[Smallfish-releases-text] Smallfish Mailout 15/12/05
mike oliver
mike@smallfish.co.uk
Thu, 15 Dec 2005 15:26:03 -0000
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Smallfish Mailout 15/12/05
Hi there.
As we march ever onwards into the festive season we once again discover =
that that doesn't stop labels from releasing oodles of nice things! =
Which is great for us and great for you.
Expect an update tomorrow as well, but there are just a few things that =
got me so excited I had to tell you all today.
Level - Cycla - Spekk - CD - In stock
This is a CD that I've been waiting for seemingly for months. Spekk is a =
label that has maximum respect from the Smallfish crew for putting =
beautiful objects as well as stunning, minimalistic Electronica. Level's =
'Cycla' is one such article of musical wonderfulness and I seriously =
can't stress just how good it is.
A deep, dense series of soundscapes that roll, flow and hypnotize in =
equal measures. Lovingly crafted and expertly produced the only real =
comparison is, possibly, the very early work of Vladislav Delay, with =
it's dubby undertone and off-beat rhythmic structures.
Every track is beautiful, but particular mention must go to 'Aler Besc' =
which is probably my favourite piece of music this year... truly a =
heartbreakingly beautiful track.
For a full review head on over to www.smallfish.co.uk or for the even =
more in depth version check out =
http://remote-silvergun.blogspot.com/2005/10/level-cycla-spekk-cd.html.
An album that you definitely won't regret buying!
Mark Clifford / Simon Kealoha - Running Taper - Back in stock
I'm thrilled to have got some more copies of this lovely album from =
ex-Seefeel main man Mark Clifford and Calika's Simon Kealoha. For those =
that fondly remember Seefeel or Clifford's solo work as Disjecta, this =
is really going to hit the spot with its expreimental leanings, digital =
minimalism and lovely warmth. There's even a monumental Shoe-Gazing =
guitar track to keep you satisfied as well. Gorgeous stuff and well =
worth investigating.
Cheju + Obfusc - Break It Into Pieces - Wyrd Skies - CDr - In stock
There seems to be a real lack of 'proper' Electronica around at the =
moment but thanks to the work of labels like Expanding, Clickclickdrone, =
Zainetica, n5MD etc, it's still thriving on the underground scene.
Wyrd Skies is a small CDr label intent on putting out great quality =
Electronica from known and unknown artists and they've really got the =
classic melodic, crunchy sound down to a tee. This limited release has =
all the sounds and beats that you'll love if you're into the =
aforementioned labels, and it's great to see some smaller artists =
getting some exposure.
A lovely little number that won't be hanging around for long, I can =
assure you.
Some minimal Techno things for you
Plenty of grooviness on the minimal Techno front this week with some =
quality release from:
Alex Under on Trapez
Andy Stott on Modern Love
Dapayk on Orac
Diss0nance on Phonocult
James Ruskin on Blueprint Limited
Kontrast on Kompakt
Lee Van Dowski & Quenum on Num
Magnetic Base (Samim and Todd Bodine mixes) on Highgrade
Robert Babicz on Audiomatique
Traffic Signs 5 on Traffic Signs
Vivianne Project on Underline
Plus there are still a few copies left of the Claro Intelecto EP on =
Modern Love
OK, so on that note I'll leave you to peruse the lists and wish you a =
splendid day.
Take good care.
Peace.
The Fish.
Smallfish Records | 329 Old Street | London | EC1V 9LE | +44 [0] 20 7739 =
2252 | www.smallfish.co.uk=20
New Releases (Vinyl): Electronica
BONG-RA - I AM THE GOD OF HELLFIRE - AD NOISEAM - 2xLP (ADN55LP)
Yes, of course you are. Bong-Ra manages to capture the spirit
of the more experimental end of the Breakcore sound with this
album of brutal and roughneck sounds. Furious breaks and a whole
load of noise combine to make a true jump-around sound. Fans of
Breakcore in general should seek this out immediately.=20
CREATURES, THE - HYBRIDS - HYDROGEN DUKEBOX - 2xLP + 7" (DUKE66V)
Siouxsie and Budgie material from their "Anima Animus" and "Eraser
Cut" albums gets the remix treatment from (of all people) The
Beloved, Dr Psyche, Chamber, Justice & Endemic, Icarus, The Black
Dog and Omnivore. This limited vinyl package also comes with a
bonus 7".=20
DEPARTMENT OF EAGLES - THE COLD NOSE - MELODIC - LP (MELO034)
Ok, so the less said about Nine Black Alps and Harrisons the better,
but overall Melodic have released many a great record, and this
is another discovery which really works for me. You may remember
their album on Isota a couple of years ago, and this is a lovely
progression from that - think Broken Social Scene, Twisted Nerve,
Caribou, Four Tet and (yes) the better Melodic artists! Very =
enjoyable.
=20
MR. PROJECTILE - MOMENTARY LAPSE OF SENSITIVITY - SEMISEXUAL - 12" =
(SEMISEX003)
Mr. Projectile delivers the third release on his own Semisexual
label and it's another slab of Electronica bliss from beginning
to end. Two cuts that are sculptural, beautiful, lush and pleasantly
rhythmic at the same time. There's a definite Lusine flava at
times and the moodily atmospheric chord structures work well over
the surprisingly perky beats. Essential for fans of his other
work and labels such aas Merck, Toytronic and Expanding. Lovely
stuff. Recommended.
PEMALAS - LOST IN THE DETAIL - EXPERIMENTAL SEAFOOD - 12" (EXPDISC04)
A varied six track EP from Experimental Seafood which covers a
whole heap of Electronica bases with ease. From the more abstract
and challenging sounds to an upbeat and strangely groovy rhythmic
style that has elements of Aphex Twin and the work of labels such
as Toytronic. Add into the mix some splendid ambience and you've
got a wholehearted record that comes on opaque clear vinyl (if
you see what I mean!).
SUGARPLUM - SUGARPLUM - N/A - 12" (SP1)
Obscure 4 track EP by stasis from about 1994 here. Clubby tracks
but with a twist. No titles or any other info here, but its the
music that speaks. have a listen....
VARIOUS - DETROIT UNDERGROUND 06 - DETROIT UNDERGROUND - 12" =
(DET.UND06)
The first track on this (from Kritical Audio) almost out Aphex-es
Richard James himself! It's fair to say these people may have
heard "Windowlicker" at some stage. 000 (Planet Mu) goes down
the twisted drill 'n' glitch broken percussion and noise route
(if Grime was really as dark and cutting-edge as it pretended
it was, it would be doing stuff like this a bit more often). Kero
bring back memories of vintage Autechre, whereas Warp superstar
Jimmy Edgar puts in a cheeky new track re-editing a very famous
track indeed that i've forgotten the title of. Oops. You get a
whole host of lock grooves from Richard Devine, too, which rule
(be warned, some are seriously abrasive!).=20
VARIOUS - NOW 02 - UNDERSCAN - 12" (US009)
Part 2 of this (thus far) 3 part installment of electronica with
some superbly crunchy moments. The Rod track is hot hot hot. Lots
of lovely spacious melodies with the aforementioned crunch in
the rhythm section. The other artists on board are the ubiquitious
Scanner, Onethema and Quench (U-Cover, N5MD).=20
VARIOUS - NOW 03 - UNDERSCAN - 12" (US010)
5 tracks of deep electronica with 5 distinct flavours. The =
Bretschneider
track wins hands down for me (not that its a competition, but
you know how it goes). The Commodore 64-esque track by Dalezy
is particularly fun. Other contributions come courtesy of Bogger,
Everest (feat. Ted Moult?), and Menu:Exit.
Restocks (Vinyl): Electronica
BITSTREAM - DOMESTIC ECONOMY 7 - MODERN LOVE - 2xLP (LOVE011)
BITSTREAM COME GOOD WITH A SUPERB COLLECTION OF FIRM AND RIPE
ELECTRONICA CUTS OF THE HIGHEST ORDER. IT HAS A CLASSIC SOUND
THROUGHOUT AND IS, IN FACT, AN EXAMPLE OF HOW TO DO THIS STYLE
OF MUSIC COMPLETE JUSTICE. COMPLEX AND CRISPY DRUM PROGRAMMING
WITH SUPERB PRODUCTION THAT BLURS THE LINES OF ELECTRO AND =
ELECTRONICA
AND A SELECTION OF WONDERFULLY CRAFTED SOUNDS THAT ARE DENSE AND
ATMOSPHERIC AS WELL AS HAVING A MELODIC EDGE. TRULY A SUPERB PIECE
OF WORK.
DABRYE - GAME OVER FEAT. JAY DEE AND PHAT KAT - GHOSTLY INTERNATIONAL =
- 12" (GI-25)
IT REALLY IS A GREAT TRACK, THIS AND YOU CAN SEE WHY EVERYONE'S
BEEN AFTER IT FOR AGES. PHAT, ELECTRONIC HIP HOP STYLES WITH KILLER
VOCALS FROM JAY DEE AND PHAT KAT. A SELECTION OF REMIXES FROM
DIRTY TO CLEAN VIA INSTRUMENTAL AND A GORGEOUS, PREFUSE-ISH VERSION
WITH LUSH SOUNDS AND STRINGS. A QUALITY EP.
DEAF CENTER - PALE RAVINE - TYPE - LP (TYPE009V)
Back in stock and absolutely flying out! All i can say is - wow.
Actually, i have to say more than that as it's my job so i'll
add that this is quite possibly the finest release on this =
ever-excellent
label to date. If you're a fan of Marsen Jules, Murcof, Max Richter,
Eluvium, William Basinski, Fennesz (perhaps) or anything on Type
thus far, this is simply a must. Sweeping classical strings and
piano with subtle distortion, static and minimal electronic effects
/ manipulation make this a dramatic, romantic, deeply moving piece
of work. Album of the week, possibly month and one for the shortlist
of the year, i reckon. Absolutely exceptional.=20
PENDLE COVEN - MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE EP - MODERN LOVE - 12" =
(LOVE017)
Easily the strongest release so far from Pendle. This has a less
downbeat feel than the last EPs (with the obvious exception of
the banging Junglist style of '=A3100 a metre'). Deep, wonderfully
Techy sounds with subtle 4/4 beats that work to make you wiggle
whilst blissing you out at the same time. Musicaklly it's =
beautiful...
lush chords with hints of Detroit and Berlin creeping in and a
simple, effective progression of the pads. It's dubbed out as
well in the bassline department which makes it perfect for head
nodding and add to that the last track which has a more abstract
flava and you've got a brilliant all round EP. Props for this
one... top notch!
ULRICH SCHNAUSS - A STRANGELY ISOLATED PLACE - CITY CENTRE OFFICES - =
2xLP (BLOCK13)
LONG AWAITED AND MUCH PRAISED ALBUM BY MR SNAUSS, FOLLOWING UP
THE CRITICALLY ACLAIMED "FARAWAY TRAINS PASSING BY". DEEP AND
MELODIC ELECTRONICS, THAT ARE DESIGNED TO WASH OVER YOU, AS THE
MUSIC DRIFTS ALONG IN THE BACKROUND. NOT A SINGLE AGGRESSIVE
BEAT TO TAKE AWAY FROM THE GENTLE AND VERY SOUNDSCAPEY AMBIENCE.
FANS OF BOLA, THE GENTLE END OF LACKLUSTER, THE BEATLESS END
OF BOARDS, TANGERINE DREAM, COCTEAU TWINS / THIS MORTAL COIL ETC
WILL BE DELIGHTED.
New Releases (Vinyl): Techno / Electro
5% NATION OF CASIOTONE, THE - DISKO BLACKOUT EP - [K]RACKTRONI[K] - =
12" (KRAK009)
One of the best releases so far on [K]racktroni[k[. Five heavy,
heavy Electro tracks with some serious bass, some serious beats
and even a remix from the one and only Michael Forshaw. This could
easily give Satamile a run sound wise, so if you're into the heavier
side of Electro you should count this as an essential. Wicked
stuff.
ALEX SMOKE - SHWINGNUT EP - VAKANT - 12" (VA006)
The ever-prolific Alex Smoke does the business yet again. =
Ultra-slick,
dark, shuffly minimal techno with some super-crisp, twisted effects
and grumpy bass. Three new tracks that are bound to go down a
bloody storm with ol' Smokey's ever-swelling fanbase.=20
ALEX SMOKE - SHMINIMAL - VAKANT - 12" (VA006)
Alex Smoke's eighth (and final?) release this year is quite possibly
his best yet. The A-side has a slightly Kraftwerk-esque vibe to
it, but still adding those sharp, moody minimal touches we all
know and love. Two suitably groovy B-sides round the package off
to perfection. Great track titles, too!=20
ALEX UNDER - LAS BICICLETAS SON PARA EL VERANO REMIXES - TRAPEZ - 12" =
(TRAPEZ058)
Alex Under gets himself remixed by two top names here; Alex Smoke
and Oliver Hacke. That should tell you enough about this release
to get you extremely excited, but if you need proof, just check
it out. Minimal, but not too minimal Techno grooves that use the
original as a base and build on it very nicely indeed. Groovy,
infinitely usable sounds that will slot into your set with ease.
Quality gear.
ALEXANDER ROBOTNICK - KRYPTA 1982 (RARE ROBOTNICKS PART 2) - GLOBAL =
DARKNESS - 2xLP (CRLP06)
Stunning material from the vaults of Mr Robotnick, circa 1982.
The eighteen wonderful selections here clearly demonstrate just
how ahead of his time he was. This could easily be a new release
on Output or Gigolo. Check this out!!
ANDY STOTT - DEMON IN THE ATTIC EP - MODERN LOVE - 12" (LOVE019)
Blistering release from Andy Stott which continues his run of
top quality records this year. Easily the toughest of his EPs
thus far and featuring a definite nod to the harder Basic Channel
style and even a slightly acidic flava to the sounds and basslines
which gives it a real edge. Pumping 4/4 beats and beautifully
technical sounds round off yet another compelling release from
Modern Love. Pure class. Highly recommended.
ANSCORM - UNTITLED - DNP - 12" (DNPEX01)
Deep, Detroit-esque minimal techno here from the mysterious Anscorm
(no information on the record other than that!). If Carl Craig
suddenly jumped on the minimal bandwagon, his records might sound
a bit like this. Phat, edgy dancefloor material with some great
motifs and infectious synth bass running throughout (it almost
heads into Viewlexx territory towards the end). Nicely done.=20
APOLL - FROM A TO B - TONGUT - 12" (TONGUT021)
Apoll one remembers from their Morris Audio releases, and this
new 12" on Tongut follows on just nicely from those. Moody minimal
gear with plenty of crunch, percussive edge and depth (check out
those ambient chords in the background). Falko Brocksieper puts
in some nice remix/re-edit action on the flip side. On white vinyl.
=20
ATOM TM PRESENTS... - ACID - EVOLUTION 1988 - 2003 VOLUME 2 - =
LOGISTICS - 2xLP (LOG047LP)
Second volume of great lost acid casualties (!) from the vaults.
Not so much banging acid house in the strictest sense, more deep
minimal tech gear, although there are obviously one or two =
concessions
to the more old school acid sound. Includes tracks by Paul =
Vanderstukken,
Matt & Silver, Plastique, Microsmiles, Fumes, Hullkurve, Tobias
Seibermann and Takeshi Onda. Something for everyone here - class.
BRUNO PRONSATO - THE LIME WORKS VOL. 2 - TELEGRAPH - 12" (TEL22)
Here's the new Bruno Pronsato. There, that's quite a few copies
sold straight away. Very much name-of-the-month here at Smallfish,
Bruno Brookes, sorry, Pronsato quickly follows up the initial
"Lime Works" with a second volume that's equally welcome. Tight,
cut-up minimal glitch grooves with depth, precision and that =
all-important
butt-shake factor. Tasty!=20
CAULFELD - RED SIZE - DIAT - 12" (DIAT6)
Caulfield's just a bit of a master at these wiggly, grooving little
tracks that sit right bang in the middle of Techno and House.
The notable thing about this release is the superb fairground
organ sound that sits on the A-side. Whilst initially sounding
a bit absurd, it really gets into your head even though it's very
subtle. Nice 4/4 tracks with a lovely warmth and depth that keeps
it all fresh. Recommended.
COLDER - TO THE MUSIC - OUTPUT - 12" (OPR85)
Another limited screen printed promo version of the most recent
12" by colder which is a lead off to the bands forthcoming LP/CD.
Sultry, techno/pop beats with big rocky synth riffs & an insistent
bass line holding things together that will surely get the people
up and dancing. have a listen...
DAPAYK - SONGS MAKE MONEY - ORAC - 12" (ORAC18)
Scrunchus Maximus here from the most excellent Dapayk making a
splendid debut on Orac. Funky and obtuse with some amazing sound
design... this is the natural successor to people like Akufen
and Sutekh sound-wise. Included is a wicked little remix from
Caro which adds even more value to this top little EP.
DAVE CLARKE - RED 3 - DECONSTRUCTION - 12" (AKAI03)
Third and final part of Clarkes' 'Red' trilogy on original limited
red vinyl. This release sports two monster cuts, 'Thunder' and
'The Storm' and although slightly more 'chicago' sounding than
the previous two, still stands up no matter how much mud you sling
at the grumpy old twat.
DAVE CLARKE - RED 1 - BUSH - 12" (BUSH1012)
The classic 'Red 1', original pressing on red vinyl. Utterly huge
techno record from 1994 from the grumpy old man of British hard
dance. Two stunning versions of the one monster theme. You know
it!!! My gran knows it!!!
DIMI ANGELIS + JEROEN SEARCH - NEXT LEVEL EP - AUDIOSCULPTURE - 12" =
(SCULPT007)
Watch out, folks, here comes a new sub-genre; minimal tribal (or
tribal minimal, whichever you prefer). Yes, in a desperate attempt
to fill space in a Smallfish description for yet another generic
techno record, one of their staff uses a little artistic licence
on a Sunday morning when he'd rather be asleep. Bleepy minimal
tribal that when played at 45 really does sound like Steve Bicknell
gone Gabba!=20
DISS0NANCE - WMD - PHONOCULT - 12" (PCULT004)
First release from Phonocult that we've had at Smallfish and if
this is an example of their normal stuff, it could well be one
to watch. Stripped, reduced and bassed-out grooves that sit in
the currently popular minimal vein, but have a cheekily produced
feel that gives them a low-key skippy feel. A remix from Barem
adds value as well as he really does provide a great reason to
have a boogie. Solid and very playable all round. Wicked.
DYNAREC - HANDJOB - VAPORWAVE - 12" (VW003)
Another stunning 12" from the formidable, prolific Dynarec. No
disappointments here. Three cuts of the highest order, from uptempo
minimal to full synth laden half step. Superb.
FLOWERZ / TYREE COOPER & MATT FLORES - ALL TONIGHT - COMPOST - 12" =
(COMP2021)
Compost get with the minimal techno crowd with the Tyree Cooper
and Matt Flores track; groovy basslines and sharp, snappy beats
a go-go. The Flowerz track coupling it (a Matt Flores Metrosoul
Mix, no less) is a bit more West London / Broken Beat but gets
the job done.=20
HARDFLOOR - SOULFUL SPIRIT - KILL BRIQUE - 12" (KBR01)
How much rave can you take? Yes, the original is a killer acid
rave track that doesn't go completely over the top yet certainly
has that "hands in the air" quality! If this doesn't get people
dancing, give up and go home. On the flip, a Josh Wink remix =
provides
a more contemporary minimal techno remix with a good old fashioned
side order of acid to boot. Yellow vinyl and all!=20
HOT CHIP - OVER AND OVER - DFA - 12" (ASW47230)
Pre-release 12" featuring a potential future smash from Hot Chip
Butty (you can't argue with a track as infectious as this). And
is it me or are the DFA's remixes becoming more adventurous? This
remix is almost up there with the Black Dice rework several weeks
ago. Washes of off-kilter synth and some tidy beats make this
a real winner (an instrumental version would have made my day).
=20
JAMES RUSKIN - RETURN - BLUEPRINT LIMITED - 12" (BPLTD02)
Second release from Blueprints Limited Editon offshoot imprint.
This one sees the original of James Ruskin's 'Return' locking
horns with two, frankly brilliant, mixes from Regis and 65D =
Mavericks.
Regis wins, for me, with an offbeat Techno monster that pounds
from beginning to end whilst the Mavericks take a slightly more
abstract approach, in a Surgeon sort of style. Blue vinyl, tasty
stuff... bit of an essential for the Techno heads.
JOHN STARLIGHT - DEEP DOWN - TELEVISION - 12" (TELE-027)
Dirty old track from John Starlight which has a much heavier feel
than you'd normallly associate with Television Records. Pumping
4/4 beats that could loosely be called Electro-House, but it's
got more of a minimalistic feel without losing any of its power.
The B-side mix in particular is a slamming slab of Tech-Funk.
Definitely one to check even if you don't normally go for the
stuff on this label.
KONTRAST - STAMMTISCH DER VERZWEIFLUNG - KOMPAKT - 12" (KOM131)
Justus Kohncke and Dirk Layers make up the partnership that is
Kontrast and they've come up with a goodie, in my opnion. Three
tracks of mid-paced, lightly acid and very head-nodding Techno
with House leanings that grooves along in a splendid way. Easily
mixable and, because of its slightly dark vibes, a pretty memorable
set of tracks. Good to see Kompakt doing something a little =
different.
KRAFTWERK - ULTRA RARE TRAXX 3 - UNKNOWN - 2xLP (KFT003)
Another cheeky and probably not entirely legitimate compilation
of Kraftwerk re-edits and remixes. "Pocket Calculator", "Showroom
Dummies" etc get the touch-up treatment. Why, you may ask? The
re-edit of "Computer World" is awful (that extra beat doesn't
work at all - when the vocal and melodies come in, it just sounds
a mess), and whoever decided to add comedy vocal samples to =
"Trans-Europe
Express" deserves to be kicked. The original not good enough for
you, or something? You pays yer money....=20
LEE VAN DOWSKI & QUENUM - THE JOINT ECHO EP - NUM - 12" (NUM05)
Num come correct with yet another solid slice of dancefloor =
minimalism
that will get fans of the genre wiggling very easily indeed. Very
much on the stripped, yet strangely full sounding tip with a =
definite
nod to Luciano and Villalobos. Grooving and generally quite wicked.
=20
LIKE A TIM - WONDERLINE - LIKE RECORDINGS - 12" (LIKE08)
Wooo. Blue vinyl. And four stripped down electro house cuts with
a slight old school acid feel AND the distinctive Like A Tim =
production.
Apart from looking fab, this EP, on the mans' own label, is a
treat. Ignore at your peril.
LUKA & LAZO - MIDEVIL DISKO EP - MO'S FERRY - 12" (MFP017)
More splendidness from Mo's Ferry who seem absolutely capable
of releasing top notch, quirky Tech grooves with a smooth and
deep House lick sitting underneath. It's quite freaky and a bit
Dapayk or Akufen-ish at times, but still uniquely excellent. Don't
miss out.
MAGNETIC BASE - MAD RACKET REMIXES - HIGHGRADE - 12" (HIGHGRADE029)
A fabulous release from Highgrade which sees three quality remixes
from Todd Bodine, Samim and Format: B. Minimalistic but totally
grooving Techno sounds with each artists giving a different slant
on the original. There's a lot of tight bass, there's a lot of
bleeping, there's just a fantastically groovy flava all the way
through. Tip-top gear that's not to be missed.
MARK HAWKINS - BLOOD MONEY EP - FEINWERK - 12" (FEINWERK5)
Mark Hawkins provides the listener with some splendidly heavy
Techno and Electro here. The whole EP has that wonky, Subhead-type
feel with deep and dark beats and sounds that will batter you
around the head. Proper dancefloor gear for the more adventurous
clubs. Actually, there's one concession to the lighter side with
an absolute belter of an Electro track that takes its cues from
a more stringy, Detroit-orientated style. A solid all round beats,
then.
MASCON - NEUTRUM - NEUE HEIMAT - 12" (NH29)
Haven't seen any Neue Heimat for some time so it's good to see
them back with a pounding number like this. Four Techno tracks,
all wonky as hell and featuring heavy production and a range of
sounds that will get you up and about in no time. A feast of fun
all round. Quality.
MISC. - HEY DU! - KLANG - 12" (KLANG098)
No-nonsense minimal techno from that most respected of acts in
the genre, Misc. Best known for their numerous releases on Sender,
Christopher Bleckmann and Hannes Wenner deliver three straight-up
slabs of hot dancefloor action the minimal way. No gunk, no junk,
just juice!=20
MODERATOR, THE - MODUS OPERANDI - ARNE WEINBERG - 12" (AW-003)
Four superb tracks here on AW. From lush, textural deep house,
via emotive electronic electro to a fabulous techno track that
sounds like a cross between Robert Hoods' keyboards and Jeff
Mills' drum machines. Superb.
NEIL LANDSTRUMM & TOBIAS D SCHMIDT - SWEET FANG EP - SCANDINAVIA - 12" =
(SCAN024)
Landstrumm and Schmidt get together for another Sugar Experiment
Station release and deliver 5 very surprising tracks. It ranges
from absolutely monstrous Techno that rocks and grinds in equal
measure with some truly dirty sounds, to an unusual vocal track
that's half Electro, half Techno. Mix in some deliberately awkward
and out-there sounds as well and you've got yourself a very =
interesting
EP indeed. Well worth checking out.
REWORK - JOGGING BEAT - PLAYHOUSE - 7" (PLAY119)
Maybe the reason i prefer this to the Rework 12" is that this
is nothing like what i expected. The A-side is quirky, cute but
slightly sleazy electro synth pop that's lo-fi enough to appeal
to Morr Music fans and the like. The B-side sees the track remixed
extremely well by Roman Flugel, who adds some wonderfully subtle
bass and retro effects. Genuinely one of the best Playhouses for
a while.=20
REWORK - PSYCH DOLL - PLAYHOUSE - 12" (PLAY118)
First Rework for a while on Playhouse, but worth the wait. Bouncy,
phat edged minimal technoclash with plenty of groove and very
cool vocals. All four tracks are very workable in dancefloor =
scenarios,
i'd have said. Get down.=20
ROBERT BABICZ - PRISM - AUDIOMATIQUE - 12" (AM08)
Rob Acid is well back on form and this new release for Audiomatique
has a splendidly grooving Acid track on it that really got me
moving. A tight, highly compressed 303 line with some cunning
edits and fresh effects all crammed into a wiggling 4/4 track.
Blistering. The flip has a remix from the one and only Robag Wruhme
which is stripped back and jerky / funky in the Musik Krause way.
A superb release and easily my favourite on the label so far.
SOMEONE ELSE - PICTURE PERFECT (REMIXES) - TORA TORA TORA - 12" =
(TTT013)
Super old school techno sounding house remixes from Adam Beyer
and Dietrich Schoenemann. Scattered vocals of a heavily treated
kind rubbing shoulders with a strong, bouncy minimal house backing.
Treeeee-men-dous!!!
TOBIAS UNGER - POINT OF FAINTING - EXUN - 12" (EXUN2043)
This is great, except for one small detail - the vocal bit. It's
really going to put some people off which is a shame as it's got
a really nicely put together minimal Tech feel with a long, hypnotic
and driving feel. Check it out though as you may well find that
you can live with the vocal aspect.
