[Smallfish-releases-text] Smallfish Mailout 28/07/05
justusfish
justusfish@smallfish.co.uk
Thu, 28 Jul 2005 15:00:02 +0100
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Smallfish Mailout 28/07/05
Hi there everyone and many peaceful greetings from all at Smallfish
Considering I had to do a mailout extra last week because of the sheer =
amount of new things that came in after the official mailout earlier in =
the week, I decided to hold back a few days this week because I knew =
there were some really nice things coming in. I won't make a habit of it =
, mind you, and it'll be back to normal next week. Actually it was a bit =
of a freaky week all round, but that's a different matter...
So, things to mention this week include:
Fenton - Pup - Plop [PLIP-3014] - CD
This CD is something I've been waiting for for a few months after =
hearing early reports about it. Simply put this is one of those =
electronic / organic pieces of work that has me struggling to find the =
sort of superlatives that do it justice. Fenton is, in fact, Dan Abrams =
aka Shuttle358 and with this album he has moved onto the logical =
conclusion of where 'Chessa' on 12k left off. If you listen to both =
albums back to back they make the most perfect pairing. As his skills =
are already without question I'll just say that hearing a guitar being =
played and manipulated so beautifully is genuinely heartwarming and =
enchanting. Melodies? Plenty. Atmopshere? Loads. Warmth and depth? By =
the bucketload! If you love electronica with an acoustic edge you've got =
to check this out! Be quick though... that's my advice. (quick, stop, =
I'm in danger of gushing too much!)
Experiment in lower-case type on the website
We think that changing the way we write things from capital letters to =
normal, human writing has been something of a success. Thanks to the =
people who mailed us with feedback... always an invaluable thing to get. =
The website looks better for it, it certainly reads better and we think =
that you're probably thinking that too. It's a winner.
Ezekiel Honig and Morgan Packard - Early Morning Migration - Microcosm =
Music - CD
This one's a real treat! Ezekial Honig's Microcosm Music has been =
putting out some extremely good low-key Techno / Electronica records for =
a couple of years and, so far, they've been more based around the idea =
of subtle, incredibly deep 4/4 sounds or scrunchy off-kilter gear from =
the likes of Someone Else and Miskate (as well as Ezekiel himself, of =
course). This new CD only release really adds a new depth to the sound =
with a wonderful pairing of artist who absolutely understand how to =
write sculptural, beautiful Electronica. They each bring their own twist =
to the sounds on offer but both have an undeniable knack of delivering =
melody as well as seemingly complex soundscapes along with a very sublte =
rhythmic quality. Check this out to see what I mean and, as an aside, =
you may want to check out Ezekiel's earlier album 'People, Places and =
Things' because that is also extremely good. Fabulous work.
Blue / XXC3 / Temple / Electro Bunker Cologne
You may have noticed some of these release lurking on the website this =
week and it's worth mentioning that there will be restocks of most of =
them coming back in (except, sadly, the H.E.A.D. 'EFS' LP) plus =
(excitement builds up in Mike's immediate vicinity!) loads of Harvest =
release from the mid to late '90's. The one thing that links all of =
these releases is the fact they are pretty much all Air Liquide related. =
For me that's exciting enough in itself, but when you consider how =
difficult they were to get originally in this country it makes it all =
the more special that these are original copies! Common themes are 1) =
Acid 2) Dub 3) Minimal Techno 4) More Acid... The way all of these guys =
(Khan, Kerosene, Dr. Walker, Jammin' Unit etc.) put their sounds =
together and worked in different pairings and combinations still does it =
for me. These records are a little slice of history, Techno-wise, and =
most of them are still brilliant. Investigate forthwith...
Mailout Extra
I did a little 'Mailout Extra' last week (as I mentioned at the =
beginning) and found that it proved very helpful to a lot of people. So, =
from now on I'll be doing more regular updates of restocks and items of =
interest and if you think that's a good thing, let me know. As always, =
your feedback is much appreciated.
That brings me to the end of this weeks mailout so I shall bid you a =
fond farewell and a safe weekend.
Take good care.
Peace.
The Fish.
Smallfish Records | 329 Old Street | London | EC1V 9LE | +44 [0] 20 7739 =
2252 | www.smallfish.co.uk
New Releases (Vinyl): Electronica
AIR LIQUIDE - @ THE CLUB - THE REMIXES - BLUE - 12" (BLUE2-01)
3 wonderful tracks from the lords of Acid. This was the first
release on the reborn Blue label and it sees the Air Liquide guys
tweaking the 303s and providing some tough Techno grooves in a
live stylee. This are seriously limited as they're original copies
so don't hang around!
BROADWAY PROJECT - AUTUMN BREAKS EP - MEMPHIS INDUSTRIES - 12" =
(MI036T)
I think this is one from last year we missed. Four track EP, kinda
Ulrich Schnauss meets Blue States meets Four Tet meets Murcof
meets DJ Shadow on Ninja Tune... and if you don't like any of
those, what the heck are you doing here?!? Sweeeeeeeet....=20
DJ SWAMP - INSTRUMENTS OF TORTURE - DECADENT - 12" (DEC-038)
This is an album - but it is only single vinyl (bucking the Drum
and Bass trend of having one piece of vinyl for every two tracks)
and has seven tracks. For the most part this is straight up Drum
and Bass - nothing too fierce and nothing too noodlie. =20
DMX KREW - MANY WORLDS - REPHLEX - LP (CAT175LP)
A surprisingly non-electro based 9-track LP from DMX, subtitled
"The Collapse Of The Wave Function Volume 4". Straightforward,
often downtempo electronic loops and simple melodies combine in
this almost "Analord-stripped-bare" project, kinda reminiscent
at times of Kraftwerk (one track sounds like it could break into
"Showroom Dummies" at any minute!). Will no doubt fly out. Released
Monday 1st August although we can send it mailorder to arrive
on Monday.=20
DMX KREW - THE TRANSACTIONAL INTERPRETATION - REPHLEX - LP (CAT176LP)
Two equally intriguing LP's in one week from DMX it is, then.
Again, this is really pure electronica, utilising stark loops
and simplistic melodies in an "Analord-stripped-bare" style. =
Seemingly
(again) very Kraftwerk inspired (one track was almost "It's More
Fun To Compute", another has curiously Eno-esque vocals!). =
Definitely
one the Rephlex heads will snap up. Released Monday 1st August
although we can send it mailorder to arrive on Monday. =20
ELLIOT LIPP - ELLIOT LIPP - EASTERN DEVELOPMENTS - LP (EDM011LP)
Beats, sountrack influenced instrumentals, samples galore. A very
'Eastern Developements' type of album from young Mr Lipp. =
Pleasureable
enough and almost, although thankfully not quite, coffetable.
Get yer luggs round some Lipps.............
EXPERIMENTAL AUDIO RESEARCH - WORN TO A SHADOW - LUMBERTON TRADING =
COMPANY - LP (LUMB001LP)
Four tracks translates into over 50 minutes of music. they really
do do what their name suggests - this is truely experimental audio;
often rather beautful, often dark and foreboding, and often sounding
like something that might belong in a "new-age" setting (appropriate
picture disc too!). It works though, and although you might get
into transcendental meditation in passing it is actually very
listenable (and you probably need to chill out and calm down =
anyway!).
EXPOSURES, THE - LOST RECORDINGS 2000 - 2004 - EASTERN DEVELOPMENTS - =
LP (EDM12LP)
Compilation LP of this criminally underated trio from Berlin.
These guys have been writing music for film & television since
the 1980's. This is a rare collection of work that the trio composed
under the influence of fellow German, digital/sampling artist
Jan Jelinek. This really is a tremendous collection of modern
electronica and very worthy of you attention. Thankyou Eastern
Developements for unearthing this treasure for us............
