN 8 - CD=20
(ALE54D)<BR> Francisco Lopez we know from his highly =
original=20
releases on Mego,<BR> Alien 8 and Bottrop-Boy, and =
this live=20
album (which could mean<BR> anything, i hear no =
audience)=20
captures him on typically devastating<BR> form. Barely =
audible=20
for the main part, but extremely intense<BR> at other =
times,=20
this none more black CD comes with a free strip<BR> of =
material... which is also black. Profound. Released =
Monday<BR> =20
1st August although we can send it mailorder to arrive on=20
Monday.<BR> </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> MECHA FIXES CLOCKS - ORBITING WITH =
SCREWDRIVERS -=20
ALIEN 8 - CD (ALE50D)<BR> Minimal, experimental=20
neo/avant-classical that's as detailed as<BR> it is=20
challenging, but never obtrusive. A veteran of =
Montreal's<BR> =20
experimental scene, Michel F. Cote has assembled a carefully=20
chosen<BR> ensemble from the city's Musique Actuelle=20
community, as well as<BR> fixing clocks on his days =
off.=20
Released Monday 1st August although<BR> we can send it =
mailorder to arrive on Monday. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
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