TOMAS ANDERSSON - THE ROCK ACID EP - B PITCH CONTROL - 12" (BPC071)
A handful of Tomas Anderson restocks this week. This was huge
when it came out (in 2003), and if you missed it, i'm sure you'll
hear when you check it out how it hasn't dated a second. A hypnotic
blend of acid, solid 4/4 techno beats and dark, spoken word vocals
that still has mammoth appeal.=20
TOMAS ANDERSSON - MINIMAL MAMA - B PITCH CONTROL - 12" (BPC078)
A handful of Tomas Anderson restocks this week. Following up the
huge 'Rock Acid' EP, tomas goes for more of the same here. Quality
4/4 electro techno with a big, phat, warped old bassline and minimal
sounds crammed in with superb attention to detail. Proper party
techno and the tracks on Side B reaffirm this with even more =
prime-time
playability.=20
TOMAS ANDERSSON - BAS - B PITCH CONTROL - 12" (BPC088)
A handful of Tomas Anderson restocks this week. Another stomper
from the B Pitch Control centre of funky, robotic techno. Tomas
Andersson comes good yet again with a stomping, acidic bassline
driven slice of tech that has serious dancefloor power. The flip
has a more retro, synthedelic sound but is equally rocking. Top.
=20
TRAFFIC SIGNS - EFFECTIVE / BEEN IN GLUE - TRAFFIC SIGNS - 12" (TS5)
Supposedly Steve Bug related, Traffic Signs delivers yet another
solid, workable and very nicely produced slab of Techno / Electro
sort of gear. A minimal, grooving bottom-end coupled with clean
and crips bleeps, chords and samples means it's going to really
cut through on a system. Fans of Poker Flat etc are going to want
to investigate this immediately.
VARIOUS - LOW SLUNG - TAKEOVER - 12" (TAKE06)
Takeover give us 5 tracks by artists I've not come across before,
but seem to have the bassier end of Electro and beats nailed down
to a tee. Fresh, funky, bottom-heavy cuts that feature some very
toothsome rhythms indeed. There's even a sort of cheeky Grime-ish
number that's a bit of a winner in my opinion (and I'm not even
that keen on Grime). One to check.
VARIOUS - IT'S NOT OVER - TRESOR - 2xLP (TRESOR220LP)
Seven previously unreleased tracks (from Joey Beltram - twice,
DisX 3, Oscar Mulero, Dave Tarrida, DJ Rush and Gary Martin) and
one from the vaults (which originally appeared on Tresor 85, by
Surgeon). Tresor's 13th compilation will not be unlucky for some
- this is the now legendary Berlin label doing what it does best.
=20
VARIOUS - KUGELBOX CRASH COURSE PT.2 - KUGELBOX - 12" (KBX03)
Kugelbox bring back the spirit of labels like Drop Bass Network
with this heavily produced and pretty banging selection of wonky
Techno. There's something for everyone (well, anyone who likes
wonky Techno) with upbeat stuff, downbeat, grinding tracks and
some very off-balance numbers with bizarre beats.
VARIOUS - TRASH2LOOP VOL.2 - TEMPLE OF SOUNDTHOLOGY - 12" =
(SOUNDTHOLOGY007)
Three ear-battering Techno tracks coupled with 30 loops on the
B-side. A bargain, then, as fans of Subhead / Landstrumm etc.
will love the pounding, minimal, but abrasive Tech on the main
side and everyone should enjoy the selection of handy, club =
orientated
loops on the flip. Good stuff.
VIBE DEALERS - TOYZ / ADRENALINE - PLAYERS PARADISE - 12" (PLAYER004)
Quite a straight-up Techno / House A-side that'll be useful if
you're playing out. Upbeat and Driving, it has just the right
level of detail to keep you hooked. The flip is a much more minimal
affair and rolls along very nicely. Martinez fans will want to
check it out although it possibly has more of a Trentemoller flava.
VIVIANNE PROJECTS - STRANGERS EP - UNDERLINE - 12" (UND005)
Deep minimal sounds here from this consistent label. 4 tracks
that really groove along with a deep, slightly dark bassy sound.
some lovely analog sounds being used here. Recommended...
WHO MADE WHO - SPACE FOR RENT (REMIXES) - GOMMA - 12" (GOMMA067)
Three mixes here. You can choose between the electro-glam-pop
remix by The Rapture (DFA, Output), the Kompakt-lite stylings
of Dirt Crew (My Best Friend, Mood Music), or the lo-fi tech funk
of Tomboy's "other adjustments". Or you can just give it a miss
if you like. I mean, don't let me tell you what to do - it's your
life.=20
Restocks (Vinyl): Techno / Electro
BRUNO PRONSATO & FRANCO CINELLI - PICARO EP - MILNOR MODERN - 12" =
(MMR.006)
Crisp to the point of being frazzled comes this new Milnor Modern.
Bruno and Franco deliver an achingly excellent groove on the A-side
which loses the minimal crunch and adds a whole bunch of =
ultra-funky,
tribal influenced sounds. Utterly fabulous in my opinion and made
even more good value with the other two splendidly groovy tracks
on the flip. Another essential for the minimal headz. Recommended.
DANNY BOY & THE SERIOUS PARTY GODS - CASTRO BOY - VIEWLEXX - 12" =
(PAN003)
Possibly the most camp record ever to be stocked at Smallfish!
Clearly a parody of Frank Zappa's "Valley Girl", this high-energy
piece of pulsating seventies/eighties retro disco is set to go
down an absolute storm, whether it be on the Castro or Old Compton
Street. Much gay banter over a phat old backing track - producers
Lester Temple and Barry Beam have got a large one on their hands!
=20
GUI BORATTO - ARQUIPELAGO - K2 - 12" (K2/04)
K2 really is a fabulous little offshoot of Kompakt and here we
have probably the strongest release to date. A slow-burning builder
on each side with a bumping, almost Chico-esque feel on the B-side.
Minimal, funky and oh-so-playable, this is Techno at it's very
finest. Bravo Kompakt for another great release.
LINDSTROM - I FEEL SPACE (M.A.N.D.Y. REMIX) - PLAYHOUSE - 12" =
(PLAYHOUSE109)
Back in stock! No doubt everyone's going to be going on about
the M.A.N.D.Y. mix of this track from current wonder-producer
Lindstrom. It is, however, completely eclipsed by the original
in my opinion. Lindstrom conjures up a funky, fresh, Disco-laced
slice of House fun with such an authentic '80's flava that it's
hard to resist. M.A.N.D.Y. deliver a trademark 'Electro-House'
version that'll certainly work on the dancefloor. Check.=20
LOUDERBACH - BLACKMIRROR - UNDERLINE - 12" (UND004)
FOUR MORE POWERFUL TRACKS OF ICE COLD TECHNO FROM THIS UP AND
COMING LABEL AND ARTIST. TOP-OF-THE-CLASS, MINIMAL DEEP TECHNO
- QUIRKY, A BIT SPOOKY, TONAL, ALMOST TEXTURAL. THINK PLASTIKMAN
/ VINTAGE NOVA MUTE / THE MORE MINIMAL END OF KOMPAKT. VERY NICE.
MARK HENNING - YEAH BUT NO BUT EP - FREUDE AM TANZEN - 12" (FAT024)
Generally an exciting time at the moment for fans of minimal =
Techno...
as long as it's on Freude Am Tanzen or Musik Krause. Does that
sound a bit snide? Well, it kind of is really. There's no doubting
that this is a fabulous EP that's packed full of minimal, crispy
grooves with that certain sound that everybody loves. You're all
going to love it I'm sure (as do I) but please don't forget that
there are other labels that do great minimal Tech sounds as well!
MICHAEL MAYER - LOVEFOOD - KOMPAKT POP - 12" (KOMPOP6)
THE A-SIDE OF THIS IS TRULY AN EXCELLENT TRACK. LABEL OWNER MICHAEL
MAYER HAS MANAGED TO CAPTURE A FUNKY, POPPY YET COMPLETELY =
NON-CHEESEY
FEEL AND THE COLOGNE STYLE 4/4 BEATS AND LITTLE HINTS OF VOCALS
REALLY DO MAKE IT A FAB LITTLE TUNE. THE FLIPSIDE IS THE MUCH
TOUTED VERSION OF KYLIE'S 'SLOW' WHICH WILL NO DOUBT DO IT FOR
A LOT OF PEOPLE BUT, I MUST ADMIT, IT LEFT ME A BIT COLD. STICK
TO THE BRILLIANT A-SIDE AND YOU'RE ONTO A WINNER.
MURMUR / BOVILL - CONTOUR EP - MEANWHILE - 12" (MEAN002)
Yes! This one seems to have taken a while to come through but,
boy, was it worth the wait! The second release from London-based
Meanwhile is packed to bursting with the deepest Detroit influenced
Techno sounds. Warm, soulful chords and hypnotic beats collide
to create a vintage Motor City flava with a definite London =
undertone.
Both artists seem to be incredibly comfortable producing =
stripped-down,
minimalistic grooves of the highest calibre. Miss this at your
peril! Highly recommended.
NOZE - KITCHEN - TRAPEZ - 12" (TRAPEZ57)
A slightly comedic release from Trapez. Musically it's business
as usual although someone seems to be doing a bizarre impersonation
of a German Tom Waits over the top of it (possibly?). Interesting.
This theme continues on the flip, the end result sounding a bit
like Mu with a very sore throat. Very silly but will probably
be huge!=20
SOMEONE ELSE - FRESH AIR - NUMMER SCHALLPLATTEN - 12" (NUMMER013)
A big tune here from the hotly-tipped Someone Else. Combining
majorly infectious grooves with gnarly basslines and clangy =
percussion,
this should go down well with the usual minimal crowd. The B-side
is perhaps a little glitchier but on a very similar tip. Coming
in a suitably bright magenta sleeve, this will do the business.
=20
SYNCOM DATA - HORSE - SD - 12" (SD002)
Super dubby 12" here which sounds very much like Rhythm & Sound,
Remote_, basic channel etc. Not to heavy on the beats, although
they are certainly there they take second stage to the huge delayed
bass sounds. Very deep.......
VARIOUS - IF YOU STAND FOR NOTHING YOU'LL FALL FOR ANYTHING - =
DOWNWARDS - 2xLP (DWN01)
This is a fantastic retrospective of some of the finest moments
from the Downwards back catalogue. Tracks from Surgeon, Regis
and Portion Reform show you just how advanced these guys were
on the minimal Techno front. Timeless, in a lot of ways and an
essential for fans of the genre. If only all the people who listen
to crunchy Cologne-style minimal Techno would give this a listen...
they'd be amazed. Recommended.
New Releases (Vinyl): US Techno / Electro
LOOSE CHANGE - KOSOVO / ORANGE FEELS - WAGON REPAIR - 12" (WAG009)
Super-fine release from the ever-impressive Wagon Repair label.
Definitely continuing their trend for a slightly more Housed-up
style this has a mid-tempo groove and lots of tasty sounds and
chords. Fresh, weird, odd and defiantly excellent... this is yet
another recommended release from Mathew Jonson's label. Class.
MAGDA - STOP - MINUS - 12" (MINUS35)
Absolutely wicked debut 4-track EP from Richie Hawtin's personal
warm-up DJ, Magda. Tight, crisp, minimalism most definitely in
the style of her much-loved sets. Four phat tracks that act as
the most perfect DJ tool imaginable. Yes, this will fly out so
i would act now if i were you. Massive.=20
Restocks (Vinyl): US Techno / Electro
AUDION - JUST F**KING - SPECTRAL - 12" (SPC-30)
Everyone loves Audion at the moment and this precursor to the
forthcoming album is a nothing short of a beast. Matthew Dear's
original version is a gnarly slice of minimal, Chicago influenced
Techno with a wonderful sense of not too over-the-top bangingness
that's perfect for the harder dancefloors. Alter Egos' Roman Flugel
turns in a rough and ready mix that ups the rawness in a big way...
Just what you'd expect. Quality.
BUTANE AND FRIENDS - A BIG BUS WITH WINGS (HEARTTHROB / RUN STOP =
RESTOR - ALPHA HOUSE - 12" (ALPHA01)
Wicked second release for the excellent Alpha House imprint which
sees Butane giving us some of the finest clicked-out Tech around.
Deep, funky, exceptionally well produced sounds that will get
people a-jiggling all over the place. Add to that two remixes
from Minus bods Heartthrob and Run Stop Restore and you've got
an immaculate workout. Superb and definitely recommended.
EXZAKT - SECOND WAVE REMIX'D - SATAMILE - 12" (SATRX04)
Monster EP from Satamile which takes Exzakt's already immense
'Second Wave' and remixes it up in fine style. Versions come from
Imatran Voima, Tipper, EMS and Uprokk. To say that these tracks
are devastating is undrestating it somewhat! Absolutely essential
for Electro-Heads everywhere. HUGE!
New Releases (Vinyl): House
EDDIE FOWLKES - GREEN PASTURES / HOUSE STATION - CITY BOY - 12" =
(CBM020)
Detroits' Eddie Fowlkes gives us another fine release on his City
Boy label. 'Green Pastures' is a hell of a house cut. Briming
with melody and solid rhythm, it is only trumped by the slightly
poppy latin flavoured 'Free' on the flip. Good old fashioned U.S.
house.
LARRY LEVAN / CHAPLIN BAND - SUN SHOWER / IL VELIERO - UNKNOWN - 12" =
(ASTERIX001)
The main draw here is the Larry Levan mix of this classic house
track (dating from 1992) by Soichi Terada & Shinichiro Yokota
feat. Naoko Shimada. Lush, slightly melancholic electro-synth
house that kinda sounds like an old Pet Shop Boys track with a
japanese female vocal! "Il Veliero" i know nothing about except
it sounds more like Larry Levan to me than the mix actually credited
to him on this record!=20
LIVIN IN SOUL - MY DESTINY - RETROACTIVE - 12" (RETRO001)
One of the legendary Detroit labels is back! Although it has to
be said with quite a different sound to its output 15 or so years
ago. Deep house with lashings of fender rhodes and some multi
layered vocals. Its all very nice but when you consider who ahead
of its time & influential the early releases were its a bit of
a shame that they have played it this way with the new output.
Still, its only the first release so lets see how things go in
the future. Just in case your not familiar with the label, its
was a joint effort between Damon Booker & Carl Craig which released
such seminal works as The Climax, Sitting under a tree, Aquatic
and more. Its last release was about 1993 i think? Anyway, give
this a spin and see what you think of it.....
RENE & ANGELA - I LOVE YOU MORE (MR. K EDIT) - CAPITOL - 12" =
(SPRO9644)
A timeless disco track here (originally released 1981) much beloved
of our Juergen. Mr. Danny "Re-edit or Die" Krivit does what he
has to do to for the instrumental.
Restocks (Vinyl): House
RECLOOSE - CARDIOLOGY (ISOLEE MIX) - PLAYHOUSE - 12" (PLAYHOUSE95)
CHEEKY ONE SIDED 12" THAT'S PRESUMABLY A TASTER FOR THE FORTHCOMING
RE-ISSUE OF RECLOOSE'S 'CARDIOLOGY' LP. ISOLEE TURNS A FAIRLY
STRAIGHTFORWARD VOCAL HOUSE TRACK INTO A TRULY WIGGLY ACID HOUSE
AFFAIR WITH PHAT, SWINGY BEATS AND SOME CRISP PROGRAMMING. KEEPING
THE VOCAL PRETTY MUCH INTACT AND ADDING THOSE 303'S IS A GREAT
MOVE. GET IN QUICK 'CAUSE THESE ARE LIMITED.
New Releases (Vinyl): Hip Hop
DANGERDOOM - THE MOUSE AND THE MASK - EPITAPH - LP (EPITAH867751)
U.S. import vinyl copies of surely one of the most talked about
Hip Hop albums of 2005 - and for good reason. Dangermouse Vs.
MF Doom was always going to be an enticing prospect, but the =
addition
of Aqua Teen Hunger Force is impossible to resist!=20
Restocks (Vinyl): Hip Hop
45 KING - KILLER BEETS VOL 1 - MUSIC STATION - LP (MSLP883)
10 BEATS FROM THE 45 KING ON THIS OBSCURE LP. HAILING FROM 1995
ON THIS TINY NEW YORK LABEL, THIS FEATURES SOME GREAT CUTS TO
USE AS DJ TOOLS OR AS TRACKS IN THIER OWN RIGHT. HAVE A LISTEN.....
7L & ESOTERIC - JEALOUS OVER NOTHING - DIRECT - 12" (DR1226)
LOVELY BEAT FROM JOC MAX ON THE A SIDE HERE. FROM THERE RECENT
LP THIS IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE INST VERSIONS........
ALL CITY - PRICELESS/ACTUAL - MCA - 12" (13162)
YOU NEED THIS SO BADLY (IF YOU HAVENT ALREADY GOT IT THAT =
IS!!)........
ONE SIDE PETE ROCK , THE OTHER PEIMIER.. AND FOR MY MONEY ITS
ONE OF PETES BEST EVER BEATS!!!!!!!!! THATS MY OPINION ANY WAY,
A PROMO ONLY 12 THAT IS COMMANDING SOME MONEY THESE DAYS, JUST
THE ONE SO BE VERY VERY QUICK=20
AZ - THE COME UP - FAST LIFE - 12" (FSLS154)
The best track from the lp here for me. Primo on the boards and
AZ on form, what more could you ask for?
DILATED PEOPLES - PAY ATTENTION - UP ABOVE - 12" (UA3018J)
JAP ONLY RELEASE ON A 12" FOR THIS BABU PRODUCED TRACK FROM THERE
RECENT LP. LOVELY CHOPPED BEAT WITH EQUALLY COOL CUTS AND RHYMES,
LIMITED ISSUE!!!!!
FAT JON AS MAURICE GALACTICA - HUMANOID EROTICA - COUNTERFLOW - 2xLP =
(CF006LP)
FAT JON (WHO I ONLY KNOW FROM MUSH) IN FINE INSTRUMENTAL HIP HOP
FORM. REALLY JAZZY AT TIMES, AND DECIDEDLY FUNKY AT OTHERS WITH
A COUPLE OF LOVELY DEEP, GROOVY HOUSE BITS. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
J LIVE - THE BEST PART - N/A - 2xLP (JCR007 2LP)
OOHHHH!! Heres the original pressing of this stunning LP. This
was the pressing that J-Live LP which was much better quality
than the later Seven Heads pressing, and had better artwork! Anyway,
this is long gone and sought after and this is the only one we
have (another find in out ever deepening treasure trove). 2 of
my favourite ever Hip Hop tracks on here, Timeless & Them thats
not. Quite simply superb.....
LORD SHAFIYQ, THE - MY MIC IS ON FIRE / KOOL KAT - UNKNOWN - 12" =
(AZ-007)
ANOTHER OLD SCHOOL HIP HOP CLASSIC GETS A REISSUE. THIS TIME LORD
SHAFIYQ'S 'MY MIC IS ON FIRE' IS UP FOR YOUR ATTENTION AND ITS
BLEND OF '87 BEATS AND ATTITUDE STILL ROCKES IT TODAY. =
WICKED.............
MUSIQ - JUSLISEN - DEF SOUL - 2xLP (3145867721)
BEAUTIFULLY DEEP AND SOULFUL VOCALS OVER A WIDE SELECTION OF BEATS
HERE.CONTINUING IN THE SAME QUALITY VEIN OF HIS FIRST LP, THIS
IS A MUST FOR ANYONE WITH AN INTEREST IN CONTEMPARAY SOUL MUSIC.
RECOMENDED!!!!
O.C. - HALF GOOD, HALF SINNER - JCOR - 12" (INTR1402-1)
WITH CRISP PRODUCTION FROM BUCKWILD, THIS IS A RETURN TO FORM
FROM ONE OF DITC'S MAIN MEN............ CLEAN, DIRTY, INST AND
ACCAPELA.......
SHOWBIZ & AG - SOUL CLAP EP - SHOWBIZ - 12" (SB456)
REPRESS OF THIS FIRST RELEASE BY THIS FAMOUS DUO. PRESSED BY =
THEMSELVES,
DISTRIBUTED BY THEMSELVES, THIS REALLY MADE SOME NOISE WHEN THEY
PUT IT OUT IN 1990 (I THINK?). WICKED EP, CHECK IT OUT.......
SMILEY THE GHETTO CHILD - THE WAKE UP CALL - YEARROUND - 12" (AMOB001)
3RD RELEASE FROM PREMIERS YEAR ROUND LABEL SEES SMILEY BLESS 2
BEATS, ONE FROM PRIMO & ONE FROM SHOW. TOP OF THE DRAW NEW YORK
BEATS & RHYMES HERE. THE PRIMO BEAT IS GREAT AND SHOWS HE CAN
STILL ROCK WITH THE BEST OF 'EM. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED...
VARIOUS - BACK TO THE EIGHTIES - FAST TIMES - LP (BTE1980LP)
THE PUREST OF CHEESE FOR YOUR TURNTABLE HERE. A BATTLE WEAPON
THAT CELERBRATES ALL THAT WAS TACKY IN THE 80'S (AND THAT WAS
JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING!). CHEESEY FILM THEMES, TV SNIPPETS, DIALOGUE
FROM THE BOTH. SUPERB STUFF, HAVE A LISTEN....
New Releases (Vinyl): Guitar Based
BEATLES, THE - ANTHOLOGY 3 - PARLOPHONE - 3xLP (PCSP729)
Volume three in this impeccably researched series explores the
vaults of the band's final chapter, ie. The White Album / Abbey
Road / Let It Be. Two tracks once earmarked as a single ("What's
The New Mary Jane / Not Guilty", the latter track running into
a staggering 102 takes) finally get a release, as do countless
alternate versions etc. The liner notes are peerless, with the
whole triple vinyl package coming in a double gatefold sleeve.
BEATLES, THE - ANTHOLOGY 2 - PARLOPHONE - 3xLP (PCSP728)
Volume two in this impeccably researched series continues by heading
into the Rubber Soul / Revolver / Sgt Pepper era. Highlights include
the strings-only of "Eleanor Rigby", previously unheard versions
of "Strawberry Fields Forever" and countless other alternate takes
and demos. The liner notes are peerless, with the whole triple
vinyl package coming in a double gatefold sleeve.
BEATLES, THE - ANTHOLOGY 1 - PARLOPHONE - 3xLP (PCSP727)
Volume one in this impeccably researched series kicks off with
the completed "Free As A Bird" (featuring the three surviving
Beatles at the time) as well as the near-mythical debut 78 from
1958 that was "That'll Be The Day / In Spite Of All The Danger",
interview snippets, previously unreleased alternate versions of
early Beatles numbers and shedloads more. The liner notes are
peerless, with the whole triple vinyl package coming in a double
gatefold sleeve.
BRIAN JONESTOWN MASSACRE, THE - WE ARE THE RADIO - TEE PEE - LP =
(TP062)
Brand new, single-sided, five-track mini-LP (the second side is
etched) from the Phoenix-From-The-Ashes that is Anton Newcombe
aka The BJM. His first post-'Dig' release isn't (as you might
expect) breaking any new ground musically, but if it ain't broke,
why fix it? Predominantly female vocals over five gorgeously chilled
slices of psych-acoustic-retro-shoegaze rock. It's a lot better
than the new Dandy Warhols album, i'll say that much....=20
ES - SATEENKAARISUUDELMA - K-RAA-K - 2xLP (KED002)
A beautiful double-LP (sadly vinyl only, for some reason) of =
semi-ambient
soundscapes comparable to Brian Eno jamming with Miles Davis,
Ryuichi Sakamoto and the Penguin Cafe Orchestra (i reckoned!).
A series of extended pieces that are utterly entrancing and =
all-encompassing.
Essential.=20
GREG MALCOLM - SWIMMING IN IT - K-RAA-K - LP (KED001)
Check this out if you're into the more tranquil moments of John
Fahey. Ambient music played with guitars? You bet. These hypnotic,
intricate, wonderfully relaxing arrangements absolutely deserve
to heard - great stuff.=20
LA MERIKA - GO LET THE SHADOWS DIE - FLOWER SHOP - 7" (FLOWER008)
One of two new 7"s from Robin Proper-Sheppard (aka Sophia) and
his Flower Shop label, their first new releases in years. This
is anthemic, infectious US early-mid nineties sounding indie rock
with a surprisingly commercial feel. Actually reminds me a bit
of Robin's May Queens spin-off band from a few years ago. Have
a listen.=20
MT. EERIE - 11 OLD SONGS - ELVERUM - LP + CD (ELV003LP)
Wasn't familiar with Mt Eerie before today but this is lovely,
lo-fi, electronic pop with heaps of warmth. Perfect for snuggling
up by the fireside to, in fact. Imagine (if you can) Will Oldham,
Hood, Jens Lekman and Ariel Pink on vacation in Norway, in a log
cabin, surrounded by snow-capped, well, eerie mountains. Complete
with two booklets and a free CD version of the (white, natch)
vinyl. Cool (literally).=20
TOOLSHED - TOOLSHED - TWISTED NERVE - 2xLP (TN066)
You might find this hard to believe, but Toolshed is the acid-psych
/ prog rock / bonkers jazz alias of Graham Massey from 808 State.
Self-indulgent and proud, this is like the Amorphous Androgynous
album gone panto. Total entertainment from beginning to end, and
it's one of those where you get a free CD of the album with the
vinyl, too!=20
VITO - NEVER BEEN CAREFUL - FLOWER SHOP - 7" (FLOWER009)
One of two new 7"s from Robin Proper-Sheppard (aka Sophia) and
his Flower Shop label, their first new releases in years. Fans
of Marks Eitzel and Kozelek, not to mention Sophia themselves
will probably go for this (again) surprisingly (almost) mainstream
sounding US indie rock. Mind you, there's a pretty epic shoegazery
bit towards the end that might scare off the Coldplay fans!=20
Restocks (Vinyl): Guitar Based
BEATLES, THE - RUBBER SOUL - PARLOPHONE - LP (PCS3075)
THIS IS THE LP THAT SAW THE BEATLES MOVE FROM BEING A POP BAND
TO WRITING SOME DEEP, REFLECTIVE SONGS (IN MY LIFE IS ONE OF THIER
FINEST SONGS EVER TO MY MIND) A FACT DUE IN PART TO THE BAND'S
EXPERIMENTATION WITH LSD & THE REEFERS. EXCEPTIONAL LP, HAVE
A LISTEN......
BEATLES, THE - S/T (WHITE ALBUM) - PARLOPHONE - LP (PCS7067)
WIDLEY REGARDED AS PERHAPS THEIR BEST LP, THE WHITE LP IS A BIT
LONG BUT THERE ARE SOME AMAZING TUNES. BLACKBIRD, DEAR PRUDENCE,
GLASS ONION AS WELL AS THE REVOLUTIONARY NO 9. THE BEATLES AT
SMALLFISH, I HEAR OF YOU SAY? TO WHICH I WOULD REPLY "YES".
JOHN CARPENTER - ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13 - CHRONOWAX - LP (REC12LP)
RE-ISSUE OF THIS CLASSIC SCORE TO THIS CULT FILM OF THE LATE 70'S.
GRIPPING STUFF, BOTH MUSICALLY AND VISUALLY. RECOMMENDED.........
TALKING HEADS - RARE 12" MIXES - N/A - 2xLP (TLK001)
Collection of rare mixes from the huge Talking heads. Such cuts
as Once in a lifetime, This must be the place, Making flippy floppy,
Psycho killer and more........
New Releases (Vinyl): Funk / Jazz / Soul
VARIOUS - BACK TO BLACK - LO - 2xLP (LLP55)
This is the horrendously limited vinyl version of the Back to
Black comp on Lo recordings. Horrendously expensive as well i'm
afraid but the packaging is about as lavish as you can get for
a double LP. There were only 200 of these made for sale exclusively
at the Whitechapel art gallery for the exhibition of the same
name. We only have a handful of these, with the figure being in
the singular! As for the music its a mix of styles with black
conciousness being the link. Music from the likes of Mary Lou
Williams, Cymande, Lloyd Williams, David Lampel, Doug Hammond,
24 Carat Black, Eugene Mcdaniels and more all compiled by our
very own Steve Pickton. If you'e not put off by the price then
i think you will enjoy this lavish feast of fine music....