GREENSPACE - GREENSPACE - SPACE BADGER - LP (BADGERLP001)
This is a lovely album of dreamy post-rock and sweetly mournful
female vocals. Very summery and soporiphic.
H.E.A.D. - EFS - BLUE - 2xLP (BLUE008)
There aren't many words that would describe just how much I love
this album. Hailing from the good old days of Air Liquide's Blue
label, this splendid marbled vinyl, double pack is quite simply
wonderful. Created by the potent pairing of Khan and Kerosene,
the main idea behind all the tracks is ACID... plus a bit of mid
'90's electronic weirdness. 'EFS 8' is still one of the best Acid
tracks I've ever heard and features possible the most tweaky 303
line of all time. It's ambient, it's trancey, it's strangely =
hippyish,
it's Techno and it's just plain awesome. Get it quickly because
we only have a few copies of it.
INCITE - MINIMAL LISTENING - INCITE - 7" (?1)
Currently touring the UK, Incite are a Hamburg-based male/female
experimental electronics duo that should appeal to fans of Raster
Noton, 12k / Line, and all things minimal, abstract and slightly
challenging. At first both sides appear to be a confused, frenzied
mess of atonal glitch, distortion and tones until more rhythmic
qualities reveal themselves. Compelling and unusual, this should
be investigated.=20
JAMMIN' UNIT - REMOTE CAR BABE - TEMPLE - 10" (TEMPLE004)
I must admit that I don't remember this from when it first came
out so it's very pleasing to find that this slightly off colour
clear vinyl 10" is a classic slab of Air Liquide styled acidic
Electronica / Techno with all the hallmarks of that mid '90's
sound I love so much. Get in there with this as I have a sneaking
suspicion that it's not going to last that long!
KHAN - EAR GOGGLES / B-MEN - XXC3 - 10" (XXC3/401)
More absolutely classic goodness from the Air Liquide related
XXC3 label from back in '94. Khan delivers two heavily Acid inspired
tracks in a minimal style with a breakbeat flava on one side and
4/4's on the other. 10", blue vinyl, highly collectable for those
in the know... get it now before it disappears for good!
KHAN + WALKER - EMPIRE STATE BUILDING - XXC3 - 12" (XXC3/801)
Fabulous looking yellow vinyl 12" on the Air Liquide related XXC3
label. Khan and Walker deliver two long and involved tracks of
beautifully ambient Acid Electronica. Loads of dubbiness and =
gorgeous
analogue sequences which keep on wibbling away throughout both
sides. The 303 lines are muted, subtle and very, very groovy in
a sort of G.E.N. kind of style. Wicked stuff from 1995 that isn'g
going to hang around for very long at all.
MODESTY - MINDFLY - XXC3 - 12" (XXC3/301)
Once again I'm delighted to present one of my favourite records
of all time. I hammered this so much that my copy barely plays
any more. The A-side is a deeply emotive ambient track with a
gorgeous, divinely atmospheric analogue line which builds and
builds throughout and then is joined by the sweetest flute / pan
pipe line. Sounds odd bu it's genuinely beautiful. The flip is
host to a more minimalistic Techno sound with some absolutely
deep as hell sounds and claatering 909 percussion. the other track
is more of a Black Dog inspired slice of Electronica. Simply =
brilliant
and still sounding amazing after 10 years. Highly, highly =
recommended
indeed.
PIERROT PREMIERE - PAIN-KILLER PILOT PLANT - XXC3 - 10" (XXC3/701)
Aah. Pierrot Premiere. Air Liquide's Walker and Thomas Thorn combine
to deliver the kind of smashing minimalistic, acidic and slightly
dubby grooves that were the signature of these guys back in the
mid '90's. These are original copies on Blue vinyl and, as such,
should be treated as extremely rare. Snap them up and don't delay!
SIA - BREATHE ME / NUMB (ULRICH SCHNAUSS / LEILA MIXES) - UNKNOWN - =
10" (10GOB60)
I haven't got a scooby who Sia is, but i do know who Ulrich Schnauss
and Leila are, and i'm sure you do too. Ulrich pretty much does
exactly what you'd expect but it's still very pleasant, if a bit
"Big Chill" (would be much better as an instrumental, imo). Leila
gets her old skool synths out resulting in a mix that tries to
be a bit Curve / Cocteaus but ends up more Moloko / Massive Attack
(again, ditch the vocals!). Could be collectable, though, who
knows?=20
TRIPLE R + WALKER - AUFRAEUMEN! - XXC3 - 10" (XXC3/601)
Could this be the very first appearance on vinyl of Trapez / Traum
boss Triple R? Here, he teams up with Air Liquide's Walker for
a slice of deep, minimalistic Techno with that distinctive '90's
twist. Slightly dubby, lightly acidic and considerably brilliant.
This 10" EP is one of those sought after pieces that you'll want
to snap up immediately. Don't miss out.
VARIOUS - WHITE COCK 1 - COCK ROCK DISCO - 12" (COCK1-12)
Heeeere we go!!! Five thunderous bangers from the likes of =
Knifehandchop,
Jason Forrest, Xanopticon and Duran Duran Duran. Like Planet Mu
on speed, like a possessed hoover making love to Fugazi at 45rpm,
like the Beatles...... =20
.........No, nothing at all like the Beatles. This marvellous
release comes with free stickers and a 'Disturb Yer Nan' poster.
You know you always get value with the Cock!!!
X911 - OXYGEN - ELECTRO BUNKER COLOGNE - 11" (EBC005)
Electro Bunker Cologne never released that many records but, for
fans of the Air Liquide empire's output, they were pretty much
essential. Using a similar approach to Pharma mixed with XXC3
you get an analogue / Acid hybrid that's both funky and yet =
incredibly
obscure. Fabulous material that has sttod the test of time (if,
like me, you were into that sound) and is pretty hard to get hold
of these days. These are original copies so make sure you don't
miss out.
YUNX - IN THE HEART OF THE NIGHT - A.I. - 2xLP (AI013LP)
OK, so the title sounds like something in the vein of Berlin's
"take my breath away", but be assured this is nothing like that.
The cover shows, I presume, a Japanese skyscape, with "Yunx"
subtlely embossed through the streetlight. Open it up and you'll
find a double pack of eclectic music. From melodic and sci-fi
influenced electronics, often wearing the heavy boots of melancholy,
and easily mistakable for the likes of Plaid; to jazz laden and
loungey beat tracks; to more perky electronics that have a leaning
to toe tapping and head nodding - kind of relaxed techno. Very
nice...
Restocks (Vinyl): Electronica
APHEX TWIN - REMIXES 1 - UNKNOWN - 2xLP (ATW01)
WELL, WELL. A SELECTION OF REMIXES BY A CERTAIN APHEX TWIN. SEEMS
A BIT LIKE THE 26 MIXES FOR CASH COMPILATION BUT, TO BE FAIR,
YOU CAN'T KNOCK A VINYL VERSION THAT INCLUDES HIS STAGGERINGLY
COOL VERSIONS OF ST ETIENNE, NAV KATZE, SEEFEEL, CURVE, BABY FORD,
MEAT BEAT MANIFESTO, THE GENTLE PEOPLE AND THE BEATNIKS. PLUS
YOU GET THE ACID EDIT OF WINDOWLICKER AS WELL. STORMING STUFF
THAT IT WOULD PROBABLY BE FOOLISH TO MISS!
AROVANE - LILIES - CITY CENTRE OFFICES - LP (TOWERBLOCK020)
THIS ALBUM REALLY DOESN'T NEED ANY INTRODUCTION, I'M SURE. AROVANE'S
THIRD LONG PLAYER AND HIS SECOND FOR C.C.O. IS A GENUINE BEAUTY
THAT MANAGES TO CAPTURE THE ESSENCE OF 'TIDES' ALONG WITH HINTS
OF THE DARKER, MORE ELECTRONIC 'ATOL SCRAP'. SUCCESSFULLY MELDING
THESE TWO IDEAS TOGETHER AND ADDING LUSCIOUS LAYERS OF MELODY
WITH HARP, HARPSICHORD AND PIANOS PAYS OFF AND THE OVERALL FEEL
OF THE ALBUM IS ONE OF SOOTHING PURITY. SIMPLY PUT, YOU NEED THIS
ALBUM IF YOU HAVE ANY INTEREST IN ELECTRONICA. ESSENTIAL.
BASIL KIRCHIN - QUANTUM - TRUNK - LP (JBH003LP)
I'VE PUT THIS IN THE ELECTRONIC SECTION, BUT IT REALLY BELONGS
IN A "REALLY DERANGED AND MENTAL" SECTION - SADLY WE DON'T HAVE
ONE. PRODUCED BY BASIL KIRCHIN WITH ASSISTANCE FROM HIS WIFE,
EVAN PARKER, A TAPE MACHINE SOME AUTISTIC CHILDREN AND MANY MORE.
IT WILL INITIALLY WOO YOU WITH RATHER BEAUTIFUL SOUNDSCAPEY =
MATERIAL,
HYPNOTIC AND SOOTHING. BE PREPARED FOR FREEFORMED JAZZ COMING
AT YOU WITH NO HOLDS BARRED. THINGS CONTINUE IN THIS VEIN OF
THINGS OVER TWO LONG AND COMPELLING TRACKS. HIGHLY ODD, HIGHLY
RECOMMENDED.
KSCHZT - THE EARTH'S HUM - BLASE - LP (BLA007)
Coming from the man that brought us the wonderful MD albums on
Merck as well as the superb previous single on Blase, it's no
surprise to find that Jakko's almost unpronouncable Kschzt full
length is a beauty. Mixing up a whole slew of electronic styles
from pacey electronica to Detroit influenced Tech sounds via some
wonderfully abstract moments and quality breakbeat based tracks,
this is a joy from beginning to end and features some incredibly
detailed programming and production that really fits the overall
feel. Mature, engaging and interesting throughout, this is yet
another string in Blase's bow and a super moment for Kschzt. =
Definitely
recommended.
MAPS AND DIAGRAMS - TACTILE LOVE EP - ARABLE - 12" (ARABLE3)
ROBIN 'ISAN' SAVILLE'S ARABLE LABEL IS ONLY THREE RELEASES OLD
AND YET THE QUALITY OF THOSE RELEASES TELLS YOU ALL YOU NEED TO
KNOW. SO FAR PSAPP AND FLOTEL HAVE PROVIDED SUPER DEEP, SUPER
BEAUTIFUL ELECTRONIC MOMENTS AND NOW IT'S THE TURN OF MAPS + =
DIAGRAMS.
EIGHT TRACKS TAKING THE FORM OF FOUR MAIN TRACKS AND FOUR SHORTER
INTERLUDE PIECES. EVERY SINGLE MOMENT ON THIS EP IS A JOY WITH
A DELICATELY PUT TOGETHER SELECTION OF MELODIC ELECTRONICS PAR
EXCELLENCE. SUBTLE RHYTHMIC SHIFTS, BEATLESS MOMENTS OF PURE AMBIENT
PLEASURE... THE LIST GOES ON. A TREMENDOUS PIECE OF WORK THAT
COMES HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
MARSEN JULES - HERBSTLAUB - CITY CENTRE OFFICES - LP (TOWERBLOCK023)
I WONDERED HOW LONG IT WOULD BE BEFORE SOMEONE PICKED UP MARTIN
JUHLS MOST WONDERFUL MUSIC UNDER THE MARSEN JULES PSEUDONYM. AFTER
A SERIES OF AMAZING RELEASES FOR SEVERAL INTERNET LABELS (AS BOTH
MARSEN JULES AND KRILL.MINIMA) CITY CENTRE OFFICES HAVE SEEN FIT
TO RELEASE THIS STAGGERINGLY BEAUTIFUL ALBUM. DIFFICULT TO CLASSIFY
MUSICALLY, IT IS A BLEND OF THE FINEST SCULPTURAL ELECTRONICA
MIXED WITH AN OVERTLY CLASSICAL, CHAMBER MUSIC SOUND. TO SIMPLY
DESCRIBE IT AS 'CLASSICAL GAS' IS TO DO IT A SEVERE INJUSTICE.
THIS IS ORIGINAL MUSIC, LOVINGLY CREATED AND BEAUTIFULLY PRODUCED
THAT'S EXPANSIVE, ENGAGING AND JUST PLAIN WONDERFUL. ALBUM OF
THE WEEK, MONTH AND PROBABLY YEAR. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
New Releases (Vinyl): Techno / Electro
ALEXANDER EAST - BEGINNING WEEKEND - RAUM MUSIK - 12" (MUSIK048)
Raum on form here again with this slamming release from Alexander
East. What it does, it does so well that it's very hard to resist
the minimalistic, almost old-school feel that you get from this.
Phat 4/4 beats and reduced sounds that have this punctuating bleepy
noise to accentuate the grooves. A very, very good release for
those seeking some pure dancefloor pleasure with absolutely no
cheese whatsoever. Wicked.
ARGY - LOVE DOSE - POKER FLAT - 12" (PFR60)
Bleepy, funky, crisply produced Tech sounds here from the label
that can. Both originals are really very good but the real highlight
(for most people, anyway) is the Luciano remix. A superb reduction
of the original mix that keeps the bleeps and gives them a punchier,
more groove based sound as well as offering a stunning arrangement
that's just made for the floor. Brilliant stuff.
BEN MONO FEAT. SIRIUS MO - PROTECTION - COMPOST - 12" (COMPOST172)
Those cheeky scamps at Compost decide to release an electro /
house / pop record that's a bit West London Mate Innit. Be excited.
Thankfully, it's not *that* "Protection"! Pure dancefloor fodder.
=20
CHELO SCOTTI - TIEMPO - L'AGE DOR - 12" (LADO17116)
Four loosely techno tracks - all with vocals. From really bizarre
and coomercial sounding poppy techno, to almost electronica, via
cheesy electro-pop. Will fit somewhere in an ironic or retro
set, but where exactly is anybody's guess!
CLARO INTELECTO - LACAN / EPISODE - MODERN LOVE - 12" (LOVE015)
I haven't even heard this yet and unfortunately even though we
were promised 50 copies we've actually only got 25 so it's 1 only
per person and you'd be better be bloody quick about it. I'm sure
it's probably quite good so I'll dispense with the pleasantries
and say: DO NOT HANG AROUND! (I'll rewrite this once I've heard
it)
CLOR - CLOR - REGAL - 2xLP (REG122)
Quirky eighties electro pop that's kinda like a much more palettable
Fischerspooner. Clor could almost be some kind of Jeff =
Goldblum-created
genetic hybrid of Bis and Gary Numan, with a bit of DFA thrown
in for extra cred! Now where did i put that teleporter...? A very
attractive gatefold double-vinyl package, it has to be said.=20
DAGOBERT - ON THE RUN - DOMINANCE ELECTRICITY - 12" (DR-016.003)
Early-ish Dominance EP that features some stormingly good electro
grooves. Pure and synthy on one side with a smashing mix by =
Sbassship
on the flip which ups the pace and heaviness to a large degree.
Proper good sounds which no Electro-head should be without.
DAKAR & GRINSER - 25 REPTILE - DISKO B - 12" (DB133)
Dakar & Grinser - tank top wearing dog lovers - return with three
tracks of electro techno. The main track is complete with vocals
and has "electro-pop" tagged all over it. The flip is more stripped
back (mixes from Pink Elln and You We Are): toughter and less
cheesy and has some good stabby sounds that make it rather good.