Restocks (Vinyl): Funk / Jazz / Soul
JONNY TRUNK - THE INSIDE OUTSIDE - TRUNK - LP (JBH008LP)
SO. JONNY TRUNK DELIVERS HIS FIRST TRUE FULL LENGTH ALBUM PURELY
MADE UP OF HIS OWN LOVINGLY CREATED MATERIAL. HE'S CLEARLY GONE
TO SOME LENGTH AND SPENT A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF TIME CONSTRUCTING
THE TRACKS AND HIS CONSIDERABLE KNOWLEDGE OF, TO BE HONEST, MOST
FORMS OF MUSIC REALLY SHOWS. THE TRACKS ARE GENERALLY CAREFREE,
LAIDBACK AFFAIRS USING A RANGE OF SAMPLES SO THAT YOU GET A MASH
UP OF BEATS, BREAKS, JAZZ, LOUNGE, FUNK AND LOTS MORE. A VERY
WORTHWHILE AND RECOMMENDED ALBUM.
MULATU ASTATKE - ETHIO JAZZ - L'AROME - LP (LAP005LP)
ANOTHER STUNNING LP FROM MULATU HERE. DEEP SPIRITUAL JAZZ WITH
A HEALTHY DOSE OF FUNK IN PLACES. WONDERFUL TO SEE SUCH OBSCURE
MUSIC AS THIS BEING RE-ISSUED. HATS OFF TO THIS SUPERB LABEL OF
LOVE L'AROME. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED....
SUN RA - LANQUIDITY - PHILLY JAZZ - LP (PJ 666)
SUN RAS FUNKIEST MOMENT HERE ON THIS SPACEY LP..... LOTS OF FENDERS,
ARPS AND GENERAL SPACE MADNESS FROM THE MASTER OF THE BIZZARE!!!!!!!
RECOMENDED!!!!
VARIOUS - BLOC PARTY EDITS - ORIGINAL SOUND TRACK - 2xLP =
(0094631174810)
Classic Disco from the likes of Patti Jo, George McCrae, Johnny
Harris, Wood Brass and Steel, Minnie Ripperton, Family Tree, Ray
Barretto and a few others... ...given the re-work / re-edit /
re-mix treatment from some of the current crop of Disco afficianados
including Zongamin, Tim "Love" Lee, Ashley Beedle / Phil Asher,
DJ Harvey, Black Science and a few others. Disco-tastic for 2005.
VARIOUS - ETHIOPIAN MODERN INSTRUMENTAL HITS - L'AROME - LP (LAP006LP)
A MIXTURE OF RAW INSTRUMENTALS TRACKS HERE. A MIX OF JAZZ RELATED
STYLES. FUNK, BOOGIE, POP AND MANY MORE. SOME GREAT OBSCURE BANDS
THAT THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE FOR KNOWING. HAVE A LISTEN....
New Releases (CD): Electronica
ANTTI RANNISTO - AANIESINEITA - 12K - CD (12K1034)
I've been waiting for this one for what seems like months now
after having one heard one sample MP3 and now it's finally here
I'm blown away by the full album. Whilst it's something of a =
departure
for 12k in a lot of respects it's still very much in line with
the general minimalist nature of the label. Antti's previous 12"
for Audio.nl was clearly a good signifier for what was to develop
and its stripped down, quite blatantly Finnish style Techno was
very refreshing indeed and this wonderful 11 track work is heavy,
deep, ultimately reduced and really quite superb. Imagine a blend
of Frank Bretschneider, Mika Vainio, Pansonic and general early
Sahko releases and you're getting close to how this sounds. =
Ultra-minimal
tones and bass sounds with immaculately heavy production and =
mastering
coupled with some crisp, yet subtle 4/4 beats make for a devastating
and incredibly intense experience. When he concnetrates on just
the tones there's a resonance that vibrates through your whole
body and leaves a residual impression long after the track has
finished. Simply an incredibly good album that really gets into
your head and an essential for fans of the aforementioned labels
and artists. Props to 12k for going out on a limb and massive
respect to Antti for representing in a big way. Highly recommended.
CHEJU + OBFUSC - BREAK IT INTO PIECES - WYRD SKIES - CD (WYRD003)
Nice little homebrew release here from Wyrd Skies which sees the
pairing of Cheju (Boltfish) and Obfusc delivering some very nice
Electronica grooves all round. Each artist remixes two of the
others tracks and you end up with a pleasantly mellow and nicely
rhythmic collection of crunchy and very melodic cuts. Both artists
are definitely on the up at the moment in a low-key sort of way
and I think I can safely say it's worth picking these up now,
particularly if you're a fan of Toytronic or Expanding. A solid
and very listenable release. Props.
CREATURES, THE - HYBRIDS - HYDROGEN DUKEBOX - CD (DUKE66CD)
Siouxsie and Budgie material from their "Anima Animus" and "Eraser
Cut" albums gets the remix treatment from (of all people) The
Beloved, Dr Psyche, Chamber, Justice & Endemic, Icarus, The Black
Dog, Howie B, Witchman, Superchumbo, Vito Bonito and Omnivore.
A suitably diverse package.=20
DEPARTMENT OF EAGLES - THE COLD NOSE - MELODIC - CD (MELO034CD)
Ok, so the less said about Nine Black Alps and Harrisons the better,
but overall Melodic have released many a great record, and this
is another discovery which really works for me. You may remember
their album on Isota a couple of years ago, and this is a lovely
progression from that - think Broken Social Scene, Twisted Nerve,
Caribou, Four Tet and (yes) the better Melodic artists! Very =
enjoyable.
=20
GLIM - AERIAL VIEW OF MODEL - KARATE JOE - CD (KJ019)
Gorgeously deep ambient textures here amidst very discrete glitch,
distortion and live instrumentation. Some of the melodic, ambient
washes and soundscapes are simply stunning, in fact - those into
Pop Ambient, Pub, Marc Leclair etc simply have to investigate
this at once. Superb.=20
HAROLD BUDD / BRIAN ENO - THE PEARL (REMASTER) - VIRGIN - CD (ENOCD13)
The last in the series of classic Brian Eno EG catalogue remasters
is of 1984's "The Pearl". Harold Budd takes a very prominent role
in what was to be amongst both Eno and Budd's finest work. =
Mesmerising
ambient piano music that still sounds utterly fresh over twenty
years later. If you like "Music For Airports", "Plateaux Of Mirror"
or "Thursday Afternoon", this couldn't be more of a must.=20
LEVEL - CYCLA - SPEKK - CD (KK:007)
Firstly, I must apologise for the length of this review but in
my opinion it absolutely warrants the amount of words involved
and there's nothing more pleasing than receiving a piece of work
that has clearly been constructed in a thoughtful and knowing
way and this certainly lives up to the incredibly high expectations
that I had for it. Barry Nichols is Level and his work over the
past 15 years as Si_Comm and with a number of other experimental
sound artists and musicians is varied and exceptional. This album
has been licensed from Polymorphic music and released on the =
brilliant
Japanese label Spekk and the way it works is simply gorgeous.
It bears all the hallmarks of a Spekk release but moves in a =
slightly
different, less overtly digital minimal way to some of the other
CDs so far released - it's more Berlin-centric, if you will...
a slightly dubbier beast, in attitude, if not actual sound and
there are certain moments that bring to mind the early (and, =
conceivably
best) works of Vladislav Delay. Long, heavy and, initially at
least, claustrophobic textures are the mainstay of this album
and the combination of this with amazingly subtle, clanking, =
background
percussion give the whole thing a mechanical feel that, I suspect,
belies its organic roots. From the opening tones of 'Sensit' to
the closing moments of 'Ferna' we're treated to an exemplary =
collection
of reduced electronic atmospheres that are crafted with skill
and depth to create an instantly hypnotic feel. Manipulated =
instruments,
processed sounds and wonderful hints of wide-open reverb all =
drenched
in a seemingly boundless, and timeless, ambience. There are no
beats to speak of, just hints of rhythmic sound using slowed down
beats in an abstract, off-kilter way... but then, this style of
music doesn't need the obvious pulsating of a kick drum or a crunchy
8-bit break to drive it forward. It simply has its own momentum
which moves you ever forward from track to track until you, =
inevitably,
reach the end and find that you simply must listen to it again.
There are some genuinely heartbreakingly beautiful moments contained
within and 'Aler Besc', particularly, is a track that truly aches
with a melancholy sense of desolation. This feeling is carried
throughout most of the album and for the secret isolationists
among us will come as a real treat. An easy album of the year
for me and rest assured that it comes with the highest =
recommendation
possible. Divine.
MARK CLIFFORD / SIMON KEALOHA - RUNNING TAPER - POLYFUSIA - CD =
(FUS003)
Restock. Eagerly anticipated here at Smallfish as there are a
couple of us that are confirmed fans of Mark Clifford's work.
This full length album is a collaboration between Clifford and
Simon Kealoha and provides something of a missing link between
Seefeel and Disjecta sound-wise and is an intriguing blend of
dense, sculptural electronica soundscapes and abstract rhythmic
elements coupled with one absolutely powerful as you can imagine
guitar noise track that absolutely fills your mind. As delicate
at times as it is challenging at others, this is something to
listen to several times before it really clicks into place, but,
my word, when it does... you've got a powerful piece of contemporary
minimalism. If you're a fan of Seefeel and Disjecta or not, you
simply must check this out. Gorgeous.
MULTIPLEX - XPAND - U-COVER - CD (UCOVER25CD)
Multiplex you'll no doubt remember for a couple of belting releases
on Toytronic some years back. Their sound has nicely expanded
(ha!) over the years, to a now wholly musical, fully rounded melodic
electronica akin to Lackluster, Merck and (yes, there's no denying
it) Expanding! I'm sure a trained monkey could write these =
descriptions,
you know. Anyway, this is fine stuff. If you don't mind, i'm off
to eat some bananas and appear in a documentary with David =
Attenborough.
=20
RYOJI IKEDA - DATAPLEX - RASTER NOTON - CD (R-N068)
Long awaited Ryoji Ikeda album that sees the master of the =
micro-electronic
fullfilling his destiny as the man who can twist, manipulate and
process sounds to the point of breaking. This set of tracks is
incredibly detailed, disturbingly intense and produced to the
absolute limits of sound. Intricate glitch meets high-frequency
meets intense sinewave work to provide an amazingly compelling
set that will challenge just as much as it engages. As fresh as
ever and as essential as you'd imagine any Raster Noton product
to be... do not miss this genuinely brilliant release. Highly
recommended.=20
SAWAKO - HUM - 12K - CD (12K1035)
Japanese artist Sawako's work is concerned with the manipulation
and processing of organic and electronic sounds and the creation
of delicate yet full sounding tracks that fully expoit the range
of her talents. 'Hum' is a delicious cocktail of flavours that
is friendly, charming and engaging right from the outset. Magical
tones and textures are conjured from the most everyday of scenarios
and the incidental recordings of found sounds adds a personal
level to the recordings. Always warm, but with the occasional
challenging moment, this CD is similar at times to the work of
Keiichi Sugimoto (Minamo / Fourcolor) or Greg Davis, but has less
of a strict feel and with musical contributions from both Taylor
Deupree and Kenneth Kirschner, you're absolutey guaranteed to
be getting pure quality. Beautiful, heartwarming and an absolute
must for fans of ambient, atmospheric music everywhere. Highly
recommended.
VARIOUS - SMALL MELODIES - SPEKK - CD (KK:005)
Restock. Nao Sugimoto (aka Mondii and co boss of Plop) runs his
own Spekk label with a great degree of love and attention and,
once again, he shows that with some careful consideration and
the right contacts you can put together - seemingly effortlessly
- a compilation of contemporary digital minimalism that is a true
showcase of this wonderfully diverse style of music. Merely glancing
at the tracklisting should confirm to most people the breadth
of talent involved with this release... Taylor Deupree, Sogar,
Fenton, Oren Ambarchi, Herve Boghossian, Ultra Milkmaids, Anderegg,
Stephan Mathieu and more all contribute with their own unique
takes on the idea of small melodies. There's a stark beauty on
show here from the beginning to the end and whether it's Deupree's
ultra-refined click textures and gentle tones or the Ultra Milkmaids
slightly more in-your-face manipulated approach, it's all there
for a very good reason. Sublime, for the most part and occasionally
challenging, this is an absolutely delightful project that is
as immaculate in conception as it is in presentation. An unmissable
gem and highly, highly recommended.
Restocks (CD): Electronica
BENGE - I AM 9 - EXPANDING - CD (ECD20:04)
BENGE APPEARS TO HAVE BECOME OBSESSED WITH CARS ON THIS RELEASE.
FROM THE MODEL KIT LAMBORGHINI ON THE COVER TO THE TRACK TITLES
SUCH AS 'JENSEN' AND 'SCIMITAR' THERE'S AN AUTOMOTIVE THEME =
THROUGHOUT.
THE MUSIC, HOWEVER, IS AS FAR REMOVED FROM THE IDEA OF BOYRACERS
AS IT'S POSSIBLE TO BE. DEEP, MELODIC, BEAUTIFULLY GENTLE =
ELECTRONICA
WHICH HAS BEEN CRAFTED WITH AN EXCEPTIONAL ATTENTION TO DETAIL.
CLEARLY A LABOUR OF LOVE, AND ONE THAT YOU WILL PROBABLY ADORE
AS WELL. AS EVER, A QUALITY RELEASE FROM EXPANDING.
BLACK DICE - BROKEN EAR RECORD - DFA - CD (DFAEMI2148CD)
Black Dice might technically be on a major label these days, but
don't think for a moment any kind of musical compromise has taken
place. These are dense, experimental soundscapes and perhaps as
strange as ambient can get (i think it just about falls into the
category as Brian Eno defined it). Actually, this could well be
their finest moment to date - this is hypnotic and compelling
stuff that fans of their spiritual brothers Animal Collective
should really enjoy. What's ironic is this could well end up selling
a lot more than some of the guff major labels try and force upon
us, and quite right too. Black Dice on EMI? It's the future of
Rock 'N' Roll!
BRIAN ENO - AMBIENT 1: MUSIC FOR AIRPORTS (REMASTER) - VIRGIN - CD =
(ENOCD6)
ONE OF A SERIES OF ESSENTIAL BRIAN ENO CATALOGUE REMASTERS (IN
SPECIAL PACKAGING). ABSOLUTE LANDMARK ALBUM (TO PUT IT SOMEWHAT
MILDLY) FEATURING ROBERT WYATT ON PIANO ON THE BEAUTIFUL FIRST
TRACK. I'M TOLD THIS ALBUM GENUINELY WORKS BEST ON HEADPHONES
IN AN AIRPORT - MUST TRY THAT SOMETIME!
BRIAN ENO - APOLLO: ATMOSPHERES & SOUNDTRACKS (REMASTER) - VIRGIN - CD =
(ENOCD10)
ONE OF A SERIES OF ESSENTIAL BRIAN ENO CATALOGUE REMASTERS (IN
SPECIAL PACKAGING). COLLABORATING WITH GUESTS DANIEL LANOIS AND
ROGER ENO, THIS IS ACTUALLY ONE OF MY FAVOURITE BRIAN ENO ALBUMS.
SOME STUNNING SLIDE GUITAR WORK ON HERE, INCLUDING ON THE =
CAST-IN-STONE
CLASSIC "DEEP BLUE DAY", THAT WAS (AS WE ALL KNOW) USED IN THE
SOUNDTRACK TO 'TRAINSPOTTING' (REMEMBER THAT RELIC FROM ANOTHER
AGE??!?). NOTE FOR COMPLETISTS: IF YOU LIKE THIS, WE HAVE THE
FULL RANGE OF ENO REMASTERS CURRENTLY IN STOCK....
CATHODE - SPECIAL MEASURES - EXPANDING - CD (ECD13:03)
EXPANDING ARE ON YET ANOTHER ROLL AT THE MOMENT WITH THIS LUSH
ALBUM FROM CATHODE AND THE PRECEEDING SINGLES FROM PRAVEEN, FLOTEL
AND VESSEL. FULL LENGTH SHENANIGANS ARE THE ORDER OF THE DAY HERE
AND WHAT A BEAUTY IT IS. MIXING ELECTRONICS WITH LIVE GUITAR =
ELEMENTS,
CATHODE OPT FOR A DRIFTING, HAUNTING SOUND THAT HAS A DEEPLY =
ENGAGING
MELANCHOLY FEEL... WARM, YET STRANGELY DISTANT. COMBINGIN DOWNBEAT
CRUNCH AND ABSTRACT TEXTURAL PIECES WITH A COUPLE OF LOVELY UPBEAT
NUMBERS YOU GET THE SENSE OF A COMPLETE PIECE OF WORK. LONG MAY
EXPANDING CONTINUE IN THIS VEIN. RECOMMENDED.
CLUSTER & ENO - CLUSTER & ENO - WATER - CD (WATER156CD)
Recorded in 1977 with Brian Eno, Hans-Joachim Roedelius and Dieter
Moebius (aka Cluster) all at the peak of their powers this superb
blend of ambient Krautrock, analogue synth drones and Cage / =
Neu-style
experimentalism is a must for anyone into classic Eno. Great to
see this being reissued - it's a must for anyone's collection.
=20
DELIA GONZALEZ & GAVIN RUSSOM - THE DAYS OF MARS - DFA - CD =
(DFAEMI2144CD)
Wow, far out and other such expressions. If you don't remember
Delia & Gavin's single on DFA nearly two years ago, this release
may come as a shock to you - party-time dancefloor punk / funk
this ain't. Beautifully chilled-out and ambient, think more along
the lines of classic Krautrock, early Kraftwerk, Tangerine Dream,
Brian Eno, Neu etc. This is a highly hypnotic, dreamlike release
that may cause hallucinations even without the use of chemicals!
Absolutely superb, highly recommended and incredibly authentic
sounding - you need!
EZEKIEL HONIG - PEOPLE PLACES & THINGS - MICROCOSM - CD (SC1001CD)
Restock! I love it when things come out of nowhere and surprise
you, as this album certainly did. We've had the vinyl version
of this (a 12") before and I seem to remember it being superb...
A wonderful mixture of Electronica and deep, dubby, glitch based
Techno. This full CD follows on from that beautifully and is a
gorgeously crafted selection of subtly melodic and shifting tracks
that are moody and atmospheric, yet strangely uplifting in their
own unique minimal way. Do not ignore this absolute gem and be
sure that you'll be hearing much more about Ezekiel Honig in the
future. Highly recommended.
KRAFTWERK - MINIMUM MAXIMUM - EMI - 2xCD (5606112)
THE EXCITEMENT LEVELS HAVE BEEN RAISED AT SMALLFISH HQ COMMEMORATING
THE ARRIVAL OF THE VERY FIRST OFFICIAL LIVE ALBUM FROM THIS MOST
ICONIC AND INFLUENTIAL OF BANDS. AS MUCH A KRAFTWERK "BEST OF"
AS ANYTHING ELSE, THE SOUND QUALITY (AS YOU'D EXPECT) IS ABSOLUTELY
PEERLESS, THE MUSIC AND REWORKED VERSIONS OF ALL THE CLASSIC TRACKS
(RECORDED AT VARIOUS VENUES DURING LAST YEAR'S TOUR DATES, INCLUDING
LONDON - WERE YOU THERE?) MINDBLOWING. UTTERLY ESSENTIAL.
MARSEN JULES - HERBSTLAUB - CITY CENTRE OFFICES - CD (TOWERBLOCKCD023)
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.
PORN SWORD TOBACCO - EXPLAINS FREEDOM - CITY CENTRE OFFICES - CD =
(TOWERBLOCKCD027)
Excellent follow-up to 2004's self titled album by P.S.T. This
has a slightly less austere and textural feel, which worried me
initally, but I soon found myself being dragged into this album
by its charming and, at times, playful nature. It's deep, =
wonderfully
produced and features a whole raft of beautifully sourced sounds,
both organic and electronic, and it has some of the most beautiful
melodies. A gorgeous, lush and really well put together album
for fans of C.C.O, Neo Ouija and other such Electronica stalwarts.
Highly recommended.
RJ VALEO - SEPTEMBER - TYPE - CD (TYPECD001)
I've been waiting for this for a while! The hotly tipped new label
Type delivers its 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 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. Let's hope they can keep it up! Respect.
ROD MODELL - VIBRASOUND (THE DEEPCHORD YEARS 1999-2004_ - SILENTES - =
CD (SILENTESCD200402)
AAH, THE DEEPCHORD RECORDS. OBSCURE, HARD TO GET HOLD OF, EXPENSIVE
AND GENERALLY THE CLOSEST WE'VE EVER HAD TO A RIVAL FOR THE BASIC
CHANNEL CREW. IT'S EASY TO SAY THAT IT SOUNDS LIKE MORITZ VON
OSWALD AND CO, BUT IF YOU DO YOU'RE SERIOUSLY MISSING THE POINT.
THE BLEND OF DUB AND TECHNO ON OFFER HERE IS SOMETHING TO SAVOUR
AT ALL TIMES AS THE DEPTH OF PRODUCTION AND THE ROLLING, MID PACED
GROOVES THAT UNDERPIN THE LAYERS OF TEXTURE ARE SUITABLY PHAT
BUT INCREDIBLY SUBTLE AT THE SAME TIME. A PARADOX? MAYBE. BUT
TO BE HONEST IT'S THE MOST BRILLIANT, WONDERFUL, UPLIFTING PARADOX.
IF YOU DON'T LOVE THIS COLLECTION OF TRACKS FROM THE ULTRA-SCARCE
BACK CATALOGUE I'D BE VERY SURPRISED. ESSENTIAL CD COMPILATION
OF THE YEAR, QUITE POSSIBLY AND ANYONE WHO LIKES ECHOCORD, RHYTHM
& SOUND OR BASIC CHANNEL MUST TREAT THIS AS AN ITEM THAT THEY
*MUST* OWN. AWESOME.
STENDEC - A STUDY OF 'AND' - EXPANDING - CD (ECD15:04)
TERRIFIC STUFF FROM EXPANDING ONCE AGAIN. SEVEN BRAND NEW TRACKS
BLENDED SEAMLESSLY WITH PREVIOUS RELEASED MATERIAL FROM THE STATIC
CARAVAN AND EXPANDING 7"S, THE SPLIT 10" PICTURE DISC AND THE
CACTUS ISLAND COMPILATION. TOP NOTCH ELECTRONICA WITH SUBTLE BEATS,
GENTLE MELODIES, LOTS OF SPACE AND PLENTY OF ATMOSPHERE. A MUST
FOR FANS OF THE LABEL OR JUST ANYONE INTO DECENT MUSIC, REALLY.
TAPE - RIDEAU - HAPNA - CD (H.25)
I'm ashamed to admit that I'm still a relative newcomer to Tape's
gorgeous music, but with that in mind it's a genuine pleasure
to find yet another reason to love his sounds in the shape of
this delightful CD on Hapna. 5 tracks of beautifully organic tunes
with a post-rock influence as well as what sounds like a traditional
Scandinavian feel as well. Mix this with a series of ultra-gentle
electronic elements and manipulations and you've got yourself
a low-key, yet absolutely enchanting piece of work. Highly, highly
recommended.
VS_PRICE - <CALIN> MINETTE_ - EXPANDING - CD (ECD11:02)
EXPANDINGS QUALITY AND DIVERSITY CONTINUES TO EXPAND (SORRY).
WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE PRETENTIOUS IDM-ESQUE MONIKERS [_THIS
DESCRIPT_ION NCLUDED_::] I CAN'+T FAULT% THIS BEAUTIFUL PI=3DE=3DCE
OF DEEP A^ND TEXTURAL_ ELECTRONICS. THERE ARE SOME BEAT DRIVEN
TRACKS, BUT FOR( (THE) )MOST PART THIS IS HIGH CLASS, SUBTLE AND
MINIMAL SOUNDSCAPES. RECOMMENDED_
WILLIAM BASINSKI - SILENT NIGHT - 2062 - CD (2062.0401)
Restock. William Basinski is clearly a master of this sort of
experimental and minimalist Electronica. If you don't know his
work you simply must check this wonderful CD out. Built around
a simple series of loops that are then manipulated and filtered
you get a dense, incredibly deep and superbly atmispheric work
that soothes as well as challenges. Imagine a more melodic Hafler
Trio and you're getting close. I would say that this is truly
essential and it comes very highly recommended indeed.
New Releases (CD): Techno / Electro
CREME DE MENTHE - THE IMPOSSIBILITY OF EROTICISM IN THE SUBURBS - =
DISKO B - CD (DB138)
More trashy Disko fun from the hilarious Creme De Menthe. Tongues
are firmly planted in cheeks here, make no mistake. The lyrics
are even sillier than the music, which kept us highly entertained
for the duration, it had to be said. With Mysterymen credited
as "Executive Producers", what more needs to be said?=20
VARIOUS - IT'S NOT OVER - TRESOR - 2xCD (TRESOR220CD)
No less than 38 gems from Tresor here across 2 CDs, many previously
unreleased, several others from the vaults. All the big names;
Stewart Walker, Todd Bodine, Sender Berlin, Scan 7, Gary Martin,
Pacou, Joey Beltram, DJ Rush, Steve Bicknell, Jay Denham, Dave
Tarrida, The Advent etc etc. Tresor's 13th compilation will not
be unlucky for some - this is the now legendary Berlin label doing
what it does best.=20
Restocks (CD): Techno / Electro
VARIOUS - DFA HOLIDAY MIX 2005 - DFA - CD (DFAEMI2153CD)
Wot a ruddy bargain. LCD Soundsystem, Black Dice, The Juan Maclean
and Delia Gonzalez & Gavin Russom (perhaps not too surprisingly)
all feature on this cheapo 9-track mix sampler thingy. Features
remixes by DFA, Luomo, Booka Shade, Putsch 79, Tiga and Soulwax.
It'd be rude not to, wouldn't it?=20
New Releases (CD): US Techno / Electro
JEFF MILLS - CONTACT SPECIAL - AXIS - CD (AXCD002)
This is the kind of Mills CD that really does it for me. Deep,
minimal, hypnotic techno with an alien abduction theme to the
proceedings. 18 tracks that perfectly create an otherwordly feel.
this is what minimal is alabout for me. Highly recommended.....
Restocks (CD): US Techno / Electro
CARL CRAIG - MORE SONGS ABOUT FOOD...... - SSR - CD (SSR 188)
THE WONDERFUL CD COMPILATION OF, ARGUABLY, SOME OF CARL'S BEST
WORK. SOME CLASSIC OLD BITS AND SOME OF HIS BETTER NEW WORK. THIS
IS THE ORIGINAL PLANET E VERSION RE-ISSUED, AND IS NICER BECAUSE
IT'S ACTUALLY FROM DETROIT!!!! (CALL ME ANAL!)
Restocks (CD): House
METRO AREA - METRO AREA - SOURCE - CD (CDSOUR070)
WHAT CAN I SAY? IT'S THE METRO AREA ALBUM BY MORGAN GEIST AND
DARSHAN JESRANI. THE COMBINATION OF GEIST'S PURE ELECTRONIC =
BACKGROUND
AND DARSHAN'S DISCO FLAVA IS POTENT TO SAY THE LEAST. FOUR SELECTED
TRACKS FROM THE FOUR SINGLES, PLUS FOUR BRAND NEW ROMPS!! ESSENTIAL,
YOU MIGHT SAY. THE CD HAS FOUR EXTRA TRACKS FROM THE FOUR EP'S
AS THEY WEREN'T ON CD ORIGINALLY. BONUS!
New Releases (CD): Hip Hop
VARIOUS - HIP HOP LOVE JAZZ - KWERK - CD (KWERKCD002)
Super comp of jazzy, soulful hip hop compiled by the UK's Nicci
Cheeks. some great names here, Roddy Rod, Kev Brown, Wordsworth,
Cut Chemist, El da Sensai, J Rawls and more. some deep tracks
for you to enjoy here, take it for a spin today.....