=20
DAVE MILLER - MITCHELLS RACCOLTA - BACKGROUND - 2xLP (BG045)
Firstly, apologies to both Dave Miller and our customers for the
lengthy delay on us getting this in so late. There are no excuses
I'm afraid. so I shall continue on with the review. Dave's earlier
work on Background was slowly but surely moving into more textural
territory. The glitched-out funk of his 12"s was firmly in the
Techno camp but always with a lighter and more sculptural feel.
This album takes that approach to a new level with its wonderfully
deep chords and sounds coupled with a jazzy lick (in a Scape-ish
sort of way) to some of the beautifully intricate percussion.
There are some more groove based tracks as well to counterpoint
the more downbeat moments and as a whole it's an extremely well
thought out and put together piece of work. Warm, atmopsheric
and highly recommended.=20
DB - TROON EP - BACKGROUND - 12" (BG044)
Cracking selection of tracks from DB which features a mix from
label owner and Sound Variation head honcho Andy Vaz. DB's cuts
are minimalistic Techno in the finest tradition of this brilliant
label with super chord sounds that meander over the subtle, =
shuffling
beats in the best way. Funky? Yup. Atmospheric? Yup. Andy's mix
is slightly more reduced and has that bleepy sort of sound that
the Sound Variations are famous for. A well rounded and extremely
splendid record. Recommended.
DJ ALI - YOU AND I - RESCUE - 12" (RR13)
Two tracks of top drawer, straight-up tech house (that's the =
non-Mike
definition of tech house, there) that will do some dancefloor
damage, for sure. Not a million miles from Wighnomy Brothers,
with some tough beats and cleverly twisted vocals.=20
DOMINATRIX - THE DOMINATRIX SLEEPS TONIGHT - GIGOLO - 12" (GIGOLO111)
Now this is a classic from Gigolo, released in 2003 but originally
dating from 1984. Hell covered this track back in 1998, when he
was good, for his groundbreaking 'Munich Machine' LP but you can't
"beat" the original (get it?!). Comes complete with new mixes
from Black Strobe and Terranova, too....=20
DUPLEX 100 - BIG SHOT - TREIBSTOFF - 12" (TREIBSTOFF54)
Big and bouncy and strangely electro sounding on the A-side, Phil
Stumpf and Sam Rouanet deliver some top notch Techno grooves here
with a nicely funky House twist. Very stringy and very much based
on the idea of melody they concoct a very convincing sound that
fits with Treibstoff exactly but has, possibly, a slightly lighter
sound than some of the other releases. Whatever, it's a great
one and definitely worth having a listen to.
ENVOY - MOVE ON - SOMA - 12" (SOMA152)
This Ewan Pearson production (with Craig Armstrong on string duties)
really doesn't amount to any more than a poor (make that destitute)
man's New Order (the lyrics are even worse than Mr. Sumner's!).
Two mixes from Al Usher don't redeem things a great deal. Still,
if you're a Soma head you might be into this.=20
FAINT, THE / VARIOUS - DANCE MACABRE REMIXES - SADDLE CREEK - 3xLP =
(ASC83269)
A mixed bag of remixes, to put it mildly. Some half-decent, =
well-known
artists (Photek, Ursula 1000, Medicine, Jagz Kooner), some complete
unknowns (The Calculators, Tommie Sunshine, Mojolators), and some
far-too-well-known types best forgotten about (Paul Oakenfold,
Junior Sanchez) all contribute to this curious package, bizarrely
on the same label as Bright Eyes!=20
FELIX DA HOUSECAT - ROCKET RIDE - EMPEROR NORTON - 12" (ENR541)
Felix Da Housecat divides (or should that be 'da-vides') people,
but there's no arguing he gets the job done. This 12" features
two tracks from last year's "Devin Dazzle & The Neon Fever" album,
plus a Freeform 5 remix. Prime electro-house (as it's now commonly
known).=20
FRIVOLOUS - KEVORK MOTION EP - BACKGROUND - 12" (BG047)
Lovely, playful and scatty Techno sounds from Frivolous here.
Five tracks that have a similar style to his releases on Karloff
and, certainly, his earlier Background material. Possibly not
quite as stripped down and featuring a full and fruity set of
quirky sounds and some shuffling, groovy beats. Hits that balance
between Tech and House with a great deal of style. Recommended?
Yup, you bet.
HENRIK SCHWARZ - LEAVE MY HEAD ALONE BRAIN - SUNDAY MUSIC - 12" =
(SMR004)
Deep, deep techno / minimal house with that jazzy flava from Mr
H. Schwarz that's certainly up to his usual high standard. Quirky,
original, totally on the money. Should fly.=20
KHAN - SILENT MOVIE - ELECTRO BUNKER COLOGNE - 12" (EBC003)
Dirty, phat, Electro and Techno grooves on the sporadic, at best,
Electro Bunker Cologne label. Khan really gets on it here with
some funky-assed minimal grooves that, as we just discovered,
still have the power to move people. Limited when it came out
these are original copies and should be snapped up with all haste.
Superb.
LAWRENCE - THE NIGHT WILL LAST FOREVER REMIXES - LADOMAT 2000 - 12" =
(LADO2175)
I'm slightly concerned about the teaming up of Ladomat and Novamute
and their penchant for endlessly remixing things... particularly
Lawrence. So far, however, we're still in the realms of quality
and both the John Tejada and Lusine remixes are quite simply superb.
J.T. delivers a gnarly, bass driven mix with all of his funked-out,
skippy trademarks whilst Lusine opts for a flat, warm, yet =
atmospherically
moody version which is absolutely sopt on. Add to that a new and
exclusive track and you've got an indespensible release from one
of my favourite artists. Killer.
LE TIGRE - THIS ISLAND REMIXES VOL. 2 - CHICKS ON SPEED - 12" (COSR24)
More interesting than the first volume in as much as it has remixes
from Peaches, NDB (aka Elliot Taub and John Selway) and vocal
and instrumental mixes from (erk!) Junior Senior. In some ways,
it's a good job i'm very busy today.... Released Monday 1st August
although we can send it mailorder to arrive on Monday.=20
MOVING NINJA - SHELLCODE - TECTONIC - 12" (TEC002)
Dark yet stripped-bare grime, moody and cinematic with an excellent
line in percussive sounds. Well-produced, and certainly up there
with anything in this genre around at the moment. Fans of Vex'd
in particular should check this.=20
MUNK - MEIN SCHATZI - REMIXES - GOMMA - 12" (GOMMA-N)
Munk teams up with Princess Superstar and then gets the remix
treatment from Zongamin, Midnight Mike, Zongamin with Midnight
Mike and Hiltmeyer. Four tracks - two that are hybrid hip hop
/ electro pop that have an overal loud and in your face feel.
The other two are much more straight electro and quite good with
it... Sorry about the catalogue number but there just isn't one
anywhere to be found. It's bloody useless - I bet the people
who run Gomma have to have mittens attached to each other via
a piece of string going through the arms of their jackets - =
otherwise
they'de be bound to lose them...
PRODIGY, THE - GIRLS / MEMPHIS BELLS (PROMO) - XL - 12" (OHDEAR1)
Recent two-track promo... do i have any takers for these fallen
Essex idols? Come on, you cockney monkeys! If you've felt jilted
since '...Jilted Generation', you won't feel any less betrayed
by this, i'm afraid but hey, maybe you'll get lucky and sell it
on ebay for =A36.32 or summat...?=20
RANDOM FACTOR FEAT. GEORG LEVIN - MOVE ON - 20:20 VISION - 12" =
(VIS104)
Written and produced by Carl Finlow, but nothing like his releases
on Device, for example. Pure West London gear, jazzy, soulful,
housey, all that. 'Breakout' fares better, and there are mixes
from Fred Everything and The New Mastersounds to round things
off.=20
RATATAT - SEVENTEEN YEARS - REX - 12" (REKD034)
There seems to be the beginnings of something resembling hype
towards Ratatat at the moment. Curiously, one half of Ratatat
(which is most satisfying to type) is otherwise known as E*Vax
and the co-founder of the Audio Dregs label. I say curiously as
although the B-side is a little more downtempo, this is generally
coming from the Vitalic / Daft Punk / Alan Braxe school of thought.