Restocks (CD): Hip Hop
DJ PREMIER - STEP YA GAME UP - YEARROUND - CD (YRI083104CD)
PREM SHOWS US SOME OF THE UP AND COMING CUTS FROM HIS YEAR ROUND
LABEL AS WELL AS SOME OF THE STUFF HE HAS ALREADY RELEASED.SOME
OF THE ARTISTS FEATURED ARE DIAMOND D, SKILLS, TEF, BLAQ POET,
BUMPY KNUCKLES, PITCH BLACK, MURS AND MORE. TOP NOTCH RAW =
UNDERGROUND
SOUNDS WITH THAT AUTHENTIC NEW YORK STYLE. ONE TO CHECK I RECKON....
New Releases (CD): Guitar Based
ACID MOTHERS TEMPLE & THE COSMIC INFERNO - ANTHEM OF THE SPACE - EKTRO =
- CD (EKTRO035CD)
Third release (to my knowledge) from the newly retitled/regrouped
Acid Mothers and The Cosmic Inferno. Two wild spacerock numbers
that are as far out as they are thoroughly enjoyable. It's been
a while since i listened to any new releases from Kawabata Makoto
and his pals, and i have to say, this is actually quite refreshing.
Freak out, get naked, tune in, turn on etc.=20
BRIGHT - BELLS BREAK THEIR TOWERS - STRANGE ATTRACTORS - CD =
(SAAH038CD)
This U.S. indie / jazz-rock / math-rock / post-rock hybrid is
indeed quite bright and breezy - even the vocals are pleasant
and unobtrusive. If you like Tortoise, Do Make Say Think or even
The High Llamas, Flaming Lips or Broken Social Scene (yes, this
is pretty varied), this may well prove highly rewarding.=20
CAST KING - SAW MILL MAN - LOCUST - CD (LOCUST74CD)
Born 1926 in Alabama, Cast King was amongst a stable of artists
to record for Sam Phillips at Sun Studios, Memphis yet made no
further recordings - until now. These twelve tracks were made
in a small shack beside Cast's house, with Matt Downer on electric
guitar. All i can say if you like Johnny Cash (especially the
later material), you're gonna love this.=20
DAVID THOMAS BROUGHTON - THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO INSUFFICIENCY - PLUG =
RESEARCH - CD (PR60CD)
A rather captivating acoustic singer/songwriter album that you'll
want to go back to time and time again. Think Jose Gonzales meets
Antony & The Johnsons and you're about 50% there. There's also
the slightest hint of Arthur Russell about proceedings. Different
enough to stand out and highly recommended with it.=20
FRA LIPPO LIPPI - SONGS - RUNE ARKIV - CD (RACD103)
20th anniversary remastered edition (on CD for the very first
time) of the original version of Fra Lippo Lippi's "Songs", coming
with a complete live album ("Crash Of Light"). Strangely melancholic
80's pop reminiscent of a more low-key, synth pop Smiths, New
Order or Pet Shop Boys to some extent but they seem to have had
a sound of their own (i'm finding it tough making comparisons
bar Jens Lekman, who has no doubt learnt a thing or two these
fellas). A great history lesson.=20
LANDING - BROCADE - STRANGE ATTRACTORS - CD (SAAH037CD)
Supreme quality instrumental electronic / post rock-esque crossover
gear from the much undervalued Landing. Eno-esque soundscapes
and sparce guitar music a la Windsor For The Derby or Jackie-O
Motherf*cker blended to create something more than just the sum
of its parts. This comes highly recommended - it's gorgeous.=20
VARIOUS - SONGS TO BREAK GOD'S HEART VOL. 1 - ACUARELA - CD =
(NOIS1054CD)
Daft priced sampler CD for the respected Spanish indie label that
is Acuarela. 19 tracks including contributions from The Zephyrs,
Darren Hayman (formerly of Hefner), Tara Jane O'Neil, Matt Elliott
(one of the highlights of the CD, that), Xiu Xiu, P:ano, Early
Day Miners, Mecca Normal and loads of others. At this price, that
should be all you need to know!=20
Restocks (CD): Guitar Based
BETA BAND, THE - THE THREE EPS - REGAL - CD (724349738522)
THE BETA BAND MIGHT NOW HAVE SPLIT, BUT THEIR STORY, NOT TO MENTION
THEIR MUSIC (ESPECIALLY THIS COMPILATION, AND THE FINAL ALBUM)
WILL CERTAINLY LIVE ON - YOU COULDN'T DREAM UP A MORE TELLING
PARABLE AT THIS STAGE IN THE HISTORY OF THE MUSIC BUSINESS DETAILING
EXACTLY WHY GREAT BANDS SHOULD NEVER SIGN TO MAJOR LABELS. STILL,
HAVING SAID ALL THAT, THIS CD CONTAINS "INNER MEET ME", "SHE'S
THE ONE" AND "NEEDLES IN MY EYES", AND IN SOME RESPECTS, THAT'S
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW.
BRIAN ENO - ANOTHER GREEN WORLD (REMASTER) - VIRGIN - CD (ENOCD3)
ONE OF A SERIES OF ESSENTIAL BRIAN ENO CATALOGUE REMASTERS (IN
SPECIAL PACKAGING). CLASSIC ALBUM, THIS - STILL CONSIDERED ONE
OF HIS FINEST WORKS. ROBERT FRIPP AND JOHN CALE ARE AMONGST THE
PLAYERS INVOLVED. MORE ELECTRONIC AND EXPERIMENTAL THAN IT'S =
PREDECESSOR
BUT WITH A DEFINITE PASTORAL / FOLK-ISH FEEL. CONTAINS THE SEMINAL
TITLE TRACK BEST KNOWN AS THE THEME FROM THE BBC'S "ARENA" TV
SERIES.
BRIAN ENO - HERE COME THE WARM JETS (REMASTER) - VIRGIN - CD (ENOCD1)
ONE OF A SERIES OF ESSENTIAL BRIAN ENO CATALOGUE REMASTERS (IN
SPECIAL PACKAGING). HIGHLY INFLUENTIAL (HEY, WHAT DID ENO DO IN
THE SEVENTIES THAT WASN'T?) DEBUT SOLO LP (UNLESS I'M VERY MUCH
MISTAKEN) FROM 1973, FRESH OUT OF ROXY MUSIC. LINE-UP INCLUDES
ROBERT FRIPP, CHRIS SPEDDING AND PHIL MANZANERA.
CIRCLE - RAUNIO - SQUEALER - CD (SQLREV004)
=
OMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM=
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM...........=
.....................
IVOR CUTLER - JAMMY SMEARS - VIRGIN - CD (CDV2065)
WONDERFUL ALBUM FROM 1976, SHOWCASING THE UNIQUE GENIUS OF IVOR
CUTLER AT ITS GLORIOUS BEST. ANYONE THAT LISTENED TO JOHN PEEL
REGULARLY FROM THE SEVENTIES RIGHT THROUGH TO THE LATE NINETIES
WILL HAVE HEARD IVOR IN SESSION - I THINK I'M RIGHT IN SAYING
HE RECORDED EVEN MORE PEEL SESSIONS THAN THE FALL! A COMPLETE
ONE-OFF, OUR IVOR - EVERYONE SHOULD OWN AT LEAST ONE ALBUM BY
HIM (I OWN ABOUT SIX!).
RICHARD HAWLEY - COLES CORNER - MUTE - CD (CDSTUMM251)
Wow, just how great is Richard Hawley? Four albums in and he's
sounding even better than ever. Scott Walker has described his
voice as "one of the all-time greats", which redefines the =
expression
"Praise indeed" in my book! If you're a Scott fan, like me, this
should be right up your street - lush, romantic, string-driven
country pop that equally owes to debt to the likes of Roy Orbison,
Johnny Cash and Gene Pitney. In short, eleven simply beautiful
songs - what Richard does best. Wonderful, and fully deserving
of massive success.
VARIOUS - AMERICAN PRIMITIVE VOLUME 2 - REVENANT - 2xCD (RVN214)
Going even further back into the archives of American Folk Music,
this second volume covers 1897 to 1939 - although to be accurate
most of the material comes from the late 20s and 30s. As it says
on the cover this has artists who "emerged from their anonymous
dark, made 78 recordings, and were promptly swallowed up by darkness
again. This is another superb selection of depression folk and
hillbilly blues to touch your soul with it's simplicity and honesty.
Recommended.
VARIOUS - AMERICAN PRIMITIVE VOLUME 1 - REVENANT - CD (REV206CD)
COMPILED BY GAYLE DEAN WARDLOW AND JOHN FAHEY, THIS IS A FABULOUS
SELECTION OF RAW PRE-WAR GOSPEL MUSIC. FEATURING THE KNOWN AND
UNKNOWN ALIKE, THIS IS "77 MINUTES OF GUT-BUCKET GOSPEL". HIGHLY
RECOMMENDED (AS IS EVERYTHING ON THIS FANTASTIC LABEL).=20
Restocks (CD): Funk / Jazz / Soul
BOBBI HUMPHREY - SATIN DOLL - BLUE NOTE - CD (7002)
SUPERB LP FROM THIS HIGHLY TALENTED FLAUTIST. 2 AWESOME, EMOTIVE
TRACKS THAT STAND OUT FOR ME ARE NEW YORK TIMES & SAN FRANSISCO
LIGHTS. BEAUTIFUL, WELL SAMPLED MUSIC. HAVE A LISTEN.....
BOBBI HUMPHREY - BLACKS AND BLUES - BLUE NOTE - CD (4985422)
WICKED FLUTE LEAD JAZZ FUNK WITH THE GREAT TITLE TRACK AS WELL
AS HARLEM RIVER DRIVE - CHECK OUT THIS CLASSIC, REMASTERED PIECE
OF BLUE NOTE HISTORY FROM 1973........
JOHN CAMERON - PSYCHOMANIA - TRUNK - CD (JBH002CD)
THE LITTLE KNOWN SOUNDTRACK TO THE 1972 BRIT FILM PSYCHOMANIA
IS AN INTRIGUING PIECE OF WORK. BASICALLY THE SOUNDTRACK WAS WRITTEN
BY JOHN CAMERON (OF KES FAME) AND PERFORMED BY FROG WHICH WAS
A COLLECTIVE OF WELL KNOWN BRITIAH JAZZ MUSICIANS (ASK STEVE,
HE'LL PROBABLY BE ABLE TO TELL YOU WHO THEY WERE) DOING MUTATED,
DARK AND BROODING PSYCHEDELIC FUNK. TRULY UNUSUAL AND EXTREMELY
SATISFYING. RECOMMENDED.
KON & AMIR - ON TRACK VOL 4 - ON TRACK - CD (AA004CD)
AMAZING SELECTION OF BEATS CUT IN ONE AFTER THE OTHER, THINK OF
THE BEST ELEMENTS OF DUSTY FINGERS CUT IN ONE AFTER THE OTHER
BUT FROM THE ORIGINAL RELEASES. SO MUCH GOOD MUSIC ITS =
SCARY!!!!!!!!!
NAME EVERY TRACK AND WELL PASS OUT!!!=20
MIKE TAYLOR - TRIO - UNIVERSAL - CD (9866894)
SUPERB TRIO CD HERE WHICH IS PART OF THE IMPRESSED REPRESSED =
CATALOG.
HAILING FROM 1967 AND FEATURING RON RUBIN & JACK BRUCE (YES, HE
OF CREAM FAME!) ON BASS AND JOHN HISEMAN ON DRUMS. SOME WONDERFUL
DARK MOMENTS HERE. JAZZ TO BE PLAYED WHEN ALONE, IN THE SHADOWS
AND A LITTLE WORLD WEARY. I WISH I COULD AFFORD (LET ALONE FIND)
A COPY OF THE ORIGINAL ON VINYL AS THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST BRITISH
THINGS THAT I'VE HEARD IN A LONG TIME. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED......
MINNIE RIPERTON - LES FLEURS: THE MINNIE RIPERTON ANTHOLOGY - =
STATESIDE - CD (5351272)
15 TRACKS FROM ONE OF THE GREATEST SOUL SINGERS TO HAVE GRACED
THIS PLANET. SPANNING HER SOLO CAREER AND SOMETHING FROM ALL HER
LPS, THIS IS AN ESSENTIAL SELECTION FOR THE THOSE NOT FAMILIAR
WITH HER WORK. GREAT PRODUCTION FROM RICHARD EVENS AND STEVIE
WONDER. FOR THE HIP HOP HEADS THERE ARE ALSO SOME WELL-SAMPLED
MOMENTS HERE. A HIGHLY RECOMENDED CD!!!
VARIOUS - STATESIDE SAMPLED - STATESIDE - CD (5809762)
THE GREAT BUT NOW DEFUNCT STATESIDE LABEL HAD SOME FANTASTIC =
RELEASES
THROUGHOUT THE 60'S & 70'S. GATHERED HERE ARE SOME OF THE MOST
SAMPLED CUTS FROM THIER VAULTS. SOME VERY WELL KNOWN SAMPLES FROM
THE LIKES OF JIMMY BO HORNE, MIAMI, THREE DEGREES. AS WELL AS
SOME MORE OBSCURE SAMPLES USED BY SOME UNDERGROUND HIP HOP ARTISTS,
GWEN MCRAE, MONK HIGGINS, NAT ADDERLEY, CLASSICS IV. GREAT COMP,
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.......
VARIOUS - BLUE BREAK BEATS - BLUE NOTE - CD (991061)
SUPERB SELECTION FROM THE BLUENOTE CATALOGUE. A MIX OF FUNKY JAZZ
CUTS AND SOME MORE STRAIGHT AHEAD SOUNDING ONES. FROM SUCH HUGE
ARTISTS AS GRANT GREEN, RONNIE FOSTER, LOU DONALDSON, HERBIE =
HANCOCK,
DONALD BYRD AND MANY MORE. HAVE A LISTEN.....
ZZEBRA - TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT - DISCONFORME - CD (DISC1956CD)
THERE THIRD AND UP TO NOW UNRELEASED LP.... SAMPLE FREINDLY JAZZROCK
IS THE ORDER OF THE DAY HERE, LOTS OF LOVELY GUITAR AND FENDERS
LAID OVER SOME HARD ROCKISH RHYTHMS.......JUST HOW WE LIKE IT!!!
New Releases (CD): Experimental
NELS CLINE / WALLY SHOUP / CHRIS CORSANO - IMMOLATION / IMMERSION - =
STRANGE ATTRACTORS - CD (SAAH039CD)
Fast, furious, fire-breathing modern improv jazz from guitarist
Nels Cline, saxophonist Wally Shoup and percussionist Chris Corsano.
Relentless as it gets - come and have a go if you think you're
hard enough.=20
TONY CONRAD WITH FAUST - OUTSIDE THE DREAM SYNDICATE ALIVE - TABLE OF =
ELEMENTS - CD (TOECD48)
Originally recorded in 1972, Tony Conrad's groundbreaking and
notorious collaboration with Faust was finally transferred to
the stage in 1995. Recorded live at London's Queen Elizabeth Hall,
this version makes the original almost sound tame in comparison!
An incredibly visceral and menacing interpretation which included
the sledgehammering of bricks, a somewhat antagonised audience,
broken strings and some considerable blood loss by one band member,
by all accounts. Extreme is not the word.=20
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<DIV><STRONG><U><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>Smallfish Mailout=20
15/12/05</FONT></U></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><U><FONT face=3DVerdana =
size=3D2></FONT></U></STRONG> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>Hi there.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>As we march ever onwards into =
the festive=20
season we once again discover that that doesn't stop labels from =
releasing=20
oodles of nice things! Which is great for us and great for =
you.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>Expect an update tomorrow as well, =
but there are=20
just a few things that got me so excited I had to tell you all=20
today.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2><U>Level - Cycla - Spekk - CD =
- In=20
stock</U></FONT></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT></STRONG> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>This is a CD that I've been waiting =
for seemingly=20
for months. Spekk is a label that has maximum respect from the Smallfish =
crew=20
for putting beautiful objects as well as stunning, minimalistic =
Electronica.=20
Level's 'Cycla' is one such article of musical wonderfulness and I =
seriously=20
can't stress just how good it is.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>A deep, dense series of soundscapes =
that roll,=20
flow and hypnotize in equal measures. Lovingly crafted and expertly =
produced the=20
only real comparison is, possibly, the very early work of Vladislav =
Delay, with=20
it's dubby undertone and off-beat rhythmic structures.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>Every track is beautiful, but =
particular mention=20
must go to 'Aler Besc' which is probably my favourite piece of music =
this=20
year... truly a heartbreakingly beautiful track.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>For a full review head on over to <A=20
href=3D"http://www.smallfish.co.uk">www.smallfish.co.uk</A> or for the =
even more=20
in depth version check out <A=20
href=3D"http://remote-silvergun.blogspot.com/2005/10/level-cycla-spekk-cd=
.html">http://remote-silvergun.blogspot.com/2005/10/level-cycla-spekk-cd.=
html</A>.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>An album that you definitely won't =
regret=20
buying!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><U><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>Mark Clifford / Simon =
Kealoha -=20
Running Taper - Back in stock</FONT></U></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><U><FONT face=3DVerdana =
size=3D2></FONT></U></STRONG> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>I'm thrilled to have got some more =
copies of this=20
lovely album from ex-Seefeel main man Mark Clifford and Calika's Simon =
Kealoha.=20
For those that fondly remember Seefeel or Clifford's solo work as =
Disjecta, this=20
is really going to hit the spot with its expreimental leanings, digital=20
minimalism and lovely warmth. There's even a monumental Shoe-Gazing =
guitar track=20
to keep you satisfied as well. Gorgeous stuff and well worth=20
investigating.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><U><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>Cheju + Obfusc - Break It =
Into Pieces=20
- Wyrd Skies - CDr - In stock</FONT></U></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><U><FONT face=3DVerdana =
size=3D2></FONT></U></STRONG> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>There seems to be a real lack of =
'proper'=20
Electronica around at the moment but thanks to the work of labels like=20
Expanding, Clickclickdrone, Zainetica, n5MD etc, it's still thriving on =
the=20
underground scene.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>Wyrd Skies is a small CDr label =
intent on putting=20
out great quality Electronica from known and unknown artists and they've =
really=20
got the classic melodic, crunchy sound down to a tee. This limited =
release has=20
all the sounds and beats that you'll love if you're into the =
aforementioned=20
labels, and it's great to see some smaller artists getting some=20
exposure.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>A lovely little number that won't be =
hanging=20
around for long, I can assure you.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><U><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>Some minimal Techno things =
for=20
you</FONT></U></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><U><FONT face=3DVerdana =
size=3D2></FONT></U></STRONG> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>Plenty of grooviness on the minimal =
Techno front=20
this week with some quality release from:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2><STRONG>Alex Under on=20
Trapez</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2><STRONG>Andy Stott on Modern=20
Love</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2><STRONG>Dapayk on =
Orac</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2><STRONG>Diss0nance on=20
Phonocult</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2><STRONG>James Ruskin on Blueprint=20
Limited</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2><STRONG>Kontrast on =
Kompakt</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2><STRONG>Lee Van Dowski & Quenum =
on=20
Num</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2><STRONG>Magnetic Base (Samim and Todd =
Bodine=20
mixes) on Highgrade</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2><STRONG>Robert Babicz on=20
Audiomatique</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2><STRONG>Traffic Signs 5 on Traffic=20
Signs</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2><STRONG>Vivianne Project on=20
Underline</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>Plus there are still a few copies =
left of the=20
<STRONG>Claro Intelecto EP</STRONG> on <STRONG>Modern =
Love</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2><STRONG></STRONG></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>OK, so on that note I'll leave you to =
peruse the=20
lists and wish you a splendid day.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>Take good care.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>Peace.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>The Fish.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2><FONT size=3D1>Smallfish Records | =
329 Old Street |=20
London | EC1V 9LE | +44 [0] 20 7739 2252 | </FONT><A=20
href=3D"http://www.smallfish.co.uk"><FONT =
size=3D1>www.smallfish.co.uk</FONT></A>=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D1></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D1></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2><STRONG></STRONG></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2><STRONG>New Releases (Vinyl):=20
Electronica</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> BONG-RA - I AM THE GOD OF HELLFIRE - AD =
NOISEAM - 2xLP=20
(ADN55LP)<BR> Yes, of course you are. Bong-Ra manages =
to=20
capture the spirit<BR> of the more experimental end of =
the=20
Breakcore sound with this<BR> album of brutal and =
roughneck=20
sounds. Furious breaks and a whole<BR> load of noise =
combine=20
to make a true jump-around sound. Fans of<BR> =
Breakcore in=20
general should seek this out immediately. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> CREATURES, THE - HYBRIDS - HYDROGEN DUKEBOX - =
2xLP + 7"=20
(DUKE66V)<BR> Siouxsie and Budgie material from their =
"Anima=20
Animus" and "Eraser<BR> Cut" albums gets the remix =
treatment=20
from (of all people) The<BR> Beloved, Dr Psyche, =
Chamber,=20
Justice & Endemic, Icarus, The Black<BR> Dog and =
Omnivore.=20
This limited vinyl package also comes with a<BR> bonus =
7".=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> DEPARTMENT OF EAGLES - THE COLD NOSE - =
MELODIC - LP=20
(MELO034)<BR> Ok, so the less said about Nine Black =
Alps and=20
Harrisons the better,<BR> but overall Melodic have =
released=20
many a great record, and this<BR> is another discovery =
which=20
really works for me. You may remember<BR> their album =
on Isota=20
a couple of years ago, and this is a lovely<BR> =
progression=20
from that - think Broken Social Scene, Twisted =
Nerve,<BR> =20
Caribou, Four Tet and (yes) the better Melodic artists! Very=20
enjoyable.<BR> </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> MR. PROJECTILE - MOMENTARY LAPSE OF =
SENSITIVITY -=20
SEMISEXUAL - 12" (SEMISEX003)<BR> Mr. Projectile =
delivers the=20
third release on his own Semisexual<BR> label and it's =
another=20
slab of Electronica bliss from beginning<BR> to end. =
Two cuts=20
that are sculptural, beautiful, lush and =
pleasantly<BR> =20
rhythmic at the same time. There's a definite Lusine flava=20
at<BR> times and the moodily atmospheric chord =
structures work=20
well over<BR> the surprisingly perky beats. Essential =
for fans=20
of his other<BR> work and labels such aas Merck, =
Toytronic and=20
Expanding. Lovely<BR> stuff. Recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> PEMALAS - LOST IN THE DETAIL - EXPERIMENTAL =
SEAFOOD -=20
12" (EXPDISC04)<BR> A varied six track EP from =
Experimental=20
Seafood which covers a<BR> whole heap of Electronica =
bases=20
with ease. From the more abstract<BR> and challenging =
sounds=20
to an upbeat and strangely groovy rhythmic<BR> style =
that has=20
elements of Aphex Twin and the work of labels such<BR> =
as=20
Toytronic. Add into the mix some splendid ambience and=20
you've<BR> got a wholehearted record that comes on =
opaque=20
clear vinyl (if<BR> you see what I =
mean!).</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> SUGARPLUM - SUGARPLUM - N/A - 12"=20
(SP1)<BR> Obscure 4 track EP by stasis from about 1994 =
here.=20
Clubby tracks<BR> but with a twist. No titles or any =
other=20
info here, but its the<BR> music that speaks. have a=20
listen....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - DETROIT UNDERGROUND 06 - DETROIT =
UNDERGROUND=20
- 12" (DET.UND06)<BR> The first track on this (from =
Kritical=20
Audio) almost out Aphex-es<BR> Richard James himself! =
It's=20
fair to say these people may have<BR> heard =
"Windowlicker" at=20
some stage. 000 (Planet Mu) goes down<BR> the twisted =
drill=20
'n' glitch broken percussion and noise route<BR> (if =
Grime was=20
really as dark and cutting-edge as it pretended<BR> it =
was, it=20
would be doing stuff like this a bit more often). =
Kero<BR> =20
bring back memories of vintage Autechre, whereas Warp=20
superstar<BR> Jimmy Edgar puts in a cheeky new track=20
re-editing a very famous<BR> track indeed that i've =
forgotten=20
the title of. Oops. You get a<BR> whole host of lock =
grooves=20
from Richard Devine, too, which rule<BR> (be warned, =
some are=20
seriously abrasive!). </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - NOW 02 - UNDERSCAN - 12"=20
(US009)<BR> Part 2 of this (thus far) 3 part =
installment of=20
electronica with<BR> some superbly crunchy moments. =
The Rod=20
track is hot hot hot. Lots<BR> of lovely spacious =
melodies=20
with the aforementioned crunch in<BR> the rhythm =
section. The=20
other artists on board are the ubiquitious<BR> =
Scanner,=20
Onethema and Quench (U-Cover, N5MD). </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - NOW 03 - UNDERSCAN - 12"=20
(US010)<BR> 5 tracks of deep electronica with 5 =
distinct=20
flavours. The Bretschneider<BR> track wins hands down =
for me=20
(not that its a competition, but<BR> you know how it =
goes).=20
The Commodore 64-esque track by Dalezy<BR> is =
particularly=20
fun. Other contributions come courtesy of Bogger,<BR> =
Everest=20
(feat. Ted Moult?), and Menu:Exit.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2><STRONG>Restocks (Vinyl): =
Electronica</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> BITSTREAM - DOMESTIC ECONOMY 7 - MODERN LOVE =
- 2xLP=20
(LOVE011)<BR> BITSTREAM COME GOOD WITH A SUPERB =
COLLECTION OF=20
FIRM AND RIPE<BR> ELECTRONICA CUTS OF THE HIGHEST =
ORDER. IT=20
HAS A CLASSIC SOUND<BR> THROUGHOUT AND IS, IN FACT, AN =
EXAMPLE=20
OF HOW TO DO THIS STYLE<BR> OF MUSIC COMPLETE JUSTICE. =
COMPLEX=20
AND CRISPY DRUM PROGRAMMING<BR> WITH SUPERB PRODUCTION =
THAT=20
BLURS THE LINES OF ELECTRO AND ELECTRONICA<BR> AND A =
SELECTION=20
OF WONDERFULLY CRAFTED SOUNDS THAT ARE DENSE AND<BR> =20
ATMOSPHERIC AS WELL AS HAVING A MELODIC EDGE. TRULY A SUPERB=20
PIECE<BR> OF WORK.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> DABRYE - GAME OVER FEAT. JAY DEE AND PHAT KAT =
- GHOSTLY=20
INTERNATIONAL - 12" (GI-25)<BR> IT REALLY IS A GREAT =
TRACK,=20
THIS AND YOU CAN SEE WHY EVERYONE'S<BR> BEEN AFTER IT =
FOR=20
AGES. PHAT, ELECTRONIC HIP HOP STYLES WITH KILLER<BR> =
VOCALS=20
FROM JAY DEE AND PHAT KAT. A SELECTION OF REMIXES =
FROM<BR> =20
DIRTY TO CLEAN VIA INSTRUMENTAL AND A GORGEOUS, PREFUSE-ISH=20
VERSION<BR> WITH LUSH SOUNDS AND STRINGS. A QUALITY=20
EP.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> DEAF CENTER - PALE RAVINE - TYPE - LP=20
(TYPE009V)<BR> Back in stock and absolutely flying =
out! All i=20
can say is - wow.<BR> Actually, i have to say more =
than that=20
as it's my job so i'll<BR> add that this is quite =
possibly the=20
finest release on this ever-excellent<BR> label to =
date. If=20
you're a fan of Marsen Jules, Murcof, Max Richter,<BR> =
Eluvium, William Basinski, Fennesz (perhaps) or anything on=20
Type<BR> thus far, this is simply a must. Sweeping =
classical=20
strings and<BR> piano with subtle distortion, static =
and=20
minimal electronic effects<BR> / manipulation make =
this a=20
dramatic, romantic, deeply moving piece<BR> of work. =
Album of=20
the week, possibly month and one for the shortlist<BR> =
of the=20
year, i reckon. Absolutely exceptional. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> PENDLE COVEN - MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE EP - =
MODERN LOVE=20
- 12" (LOVE017)<BR> Easily the strongest release so =
far from=20
Pendle. This has a less<BR> downbeat feel than the =
last EPs=20
(with the obvious exception of<BR> the banging =
Junglist style=20
of '=A3100 a metre'). Deep, wonderfully<BR> Techy =
sounds with=20
subtle 4/4 beats that work to make you wiggle<BR> =
whilst=20
blissing you out at the same time. Musicaklly it's=20
beautiful...<BR> lush chords with hints of Detroit and =
Berlin=20
creeping in and a<BR> simple, effective progression of =
the=20
pads. It's dubbed out as<BR> well in the bassline =
department=20
which makes it perfect for head<BR> nodding and add to =
that=20
the last track which has a more abstract<BR> flava and =
you've=20
got a brilliant all round EP. Props for this<BR> =
one... top=20
notch!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> ULRICH SCHNAUSS - A STRANGELY ISOLATED PLACE =
- CITY=20
CENTRE OFFICES - 2xLP (BLOCK13)<BR> LONG AWAITED AND =
MUCH=20
PRAISED ALBUM BY MR SNAUSS, FOLLOWING UP<BR> THE =
CRITICALLY=20
ACLAIMED "FARAWAY TRAINS PASSING BY". DEEP =
AND<BR> =20
MELODIC ELECTRONICS, THAT ARE DESIGNED TO WASH OVER YOU, AS=20
THE<BR> MUSIC DRIFTS ALONG IN THE BACKROUND. NOT =
A=20
SINGLE AGGRESSIVE<BR> BEAT TO TAKE AWAY FROM THE =
GENTLE AND=20
VERY SOUNDSCAPEY AMBIENCE.<BR> FANS OF BOLA, THE =
GENTLE=20
END OF LACKLUSTER, THE BEATLESS END<BR> OF BOARDS, =
TANGERINE=20
DREAM, COCTEAU TWINS / THIS MORTAL COIL ETC<BR> WILL =
BE=20
DELIGHTED.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2><STRONG>New Releases (Vinyl): Techno /=20
Electro</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> 5% NATION OF CASIOTONE, THE - DISKO BLACKOUT =
EP -=20
[K]RACKTRONI[K] - 12" (KRAK009)<BR> One of the best =
releases=20
so far on [K]racktroni[k[. Five heavy,<BR> heavy =
Electro=20
tracks with some serious bass, some serious beats<BR> =
and even=20
a remix from the one and only Michael Forshaw. This =
could<BR> =20
easily give Satamile a run sound wise, so if you're into the=20
heavier<BR> side of Electro you should count this as =
an=20
essential. Wicked<BR> stuff.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> ALEX SMOKE - SHWINGNUT EP - VAKANT - 12"=20
(VA006)<BR> The ever-prolific Alex Smoke does the =
business yet=20
again. Ultra-slick,<BR> dark, shuffly minimal techno =
with some=20
super-crisp, twisted effects<BR> and grumpy bass. =
Three new=20
tracks that are bound to go down a<BR> bloody storm =
with ol'=20
Smokey's ever-swelling fanbase. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> ALEX SMOKE - SHMINIMAL - VAKANT - 12"=20
(VA006)<BR> Alex Smoke's eighth (and final?) release =
this year=20
is quite possibly<BR> his best yet. The A-side has a =
slightly=20
Kraftwerk-esque vibe to<BR> it, but still adding those =
sharp,=20
moody minimal touches we all<BR> know and love. Two =
suitably=20
groovy B-sides round the package off<BR> to =
perfection. Great=20
track titles, too! </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> ALEX UNDER - LAS BICICLETAS SON PARA EL =
VERANO REMIXES=20
- TRAPEZ - 12" (TRAPEZ058)<BR> Alex Under gets himself =
remixed=20
by two top names here; Alex Smoke<BR> and Oliver =
Hacke. That=20
should tell you enough about this release<BR> to get =
you=20
extremely excited, but if you need proof, just =
check<BR> it=20
out. Minimal, but not too minimal Techno grooves that use=20
the<BR> original as a base and build on it very nicely =
indeed.=20
Groovy,<BR> infinitely usable sounds that will slot =
into your=20
set with ease.<BR> Quality gear.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> ALEXANDER ROBOTNICK - KRYPTA 1982 (RARE =
ROBOTNICKS PART=20
2) - GLOBAL DARKNESS - 2xLP (CRLP06)<BR> Stunning =
material=20
from the vaults of Mr Robotnick, circa 1982.<BR> The =
eighteen=20
wonderful selections here clearly demonstrate just<BR> =
how=20
ahead of his time he was. This could easily be a new=20
release<BR> on Output or Gigolo. Check this =
out!!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> ANDY STOTT - DEMON IN THE ATTIC EP - MODERN =
LOVE - 12"=20
(LOVE019)<BR> Blistering release from Andy Stott which =
continues his run of<BR> top quality records this =
year. Easily=20
the toughest of his EPs<BR> thus far and featuring a =
definite=20
nod to the harder Basic Channel<BR> style and even a =
slightly=20
acidic flava to the sounds and basslines<BR> which =
gives it a=20
real edge. Pumping 4/4 beats and beautifully<BR> =
technical=20
sounds round off yet another compelling release =
from<BR> =20
Modern Love. Pure class. Highly recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> ANSCORM - UNTITLED - DNP - 12"=20
(DNPEX01)<BR> Deep, Detroit-esque minimal techno here =
from the=20
mysterious Anscorm<BR> (no information on the record =
other=20
than that!). If Carl Craig<BR> suddenly jumped on the =
minimal=20
bandwagon, his records might sound<BR> a bit like =
this. Phat,=20
edgy dancefloor material with some great<BR> motifs =
and=20
infectious synth bass running throughout (it =
almost<BR> heads=20
into Viewlexx territory towards the end). Nicely done. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> APOLL - FROM A TO B - TONGUT - 12"=20
(TONGUT021)<BR> Apoll one remembers from their Morris =
Audio=20
releases, and this<BR> new 12" on Tongut follows on =
just=20
nicely from those. Moody minimal<BR> gear with plenty =
of=20
crunch, percussive edge and depth (check out<BR> those =
ambient=20
chords in the background). Falko Brocksieper puts<BR> =
in some=20
nice remix/re-edit action on the flip side. On white=20
vinyl.<BR> </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> ATOM TM PRESENTS... - ACID - EVOLUTION 1988 - =
2003=20
VOLUME 2 - LOGISTICS - 2xLP (LOG047LP)<BR> Second =
volume of=20
great lost acid casualties (!) from the vaults.<BR> =
Not so=20
much banging acid house in the strictest sense, more =
deep<BR> =20
minimal tech gear, although there are obviously one or two=20
concessions<BR> to the more old school acid sound. =
Includes=20
tracks by Paul Vanderstukken,<BR> Matt & Silver,=20
Plastique, Microsmiles, Fumes, Hullkurve, Tobias<BR> =20
Seibermann and Takeshi Onda. Something for everyone here - =
class.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> BRUNO PRONSATO - THE LIME WORKS VOL. 2 - =
TELEGRAPH -=20
12" (TEL22)<BR> Here's the new Bruno Pronsato. There, =
that's=20
quite a few copies<BR> sold straight away. Very much=20
name-of-the-month here at Smallfish,<BR> Bruno =
Brookes, sorry,=20
Pronsato quickly follows up the initial<BR> "Lime =
Works" with=20
a second volume that's equally welcome. Tight,<BR> =
cut-up=20
minimal glitch grooves with depth, precision and that=20
all-important<BR> butt-shake factor. Tasty! =
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> CAULFELD - RED SIZE - DIAT - 12"=20
(DIAT6)<BR> Caulfield's just a bit of a master at =
these=20
wiggly, grooving little<BR> tracks that sit right bang =
in the=20
middle of Techno and House.<BR> The notable thing =
about this=20
release is the superb fairground<BR> organ sound that =
sits on=20
the A-side. Whilst initially sounding<BR> a bit =
absurd, it=20
really gets into your head even though it's very<BR> =
subtle.=20
Nice 4/4 tracks with a lovely warmth and depth that =
keeps<BR> =20
it all fresh. Recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> COLDER - TO THE MUSIC - OUTPUT - 12"=20
(OPR85)<BR> Another limited screen printed promo =
version of=20
the most recent<BR> 12" by colder which is a lead off =
to the=20
bands forthcoming LP/CD.<BR> Sultry, techno/pop beats =
with big=20
rocky synth riffs & an insistent<BR> bass line =
holding=20
things together that will surely get the people<BR> up =
and=20
dancing. have a listen...</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> DAPAYK - SONGS MAKE MONEY - ORAC - 12"=20
(ORAC18)<BR> Scrunchus Maximus here from the most =
excellent=20
Dapayk making a<BR> splendid debut on Orac. Funky and =
obtuse=20
with some amazing sound<BR> design... this is the =
natural=20
successor to people like Akufen<BR> and Sutekh =
sound-wise.=20
Included is a wicked little remix from<BR> Caro which =
adds=20
even more value to this top little EP.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> DAVE CLARKE - RED 3 - DECONSTRUCTION - 12"=20
(AKAI03)<BR> Third and final part of Clarkes' 'Red' =
trilogy on=20
original limited<BR> red vinyl. This release sports =
two=20
monster cuts, 'Thunder' and<BR> 'The Storm' and =
although=20
slightly more 'chicago' sounding than<BR> the previous =
two,=20
still stands up no matter how much mud you sling<BR> =
at the=20
grumpy old twat.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> DAVE CLARKE - RED 1 - BUSH - 12"=20
(BUSH1012)<BR> The classic 'Red 1', original pressing =
on red=20
vinyl. Utterly huge<BR> techno record from 1994 from =
the=20
grumpy old man of British hard<BR> dance. Two stunning =
versions of the one monster theme. You know<BR> it!!! =
My gran=20
knows it!!!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> DIMI ANGELIS + JEROEN SEARCH - NEXT LEVEL EP =
-=20
AUDIOSCULPTURE - 12" (SCULPT007)<BR> Watch out, folks, =
here=20
comes a new sub-genre; minimal tribal (or<BR> tribal =
minimal,=20
whichever you prefer). Yes, in a desperate attempt<BR> =
to fill=20
space in a Smallfish description for yet another =
generic<BR> =20
techno record, one of their staff uses a little artistic=20
licence<BR> on a Sunday morning when he'd rather be =
asleep.=20
Bleepy minimal<BR> tribal that when played at 45 =
really does=20
sound like Steve Bicknell<BR> gone Gabba! =
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> DISS0NANCE - WMD - PHONOCULT - 12"=20
(PCULT004)<BR> First release from Phonocult that we've =
had at=20
Smallfish and if<BR> this is an example of their =
normal stuff,=20
it could well be one<BR> to watch. Stripped, reduced =
and=20
bassed-out grooves that sit in<BR> the currently =
popular=20
minimal vein, but have a cheekily produced<BR> feel =
that gives=20
them a low-key skippy feel. A remix from Barem<BR> =
adds value=20
as well as he really does provide a great reason =
to<BR> have a=20
boogie. Solid and very playable all round. Wicked.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> DYNAREC - HANDJOB - VAPORWAVE - 12"=20
(VW003)<BR> Another stunning 12" from the formidable, =
prolific=20
Dynarec. No<BR> disappointments here. Three cuts of =
the=20
highest order, from uptempo<BR> minimal to full synth =
laden=20
half step. Superb.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> FLOWERZ / TYREE COOPER & MATT FLORES - =
ALL TONIGHT=20
- COMPOST - 12" (COMP2021)<BR> Compost get with the =
minimal=20
techno crowd with the Tyree Cooper<BR> and Matt Flores =
track;=20
groovy basslines and sharp, snappy beats<BR> a go-go. =
The=20
Flowerz track coupling it (a Matt Flores Metrosoul<BR> =
Mix, no=20
less) is a bit more West London / Broken Beat but =
gets<BR> the=20
job done. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> HARDFLOOR - SOULFUL SPIRIT - KILL BRIQUE - =
12"=20
(KBR01)<BR> How much rave can you take? Yes, the =
original is a=20
killer acid<BR> rave track that doesn't go completely =
over the=20
top yet certainly<BR> has that "hands in the air" =
quality! If=20
this doesn't get people<BR> dancing, give up and go =
home. On=20
the flip, a Josh Wink remix provides<BR> a more =
contemporary=20
minimal techno remix with a good old fashioned<BR> =
side order=20
of acid to boot. Yellow vinyl and all! </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> HOT CHIP - OVER AND OVER - DFA - 12"=20
(ASW47230)<BR> Pre-release 12" featuring a potential =
future=20
smash from Hot Chip<BR> Butty (you can't argue with a =
track as=20
infectious as this). And<BR> is it me or are the DFA's =
remixes=20
becoming more adventurous? This<BR> remix is almost up =
there=20
with the Black Dice rework several weeks<BR> ago. =
Washes of=20
off-kilter synth and some tidy beats make this<BR> a =
real=20
winner (an instrumental version would have made my =
day).<BR> =20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> JAMES RUSKIN - RETURN - BLUEPRINT LIMITED - =
12"=20
(BPLTD02)<BR> Second release from Blueprints Limited =
Editon=20
offshoot imprint.<BR> This one sees the original of =
James=20
Ruskin's 'Return' locking<BR> horns with two, frankly=20
brilliant, mixes from Regis and 65D Mavericks.<BR> =
Regis wins,=20
for me, with an offbeat Techno monster that pounds<BR> =
from=20
beginning to end whilst the Mavericks take a slightly =
more<BR> =20
abstract approach, in a Surgeon sort of style. Blue vinyl,=20
tasty<BR> stuff... bit of an essential for the Techno=20
heads.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> JOHN STARLIGHT - DEEP DOWN - TELEVISION - 12" =
(TELE-027)<BR> Dirty old track from John Starlight =
which has a=20
much heavier feel<BR> than you'd normallly associate =
with=20
Television Records. Pumping<BR> 4/4 beats that could =
loosely=20
be called Electro-House, but it's<BR> got more of a=20
minimalistic feel without losing any of its power.<BR> =
The=20
B-side mix in particular is a slamming slab of =
Tech-Funk.<BR> =20
Definitely one to check even if you don't normally go for=20
the<BR> stuff on this label.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> KONTRAST - STAMMTISCH DER VERZWEIFLUNG - =
KOMPAKT - 12"=20
(KOM131)<BR> Justus Kohncke and Dirk Layers make up =
the=20
partnership that is<BR> Kontrast and they've come up =
with a=20
goodie, in my opnion. Three<BR> tracks of mid-paced, =
lightly=20
acid and very head-nodding Techno<BR> with House =
leanings that=20
grooves along in a splendid way. Easily<BR> mixable =
and,=20
because of its slightly dark vibes, a pretty =
memorable<BR> set=20
of tracks. Good to see Kompakt doing something a little =
different.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> KRAFTWERK - ULTRA RARE TRAXX 3 - UNKNOWN - =
2xLP=20
(KFT003)<BR> Another cheeky and probably not entirely=20
legitimate compilation<BR> of Kraftwerk re-edits and =
remixes.=20
"Pocket Calculator", "Showroom<BR> Dummies" etc get =
the=20
touch-up treatment. Why, you may ask? The<BR> re-edit =
of=20
"Computer World" is awful (that extra beat doesn't<BR> =
work at=20
all - when the vocal and melodies come in, it just =
sounds<BR> =20
a mess), and whoever decided to add comedy vocal samples to=20
"Trans-Europe<BR> Express" deserves to be kicked. The =
original=20
not good enough for<BR> you, or something? You pays =
yer=20
money.... </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> LEE VAN DOWSKI & QUENUM - THE JOINT ECHO =
EP - NUM -=20
12" (NUM05)<BR> Num come correct with yet another =
solid slice=20
of dancefloor minimalism<BR> that will get fans of the =
genre=20
wiggling very easily indeed. Very<BR> much on the =
stripped,=20
yet strangely full sounding tip with a definite<BR> =
nod to=20
Luciano and Villalobos. Grooving and generally quite=20
wicked.<BR> </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> LIKE A TIM - WONDERLINE - LIKE RECORDINGS - =
12"=20
(LIKE08)<BR> Wooo. Blue vinyl. And four stripped down =
electro=20
house cuts with<BR> a slight old school acid feel AND =
the=20
distinctive Like A Tim production.<BR> Apart from =
looking fab,=20
this EP, on the mans' own label, is a<BR> treat. =
Ignore at=20
your peril.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> LUKA & LAZO - MIDEVIL DISKO EP - MO'S =
FERRY - 12"=20
(MFP017)<BR> More splendidness from Mo's Ferry who =
seem=20
absolutely capable<BR> of releasing top notch, quirky =
Tech=20
grooves with a smooth and<BR> deep House lick sitting=20
underneath. It's quite freaky and a bit<BR> Dapayk or=20
Akufen-ish at times, but still uniquely excellent. =
Don't<BR> =20
miss out.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> MAGNETIC BASE - MAD RACKET REMIXES - =
HIGHGRADE - 12"=20
(HIGHGRADE029)<BR> A fabulous release from Highgrade =
which=20
sees three quality remixes<BR> from Todd Bodine, Samim =
and=20
Format: B. Minimalistic but totally<BR> grooving =
Techno sounds=20
with each artists giving a different slant<BR> on the=20
original. There's a lot of tight bass, there's a lot =
of<BR> =20
bleeping, there's just a fantastically groovy flava all the=20
way<BR> through. Tip-top gear that's not to be=20
missed.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> MARK HAWKINS - BLOOD MONEY EP - FEINWERK - =
12"=20
(FEINWERK5)<BR> Mark Hawkins provides the listener =
with some=20
splendidly heavy<BR> Techno and Electro here. The =
whole EP has=20
that wonky, Subhead-type<BR> feel with deep and dark =
beats and=20
sounds that will batter you<BR> around the head. =
Proper=20
dancefloor gear for the more adventurous<BR> clubs. =
Actually,=20
there's one concession to the lighter side with<BR> an =
absolute belter of an Electro track that takes its cues=20
from<BR> a more stringy, Detroit-orientated style. A =
solid all=20
round beats,<BR> then.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> MASCON - NEUTRUM - NEUE HEIMAT - 12"=20
(NH29)<BR> Haven't seen any Neue Heimat for some time =
so it's=20
good to see<BR> them back with a pounding number like =
this.=20
Four Techno tracks,<BR> all wonky as hell and =
featuring heavy=20
production and a range of<BR> sounds that will get you =
up and=20
about in no time. A feast of fun<BR> all round.=20
Quality.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> MISC. - HEY DU! - KLANG - 12"=20
(KLANG098)<BR> No-nonsense minimal techno from that =
most=20
respected of acts in<BR> the genre, Misc. Best known =
for their=20
numerous releases on Sender,<BR> Christopher Bleckmann =
and=20
Hannes Wenner deliver three straight-up<BR> slabs of =
hot=20
dancefloor action the minimal way. No gunk, no =
junk,<BR> just=20
juice! </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> MODERATOR, THE - MODUS OPERANDI - ARNE =
WEINBERG - 12"=20
(AW-003)<BR> Four superb tracks here on AW. From lush, =
textural deep house,<BR> via emotive electronic =
electro to a=20
fabulous techno track that<BR> sounds like a cross =
between=20
Robert Hoods' keyboards and Jeff<BR> Mills' drum =
machines. Superb.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> NEIL LANDSTRUMM & TOBIAS D SCHMIDT - =
SWEET FANG EP=20
- SCANDINAVIA - 12" (SCAN024)<BR> Landstrumm and =
Schmidt get=20
together for another Sugar Experiment<BR> Station =
release and=20
deliver 5 very surprising tracks. It ranges<BR> from=20
absolutely monstrous Techno that rocks and grinds in =
equal<BR> =20
measure with some truly dirty sounds, to an unusual vocal=20
track<BR> that's half Electro, half Techno. Mix in =
some=20
deliberately awkward<BR> and out-there sounds as well =
and=20
you've got yourself a very interesting<BR> EP indeed. =
Well=20
worth checking out.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> REWORK - JOGGING BEAT - PLAYHOUSE - 7"=20
(PLAY119)<BR> Maybe the reason i prefer this to the =
Rework 12"=20
is that this<BR> is nothing like what i expected. The =
A-side=20
is quirky, cute but<BR> slightly sleazy electro synth =
pop=20
that's lo-fi enough to appeal<BR> to Morr Music fans =
and the=20
like. The B-side sees the track remixed<BR> extremely =
well by=20
Roman Flugel, who adds some wonderfully subtle<BR> =
bass and=20
retro effects. Genuinely one of the best Playhouses =
for<BR> a=20
while. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> REWORK - PSYCH DOLL - PLAYHOUSE - 12"=20
(PLAY118)<BR> First Rework for a while on Playhouse, =
but worth=20
the wait. Bouncy,<BR> phat edged minimal technoclash =
with=20
plenty of groove and very<BR> cool vocals. All four =
tracks are=20
very workable in dancefloor scenarios,<BR> i'd have =
said. Get=20
down. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> ROBERT BABICZ - PRISM - AUDIOMATIQUE - 12"=20
(AM08)<BR> Rob Acid is well back on form and this new =
release=20
for Audiomatique<BR> has a splendidly grooving Acid =
track on=20
it that really got me<BR> moving. A tight, highly =
compressed=20
303 line with some cunning<BR> edits and fresh effects =
all=20
crammed into a wiggling 4/4 track.<BR> Blistering. The =
flip=20
has a remix from the one and only Robag Wruhme<BR> =
which is=20
stripped back and jerky / funky in the Musik Krause =
way.<BR> A=20
superb release and easily my favourite on the label so far.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> SOMEONE ELSE - PICTURE PERFECT (REMIXES) - =
TORA TORA=20
TORA - 12" (TTT013)<BR> Super old school techno =
sounding house=20
remixes from Adam Beyer<BR> and Dietrich Schoenemann.=20
Scattered vocals of a heavily treated<BR> kind rubbing =
shoulders with a strong, bouncy minimal house =
backing.<BR> =20
Treeeee-men-dous!!!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> TOBIAS UNGER - POINT OF FAINTING - EXUN - 12" =
(EXUN2043)<BR> This is great, except for one small =
detail -=20
the vocal bit. It's<BR> really going to put some =
people off=20
which is a shame as it's got<BR> a really nicely put =
together=20
minimal Tech feel with a long, hypnotic<BR> and =
driving feel.=20
Check it out though as you may well find that<BR> you =
can live=20
with the vocal aspect.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> TOMAS ANDERSSON - THE ROCK ACID EP - B PITCH =
CONTROL -=20
12" (BPC071)<BR> A handful of Tomas Anderson restocks =
this=20
week. This was huge<BR> when it came out (in 2003), =
and if you=20
missed it, i'm sure you'll<BR> hear when you check it =
out how=20
it hasn't dated a second. A hypnotic<BR> blend of =
acid, solid=20
4/4 techno beats and dark, spoken word vocals<BR> that =
still=20
has mammoth appeal. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> TOMAS ANDERSSON - MINIMAL MAMA - B PITCH =
CONTROL - 12"=20
(BPC078)<BR> A handful of Tomas Anderson restocks this =
week.=20
Following up the<BR> huge 'Rock Acid' EP, tomas goes =
for more=20
of the same here. Quality<BR> 4/4 electro techno with =
a big,=20
phat, warped old bassline and minimal<BR> sounds =
crammed in=20
with superb attention to detail. Proper party<BR> =
techno and=20
the tracks on Side B reaffirm this with even more=20
prime-time<BR> playability. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> TOMAS ANDERSSON - BAS - B PITCH CONTROL - 12" =
(BPC088)<BR> A handful of Tomas Anderson restocks this =
week.=20
Another stomper<BR> from the B Pitch Control centre of =
funky,=20
robotic techno. Tomas<BR> Andersson comes good yet =
again with=20
a stomping, acidic bassline<BR> driven slice of tech =
that has=20
serious dancefloor power. The flip<BR> has a more =
retro,=20
synthedelic sound but is equally rocking. Top.<BR> =20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> TRAFFIC SIGNS - EFFECTIVE / BEEN IN GLUE - =
TRAFFIC=20
SIGNS - 12" (TS5)<BR> Supposedly Steve Bug related, =
Traffic=20
Signs delivers yet another<BR> solid, workable and =
very nicely=20
produced slab of Techno / Electro<BR> sort of gear. A =
minimal,=20
grooving bottom-end coupled with clean<BR> and crips =
bleeps,=20
chords and samples means it's going to really<BR> cut =
through=20
on a system. Fans of Poker Flat etc are going to =
want<BR> to=20
investigate this immediately.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - LOW SLUNG - TAKEOVER - 12"=20
(TAKE06)<BR> Takeover give us 5 tracks by artists I've =
not=20
come across before,<BR> but seem to have the bassier =
end of=20
Electro and beats nailed down<BR> to a tee. Fresh, =
funky,=20
bottom-heavy cuts that feature some very<BR> toothsome =
rhythms=20
indeed. There's even a sort of cheeky Grime-ish<BR> =
number=20
that's a bit of a winner in my opinion (and I'm not =