This scarce 12" dates from 2003.=20
REMUTE - FLASH / MUSIC MAKES YOU / ODYSSEY REMIXES - MY BEST FRIEND - =
12" (MBFLTD12007)
I think it's fair to say that My Best Friend's Limited series
sits at the slightly more Euro and commercial end of things and
with this set of remixes of tracks by Riley & Steve Barnes, Break
3000 and Robert Schulze, you're getting a lot of dancefloor friendly
material for your money. Denis Karimani under his Remute guise
gets stuck into all three tracks and provides some cracking grooves
that concentrate on floor-filling and somewhat epic sounds, but
never loses sight of the underground-ness of the Cologne scene.
Tip top and totally mint condition (to use a rubbish phrase from
a rubbish TV program).
RHYTHM_MAKER - EVERY NOW AND THEN, ANGER EP - BACKGROUND - 12" (BG046)
Ah, yes... Rhythm_Maker. This is a fabulous release that eschews
the more downbeat and clicked-out sound that Background have =
concnetrated
on for a while now and delivers a pure injection of minimal, funked
up, deeply atmospheric Techno fun. Reduced sounds and a couple
of nice Housey moments on the B-side that add a true variety to
the proceedings. You don't get minimal Techno like this very often
so my advice would be to make the most of it while it's there!
Top stuff.
RUDE 66 - OVERKILL - VIEWLEXX - 12" (V12/19)
The robot may be your friend, but that doesn't increase the =
production
costs of the viewlexx catalogue and therefore doesn't excuse a
european record being so expensive. OK, so it's a good record
with two electro tracks on it. The A-side has a fat beat and
bass line, with a sultry female vocal thing going on. The flip
seems to be the vocodered dub version, which gets my vote. Something
that will appeal to both the electro and the 'clash camps...=20
TOCOTRONIC - PURE VERNUNFT DARF NIEMALS SIEGEN REMIXE - KOMPAKT POP - =
12" (KOMPOP7)
Big one for Kompakt Pop here. Tocotronic are pretty big in their
homeland and you can see why. Their original mix is a rocky, poppy
guitar based affair that could easily top the indie charts! For
the rest of us, however, the more pertinent question is regarding
the remixes. Luckily Superpitcher and the legendary Wasserman
deliver by the bucketload with the kind of slightly trancey, very
dancefloor orientated Pop Techno that we've come to know, respect
and love from the Cologne massive. The vocals might annoy some
people, but as ever, you should definitely give this a listen.
TOOB - 4 WALLS - LO - 12" (LO1205)
Not really what i'd expect from Lo - this being a full on banging
bass heavy techno track. The original mix is far too commercial
and, dare i say, transey for these old and jaded ears. The record
is partly redeemed by flipping it over to the "HeavywightHill"
remix - still banging and aimed squarely at the middle of the
dancefloor, but sounding like a Tipper / Si Begg record given
a (massive) rave remix! =20
VARIOUS - SOMA DUBS VOL. 4 - SOMA - 12" (SOMA176)
Four Soma dubs / instrumentals / remixes for your listening =
pleasure.
A surprisingly fine Death In Vegas mix of Slam (much more minimal
and underplayed than you might expect), the Henrik Schwarz dub
of Alex Smoke, Alex's own dub of "Don't See The Point", and another
chance to grab the Claro Intelecto dub of Vector Lovers' "Futures
In Plastic" (a Claro track you can actually buy this week!). =
Released
Monday 1st August although we can send it mailorder to arrive
on Monday.=20
VARIOUS - NORTHERN ELECTRONIC - DISCOGRAPH - 2xLP (DGLP81665)
Solid double-vinyl compilation (from '03) of still-relevant sleazy
dancefloor / electro-pop smashers from moons ago, which includes
Fat Truckers, Stazi, White Trash, I Monster, Kings Have Long Arms,
Mum & Dad et al. Certainly the better end of the genre here.=20
VARIOUS - ADJUNCT VOLUME ONE - ADJUNCT - 12" (ADJUNCT01)
First release from this new label and what a line-up! John Tejada,
Pheek, Bruno Pronsato and [A]pendics.shuffle all provide killer
minimal, dancefloor Techno grooves that have energy, funky, =
weirdness
and killer production in abundance. You couldn't ask for a better
start than this and I'll definitely be keeping a keen eye on their
future releases. Great stuff.
Restocks (Vinyl): Techno / Electro
ALDEN TYRELL - DISCO LUNAR MODULE (MORE REMIXES!) - CLONE - 12" =
(MOGS02)
HELL'S TEETH, OUR ALDEN'S MILKING HIS DISCO LUNAR MODULE FOR ALL
IT'S WORTH, ISN'T HE? THESE ARE THE "U4RIA SUPERDUNKEL" REMIXES
(VERSION 1.0 AND 1.25, MIND) BUT TO BE FAIR THEY ARE AN ABSOLUTELY
SUPER PAIR OF DRAMATIC ELECTRO TRACKS (ALBEIT BOTH QUITE SIMILAR)
ON A PAR WITH ANY OF THE CLONE OR VIEWLEXX GEAR.
ARK - CALIENTE - PERLON - 2xLP (PERL47LP)
DOUBLE PACK PLEASURE FROM CIRCUS COMPANY'S ARK AND IT'S A STRANGELY
DIVERSE SOUNDING BEAST. MASHED UP HOUSE AND TECHNO SOUNDS WITH
A LIBERAL SPRINKLING OF ODDBALL R&B / HIP HOP VIBES TO VARY THINGS.
SHOULD FIND FAVOUR WITH PERLON FANS AND QUIRKY, PERKY, CUT UP
TECH TRACKS FANS. CHECK.
BURIAL - SOUTH LONDON BOROUGHS - HYPERDUB - 12" (HDB001)
SERIOUSLY DARK AND EERIE GRIME - I'M SURPRISED THE LIKES OF REPHLEX
AND PLANET MU AREN'T FIGHTING OVER THIS ONE. THE TWO TRACKS ON
SIDE ONE ARE CLAUSTROPHIC, INTENSE YET BY NO MEANS OVERWROUGHT
TWO-STEP THAT WILL STILL CAUSE DEVASTATION ON THE DANCEFLOOR.
THE TWO B-SIDES ARE OF A MORE MINIMAL, ELECTRONIC NATURE BUT EQUALLY
DOOMY. FIRST CLASS. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I GIVE YOU GOTH GRIME
(OR GROTH!).
CHRISTOPHER JUST - B.O.B. - POMELO - 12" (POM15)
Cripes alive! This is a banger. Putting it on, I was expecting
a disco / house / techno sort of affair and then I remembered
it's on Pomelo. What you end up with are 3 fierce electro-based
tracks with almost entirely distorted up sounds and beats that
will bang through your head and really get into your feet. An
absolutely wicked ep all round. Bravo.
DEPTH CHARGE - HI VOLTAGE MAN - DC - 12" (DC51)
2 CUTS FROM THE MAN LIKE J SAUL KANE HERE. ONE IS A DOWNBEAT,
ULTRA FUNKY SLICE OF ELECTRONICS WITH SOME GREAT VOCAL SNIPPETS
POPPING UP THROUGHOUT THE TRACK. THE OTHER IS A MORE DANCEFLOOR
FRIENDLY CUT WITH A WICKED ANALOGUE LINE ROCKING THROUGHOUT THE
TRACK. CHECK IT OUT....