even<BR> =20
that keen on Grime). One to check.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - IT'S NOT OVER - TRESOR - 2xLP=20
(TRESOR220LP)<BR> Seven previously unreleased tracks =
(from=20
Joey Beltram - twice,<BR> DisX 3, Oscar Mulero, Dave =
Tarrida,=20
DJ Rush and Gary Martin) and<BR> one from the vaults =
(which=20
originally appeared on Tresor 85, by<BR> Surgeon). =
Tresor's=20
13th compilation will not be unlucky for some<BR> - =
this is=20
the now legendary Berlin label doing what it does =
best.<BR> =20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - KUGELBOX CRASH COURSE PT.2 - =
KUGELBOX - 12"=20
(KBX03)<BR> Kugelbox bring back the spirit of labels =
like Drop=20
Bass Network<BR> with this heavily produced and pretty =
banging=20
selection of wonky<BR> Techno. There's something for =
everyone=20
(well, anyone who likes<BR> wonky Techno) with upbeat =
stuff,=20
downbeat, grinding tracks and<BR> some very =
off-balance=20
numbers with bizarre beats.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - TRASH2LOOP VOL.2 - TEMPLE OF =
SOUNDTHOLOGY -=20
12" (SOUNDTHOLOGY007)<BR> Three ear-battering Techno =
tracks=20
coupled with 30 loops on the<BR> B-side. A bargain, =
then, as=20
fans of Subhead / Landstrumm etc.<BR> will love the =
pounding,=20
minimal, but abrasive Tech on the main<BR> side and =
everyone=20
should enjoy the selection of handy, club =
orientated<BR> loops=20
on the flip. Good stuff.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VIBE DEALERS - TOYZ / ADRENALINE - PLAYERS =
PARADISE -=20
12" (PLAYER004)<BR> Quite a straight-up Techno / House =
A-side=20
that'll be useful if<BR> you're playing out. Upbeat =
and=20
Driving, it has just the right<BR> level of detail to =
keep you=20
hooked. The flip is a much more minimal<BR> affair and =
rolls=20
along very nicely. Martinez fans will want to<BR> =
check it out=20
although it possibly has more of a Trentemoller flava.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VIVIANNE PROJECTS - STRANGERS EP - UNDERLINE =
- 12"=20
(UND005)<BR> Deep minimal sounds here from this =
consistent=20
label. 4 tracks<BR> that really groove along with a =
deep,=20
slightly dark bassy sound.<BR> some lovely analog =
sounds being=20
used here. Recommended...</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> WHO MADE WHO - SPACE FOR RENT (REMIXES) - =
GOMMA - 12"=20
(GOMMA067)<BR> Three mixes here. You can choose =
between the=20
electro-glam-pop<BR> remix by The Rapture (DFA, =
Output), the=20
Kompakt-lite stylings<BR> of Dirt Crew (My Best =
Friend, Mood=20
Music), or the lo-fi tech funk<BR> of Tomboy's "other=20
adjustments". Or you can just give it a miss<BR> if =
you like.=20
I mean, don't let me tell you what to do - it's =
your<BR> life.=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2><STRONG>Restocks (Vinyl): Techno /=20
Electro</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> BRUNO PRONSATO & FRANCO CINELLI - PICARO =
EP -=20
MILNOR MODERN - 12" (MMR.006)<BR> Crisp to the point =
of being=20
frazzled comes this new Milnor Modern.<BR> Bruno and =
Franco=20
deliver an achingly excellent groove on the A-side<BR> =
which=20
loses the minimal crunch and adds a whole bunch of=20
ultra-funky,<BR> tribal influenced sounds. Utterly =
fabulous in=20
my opinion and made<BR> even more good value with the =
other=20
two splendidly groovy tracks<BR> on the flip. Another=20
essential for the minimal headz. Recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> DANNY BOY & THE SERIOUS PARTY GODS - =
CASTRO BOY -=20
VIEWLEXX - 12" (PAN003)<BR> Possibly the most camp =
record ever=20
to be stocked at Smallfish!<BR> Clearly a parody of =
Frank=20
Zappa's "Valley Girl", this high-energy<BR> piece of =
pulsating=20
seventies/eighties retro disco is set to go<BR> down =
an=20
absolute storm, whether it be on the Castro or Old =
Compton<BR> =20
Street. Much gay banter over a phat old backing track -=20
producers<BR> Lester Temple and Barry Beam have got a =
large=20
one on their hands!<BR> </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> GUI BORATTO - ARQUIPELAGO - K2 - 12"=20
(K2/04)<BR> K2 really is a fabulous little offshoot of =
Kompakt=20
and here we<BR> have probably the strongest release to =
date. A=20
slow-burning builder<BR> on each side with a bumping, =
almost=20
Chico-esque feel on the B-side.<BR> Minimal, funky and =
oh-so-playable, this is Techno at it's very<BR> =
finest. Bravo=20
Kompakt for another great release.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> LINDSTROM - I FEEL SPACE (M.A.N.D.Y. REMIX) - =
PLAYHOUSE=20
- 12" (PLAYHOUSE109)<BR> Back in stock! No doubt =
everyone's=20
going to be going on about<BR> the M.A.N.D.Y. mix of =
this=20
track from current wonder-producer<BR> Lindstrom. It =
is,=20
however, completely eclipsed by the original<BR> in my =
opinion. Lindstrom conjures up a funky, fresh, =
Disco-laced<BR> =20
slice of House fun with such an authentic '80's flava that=20
it's<BR> hard to resist. M.A.N.D.Y. deliver a =
trademark=20
'Electro-House'<BR> version that'll certainly work on =
the=20
dancefloor. Check. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> LOUDERBACH - BLACKMIRROR - UNDERLINE - 12"=20
(UND004)<BR> FOUR MORE POWERFUL TRACKS OF ICE COLD =
TECHNO FROM=20
THIS UP AND<BR> COMING LABEL AND ARTIST. =
TOP-OF-THE-CLASS,=20
MINIMAL DEEP TECHNO<BR> - QUIRKY, A BIT SPOOKY, TONAL, =
ALMOST=20
TEXTURAL. THINK PLASTIKMAN<BR> / VINTAGE NOVA MUTE / =
THE MORE=20
MINIMAL END OF KOMPAKT. VERY NICE.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> MARK HENNING - YEAH BUT NO BUT EP - FREUDE AM =
TANZEN -=20
12" (FAT024)<BR> Generally an exciting time at the =
moment for=20
fans of minimal Techno...<BR> as long as it's on =
Freude Am=20
Tanzen or Musik Krause. Does that<BR> sound a bit =
snide? Well,=20
it kind of is really. There's no doubting<BR> that =
this is a=20
fabulous EP that's packed full of minimal, crispy<BR> =
grooves=20
with that certain sound that everybody loves. You're =
all<BR> =20
going to love it I'm sure (as do I) but please don't forget=20
that<BR> there are other labels that do great minimal =
Tech=20
sounds as well!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> MICHAEL MAYER - LOVEFOOD - KOMPAKT POP - 12"=20
(KOMPOP6)<BR> THE A-SIDE OF THIS IS TRULY AN EXCELLENT =
TRACK.=20
LABEL OWNER MICHAEL<BR> MAYER HAS MANAGED TO CAPTURE A =
FUNKY,=20
POPPY YET COMPLETELY NON-CHEESEY<BR> FEEL AND THE =
COLOGNE=20
STYLE 4/4 BEATS AND LITTLE HINTS OF VOCALS<BR> REALLY =
DO MAKE=20
IT A FAB LITTLE TUNE. THE FLIPSIDE IS THE MUCH<BR> =
TOUTED=20
VERSION OF KYLIE'S 'SLOW' WHICH WILL NO DOUBT DO IT =
FOR<BR> A=20
LOT OF PEOPLE BUT, I MUST ADMIT, IT LEFT ME A BIT COLD.=20
STICK<BR> TO THE BRILLIANT A-SIDE AND YOU'RE ONTO A=20
WINNER.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> MURMUR / BOVILL - CONTOUR EP - MEANWHILE - =
12"=20
(MEAN002)<BR> Yes! This one seems to have taken a =
while to=20
come through but,<BR> boy, was it worth the wait! The =
second=20
release from London-based<BR> Meanwhile is packed to =
bursting=20
with the deepest Detroit influenced<BR> Techno sounds. =
Warm,=20
soulful chords and hypnotic beats collide<BR> to =
create a=20
vintage Motor City flava with a definite London =
undertone.<BR> =20
Both artists seem to be incredibly comfortable producing=20
stripped-down,<BR> minimalistic grooves of the highest =
calibre. Miss this at your<BR> peril! Highly=20
recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> NOZE - KITCHEN - TRAPEZ - 12"=20
(TRAPEZ57)<BR> A slightly comedic release from Trapez. =
Musically it's business<BR> as usual although someone =
seems to=20
be doing a bizarre impersonation<BR> of a German Tom =
Waits=20
over the top of it (possibly?). Interesting.<BR> This =
theme=20
continues on the flip, the end result sounding a =
bit<BR> like=20
Mu with a very sore throat. Very silly but will =
probably<BR> =20
be huge! </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> SOMEONE ELSE - FRESH AIR - NUMMER =
SCHALLPLATTEN - 12"=20
(NUMMER013)<BR> A big tune here from the hotly-tipped =
Someone=20
Else. Combining<BR> majorly infectious grooves with =
gnarly=20
basslines and clangy percussion,<BR> this should go =
down well=20
with the usual minimal crowd. The B-side<BR> is =
perhaps a=20
little glitchier but on a very similar tip. Coming<BR> =
in a=20
suitably bright magenta sleeve, this will do the =
business.<BR> =20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> SYNCOM DATA - HORSE - SD - 12"=20
(SD002)<BR> Super dubby 12" here which sounds very =
much like=20
Rhythm & Sound,<BR> Remote_, basic channel etc. =
Not to=20
heavy on the beats, although<BR> they are certainly =
there they=20
take second stage to the huge delayed<BR> bass sounds. =
Very=20
deep.......</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - IF YOU STAND FOR NOTHING YOU'LL =
FALL FOR=20
ANYTHING - DOWNWARDS - 2xLP (DWN01)<BR> This is a =
fantastic=20
retrospective of some of the finest moments<BR> from =
the=20
Downwards back catalogue. Tracks from Surgeon, =
Regis<BR> and=20
Portion Reform show you just how advanced these guys =
were<BR> =20
on the minimal Techno front. Timeless, in a lot of ways and=20
an<BR> essential for fans of the genre. If only all =
the people=20
who listen<BR> to crunchy Cologne-style minimal Techno =
would=20
give this a listen...<BR> they'd be amazed.=20
Recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2><STRONG>New Releases (Vinyl): US Techno /=20
Electro</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> LOOSE CHANGE - KOSOVO / ORANGE FEELS - WAGON =
REPAIR -=20
12" (WAG009)<BR> Super-fine release from the =
ever-impressive=20
Wagon Repair label.<BR> Definitely continuing their =
trend for=20
a slightly more Housed-up<BR> style this has a =
mid-tempo=20
groove and lots of tasty sounds and<BR> chords. Fresh, =
weird,=20
odd and defiantly excellent... this is yet<BR> another =
recommended release from Mathew Jonson's label. Class.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> MAGDA - STOP - MINUS - 12"=20
(MINUS35)<BR> Absolutely wicked debut 4-track EP from =
Richie=20
Hawtin's personal<BR> warm-up DJ, Magda. Tight, crisp, =
minimalism most definitely in<BR> the style of her =
much-loved=20
sets. Four phat tracks that act as<BR> the most =
perfect DJ=20
tool imaginable. Yes, this will fly out so<BR> i would =
act now=20
if i were you. Massive. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2><STRONG>Restocks (Vinyl): US Techno /=20
Electro</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> AUDION - JUST F**KING - SPECTRAL - 12"=20
(SPC-30)<BR> Everyone loves Audion at the moment and =
this=20
precursor to the<BR> forthcoming album is a nothing =
short of a=20
beast. Matthew Dear's<BR> original version is a gnarly =
slice=20
of minimal, Chicago influenced<BR> Techno with a =
wonderful=20
sense of not too over-the-top bangingness<BR> that's =
perfect=20
for the harder dancefloors. Alter Egos' Roman =
Flugel<BR> turns=20
in a rough and ready mix that ups the rawness in a big=20
way...<BR> Just what you'd expect. =
Quality.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> BUTANE AND FRIENDS - A BIG BUS WITH WINGS =
(HEARTTHROB /=20
RUN STOP RESTOR - ALPHA HOUSE - 12" (ALPHA01)<BR> =
Wicked=20
second release for the excellent Alpha House imprint =
which<BR> =20
sees Butane giving us some of the finest clicked-out Tech=20
around.<BR> Deep, funky, exceptionally well produced =
sounds=20
that will get<BR> people a-jiggling all over the =
place. Add to=20
that two remixes<BR> from Minus bods Heartthrob and =
Run Stop=20
Restore and you've got<BR> an immaculate workout. =
Superb and=20
definitely recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> EXZAKT - SECOND WAVE REMIX'D - SATAMILE - 12" =
(SATRX04)<BR> Monster EP from Satamile which takes =
Exzakt's=20
already immense<BR> 'Second Wave' and remixes it up in =
fine=20
style. Versions come from<BR> Imatran Voima, Tipper, =
EMS and=20
Uprokk. To say that these tracks<BR> are devastating =
is=20
undrestating it somewhat! Absolutely essential<BR> for =
Electro-Heads everywhere. HUGE!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2><STRONG>New Releases (Vinyl): =
House</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> EDDIE FOWLKES - GREEN PASTURES / HOUSE =
STATION - CITY=20
BOY - 12" (CBM020)<BR> Detroits' Eddie Fowlkes gives =
us=20
another fine release on his City<BR> Boy label. 'Green =
Pastures' is a hell of a house cut. Briming<BR> with =
melody=20
and solid rhythm, it is only trumped by the =
slightly<BR> poppy=20
latin flavoured 'Free' on the flip. Good old fashioned=20
U.S.<BR> house.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> LARRY LEVAN / CHAPLIN BAND - SUN SHOWER / IL =
VELIERO -=20
UNKNOWN - 12" (ASTERIX001)<BR> The main draw here is =
the Larry=20
Levan mix of this classic house<BR> track (dating from =
1992)=20
by Soichi Terada & Shinichiro Yokota<BR> feat. =
Naoko=20
Shimada. Lush, slightly melancholic electro-synth<BR> =
house=20
that kinda sounds like an old Pet Shop Boys track with =
a<BR> =20
japanese female vocal! "Il Veliero" i know nothing about=20
except<BR> it sounds more like Larry Levan to me than =
the mix=20
actually credited<BR> to him on this record! =
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> LIVIN IN SOUL - MY DESTINY - RETROACTIVE - =
12"=20
(RETRO001)<BR> One of the legendary Detroit labels is =
back!=20
Although it has to<BR> be said with quite a different =
sound to=20
its output 15 or so years<BR> ago. Deep house with =
lashings of=20
fender rhodes and some multi<BR> layered vocals. Its =
all very=20
nice but when you consider who ahead<BR> of its time =
&=20
influential the early releases were its a bit of<BR> a =
shame=20
that they have played it this way with the new =
output.<BR> =20
Still, its only the first release so lets see how things go=20
in<BR> the future. Just in case your not familiar with =
the=20
label, its<BR> was a joint effort between Damon Booker =
&=20
Carl Craig which released<BR> such seminal works as =
The=20
Climax, Sitting under a tree, Aquatic<BR> and more. =
Its last=20
release was about 1993 i think? Anyway, give<BR> this =
a spin=20
and see what you think of it.....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> RENE & ANGELA - I LOVE YOU MORE (MR. K =
EDIT) -=20
CAPITOL - 12" (SPRO9644)<BR> A timeless disco track =
here=20
(originally released 1981) much beloved<BR> of our =
Juergen.=20
Mr. Danny "Re-edit or Die" Krivit does what he<BR> has =
to do=20
to for the instrumental.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2><STRONG>Restocks (Vinyl): =
House</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> RECLOOSE - CARDIOLOGY (ISOLEE MIX) - =
PLAYHOUSE - 12"=20
(PLAYHOUSE95)<BR> CHEEKY ONE SIDED 12" THAT'S =
PRESUMABLY A=20
TASTER FOR THE FORTHCOMING<BR> RE-ISSUE OF RECLOOSE'S=20
'CARDIOLOGY' LP. ISOLEE TURNS A FAIRLY<BR> =
STRAIGHTFORWARD=20
VOCAL HOUSE TRACK INTO A TRULY WIGGLY ACID HOUSE<BR> =
AFFAIR=20
WITH PHAT, SWINGY BEATS AND SOME CRISP PROGRAMMING.=20
KEEPING<BR> THE VOCAL PRETTY MUCH INTACT AND ADDING =
THOSE=20
303'S IS A GREAT<BR> MOVE. GET IN QUICK 'CAUSE THESE =
ARE=20
LIMITED.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2><STRONG>New Releases (Vinyl): Hip =
Hop</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> DANGERDOOM - THE MOUSE AND THE MASK - EPITAPH =
- LP=20
(EPITAH867751)<BR> U.S. import vinyl copies of surely =
one of=20
the most talked about<BR> Hip Hop albums of 2005 - and =
for=20
good reason. Dangermouse Vs.<BR> MF Doom was always =
going to=20
be an enticing prospect, but the addition<BR> of Aqua =
Teen=20
Hunger Force is impossible to resist! </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2><STRONG>Restocks (Vinyl): Hip =
Hop</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> 45 KING - KILLER BEETS VOL 1 - MUSIC STATION =
- LP=20
(MSLP883)<BR> 10 BEATS FROM THE 45 KING ON THIS =
OBSCURE LP.=20
HAILING FROM 1995<BR> ON THIS TINY NEW YORK LABEL, =
THIS=20
FEATURES SOME GREAT CUTS TO<BR> USE AS DJ TOOLS OR AS =
TRACKS=20
IN THIER OWN RIGHT. HAVE A LISTEN.....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> 7L & ESOTERIC - JEALOUS OVER NOTHING - =
DIRECT - 12"=20
(DR1226)<BR> LOVELY BEAT FROM JOC MAX ON THE A SIDE =
HERE. FROM=20
THERE RECENT<BR> LP THIS IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE INST=20
VERSIONS........</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> ALL CITY - PRICELESS/ACTUAL - MCA - 12"=20
(13162)<BR> YOU NEED THIS SO BADLY (IF YOU HAVENT =
ALREADY GOT=20
IT THAT IS!!)........<BR> ONE SIDE PETE ROCK , THE =
OTHER=20
PEIMIER.. AND FOR MY MONEY ITS<BR> ONE OF PETES BEST =
EVER=20
BEATS!!!!!!!!! THATS MY OPINION ANY WAY,<BR> A PROMO =
ONLY 12=20
THAT IS COMMANDING SOME MONEY THESE DAYS, JUST<BR> THE =
ONE SO=20
BE VERY VERY QUICK </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> AZ - THE COME UP - FAST LIFE - 12"=20
(FSLS154)<BR> The best track from the lp here for me. =
Primo on=20
the boards and<BR> AZ on form, what more could you ask =
for?</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> DILATED PEOPLES - PAY ATTENTION - UP ABOVE - =
12"=20
(UA3018J)<BR> JAP ONLY RELEASE ON A 12" FOR THIS BABU =
PRODUCED=20
TRACK FROM THERE<BR> RECENT LP. LOVELY CHOPPED BEAT =
WITH=20
EQUALLY COOL CUTS AND RHYMES,<BR> LIMITED=20
ISSUE!!!!!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> FAT JON AS MAURICE GALACTICA - HUMANOID =
EROTICA -=20
COUNTERFLOW - 2xLP (CF006LP)<BR> FAT JON (WHO I ONLY =
KNOW FROM=20
MUSH) IN FINE INSTRUMENTAL HIP HOP<BR> FORM. REALLY =
JAZZY AT=20
TIMES, AND DECIDEDLY FUNKY AT OTHERS WITH<BR> A COUPLE =
OF=20
LOVELY DEEP, GROOVY HOUSE BITS. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> J LIVE - THE BEST PART - N/A - 2xLP (JCR007=20
2LP)<BR> OOHHHH!! Heres the original pressing of this =
stunning=20
LP. This<BR> was the pressing that J-Live LP which was =
much=20
better quality<BR> than the later Seven Heads =
pressing, and=20
had better artwork! Anyway,<BR> this is long gone and =
sought=20
after and this is the only one we<BR> have (another =
find in=20
out ever deepening treasure trove). 2 of<BR> my =
favourite ever=20
Hip Hop tracks on here, Timeless & Them thats<BR> =
not.=20
Quite simply superb.....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> LORD SHAFIYQ, THE - MY MIC IS ON FIRE / KOOL =
KAT -=20
UNKNOWN - 12" (AZ-007)<BR> ANOTHER OLD SCHOOL HIP HOP =
CLASSIC=20
GETS A REISSUE. THIS TIME LORD<BR> SHAFIYQ'S 'MY MIC =
IS ON=20
FIRE' IS UP FOR YOUR ATTENTION AND ITS<BR> BLEND OF =
'87 BEATS=20
AND ATTITUDE STILL ROCKES IT TODAY. WICKED.............</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> MUSIQ - JUSLISEN - DEF SOUL - 2xLP=20
(3145867721)<BR> BEAUTIFULLY DEEP AND SOULFUL VOCALS =
OVER A=20
WIDE SELECTION OF BEATS<BR> HERE.CONTINUING IN THE =
SAME=20
QUALITY VEIN OF HIS FIRST LP, THIS<BR> IS A MUST FOR =
ANYONE=20
WITH AN INTEREST IN CONTEMPARAY SOUL MUSIC.<BR> =20
RECOMENDED!!!!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> O.C. - HALF GOOD, HALF SINNER - JCOR - 12"=20
(INTR1402-1)<BR> WITH CRISP PRODUCTION FROM BUCKWILD, =
THIS IS=20
A RETURN TO FORM<BR> FROM ONE OF DITC'S MAIN =
MEN............=20
CLEAN, DIRTY, INST AND<BR> =
ACCAPELA.......</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> SHOWBIZ & AG - SOUL CLAP EP - SHOWBIZ - =
12"=20
(SB456)<BR> REPRESS OF THIS FIRST RELEASE BY THIS =
FAMOUS DUO.=20
PRESSED BY THEMSELVES,<BR> DISTRIBUTED BY THEMSELVES, =
THIS=20
REALLY MADE SOME NOISE WHEN THEY<BR> PUT IT OUT IN =
1990 (I=20
THINK?). WICKED EP, CHECK IT OUT.......</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> SMILEY THE GHETTO CHILD - THE WAKE UP CALL - =
YEARROUND=20
- 12" (AMOB001)<BR> 3RD RELEASE FROM PREMIERS YEAR =
ROUND LABEL=20
SEES SMILEY BLESS 2<BR> BEATS, ONE FROM PRIMO & =
ONE FROM=20
SHOW. TOP OF THE DRAW NEW YORK<BR> BEATS & RHYMES =
HERE.=20
THE PRIMO BEAT IS GREAT AND SHOWS HE CAN<BR> STILL =
ROCK WITH=20
THE BEST OF 'EM. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED...</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - BACK TO THE EIGHTIES - FAST TIMES - =
LP=20
(BTE1980LP)<BR> THE PUREST OF CHEESE FOR YOUR =
TURNTABLE HERE.=20
A BATTLE WEAPON<BR> THAT CELERBRATES ALL THAT WAS =
TACKY IN THE=20
80'S (AND THAT WAS<BR> JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING!). =
CHEESEY FILM=20
THEMES, TV SNIPPETS, DIALOGUE<BR> FROM THE BOTH. =
SUPERB STUFF,=20
HAVE A LISTEN....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2><STRONG>New Releases (Vinyl): Guitar=20
Based</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> BEATLES, THE - ANTHOLOGY 3 - PARLOPHONE - =
3xLP=20
(PCSP729)<BR> Volume three in this impeccably =
researched=20
series explores the<BR> vaults of the band's final =
chapter,=20
ie. The White Album / Abbey<BR> Road / Let It Be. Two =
tracks=20
once earmarked as a single ("What's<BR> The New Mary =
Jane /=20
Not Guilty", the latter track running into<BR> a =
staggering=20
102 takes) finally get a release, as do countless<BR> =20
alternate versions etc. The liner notes are peerless, with=20
the<BR> whole triple vinyl package coming in a double =
gatefold=20
sleeve.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> BEATLES, THE - ANTHOLOGY 2 - PARLOPHONE - =
3xLP=20
(PCSP728)<BR> Volume two in this impeccably researched =
series=20
continues by heading<BR> into the Rubber Soul / =
Revolver / Sgt=20
Pepper era. Highlights include<BR> the strings-only of =
"Eleanor Rigby", previously unheard versions<BR> of=20
"Strawberry Fields Forever" and countless other alternate=20
takes<BR> and demos. The liner notes are peerless, =
with the=20
whole triple<BR> vinyl package coming in a double =
gatefold=20
sleeve.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> BEATLES, THE - ANTHOLOGY 1 - PARLOPHONE - =
3xLP=20
(PCSP727)<BR> Volume one in this impeccably researched =
series=20
kicks off with<BR> the completed "Free As A Bird" =
(featuring=20
the three surviving<BR> Beatles at the time) as well =
as the=20
near-mythical debut 78 from<BR> 1958 that was "That'll =
Be The=20
Day / In Spite Of All The Danger",<BR> interview =
snippets,=20
previously unreleased alternate versions of<BR> early =
Beatles=20
numbers and shedloads more. The liner notes are<BR> =
peerless,=20
with the whole triple vinyl package coming in a =
double<BR> =20
gatefold sleeve.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> BRIAN JONESTOWN MASSACRE, THE - WE ARE THE =
RADIO - TEE=20
PEE - LP (TP062)<BR> Brand new, single-sided, =
five-track=20
mini-LP (the second side is<BR> etched) from the=20
Phoenix-From-The-Ashes that is Anton Newcombe<BR> aka =
The BJM.=20
His first post-'Dig' release isn't (as you might<BR> =
expect)=20
breaking any new ground musically, but if it ain't =
broke,<BR> =20
why fix it? Predominantly female vocals over five gorgeously=20
chilled<BR> slices of psych-acoustic-retro-shoegaze =
rock. It's=20
a lot better<BR> than the new Dandy Warhols album, =
i'll say=20
that much.... </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> ES - SATEENKAARISUUDELMA - K-RAA-K - 2xLP=20
(KED002)<BR> A beautiful double-LP (sadly vinyl only, =
for some=20
reason) of semi-ambient<BR> soundscapes comparable to =
Brian=20
Eno jamming with Miles Davis,<BR> Ryuichi Sakamoto and =
the=20
Penguin Cafe Orchestra (i reckoned!).<BR> A series of =
extended=20
pieces that are utterly entrancing and =
all-encompassing.<BR> =20
Essential. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> GREG MALCOLM - SWIMMING IN IT - K-RAA-K - LP=20
(KED001)<BR> Check this out if you're into the more =
tranquil=20
moments of John<BR> Fahey. Ambient music played with =
guitars?=20
You bet. These hypnotic,<BR> intricate, wonderfully =
relaxing=20
arrangements absolutely deserve<BR> to heard - great =
stuff.=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> LA MERIKA - GO LET THE SHADOWS DIE - FLOWER =
SHOP - 7"=20
(FLOWER008)<BR> One of two new 7"s from Robin =
Proper-Sheppard=20
(aka Sophia) and<BR> his Flower Shop label, their =
first new=20
releases in years. This<BR> is anthemic, infectious US =
early-mid nineties sounding indie rock<BR> with a =
surprisingly=20
commercial feel. Actually reminds me a bit<BR> of =
Robin's May=20
Queens spin-off band from a few years ago. Have<BR> a =