DJ KOZE A.K.A. MONACO SCHRANZE / GEBR. TEICHMANN - SPEICHER 25 - =
KOMPAKT EXTRA - 12" (KOMEX25)
IT'S A QUARTER OF A CENTURY FOR THE KOMPAKT EXTRA LABEL AND IT'S
A BLISTERING ASSAULT ALL ROUND FROM KOZE AND GEBR. TEICHMANN.
DARK, PROGRESSIVE, SLAMMING CLUB SOUNDS FOR THE MORE UPBEAT =
DANCEFLOORS...
JUST WHAT YOU'D EXPECT, REALLY.
DOMINIK EULBERG - ROTBAUCHUNKEN REMIXE - TRAUM - 12" (TRAUMV58)
PROPS GO TO BOTH OF THE REMIXERS HERE. ROBAG WRUHME TURNS IN A
GREAT VERSION WITH HIS TRADEMARK QUALITY BUT TOBI NEUMANN TAKES
THE WINNING FLAG WITH HIS SUPERBLY OFF-KILTER MIX THAT HAS DEPTH,
WEIRDNESS AND KILLER 4/4 BEATS. SERIOUSLY, THIS IS A WICKED TRACK
AND YOU'LL WANT TO CHECK IT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. RECOMMENDED.
KOERNER & TREPLEC - UNTENRUMGEHTSBESSER - MILNOR MODERN - 12" =
(MMR.004)
Milnor Modern deliver another staggeringly deep and funky selection
of ultra-minimal Techno sounds. Every release so far has been
superb and the level of detail on this record is magnificent.
Crispy, crunchy rhythms with a healthy dose of glitchyness and
crackle coupled with delicious, melodic breaks and chords are
the hallmarks and along with some rumbling bass sounds makes this
another essential release. Awesome stuff.
LEGOWELT - BEYOND THE CONGO - BUNKER - 12" (B3044)
JUST WHAT THE SMALLFISH ELECTRO DOCTOR ORDERED - A NEW SIX TRACK
EP FROM THE MIGHTY LEGOWELT. IN ALL HONESTY, THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE
BELTER AND AS STRONG AS ANY ELECTRO RECORD I'VE HEARD ALL YEAR.
THE PRODUCTION IS ULTRA DEEP, AND A CUT ABOVE THE REST. THROBBING,
PULSATING, ROUGH AND SLEAZY JUST THE WAY I LIKE IT (AND MY ELECTRO,
AHEM).
NATHAN FAKE - DINAMO / COHEED REMIXES (DOMINIK EULBERG / MICHAEL - =
TRAUM - 12" (TRAUMV60)
NOW, BEARING IN MIND JUST HOW MASSIVE THE ORIGINAL WAS, I THOUGHT
IT WAS GOING TO BE SOMETHING OF A TALL ORDER FOR ANYONE TO DO
'DINAMO' ANY JUSTICE. DOMINIK EULBERG, HOWEVER, HAS TAKEN A COUPLE
OF ELEMENTS AND USED THEM TO FINE, FINE EFFECT. A CRISPY, DRY
SOUNDING BEAT AND THE QUALITY BURBLY ANALOGUE LINE FROM THE ORIGINAL
ARE MORE THAN ENOUGH TO MAKE THIS A DANCEFLOOR BEAST AND IDEAL
FOR MIXING INTO THE ORIGINAL. MICHAEL MAYER GETS BUSY WITH 'COHEED'
ON THE FLIPSIDE AND TURNS IT INTO A SOMEWHAT EPIC VERSION WITH
SOARING SYNTHS AND A PSEUDO-TRANCE FEEL. ALL VERY PLEASING, REALLY.
RA-X - THE OPIUM DEN (PARTS V-VIII) - MIGHTY ROBOT - 12" =
(MR00000000000001)
I WISH MORE PEOPLE MADE ELECTRO RECORDS WITH THE SORT OF DEPTH
AND WARMTH THIS HAS GOT. THE PRODUCTION IS FABULOUSLY DEEP, THE
SECOND TRACK ALMOST HAVING THAT EARLY WARP KINDA VIBE. THE STANDOUT
TRACK, HOWEVER IS THE THIRD (PART VII?), WITH ITS MID-TEMPO, STASIS
/ B12 IF THEY WERE AROUND IN THE EIGHTIES FEEL. IF YOU LIKE CLARO
INTELECTO, YOU NEED TO HEAR THIS TOO!
SLG - QUARTER PAST ELEVEN EP - LEVEL RECORDS - 12" (LEVEL04)
Level Records has only put out 4 releases so far but they've been
of such exceptionally high quality that I always eagerly await
a new one. This doesn't disappoint at all and, in fact, could
easily be my favourite 12" so far. The deepest of Techno grooves
with subtle, shining chord sequences made up of gentle sinewave
sounds plus funky, House influenced beats that have just enough
shuffle to groove it whilst remaining true to their Techno roots.
A wonderful ep for playing and listening to that will easily stand
the test of time. Recommended.
New Releases (Vinyl): US Techno / Electro
ACTUAL JAKSHUN - SEQUENTIAL CIRCUS - MINUS - 12" (MINUS27)
Great minimal house/techno tracks here from Actual Jakshun. =
Stripped,
sparse, cold and damn groovy. Not only that, but check out the
Marc Houle remix of the title track. Blinding. A seriously good
record... R E C O M M E N D E D !=20
MATTHEW DEAR - LEAVE LUCK TO HEAVEN (PROMO) - GHOSTLY INTERNATIONAL - =
2xLP (SPC11)
Just one copy only of this much-celebrated Matthew Dear LP from
last year in promo form in stock... double white label (actually,
black label!) with insert, seemingly unplayed. Essential for fans
of Playhouse, Perlon, Akufen, Villalobos, Isolee etc that don't
already have it!=20
Restocks (Vinyl): US Techno / Electro
KONRAD BLACK - DRACONIA - WAGON REPAIR - 12" (WAG-003)
DARK, FUNKY, EDGY AND RATHER GOOD MOODY HOUSE CUT HERE FROM KONRAD
BLACK. ANALOGUE BASS BATTLES WITH MID-TEMPO DRY DRUMS AND, =
EVENTUALLY,
SPOOKY VOCALS AND SUCH. I NEVER REALISED THAT PAGANS COULD BE
SO DARN FONKEEE. THE FLIP IS A SLIGHTLY LIGHTER (NOT MUCH) ACID
TINGED WORKOUT. R E C O M M E N D E D ! ! !=20
! ! ! ! !=20
MATHEW JONSON - RETURN OF THE ZOMBIE BIKERS - WAGON REPAIR - 12" =
(WAG-004)
This could quite easily be one of Mathew Jonson's most memorable
tracks to date! The main cut is a seething beast that uses electro
influences and some killer basslines to produce a hypnotic affair
that's actually quite accessible! Add to that the massive break
in the middle with this swarming beast sound that buzzes around
in your mind and you've got a smasher. The flip is Jonson by =
numbers,
but obviously those numbers are pretty good and will absolutely
get the dancefloor pumping. Killer stuff once again. Essential.
New Releases (Vinyl): House
AMP DOG KNIGHT - OVER U - MAHOGANI - 12" (M.M-15)
Best Mahogani release for a while here with this lush offering
from Moodymann under his Amp Dog Knight guise. He's delivered
an upbeat, soulful, yet strangely off-kilter set of tracks that
should actually get people dancing as well as pleasing the fans
who like it obscure and deep as hell. There's something about
the vocal mix with its subtle freestyle / scat style that really
works a treat. Super stuff.
DELLS, THE / MASTER JAY - NO WAY BACK / DISCO EDITS - FUNHOUSE - 12" =
(FUN001)
Cheeky little disco re-edit 12" here. Apart from a very nice =
instrumental
edit of The Dells we also have a blinding re-arrangement of "No
Way Back" a la Master Jay. Good time ole skool flavours to savour.
C H E C K ! !
ELECTRIC PRESS, THE - RE:VOLT EP - 20:20 VISION - 12" (VIS101)
'Ahse. Solid 4-to-the-floor, smooth, shuffly, samey... but Smallfish
'ahse nonetheless. One for the Juergen (two for the show, three
to get ready etc).=20
ETERNALS, THE - ASTROPIONEERS - CAPITOL - 2xLP (5845451)
Very upfront electro house that's a bit Vitalic, a bit Alan Braxe
/ Daft Punk / Thomas Bangalter and a bit Gigolo only more commercial
sounding. Lively 4/4 beats to shake the sternest booty - and you
get a poster with it!=20
MARK FARINA - THE LOST BAGGAGE EP - OM - 12" (OM152)
Deep house goes West London... this is the sort of record we usually
send stray customers to Disque for, but not this time! Smooth
as a baby's bum....=20
PORKS WATCH / CRUSHO - MINOTAUR / LOCOMOTIV - Q-TAPE RECORDS - 12" =
(QT013)
Two tracks of very nice and very deep house music with lovely
bass lines and chords that will appeal to fans of the moodier
and less obvious end of this genre. =20
ROBERTA SWEED - HOW SWEED IT IS - KDJ - 12" (KDJ-34)
This is, to be realistic, one of the best Moodymann tracks in
a long, long time. As soon as you drop the needle (or carefully
place it, rather) you can hear it... Weird chord sounds, flat,
but punchy beats, a soulful, Detroit sounding warmth and flava...
when the Rhodes piano comes in it's a really dream-like sound
that swept me off my feet. Highly, highly recommended and an =
essential
Kenny Dixon release... no arguments.
Restocks (Vinyl): House
FANTASTIC PLASTIC MACHINE - REACHING FOR THE STARS (MAW REMIXES) - =
KITSUNE - 12" (KITSUNE010)
THE ORIGINAL, PLUS MASTERS AT WORK AT WORK OVER THREE MIXES. ALL
VERY COMMERCIAL SOUNDING AND RATHER OFFENSIVE TO THESE YEARS,
BUT I SUSPECT I'M NOT EXACTLY ITS TARGET MARKET. WHO IS? I DUNNO,
MAYBE DAVE PIERCE?
New Releases (Vinyl): Hip Hop
BEANS - PHREEK THE BEET / MUTESCREAMER - WARP - 12" (WARPLP103P)
Promo only 12" that accompanied the Beans album Tomorrow Right
Now. Two tracks - that have that lovely old school sounding drum
machine combined with hip hop vocals and definitely a nod to the
days of proper early electro. Dig out yer lino...
BOOGIE DOWN PRODUCTIONS - MY PHILOSOPHY / STOP THE VIOLENCE - JIVE - =
12" (JIVER170)
Hmmm, nice. Original UK pressing (from 1988) of this KRS-One =
release,
with two mixes of 'My Philosophy' and 'Stop The Violence' as a
double-A side. They don't make 'em like this anymore.=20
BOOM BAP PROJECT - REPROGRAM - RHYME SAYERS - 2xLP (RS0060-1)
Debut long player from the Boom Bap Project. Guest appearances
by Rakkaa Iriscience (Dilated Peoples), Gift of Gab (Blackalicious),
DJ Vinroc, Lifesavas and Grayskul; production by Jake One, Vitamin
D, Bean One, Jumbo and Mr. Hill. I like this - up beat and funky,
without sounding too commercial. Proper fun hip hop with good
rapping and scratching that manages to be funky and danceable;
digital, but still human.
BRAINTAX - DON'T DRAG ME IN / BIRO FUNK - LOWLIFE - 12" (LOW14)
Promo version of this 12" sampler from the Biro Funk LP from 2001.
Big funky beats and nice rhymes. Check...=20
COO COO CAL - MY PROJECTS - TOMMY BOY - 12" (TB2225)
12" from 2001 from the sadly now defunct Tommy Boy. Clean, Dirty
and Instrumental of the title track, plus "Dedication" featuring
Do It To Death. All of it definitely coming from the epic, digital
and jump up neck of the woods.
D'ANGELO - LEFT AND RIGHT - EMI - 12" (12EM555)
Five versions of the title track (plus a dreadful R&B bonus (?)
track) featuring Method Man and Redman (1999) Suprisingly soft
hip hop that has alot of R&B going on too. Lazy and tripping-up
beats kind of getting into almost electronica territory. Best
without vocals, so go straight for the instrumental.
GREENHOUSE EFFECT VS. RADIOHEAD - GREENHOUSE EFFECT VS. RADIOHEAD - =
UNKNOWN - LP (VS001LP)
Ltd edition Japanese import on green vinyl of Greenhouse Effect
rapping over tracks made from Radiohead samples/loops. Although
on paper this may seem workable, to these ears it really is not.
Maybe your ears will fare better...
JUST-ICE & KRS-ONE - KOOL AND DEADLY (JUSTICIZMS) - FRESH - LP =
(LPRE-5)
Dating from 1987 this is Just-Ice and KRS- One sounding really
simple, raw and under-produced (that being a good thing if you
ask me). Proper authentic and original hip-hop from two of the
originators. Still sounds fresh to me...
KILLA KELA - RAVE OF THE FUTURE - SPIT KINGDOM - 10" (KELA002)
New limited gatefold 10" (plus poster and stickers!) from human
beatbox sensation Killa Kela, who's currently being touted as
the next big thing in British Hip Hop. Certainly this has all
the makings of a hit, and i dare say with the right support he'll
go far. For those into Dizzee Rascal, Wiley, Roots Manuva etc,
i also say check this out.=20
LMNO - GRIN AND BEAR IT - UP ABOVE - 12" (UPA3096-1)
D'you see what they've done? It's a bear... One side is versions,
the other is instrumentals - the versions are a tad whiney if
you ask me, but the instrumentals are lush (plus an entertaining
quirky little number) - really good beats and samples. Deep,
lush, quality...=20
MAKER - SHOOTING THE BREEZE - GALAPAGOS 4 - LP (G4LP0031)
Decent album here from Maker. Instrumental hip hop very much in
the vein of old RJD2. Warm beaks, untraceable loops, very snare
heavy and almost lounge in the way it tackles it's task with such
ease. Very worth a listen............
MED AKA MEDAPHOAR - GET BACK - STONESTHROW - 12" (STH2113)
Produced by Just Blaze, who's clearly been influenced by Timbaland
/ Missy Elliott's "Pass The Dutch". On the reverse, a Madlib =
production
("Get A Grip"). Released Monday 1st August although we can send
it mailorder to arrive on Monday.=20
MIND SPACE - LIFE IS FOUL - FUNKY ASS - 12" (KTR-005)
Four tracks - three vocal and three instrumnetal produced by =
Kutmasta
Kurt. The instrumentals tick all the right boxes - deep, soulful
and still funky. The vocals get in the way of the really good
beats if you ask me...
MISSY ELLIOTT - PASS THAT DUTCH - ELEKTRA - 12" (ED6047)
You might think that there are six versions of Pass That Dutch,
but infact there are only three - the a side is on both sides.
This was released as a promo release as a prelude to the album
"This is Not a Test". Good digital beats and some recognisable
samples along with Missy's unmistakable voice. (Though the =
instrumental
is definitely the one...)
NIGHTMARES ON WAX - 70S / 80S (PROMO) - WARP - 2x12" (WAP160P)
Promo version of these two records that were released as two =
separate
records. First disc has an RJD2 mix and tracks featuring Roots
Manuva, Rodney P and Tozz 180. Disc two has a Roots Manuva mix
and two Scientist mixes. Nice...