listen.=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> MT. EERIE - 11 OLD SONGS - ELVERUM - LP + CD=20
(ELV003LP)<BR> Wasn't familiar with Mt Eerie before =
today but=20
this is lovely,<BR> lo-fi, electronic pop with heaps =
of=20
warmth. Perfect for snuggling<BR> up by the fireside =
to, in=20
fact. Imagine (if you can) Will Oldham,<BR> Hood, Jens =
Lekman=20
and Ariel Pink on vacation in Norway, in a log<BR> =
cabin,=20
surrounded by snow-capped, well, eerie mountains. =
Complete<BR> =20
with two booklets and a free CD version of the (white,=20
natch)<BR> vinyl. Cool (literally). </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> TOOLSHED - TOOLSHED - TWISTED NERVE - 2xLP=20
(TN066)<BR> You might find this hard to believe, but =
Toolshed=20
is the acid-psych<BR> / prog rock / bonkers jazz alias =
of=20
Graham Massey from 808 State.<BR> Self-indulgent and =
proud,=20
this is like the Amorphous Androgynous<BR> album gone =
panto.=20
Total entertainment from beginning to end, and<BR> =
it's one of=20
those where you get a free CD of the album with =
the<BR> vinyl,=20
too! </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VITO - NEVER BEEN CAREFUL - FLOWER SHOP - 7"=20
(FLOWER009)<BR> One of two new 7"s from Robin =
Proper-Sheppard=20
(aka Sophia) and<BR> his Flower Shop label, their =
first new=20
releases in years. Fans<BR> of Marks Eitzel and =
Kozelek, not=20
to mention Sophia themselves<BR> will probably go for =
this=20
(again) surprisingly (almost) mainstream<BR> sounding =
US indie=20
rock. Mind you, there's a pretty epic shoegazery<BR> =
bit=20
towards the end that might scare off the Coldplay fans! </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2><STRONG>Restocks (Vinyl): Guitar =
Based</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> BEATLES, THE - RUBBER SOUL - PARLOPHONE - LP=20
(PCS3075)<BR> THIS IS THE LP THAT SAW THE BEATLES MOVE =
FROM=20
BEING A POP BAND<BR> TO WRITING SOME DEEP, REFLECTIVE =
SONGS=20
(IN MY LIFE IS ONE OF THIER<BR> FINEST SONGS EVER TO =
MY MIND)=20
A FACT DUE IN PART TO THE BAND'S<BR> EXPERIMENTATION =
WITH LSD=20
& THE REEFERS. EXCEPTIONAL LP, HAVE<BR> A=20
LISTEN......</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> BEATLES, THE - S/T (WHITE ALBUM) - PARLOPHONE =
- LP=20
(PCS7067)<BR> WIDLEY REGARDED AS PERHAPS THEIR BEST =
LP, THE=20
WHITE LP IS A BIT<BR> LONG BUT THERE ARE SOME AMAZING =
TUNES.=20
BLACKBIRD, DEAR PRUDENCE,<BR> GLASS ONION AS WELL AS =
THE=20
REVOLUTIONARY NO 9. THE BEATLES AT<BR> SMALLFISH, I =
HEAR OF=20
YOU SAY? TO WHICH I WOULD REPLY "YES".</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> JOHN CARPENTER - ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13 - =
CHRONOWAX -=20
LP (REC12LP)<BR> RE-ISSUE OF THIS CLASSIC SCORE TO =
THIS CULT=20
FILM OF THE LATE 70'S.<BR> GRIPPING STUFF, BOTH =
MUSICALLY AND=20
VISUALLY. RECOMMENDED.........</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> TALKING HEADS - RARE 12" MIXES - N/A - 2xLP=20
(TLK001)<BR> Collection of rare mixes from the huge =
Talking=20
heads. Such cuts<BR> as Once in a lifetime, This must =
be the=20
place, Making flippy floppy,<BR> Psycho killer and=20
more........</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2><STRONG>New Releases (Vinyl): Funk / Jazz /=20
Soul</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - BACK TO BLACK - LO - 2xLP=20
(LLP55)<BR> This is the horrendously limited vinyl =
version of=20
the Back to<BR> Black comp on Lo recordings. =
Horrendously=20
expensive as well i'm<BR> afraid but the packaging is =
about as=20
lavish as you can get for<BR> a double LP. There were =
only 200=20
of these made for sale exclusively<BR> at the =
Whitechapel art=20
gallery for the exhibition of the same<BR> name. We =
only have=20
a handful of these, with the figure being in<BR> the =
singular!=20
As for the music its a mix of styles with black<BR> =20
conciousness being the link. Music from the likes of Mary=20
Lou<BR> Williams, Cymande, Lloyd Williams, David =
Lampel, Doug=20
Hammond,<BR> 24 Carat Black, Eugene Mcdaniels and more =
all=20
compiled by our<BR> very own Steve Pickton. If you'e =
not put=20
off by the price then<BR> i think you will enjoy this =
lavish=20
feast of fine music....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2><STRONG>Restocks (Vinyl): Funk / Jazz /=20
Soul</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> JONNY TRUNK - THE INSIDE OUTSIDE - TRUNK - LP =
(JBH008LP)<BR> SO. JONNY TRUNK DELIVERS HIS FIRST TRUE =
FULL=20
LENGTH ALBUM PURELY<BR> MADE UP OF HIS OWN LOVINGLY =
CREATED=20
MATERIAL. HE'S CLEARLY GONE<BR> TO SOME LENGTH AND =
SPENT A=20
CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF TIME CONSTRUCTING<BR> THE =
TRACKS AND=20
HIS CONSIDERABLE KNOWLEDGE OF, TO BE HONEST, MOST<BR> =
FORMS OF=20
MUSIC REALLY SHOWS. THE TRACKS ARE GENERALLY =
CAREFREE,<BR> =20
LAIDBACK AFFAIRS USING A RANGE OF SAMPLES SO THAT YOU GET A=20
MASH<BR> UP OF BEATS, BREAKS, JAZZ, LOUNGE, FUNK AND =
LOTS=20
MORE. A VERY<BR> WORTHWHILE AND RECOMMENDED=20
ALBUM.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> MULATU ASTATKE - ETHIO JAZZ - L'AROME - LP=20
(LAP005LP)<BR> ANOTHER STUNNING LP FROM MULATU HERE. =
DEEP=20
SPIRITUAL JAZZ WITH<BR> A HEALTHY DOSE OF FUNK IN =
PLACES.=20
WONDERFUL TO SEE SUCH OBSCURE<BR> MUSIC AS THIS BEING=20
RE-ISSUED. HATS OFF TO THIS SUPERB LABEL OF<BR> LOVE =
L'AROME.=20
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> SUN RA - LANQUIDITY - PHILLY JAZZ - LP (PJ=20
666)<BR> SUN RAS FUNKIEST MOMENT HERE ON THIS SPACEY =
LP.....=20
LOTS OF FENDERS,<BR> ARPS AND GENERAL SPACE MADNESS =
FROM THE=20
MASTER OF THE BIZZARE!!!!!!!<BR> =
RECOMENDED!!!!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - BLOC PARTY EDITS - ORIGINAL SOUND =
TRACK -=20
2xLP (0094631174810)<BR> Classic Disco from the likes =
of Patti=20
Jo, George McCrae, Johnny<BR> Harris, Wood Brass and =
Steel,=20
Minnie Ripperton, Family Tree, Ray<BR> Barretto and a =
few=20
others... ...given the re-work / re-edit /<BR> re-mix=20
treatment from some of the current crop of Disco=20
afficianados<BR> including Zongamin, Tim "Love" Lee, =
Ashley=20
Beedle / Phil Asher,<BR> DJ Harvey, Black Science and =
a few=20
others. Disco-tastic for 2005.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - ETHIOPIAN MODERN INSTRUMENTAL HITS =
- L'AROME=20
- LP (LAP006LP)<BR> A MIXTURE OF RAW INSTRUMENTALS =
TRACKS=20
HERE. A MIX OF JAZZ RELATED<BR> STYLES. FUNK, BOOGIE, =
POP AND=20
MANY MORE. SOME GREAT OBSCURE BANDS<BR> THAT THE WORLD =
IS A=20
BETTER PLACE FOR KNOWING. HAVE A LISTEN....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2><STRONG>New Releases (CD): =
Electronica</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> ANTTI RANNISTO - AANIESINEITA - 12K - CD=20
(12K1034)<BR> I've been waiting for this one for what =
seems=20
like months now<BR> after having one heard one sample =
MP3 and=20
now it's finally here<BR> I'm blown away by the full =
album.=20
Whilst it's something of a departure<BR> for 12k in a =
lot of=20
respects it's still very much in line with<BR> the =
general=20
minimalist nature of the label. Antti's previous =
12"<BR> for=20
Audio.nl was clearly a good signifier for what was to=20
develop<BR> and its stripped down, quite blatantly =
Finnish=20
style Techno was<BR> very refreshing indeed and this =
wonderful=20
11 track work is heavy,<BR> deep, ultimately reduced =
and=20
really quite superb. Imagine a blend<BR> of Frank=20
Bretschneider, Mika Vainio, Pansonic and general =
early<BR> =20
Sahko releases and you're getting close to how this sounds.=20
Ultra-minimal<BR> tones and bass sounds with =
immaculately=20
heavy production and mastering<BR> coupled with some =
crisp,=20
yet subtle 4/4 beats make for a devastating<BR> and =
incredibly=20
intense experience. When he concnetrates on just<BR> =
the tones=20
there's a resonance that vibrates through your =
whole<BR> body=20
and leaves a residual impression long after the track =
has<BR> =20
finished. Simply an incredibly good album that really gets=20
into<BR> your head and an essential for fans of the=20
aforementioned labels<BR> and artists. Props to 12k =
for going=20
out on a limb and massive<BR> respect to Antti for=20
representing in a big way. Highly recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> CHEJU + OBFUSC - BREAK IT INTO PIECES - WYRD =
SKIES - CD=20
(WYRD003)<BR> Nice little homebrew release here from =
Wyrd=20
Skies which sees the<BR> pairing of Cheju (Boltfish) =
and=20
Obfusc delivering some very nice<BR> Electronica =
grooves all=20
round. Each artist remixes two of the<BR> others =
tracks and=20
you end up with a pleasantly mellow and nicely<BR> =
rhythmic=20
collection of crunchy and very melodic cuts. Both =
artists<BR> =20
are definitely on the up at the moment in a low-key sort of=20
way<BR> and I think I can safely say it's worth =
picking these=20
up now,<BR> particularly if you're a fan of Toytronic =
or=20
Expanding. A solid<BR> and very listenable release.=20
Props.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> CREATURES, THE - HYBRIDS - HYDROGEN DUKEBOX - =
CD=20
(DUKE66CD)<BR> Siouxsie and Budgie material from their =
"Anima=20
Animus" and "Eraser<BR> Cut" albums gets the remix =
treatment=20
from (of all people) The<BR> Beloved, Dr Psyche, =
Chamber,=20
Justice & Endemic, Icarus, The Black<BR> Dog, =
Howie B,=20
Witchman, Superchumbo, Vito Bonito and Omnivore.<BR> A =
suitably diverse package. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> DEPARTMENT OF EAGLES - THE COLD NOSE - =
MELODIC - CD=20
(MELO034CD)<BR> Ok, so the less said about Nine Black =
Alps and=20
Harrisons the better,<BR> but overall Melodic have =
released=20
many a great record, and this<BR> is another discovery =
which=20
really works for me. You may remember<BR> their album =
on Isota=20
a couple of years ago, and this is a lovely<BR> =
progression=20
from that - think Broken Social Scene, Twisted =
Nerve,<BR> =20
Caribou, Four Tet and (yes) the better Melodic artists! Very=20
enjoyable.<BR> </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> GLIM - AERIAL VIEW OF MODEL - KARATE JOE - CD =
(KJ019)<BR> Gorgeously deep ambient textures here =
amidst very=20
discrete glitch,<BR> distortion and live =
instrumentation. Some=20
of the melodic, ambient<BR> washes and soundscapes are =
simply=20
stunning, in fact - those into<BR> Pop Ambient, Pub, =
Marc=20
Leclair etc simply have to investigate<BR> this at =
once.=20
Superb. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> HAROLD BUDD / BRIAN ENO - THE PEARL =
(REMASTER) - VIRGIN=20
- CD (ENOCD13)<BR> The last in the series of classic =
Brian Eno=20
EG catalogue remasters<BR> is of 1984's "The Pearl". =
Harold=20
Budd takes a very prominent role<BR> in what was to be =
amongst=20
both Eno and Budd's finest work. Mesmerising<BR> =
ambient piano=20
music that still sounds utterly fresh over twenty<BR> =
years=20
later. If you like "Music For Airports", "Plateaux Of=20
Mirror"<BR> or "Thursday Afternoon", this couldn't be =
more of=20
a must. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> LEVEL - CYCLA - SPEKK - CD=20
(KK:007)<BR> Firstly, I must apologise for the length =
of this=20
review but in<BR> my opinion it absolutely warrants =
the amount=20
of words involved<BR> and there's nothing more =
pleasing than=20
receiving a piece of work<BR> that has clearly been=20
constructed in a thoughtful and knowing<BR> way and =
this=20
certainly lives up to the incredibly high =
expectations<BR> =20
that I had for it. Barry Nichols is Level and his work over=20
the<BR> past 15 years as Si_Comm and with a number of =
other=20
experimental<BR> sound artists and musicians is varied =
and=20
exceptional. This album<BR> has been licensed from =
Polymorphic=20
music and released on the brilliant<BR> Japanese label =
Spekk=20
and the way it works is simply gorgeous.<BR> It bears =
all the=20
hallmarks of a Spekk release but moves in a =
slightly<BR> =20
different, less overtly digital minimal way to some of the=20
other<BR> CDs so far released - it's more =
Berlin-centric, if=20
you will...<BR> a slightly dubbier beast, in attitude, =
if not=20
actual sound and<BR> there are certain moments that =
bring to=20
mind the early (and, conceivably<BR> best) works of =
Vladislav=20
Delay. Long, heavy and, initially at<BR> least, =
claustrophobic=20
textures are the mainstay of this album<BR> and the=20
combination of this with amazingly subtle, clanking,=20
background<BR> percussion give the whole thing a =
mechanical=20
feel that, I suspect,<BR> belies its organic roots. =
>From the=20
opening tones of 'Sensit' to<BR> the closing moments =
of=20
'Ferna' we're treated to an exemplary collection<BR> =
of=20
reduced electronic atmospheres that are crafted with =
skill<BR> =20
and depth to create an instantly hypnotic feel. Manipulated=20
instruments,<BR> processed sounds and wonderful hints =
of=20
wide-open reverb all drenched<BR> in a seemingly =
boundless,=20
and timeless, ambience. There are no<BR> beats to =
speak of,=20
just hints of rhythmic sound using slowed down<BR> =
beats in an=20
abstract, off-kilter way... but then, this style =
of<BR> music=20
doesn't need the obvious pulsating of a kick drum or a=20
crunchy<BR> 8-bit break to drive it forward. It simply =
has its=20
own momentum<BR> which moves you ever forward from =
track to=20
track until you, inevitably,<BR> reach the end and =
find that=20
you simply must listen to it again.<BR> There are some =
genuinely heartbreakingly beautiful moments =
contained<BR> =20
within and 'Aler Besc', particularly, is a track that truly=20
aches<BR> with a melancholy sense of desolation. This =
feeling=20
is carried<BR> throughout most of the album and for =
the secret=20
isolationists<BR> among us will come as a real treat. =
An easy=20
album of the year<BR> for me and rest assured that it =
comes=20
with the highest recommendation<BR> possible.=20
Divine.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> MARK CLIFFORD / SIMON KEALOHA - RUNNING TAPER =
-=20
POLYFUSIA - CD (FUS003)<BR> Restock. Eagerly =
anticipated here=20
at Smallfish as there are a<BR> couple of us that are=20
confirmed fans of Mark Clifford's work.<BR> This full =
length=20
album is a collaboration between Clifford and<BR> =
Simon=20
Kealoha and provides something of a missing link =
between<BR> =20
Seefeel and Disjecta sound-wise and is an intriguing blend=20
of<BR> dense, sculptural electronica soundscapes and =
abstract=20
rhythmic<BR> elements coupled with one absolutely =
powerful as=20
you can imagine<BR> guitar noise track that absolutely =
fills=20
your mind. As delicate<BR> at times as it is =
challenging at=20
others, this is something to<BR> listen to several =
times=20
before it really clicks into place, but,<BR> my word, =
when it=20
does... you've got a powerful piece of =
contemporary<BR> =20
minimalism. If you're a fan of Seefeel and Disjecta or not,=20
you<BR> simply must check this out. =
Gorgeous.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> MULTIPLEX - XPAND - U-COVER - CD=20
(UCOVER25CD)<BR> Multiplex you'll no doubt remember =
for a=20
couple of belting releases<BR> on Toytronic some years =
back.=20
Their sound has nicely expanded<BR> (ha!) over the =
years, to a=20
now wholly musical, fully rounded melodic<BR> =
electronica akin=20
to Lackluster, Merck and (yes, there's no denying<BR> =
it)=20
Expanding! I'm sure a trained monkey could write these=20
descriptions,<BR> you know. Anyway, this is fine =
stuff. If you=20
don't mind, i'm off<BR> to eat some bananas and appear =
in a=20
documentary with David Attenborough.<BR> </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> RYOJI IKEDA - DATAPLEX - RASTER NOTON - CD=20
(R-N068)<BR> Long awaited Ryoji Ikeda album that sees =
the=20
master of the micro-electronic<BR> fullfilling his =
destiny as=20
the man who can twist, manipulate and<BR> process =
sounds to=20
the point of breaking. This set of tracks is<BR> =
incredibly=20
detailed, disturbingly intense and produced to the<BR> =
absolute limits of sound. Intricate glitch meets=20
high-frequency<BR> meets intense sinewave work to =
provide an=20
amazingly compelling<BR> set that will challenge just =
as much=20
as it engages. As fresh as<BR> ever and as essential =
as you'd=20
imagine any Raster Noton product<BR> to be... do not =
miss this=20
genuinely brilliant release. Highly<BR> recommended.=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> SAWAKO - HUM - 12K - CD =
(12K1035)<BR> =20
Japanese artist Sawako's work is concerned with the=20
manipulation<BR> and processing of organic and =
electronic=20
sounds and the creation<BR> of delicate yet full =
sounding=20
tracks that fully expoit the range<BR> of her talents. =
'Hum'=20
is a delicious cocktail of flavours that<BR> is =
friendly,=20
charming and engaging right from the outset. =
Magical<BR> tones=20
and textures are conjured from the most everyday of=20
scenarios<BR> and the incidental recordings of found =
sounds=20
adds a personal<BR> level to the recordings. Always=20
warm, but with the occasional<BR> challenging =
moment,=20
this CD is similar at times to the work of<BR> Keiichi =
Sugimoto (Minamo / Fourcolor) or Greg Davis, but has =
less<BR> =20
of a strict feel and with musical contributions from both=20
Taylor<BR> Deupree and Kenneth Kirschner, you're =
absolutey=20
guaranteed to<BR> be getting pure quality. Beautiful,=20
heartwarming and an absolute<BR> must for fans of =
ambient,=20
atmospheric music everywhere. Highly<BR> =20
recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - SMALL MELODIES - SPEKK - CD=20
(KK:005)<BR> Restock. Nao Sugimoto (aka Mondii and co =
boss of=20
Plop) runs his<BR> own Spekk label with a great degree =
of love=20
and attention and,<BR> once again, he shows that with =
some=20
careful consideration and<BR> the right contacts you =
can put=20
together - seemingly effortlessly<BR> - a compilation =
of=20
contemporary digital minimalism that is a true<BR> =
showcase of=20
this wonderfully diverse style of music. Merely =
glancing<BR> =20
at the tracklisting should confirm to most people the=20
breadth<BR> of talent involved with this release... =
Taylor=20
Deupree, Sogar,<BR> Fenton, Oren Ambarchi, Herve =
Boghossian,=20
Ultra Milkmaids, Anderegg,<BR> Stephan Mathieu and =
more all=20
contribute with their own unique<BR> takes on the idea =
of=20
small melodies. There's a stark beauty on<BR> show =
here from=20
the beginning to the end and whether it's =
Deupree's<BR> =20
ultra-refined click textures and gentle tones or the Ultra=20
Milkmaids<BR> slightly more in-your-face manipulated =
approach,=20
it's all there<BR> for a very good reason. Sublime, =
for the=20
most part and occasionally<BR> challenging, this is an =
absolutely delightful project that is<BR> as =
immaculate in=20
conception as it is in presentation. An unmissable<BR> =
gem and=20
highly, highly recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2><STRONG>Restocks (CD): =
Electronica</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> BENGE - I AM 9 - EXPANDING - CD=20
(ECD20:04)<BR> BENGE APPEARS TO HAVE BECOME OBSESSED =
WITH CARS=20
ON THIS RELEASE.<BR> FROM THE MODEL KIT LAMBORGHINI ON =
THE=20
COVER TO THE TRACK TITLES<BR> SUCH AS 'JENSEN' AND =
'SCIMITAR'=20
THERE'S AN AUTOMOTIVE THEME THROUGHOUT.<BR> THE MUSIC, =
HOWEVER, IS AS FAR REMOVED FROM THE IDEA OF =
BOYRACERS<BR> AS=20
IT'S POSSIBLE TO BE. DEEP, MELODIC, BEAUTIFULLY GENTLE=20
ELECTRONICA<BR> WHICH HAS BEEN CRAFTED WITH AN =
EXCEPTIONAL=20
ATTENTION TO DETAIL.<BR> CLEARLY A LABOUR OF LOVE, AND =
ONE=20
THAT YOU WILL PROBABLY ADORE<BR> AS WELL. AS EVER, A =
QUALITY=20
RELEASE FROM EXPANDING.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> BLACK DICE - BROKEN EAR RECORD - DFA - CD=20
(DFAEMI2148CD)<BR> Black Dice might technically be on =
a major=20
label these days, but<BR> don't think for a moment any =
kind of=20
musical compromise has taken<BR> place. These are =
dense,=20
experimental soundscapes and perhaps as<BR> strange as =
ambient=20
can get (i think it just about falls into the<BR> =
category as=20
Brian Eno defined it). Actually, this could well =
be<BR> their=20
finest moment to date - this is hypnotic and =
compelling<BR> =20
stuff that fans of their spiritual brothers Animal=20
Collective<BR> should really enjoy. What's ironic is =
this=20
could well end up selling<BR> a lot more than some of =
the guff=20
major labels try and force upon<BR> us, and quite =
right too.=20
Black Dice on EMI? It's the future of<BR> Rock 'N'=20
Roll!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> BRIAN ENO - AMBIENT 1: MUSIC FOR AIRPORTS =
(REMASTER) -=20
VIRGIN - CD (ENOCD6)<BR> ONE OF A SERIES OF ESSENTIAL =
BRIAN=20
ENO CATALOGUE REMASTERS (IN<BR> SPECIAL PACKAGING). =
ABSOLUTE=20
LANDMARK ALBUM (TO PUT IT SOMEWHAT<BR> MILDLY) =
FEATURING=20
ROBERT WYATT ON PIANO ON THE BEAUTIFUL FIRST<BR> =
TRACK. I'M=20
TOLD THIS ALBUM GENUINELY WORKS BEST ON HEADPHONES<BR> =
IN AN=20
AIRPORT - MUST TRY THAT SOMETIME!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> BRIAN ENO - APOLLO: ATMOSPHERES & =
SOUNDTRACKS=20
(REMASTER) - VIRGIN - CD (ENOCD10)<BR> ONE OF A SERIES =
OF=20
ESSENTIAL BRIAN ENO CATALOGUE REMASTERS (IN<BR> =
SPECIAL=20
PACKAGING). COLLABORATING WITH GUESTS DANIEL LANOIS =
AND<BR> =20
ROGER ENO, THIS IS ACTUALLY ONE OF MY FAVOURITE BRIAN ENO=20
ALBUMS.<BR> SOME STUNNING SLIDE GUITAR WORK ON HERE, =
INCLUDING=20
ON THE CAST-IN-STONE<BR> CLASSIC "DEEP BLUE DAY", THAT =
WAS (AS=20
WE ALL KNOW) USED IN THE<BR> SOUNDTRACK TO =
'TRAINSPOTTING'=20
(REMEMBER THAT RELIC FROM ANOTHER<BR> AGE??!?). NOTE =
FOR=20
COMPLETISTS: IF YOU LIKE THIS, WE HAVE THE<BR> FULL =
RANGE OF=20
ENO REMASTERS CURRENTLY IN STOCK....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> CATHODE - SPECIAL MEASURES - EXPANDING - CD=20
(ECD13:03)<BR> EXPANDING ARE ON YET ANOTHER ROLL AT =
THE MOMENT=20
WITH THIS LUSH<BR> ALBUM FROM CATHODE AND THE =
PRECEEDING=20
SINGLES FROM PRAVEEN, FLOTEL<BR> AND VESSEL. FULL =
LENGTH=20
SHENANIGANS ARE THE ORDER OF THE DAY HERE<BR> AND WHAT =
A=20
BEAUTY IT IS. MIXING ELECTRONICS WITH LIVE GUITAR=20
ELEMENTS,<BR> CATHODE OPT FOR A DRIFTING, HAUNTING =
SOUND THAT=20
HAS A DEEPLY ENGAGING<BR> MELANCHOLY FEEL... WARM, YET =
STRANGELY DISTANT. COMBINGIN DOWNBEAT<BR> CRUNCH AND =
ABSTRACT=20
TEXTURAL PIECES WITH A COUPLE OF LOVELY UPBEAT<BR> =
NUMBERS YOU=20
GET THE SENSE OF A COMPLETE PIECE OF WORK. LONG =
MAY<BR> =20
EXPANDING CONTINUE IN THIS VEIN. RECOMMENDED.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> CLUSTER & ENO - CLUSTER & ENO - WATER =
- CD=20
(WATER156CD)<BR> Recorded in 1977 with Brian Eno, =
Hans-Joachim=20
Roedelius and Dieter<BR> Moebius (aka Cluster) all at =
the peak=20
of their powers this superb<BR> blend of ambient =
Krautrock,=20
analogue synth drones and Cage / Neu-style<BR> =
experimentalism=20
is a must for anyone into classic Eno. Great to<BR> =
see this=20
being reissued - it's a must for anyone's=20
collection.<BR> </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> DELIA GONZALEZ & GAVIN RUSSOM - THE DAYS =
OF MARS -=20
DFA - CD (DFAEMI2144CD)<BR> Wow, far out and other =
such=20
expressions. If you don't remember<BR> Delia & =
Gavin's=20
single on DFA nearly two years ago, this release<BR> =
may come=20
as a shock to you - party-time dancefloor punk / =
funk<BR> this=20
ain't. Beautifully chilled-out and ambient, think more=20
along<BR> the lines of classic Krautrock, early =
Kraftwerk,=20
Tangerine Dream,<BR> Brian Eno, Neu etc. This is a =
highly=20
hypnotic, dreamlike release<BR> that may cause =
hallucinations=20
even without the use of chemicals!<BR> Absolutely =
superb,=20
highly recommended and incredibly authentic<BR> =
sounding - you=20
need!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> EZEKIEL HONIG - PEOPLE PLACES & THINGS - =
MICROCOSM=20
- CD (SC1001CD)<BR> Restock! I love it when things =
come out of=20
nowhere and surprise<BR> you, as this album certainly =
did.=20
We've had the vinyl version<BR> of this (a 12") before =
and I=20
seem to remember it being superb...<BR> A wonderful =
mixture of=20
Electronica and deep, dubby, glitch based<BR> Techno. =
This=20
full CD follows on from that beautifully and is a<BR> =20
gorgeously crafted selection of subtly melodic and shifting=20
tracks<BR> that are moody and atmospheric, yet =
strangely=20
uplifting in their<BR> own unique minimal way. Do not =
ignore=20
this absolute gem and be<BR> sure that you'll be =
hearing much=20
more about Ezekiel Honig in the<BR> future. Highly=20
recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> KRAFTWERK - MINIMUM MAXIMUM - EMI - 2xCD=20
(5606112)<BR> THE EXCITEMENT LEVELS HAVE BEEN RAISED =
AT=20
SMALLFISH HQ COMMEMORATING<BR> THE ARRIVAL OF THE VERY =
FIRST=20
OFFICIAL LIVE ALBUM FROM THIS MOST<BR> ICONIC AND =
INFLUENTIAL=20
OF BANDS. AS MUCH A KRAFTWERK "BEST OF"<BR> AS =
ANYTHING ELSE,=20
THE SOUND QUALITY (AS YOU'D EXPECT) IS ABSOLUTELY<BR> =20
PEERLESS, THE MUSIC AND REWORKED VERSIONS OF ALL THE CLASSIC=20
TRACKS<BR> (RECORDED AT VARIOUS VENUES DURING LAST =
YEAR'S TOUR=20
DATES, INCLUDING<BR> LONDON - WERE YOU THERE?) =
MINDBLOWING.=20
UTTERLY ESSENTIAL.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> MARSEN JULES - HERBSTLAUB - CITY CENTRE =
OFFICES - CD=20
(TOWERBLOCKCD023)<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 size=3D2> PORN SWORD TOBACCO - EXPLAINS FREEDOM - CITY =
CENTRE=20
OFFICES - CD (TOWERBLOCKCD027)<BR> Excellent follow-up =
to=20
2004's self titled album by P.S.T. This<BR> has a =
slightly=20
less austere and textural feel, which worried me<BR> =
initally,=20
but I soon found myself being dragged into this =
album<BR> by=20
its charming and, at times, playful nature. It's deep,=20
wonderfully<BR> produced and features a whole raft of=20
beautifully sourced sounds,<BR> both organic and =
electronic,=20
and it has some of the most beautiful<BR> melodies. A=20
gorgeous, lush and really well put together album<BR> =
for fans=20
of C.C.O, Neo Ouija and other such Electronica =
stalwarts.<BR> =20
Highly recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> 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 its first =
release and=20
it's an absolute smasher!<BR> RJ Valeo's debut on =
Hobby=20
Industries was a superb piece of work<BR> and this =
betters it=20
in my opinion. A full eight track album of<BR> some 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 =
textures and=20
chords coupled<BR> with subtle, downbeat rhythmic =
structures=20
that sit happily in<BR> a semi-glitch kind of style.=20
Conversely, there are a couple of<BR> more upbeat =
tracks with=20
quality beats and a more lively sound<BR> to the =
melodies=20
which complements the other haunting tracks =
perfectly.<BR> An=20
outstanding first release for Type and a brilliant piece=20
of<BR> work from RJ Valeo. Let's hope they can keep it =
up!=20
Respect.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> ROD MODELL - VIBRASOUND (THE DEEPCHORD YEARS =
1999-2004_=20
- SILENTES - CD (SILENTESCD200402)<BR> AAH, THE =
DEEPCHORD=20
RECORDS. OBSCURE, HARD TO GET HOLD OF, EXPENSIVE<BR> =
AND=20
GENERALLY THE CLOSEST WE'VE EVER HAD TO A RIVAL FOR THE=20
BASIC<BR> CHANNEL CREW. IT'S EASY TO SAY THAT IT =
SOUNDS LIKE=20
MORITZ VON<BR> OSWALD AND CO, BUT IF YOU DO YOU'RE =
SERIOUSLY=20
MISSING THE POINT.<BR> THE BLEND OF DUB AND TECHNO ON =
OFFER=20
HERE IS SOMETHING TO SAVOUR<BR> AT ALL TIMES AS THE =
DEPTH OF=20
PRODUCTION AND THE ROLLING, MID PACED<BR> GROOVES THAT =
UNDERPIN THE LAYERS OF TEXTURE ARE SUITABLY PHAT<BR> =
BUT=20
INCREDIBLY SUBTLE AT THE SAME TIME. A PARADOX? MAYBE. =
BUT<BR> =20
TO BE HONEST IT'S THE MOST BRILLIANT, WONDERFUL, UPLIFTING=20
PARADOX.<BR> IF YOU DON'T LOVE THIS COLLECTION OF =
TRACKS FROM=20
THE ULTRA-SCARCE<BR> BACK CATALOGUE I'D BE VERY =
SURPRISED.=20
ESSENTIAL CD COMPILATION<BR> OF THE YEAR, QUITE =
POSSIBLY AND=20
ANYONE WHO LIKES ECHOCORD, RHYTHM<BR> & SOUND OR =
BASIC=20
CHANNEL MUST TREAT THIS AS AN ITEM THAT THEY<BR> =
*MUST* OWN.=20
AWESOME.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> STENDEC - A STUDY OF 'AND' - EXPANDING - CD=20
(ECD15:04)<BR> TERRIFIC STUFF FROM EXPANDING ONCE =
AGAIN. SEVEN=20
BRAND NEW TRACKS<BR> BLENDED SEAMLESSLY WITH PREVIOUS =
RELEASED=20
MATERIAL FROM THE STATIC<BR> CARAVAN AND EXPANDING =
7"S, THE=20
SPLIT 10" PICTURE DISC AND THE<BR> CACTUS ISLAND =
COMPILATION.=20
TOP NOTCH ELECTRONICA WITH SUBTLE BEATS,<BR> GENTLE =
MELODIES,=20
LOTS OF SPACE AND PLENTY OF ATMOSPHERE. A MUST<BR> FOR =
FANS OF=20
THE LABEL OR JUST ANYONE INTO DECENT MUSIC, REALLY.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> TAPE - RIDEAU - HAPNA - CD =
(H.25)<BR> =20
I'm ashamed to admit that I'm still a relative newcomer to=20
Tape's<BR> gorgeous music, but with that in mind it's =
a=20
genuine pleasure<BR> to find yet another reason to =
love his=20
sounds in the shape of<BR> this delightful CD on =
Hapna. 5=20
tracks of beautifully organic tunes<BR> with a =
post-rock=20
influence as well as what sounds like a =
traditional<BR> =20
Scandinavian feel as well. Mix this with a series of=20
ultra-gentle<BR> electronic elements and manipulations =
and=20
you've got yourself<BR> a low-key, yet absolutely =
enchanting=20
piece of work. Highly, highly<BR> =
recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VS_PRICE - <CALIN> MINETTE_ - EXPANDING =
- CD=20
(ECD11:02)<BR> EXPANDINGS QUALITY AND DIVERSITY =
CONTINUES TO=20
EXPAND (SORRY).<BR> WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE=20
PRETENTIOUS IDM-ESQUE MONIKERS [_THIS<BR> DESCRIPT_ION =
NCLUDED_::] I CAN'+T FAULT% THIS BEAUTIFUL =
PI=3DE=3DCE<BR> OF DEEP=20
A^ND TEXTURAL_ ELECTRONICS. THERE ARE SOME BEAT=20
DRIVEN<BR> TRACKS, BUT FOR( (THE) )MOST PART THIS IS =
HIGH=20
CLASS, SUBTLE AND<BR> MINIMAL SOUNDSCAPES. =20
RECOMMENDED_</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> WILLIAM BASINSKI - SILENT NIGHT - 2062 - CD=20
(2062.0401)<BR> Restock. William Basinski is clearly a =
master=20
of this sort of<BR> experimental and minimalist =
Electronica.=20
If you don't know his<BR> work you simply must check =
this=20
wonderful CD out. Built around<BR> a simple series of =
loops=20
that are then manipulated and filtered<BR> you get a =
dense,=20
incredibly deep and superbly atmispheric work<BR> that =
soothes=20
as well as challenges. Imagine a more melodic =
Hafler<BR> Trio=20
and you're getting close. I would say that this is =
truly<BR> =20
essential and it comes very highly recommended indeed.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2><STRONG>New Releases (CD): Techno /=20
Electro</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> CREME DE MENTHE - THE IMPOSSIBILITY OF =
EROTICISM IN THE=20
SUBURBS - DISKO B - CD (DB138)<BR> More trashy Disko =
fun from=20
the hilarious Creme De Menthe. Tongues<BR> are firmly =
planted=20
in cheeks here, make no mistake. The lyrics<BR> are =
even=20
sillier than the music, which kept us highly =
entertained<BR> =20
for the duration, it had to be said. With Mysterymen=20
credited<BR> as "Executive Producers", what more needs =
to be=20
said? </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - IT'S NOT OVER - TRESOR - 2xCD=20
(TRESOR220CD)<BR> No less than 38 gems from Tresor =
here across=20
2 CDs, many previously<BR> unreleased, several others =
from the=20
vaults. All the big names;<BR> Stewart Walker, Todd =
Bodine,=20
Sender Berlin, Scan 7, Gary Martin,<BR> Pacou, Joey =
Beltram,=20
DJ Rush, Steve Bicknell, Jay Denham, Dave<BR> Tarrida, =
The=20
Advent etc etc. Tresor's 13th compilation will not<BR> =
be=20
unlucky for some - this is the now legendary Berlin label=20
doing<BR> what it does best. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2><STRONG>Restocks (CD): Techno / =
Electro</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - DFA HOLIDAY MIX 2005 - DFA - CD=20
(DFAEMI2153CD)<BR> Wot a ruddy bargain. LCD =
Soundsystem, Black=20
Dice, The Juan Maclean<BR> and Delia Gonzalez & =
Gavin=20
Russom (perhaps not too surprisingly)<BR> all feature =
on this=20
cheapo 9-track mix sampler thingy. Features<BR> =
remixes by=20
DFA, Luomo, Booka Shade, Putsch 79, Tiga and =
Soulwax.<BR> It'd=20
be rude not to, wouldn't it? </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2><STRONG>New Releases (CD): US Techno /=20
Electro</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> JEFF MILLS - CONTACT SPECIAL - AXIS - CD=20
(AXCD002)<BR> This is the kind of Mills CD that really =
does it=20
for me. Deep,<BR> minimal, hypnotic techno with an =
alien=20
abduction theme to the<BR> proceedings. 18 tracks that =
perfectly create an otherwordly feel.<BR> this is what =
minimal=20
is alabout for me. Highly recommended.....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2><STRONG>Restocks (CD): US Techno /=20
Electro</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> CARL CRAIG - MORE SONGS ABOUT FOOD...... - =
SSR - CD=20
(SSR 188)<BR> THE WONDERFUL CD COMPILATION OF, =
ARGUABLY, SOME=20
OF CARL'S BEST<BR> WORK. SOME CLASSIC OLD BITS AND =
SOME OF HIS=20
BETTER NEW WORK. THIS<BR> IS THE ORIGINAL PLANET E =
VERSION=20
RE-ISSUED, AND IS NICER BECAUSE<BR> IT'S ACTUALLY FROM =
DETROIT!!!! (CALL ME ANAL!)</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2><STRONG>Restocks (CD): House</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> METRO AREA - METRO AREA - SOURCE - CD=20
(CDSOUR070)<BR> WHAT CAN I SAY? IT'S THE METRO AREA =
ALBUM BY=20
MORGAN GEIST AND<BR> DARSHAN JESRANI. THE COMBINATION =
OF=20
GEIST'S PURE ELECTRONIC BACKGROUND<BR> AND DARSHAN'S =
DISCO=20
FLAVA IS POTENT TO SAY THE LEAST. FOUR SELECTED<BR> =
TRACKS=20
FROM THE FOUR SINGLES, PLUS FOUR BRAND NEW ROMPS!!=20
ESSENTIAL,<BR> YOU MIGHT SAY. THE CD HAS FOUR EXTRA =
TRACKS=20
FROM THE FOUR EP'S<BR> AS THEY WEREN'T ON CD =
ORIGINALLY.=20
BONUS!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2><STRONG>New Releases (CD): Hip =
Hop</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - HIP HOP LOVE JAZZ - KWERK - CD=20
(KWERKCD002)<BR> Super comp of jazzy, soulful hip hop =
compiled=20
by the UK's Nicci<BR> Cheeks. some great names here, =
Roddy=20
Rod, Kev Brown, Wordsworth,<BR> Cut Chemist, El da =
Sensai, J=20
Rawls and more. some deep tracks<BR> for you to enjoy =
here,=20
take it for a spin today.....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2><STRONG>Restocks (CD): Hip Hop</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> DJ PREMIER - STEP YA GAME UP - YEARROUND - CD =
(YRI083104CD)<BR> PREM SHOWS US SOME OF THE UP AND =
COMING CUTS=20
FROM HIS YEAR ROUND<BR> LABEL AS WELL AS SOME OF THE =
STUFF HE=20
HAS ALREADY RELEASED.SOME<BR> OF THE ARTISTS FEATURED =
ARE=20
DIAMOND D, SKILLS, TEF, BLAQ POET,<BR> BUMPY KNUCKLES, =
PITCH=20
BLACK, MURS AND MORE. TOP NOTCH RAW UNDERGROUND<BR> =
SOUNDS=20
WITH THAT AUTHENTIC NEW YORK STYLE. ONE TO CHECK I =
RECKON....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2><STRONG>New Releases (CD): Guitar =
Based</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> ACID MOTHERS TEMPLE & THE COSMIC INFERNO =
- ANTHEM=20
OF THE SPACE - EKTRO - CD (EKTRO035CD)<BR> Third =
release (to=20
my knowledge) from the newly retitled/regrouped<BR> =
Acid=20
Mothers and The Cosmic Inferno. Two wild spacerock =
numbers<BR> =20
that are as far out as they are thoroughly enjoyable. It's=20
been<BR> a while since i listened to any new releases =
from=20
Kawabata Makoto<BR> and his pals, and i have to say, =
this is=20
actually quite refreshing.<BR> Freak out, get naked, =
tune in,=20
turn on etc. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> BRIGHT - BELLS BREAK THEIR TOWERS - STRANGE =
ATTRACTORS=20
- CD (SAAH038CD)<BR> This U.S. indie / jazz-rock / =
math-rock /=20
post-rock hybrid is<BR> indeed quite bright and breezy =
- even=20
the vocals are pleasant<BR> and unobtrusive. If you =
like=20
Tortoise, Do Make Say Think or even<BR> The High =
Llamas,=20
Flaming Lips or Broken Social Scene (yes, this<BR> is =
pretty=20
varied), this may well prove highly rewarding. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> CAST KING - SAW MILL MAN - LOCUST - CD=20
(LOCUST74CD)<BR> Born 1926 in Alabama, Cast King was =
amongst a=20
stable of artists<BR> to record for Sam Phillips at =
Sun=20
Studios, Memphis yet made no<BR> further recordings - =
until=20
now. These twelve tracks were made<BR> in a small =
shack beside=20
Cast's house, with Matt Downer on electric<BR> guitar. =
All i=20
can say if you like Johnny Cash (especially the<BR> =
later=20
material), you're gonna love this. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> DAVID THOMAS BROUGHTON - THE COMPLETE GUIDE =
TO=20
INSUFFICIENCY - PLUG RESEARCH - CD (PR60CD)<BR> A =
rather=20
captivating acoustic singer/songwriter album that =
you'll<BR> =20
want to go back to time and time again. Think Jose Gonzales=20
meets<BR> Antony & The Johnsons and you're about =
50%=20
there. There's also<BR> the slightest hint of Arthur =
Russell=20
about proceedings. Different<BR> enough to stand out =
and=20
highly recommended with it. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> FRA LIPPO LIPPI - SONGS - RUNE ARKIV - CD=20
(RACD103)<BR> 20th anniversary remastered edition (on =
CD for=20
the very first<BR> time) of the original version of =
Fra Lippo=20
Lippi's "Songs", coming<BR> with a complete live album =
("Crash=20
Of Light"). Strangely melancholic<BR> 80's pop =
reminiscent of=20
a more low-key, synth pop Smiths, New<BR> Order or Pet =
Shop=20
Boys to some extent but they seem to have had<BR> a =
sound of=20
their own (i'm finding it tough making comparisons<BR> =
bar=20
Jens Lekman, who has no doubt learnt a thing or two =
these<BR> =20
fellas). A great history lesson. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> LANDING - BROCADE - STRANGE ATTRACTORS - CD=20
(SAAH037CD)<BR> Supreme quality instrumental =
electronic / post=20
rock-esque crossover<BR> gear from the much =
undervalued=20
Landing. Eno-esque soundscapes<BR> and sparce guitar =
music a=20
la Windsor For The Derby or Jackie-O<BR> Motherf*cker =
blended=20
to create something more than just the sum<BR> of its =
parts.=20
This comes highly recommended - it's gorgeous. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - SONGS TO BREAK GOD'S HEART VOL. 1 - =
ACUARELA=20
- CD (NOIS1054CD)<BR> Daft priced sampler CD for the =
respected=20
Spanish indie label that<BR> is Acuarela. 19 tracks =
including=20
contributions from The Zephyrs,<BR> Darren Hayman =
(formerly of=20
Hefner), Tara Jane O'Neil, Matt Elliott<BR> (one of =
the=20
highlights of the CD, that), Xiu Xiu, P:ano, Early<BR> =
Day=20
Miners, Mecca Normal and loads of others. At this price,=20
that<BR> should be all you need to know! </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2><STRONG>Restocks (CD): Guitar =
Based</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> BETA BAND, THE - THE THREE EPS - REGAL - CD=20
(724349738522)<BR> THE BETA BAND MIGHT NOW HAVE SPLIT, =
BUT=20
THEIR STORY, NOT TO MENTION<BR> THEIR MUSIC =
(ESPECIALLY THIS=20
COMPILATION, AND THE FINAL ALBUM)<BR> WILL CERTAINLY =
LIVE ON -=20
YOU COULDN'T DREAM UP A MORE TELLING<BR> PARABLE AT =
THIS STAGE=20
IN THE HISTORY OF THE MUSIC BUSINESS DETAILING<BR> =
EXACTLY WHY=20
GREAT BANDS SHOULD NEVER SIGN TO MAJOR LABELS. =
STILL,<BR> =20
HAVING SAID ALL THAT, THIS CD CONTAINS "INNER MEET ME",=20
"SHE'S<BR> THE ONE" AND "NEEDLES IN MY EYES", AND IN =
SOME=20
RESPECTS, THAT'S<BR> ALL YOU NEED TO =
KNOW.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> BRIAN ENO - ANOTHER GREEN WORLD (REMASTER) - =
VIRGIN -=20
CD (ENOCD3)<BR> ONE OF A SERIES OF ESSENTIAL BRIAN ENO =
CATALOGUE REMASTERS (IN<BR> SPECIAL PACKAGING). =
CLASSIC ALBUM,=20
THIS - STILL CONSIDERED ONE<BR> OF HIS FINEST WORKS. =
ROBERT=20
FRIPP AND JOHN CALE ARE AMONGST THE<BR> PLAYERS =
INVOLVED. MORE=20
ELECTRONIC AND EXPERIMENTAL THAN IT'S PREDECESSOR<BR> =
BUT WITH=20
A DEFINITE PASTORAL / FOLK-ISH FEEL. CONTAINS THE =
SEMINAL<BR> =20
TITLE TRACK BEST KNOWN AS THE THEME FROM THE BBC'S "ARENA"=20
TV<BR> SERIES.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> BRIAN ENO - HERE COME THE WARM JETS =
(REMASTER) - VIRGIN=20
- CD (ENOCD1)<BR> ONE OF A SERIES OF ESSENTIAL BRIAN =
ENO=20
CATALOGUE REMASTERS (IN<BR> SPECIAL PACKAGING). HIGHLY =
INFLUENTIAL (HEY, WHAT DID ENO DO IN<BR> THE SEVENTIES =
THAT=20
WASN'T?) DEBUT SOLO LP (UNLESS I'M VERY MUCH<BR> =
MISTAKEN)=20
FROM 1973, FRESH OUT OF ROXY MUSIC. LINE-UP =
INCLUDES<BR> =20
ROBERT FRIPP, CHRIS SPEDDING AND PHIL MANZANERA.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> CIRCLE - RAUNIO - SQUEALER - CD=20
(SQLREV004)<BR> =20
OMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM=
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM...........=
.....................</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> IVOR CUTLER - JAMMY SMEARS - VIRGIN - CD=20
(CDV2065)<BR> WONDERFUL ALBUM FROM 1976, SHOWCASING =
THE UNIQUE=20
GENIUS OF IVOR<BR> CUTLER AT ITS GLORIOUS BEST. ANYONE =
THAT=20
LISTENED TO JOHN PEEL<BR> REGULARLY FROM THE SEVENTIES =
RIGHT=20
THROUGH TO THE LATE NINETIES<BR> WILL HAVE HEARD IVOR =
IN=20
SESSION - I THINK I'M RIGHT IN SAYING<BR> HE RECORDED =
EVEN=20
MORE PEEL SESSIONS THAN THE FALL! A COMPLETE<BR> =
ONE-OFF, OUR=20
IVOR - EVERYONE SHOULD OWN AT LEAST ONE ALBUM BY<BR> =
HIM (I=20
OWN ABOUT SIX!).</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> RICHARD HAWLEY - COLES CORNER - MUTE - CD=20
(CDSTUMM251)<BR> Wow, just how great is Richard =
Hawley? Four=20
albums in and he's<BR> sounding even better than ever. =
Scott=20
Walker has described his<BR> voice as "one of the =
all-time=20
greats", which redefines the expression<BR> "Praise =
indeed" in=20
my book! If you're a Scott fan, like me, this<BR> =
should be=20
right up your street - lush, romantic, =
string-driven<BR> =20
country pop that equally owes to debt to the likes of Roy=20
Orbison,<BR> Johnny Cash and Gene Pitney. In short, =
eleven=20
simply beautiful<BR> songs - what Richard does best.=20
Wonderful, and fully deserving<BR> of massive=20
success.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - AMERICAN PRIMITIVE VOLUME 2 - =
REVENANT - 2xCD=20
(RVN214)<BR> Going even further back into the archives =
of=20
American Folk Music,<BR> this second volume covers =
1897 to=20
1939 - although to be accurate<BR> most of the =
material comes=20
from the late 20s and 30s. As it says<BR> on the cover =
this=20
has artists who "emerged from their anonymous<BR> =
dark, made=20
78 recordings, and were promptly swallowed up by =
darkness<BR> =20
again. This is another superb selection of depression folk=20
and<BR> hillbilly blues to touch your soul with it's=20
simplicity and honesty.<BR> =
Recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - AMERICAN PRIMITIVE VOLUME 1 - =
REVENANT - CD=20
(REV206CD)<BR> COMPILED BY GAYLE DEAN WARDLOW AND JOHN =
FAHEY,=20
THIS IS A FABULOUS<BR> SELECTION OF RAW PRE-WAR GOSPEL =
MUSIC.=20
FEATURING THE KNOWN AND<BR> UNKNOWN ALIKE, THIS IS "77 =
MINUTES=20
OF GUT-BUCKET GOSPEL". HIGHLY<BR> RECOMMENDED (AS IS=20
EVERYTHING ON THIS FANTASTIC LABEL). </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2><STRONG>Restocks (CD): Funk / Jazz /=20
Soul</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> BOBBI HUMPHREY - SATIN DOLL - BLUE NOTE - CD=20
(7002)<BR> SUPERB LP FROM THIS HIGHLY TALENTED =
FLAUTIST. 2=20
AWESOME, EMOTIVE<BR> TRACKS THAT STAND OUT FOR ME ARE =
NEW YORK=20
TIMES & SAN FRANSISCO<BR> LIGHTS. BEAUTIFUL, WELL =
SAMPLED=20
MUSIC. HAVE A LISTEN.....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> BOBBI HUMPHREY - BLACKS AND BLUES - BLUE NOTE =
- CD=20
(4985422)<BR> WICKED FLUTE LEAD JAZZ FUNK WITH THE =
GREAT TITLE=20
TRACK AS WELL<BR> AS HARLEM RIVER DRIVE - CHECK OUT =
THIS=20
CLASSIC, REMASTERED PIECE<BR> OF BLUE NOTE HISTORY =
FROM=20
1973........</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> JOHN CAMERON - PSYCHOMANIA - TRUNK - CD=20
(JBH002CD)<BR> THE LITTLE KNOWN SOUNDTRACK TO THE 1972 =
BRIT=20
FILM PSYCHOMANIA<BR> IS AN INTRIGUING PIECE OF WORK. =
BASICALLY=20
THE SOUNDTRACK WAS WRITTEN<BR> BY JOHN CAMERON (OF KES =
FAME)=20
AND PERFORMED BY FROG WHICH WAS<BR> A COLLECTIVE OF =
WELL KNOWN=20
BRITIAH JAZZ MUSICIANS (ASK STEVE,<BR> HE'LL PROBABLY =
BE ABLE=20
TO TELL YOU WHO THEY WERE) DOING MUTATED,<BR> DARK AND =
BROODING PSYCHEDELIC FUNK. TRULY UNUSUAL AND =
EXTREMELY<BR> =20
SATISFYING. RECOMMENDED.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> KON & AMIR - ON TRACK VOL 4 - ON TRACK - =
CD=20
(AA004CD)<BR> AMAZING SELECTION OF BEATS CUT IN ONE =
AFTER THE=20
OTHER, THINK OF<BR> THE BEST ELEMENTS OF DUSTY FINGERS =
CUT IN=20
ONE AFTER THE OTHER<BR> BUT FROM THE ORIGINAL =
RELEASES. SO=20
MUCH GOOD MUSIC ITS SCARY!!!!!!!!!<BR> NAME EVERY =
TRACK AND=20
WELL PASS OUT!!! </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> MIKE TAYLOR - TRIO - UNIVERSAL - CD=20
(9866894)<BR> SUPERB TRIO CD HERE WHICH IS PART OF THE =
IMPRESSED REPRESSED CATALOG.<BR> HAILING FROM 1967 AND =
FEATURING RON RUBIN & JACK BRUCE (YES, HE<BR> OF =
CREAM=20
FAME!) ON BASS AND JOHN HISEMAN ON DRUMS. SOME =
WONDERFUL<BR> =20
DARK MOMENTS HERE. JAZZ TO BE PLAYED WHEN ALONE, IN THE=20
SHADOWS<BR> AND A LITTLE WORLD WEARY. I WISH I COULD =
AFFORD=20
(LET ALONE FIND)<BR> A COPY OF THE ORIGINAL ON VINYL =
AS THIS=20
IS ONE OF THE BEST BRITISH<BR> THINGS THAT I'VE HEARD =
IN A=20
LONG TIME. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED......</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> MINNIE RIPERTON - LES FLEURS: THE MINNIE =
RIPERTON=20
ANTHOLOGY - STATESIDE - CD (5351272)<BR> 15 TRACKS =
FROM ONE OF=20
THE GREATEST SOUL SINGERS TO HAVE GRACED<BR> THIS =
PLANET.=20
SPANNING HER SOLO CAREER AND SOMETHING FROM ALL =
HER<BR> LPS,=20
THIS IS AN ESSENTIAL SELECTION FOR THE THOSE NOT =
FAMILIAR<BR> =20
WITH HER WORK. GREAT PRODUCTION FROM RICHARD EVENS AND=20
STEVIE<BR> WONDER. FOR THE HIP HOP HEADS THERE ARE =
ALSO SOME=20
WELL-SAMPLED<BR> MOMENTS HERE. A HIGHLY RECOMENDED=20
CD!!!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - STATESIDE SAMPLED - STATESIDE - CD=20
(5809762)<BR> THE GREAT BUT NOW DEFUNCT STATESIDE =
LABEL HAD=20
SOME FANTASTIC RELEASES<BR> THROUGHOUT THE 60'S & =
70'S.=20
GATHERED HERE ARE SOME OF THE MOST<BR> SAMPLED CUTS =
FROM THIER=20
VAULTS. SOME VERY WELL KNOWN SAMPLES FROM<BR> THE =
LIKES OF=20
JIMMY BO HORNE, MIAMI, THREE DEGREES. AS WELL AS<BR> =
SOME MORE=20
OBSCURE SAMPLES USED BY SOME UNDERGROUND HIP HOP =
ARTISTS,<BR> =20
GWEN MCRAE, MONK HIGGINS, NAT ADDERLEY, CLASSICS IV. GREAT=20
COMP,<BR> HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.......</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - BLUE BREAK BEATS - BLUE NOTE - CD=20
(991061)<BR> SUPERB SELECTION FROM THE BLUENOTE =
CATALOGUE. A=20
MIX OF FUNKY JAZZ<BR> CUTS AND SOME MORE STRAIGHT =
AHEAD=20
SOUNDING ONES. FROM SUCH HUGE<BR> ARTISTS AS GRANT =
GREEN,=20
RONNIE FOSTER, LOU DONALDSON, HERBIE HANCOCK,<BR> =
DONALD BYRD=20
AND MANY MORE. HAVE A LISTEN.....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> ZZEBRA - TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT - DISCONFORME - =
CD=20
(DISC1956CD)<BR> THERE THIRD AND UP TO NOW UNRELEASED =
LP....=20
SAMPLE FREINDLY JAZZROCK<BR> IS THE ORDER OF THE DAY =
HERE,=20
LOTS OF LOVELY GUITAR AND FENDERS<BR> LAID OVER SOME =
HARD=20
ROCKISH RHYTHMS.......JUST HOW WE LIKE IT!!!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2><STRONG>New Releases (CD): =
Experimental</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> NELS CLINE / WALLY SHOUP / CHRIS CORSANO - =
IMMOLATION /=20
IMMERSION - STRANGE ATTRACTORS - CD (SAAH039CD)<BR> =
Fast,=20
furious, fire-breathing modern improv jazz from =
guitarist<BR> =20
Nels Cline, saxophonist Wally Shoup and percussionist Chris=20
Corsano.<BR> Relentless as it gets - come and have a =
go if you=20
think you're<BR> hard enough. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> TONY CONRAD WITH FAUST - OUTSIDE THE DREAM =
SYNDICATE=20
ALIVE - TABLE OF ELEMENTS - CD (TOECD48)<BR> =
Originally=20
recorded in 1972, Tony Conrad's groundbreaking and<BR> =
notorious collaboration with Faust was finally transferred=20
to<BR> the stage in 1995. Recorded live at London's =
Queen=20
Elizabeth Hall,<BR> this version makes the original =
almost=20
sound tame in comparison!<BR> An incredibly visceral =
and=20
menacing interpretation which included<BR> the =
sledgehammering=20
of bricks, a somewhat antagonised audience,<BR> broken =
strings=20
and some considerable blood loss by one band =
member,<BR> by=20
all accounts. Extreme is not the word. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV></BODY></HTML>
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