RAKIM FEAT. CANIBUS - I'LL BUST 'EM YOU PUNISH 'EM - UNKNOWN - 12" =
(RAK2000)
Being no Hip Hop expert, i can't tell you a lot about this...
i neither know from when it dates or how legit this pressing is
but, y'know, it's Sunday morning and i don't think Steve would
appreciate me calling him (particularly when he doesn't work here
anymore)....=20
ROOKWOOD / MC TRIP - WHAT'S YOUR NAME / RINGSIDE - SPIT KINGDOM - 12" =
(SPK01)
Neat split 12" on Killa Kela's Spit Kingdom label. Really good
quality British Hip Hop with sound production - the Rookwood side
is produced by Plus One (Scratch Perverts), the MC Trip side by
Beni G (The Mixologists). To be investigated.=20
VARIOUS - RETURN OF THE DJ VOLUME II - BOMB HIP-HOP - 2xLP (BOMB2003)
Part two of this series featuring DJs from all over the place.
16 Tracks of scratch-tastic trickery from a load of talented
turntablists including DJ Format, Kid Koala, Tommy Tee, Roc Raida,
Pepe Deluxe and a whole load more. Useful tool...
WILLUS DRUMMOND vs ESAU - MAKING MUSIC (WITH YOUR MOM) AND IT'S A =
STICK UP - DOWNS ELEMENTARY - 12" (DE002)
Most bizarre cover of a record i've seen for a while - I like
the idea of doing a stick up with a hand saw!? Anyway, this is
an eccentric slice of left of centred hip hop. Plenty of music
for your money - 5 tracks with instrumental versions too, plus
a few odds and sods (with emphasis on the odds) - this is sub-titled
"the 5 song super single" - it is a single and it is rather =
super...
Have a listen and judge for yourself...
Restocks (Vinyl): Hip Hop
ANTIPOP CONSORTIUM - ARRHYTHMIA - WARP - 2xLP (WARPLP94)
A WICKED SELECTION OF DEEP, DARK, LYRICALLY INTENSE CUTS FROM
THE AWESOME ANTI POP. SEETHING TEXTURES, DOOM LADEN BEATS CUT
UP WITH SCI-FI FX AND OBSCURE SOUNDS SHOW THAT THESE GUYS MEAN
SERIOUS BUSINESS. BRILLIANT!=20
BIGG JUS - BLACK MAMBA SERUMS V2.0 - BIG DADA - 2xLP (BD071)
PROMO VERSION OF THIS LP (SO NO COVER). DEEP, SMOOTH BEATS YET
PRETTY UPFRONT RHYMES FROM THIS CREW, THAT I HAVE TO ADMIT I KNOW
VERY LITTLE ABOUT. CHECK IT, SEE WHAT YOU THINK...................
CYPRESS HILL - INSANE IN THE BRAIN - RUFFHOUSE - 12" (77019)
ORIGINAL COPY OF THIS WEST COAST CLASSIC FROM1993. SO MANY GOOD
HIP HOP REISSUES RECENTLY AND THIS IS ANOTHER QUALITY ITEM TO
ADD TO THE COLLECTION.......
GHOSTFACE KILLAH - IRONMAN - EPIC - 2xLP (485389)
REISSUE OF THIS TOP LP FROM 1996. FEATURES THE WICKED DAYTONA
500 CUT WHICH HAD THAT EXCELLENT VIDEO........
KUBIQ - KUBONIQS - HERATIK - 2xLP (HTK012)
NICE DEBUT LP FEAT RASCO AND PLANET ASIA AMONGST OTHERS, WITH
ALL THE MINIMAL HEADNODDIN BEATS LACED BY FANATIK..... VERY VERY
NICE!!!!!
RODNEY P - RIDDIM KILLA - RIDDIM KILLA / LOW LIFE - 12" (RKP03)
TOUGH NEW JOINT FROM TOP RAPPER RODNEY P. ROUGH BEATS WITH A =
SLIGHTLY
AGGRESSIVE FEEL COUPLED WITH HIS WICKED LYRICAL STYLE. FRESH.
RODNEY P - BIG TINGS WE INNA - LOWLIFE - 12" (RKP02)
PRODUCTIONS FROM JOE BUDHA & SEA ON A BEACH(?) NICE UK =
SKILLZZZZZ............
New Releases (Vinyl): Eclectic Beats
BABY MAMMOTH - AND I'LL SEE YOU - PORK - 12" (PORK)
Good old Baby Mammoth delivers two tracks of slightly groovy and
slightly jazzy break beat. One has a bit more guts than the other,
but they are designed to induce more of a sway than a stomp...
DANCING DJEDI - BODY SURFIN' - GAMM ENTERPRISES - 12" (GAMM021)
More mash ups from the Gamm stable - this one by the Dancing Djedi
(who is decidedly lacking the force if you ask me!) putting Mos
Def's vocals over a simple dubby break beaty affair on one side
and a more leap-around orientated drum and bass beat on the flip.
=20
ENNIO MORRICONE - REMIXES VOL. 1 - COMPOST - 3xLP (COMPOST150-1)
A veritable Smorgasbord of Morricone mixes here (across six sides
of vinyl) from a pretty diverse set of artistes, including =
International
Pony (Playhouse), Alex Attias (Visions), Leroy Hanghofer (Gomma),
Butti 49, Domu (Archive), Dan Curtin, Doctor Rockit, Raw Deal
and others. Some work better than others (as you'd expect from
such an ambitious project), but overall it's worth checking.
JOSEPH MALIK - AQUARIUS SONGS EP - COMPOST - 12" (COMPOST162)
Fauna Flash's remix is a pleasant surprise, in as much as it's
a shuffly electronic diversion away from Compost's usual, erm,
manure... then it goes and spoils it all by going all generic
latin jazz again - boo! Mind you, if you like Compost / Jazzanova
(patently, i'm not qualified to pass judgement, really), you should
just ignore me and give it a listen.=20
RED ASTAIRE - WATCHA DO - GAMM ENTERPRISES - 12" (GAMM020)
One side is utter rubbish - mainly because it has a dreadful man
who I think is called Usher - although I am just a tad ignorant
about all things R&B. The flip is a big assed, big band funk
affair that will have you going, "Oooh, baby" and strutting your
stuff like a puffed up chicken.
SERGE GAINSBOURG - CINEMIX VOLUME 2 - UNIVERSAL - 10" (980684-9)
Four tracks - One original by Monsieur Gainsbourg, and three mixes;
Sofa Surfers, Howie B and La Horse, variously muddy and dirty
breakbeat, loungey beats with a cinematic feel and sort of =
electro-pop.
The original is classic slice of atmospheric soundtrack material.
Nice...
TREVA WHATEVA - MUSIC'S MADE OF MEMORIES - NINJA TUNE - 3xLP (ZEN106)
What's the deal with Treva Whateva? I mean, who is he? What's
the point of it all? Whilst there's nothing particularly bad about
what he does, you have to say it all sounds a little dated. Ninja
are a weird old label... either their releases are absolutely
cutting-edge or sound like stuff they were releasing a decade
ago! Jazzy, breaky, loungy, funky, kitchy, eclecticy it is then!
Released Monday 1st August although we can send it mailorder to
arrive on Monday.=20
VARIOUS - TRIP DO WEST - TRIP DO WEST - 2xLP (TDWLP001)
Not entirely sure what the premise is here, but as it stands this
is a pretty darn ok comp of mellow house, chilled techno and =
eclectic
/ downtempo / jazzy beats from the likes of DJ Armand, Chateau
Flight, Raw Deal, DJ Spinna, Neon Heights, Readymade FC, Ian =
O'Brien,
Blaze and others. Summery bar music for the Islington posse.=20
Restocks (Vinyl): Eclectic Beats
STEREOTYP MEETS AL'HACA - PHASE TWO - KLEIN - 12" (KL054)
SECOND VOLUME OF HARD, GROOVING TRACKS TAKING ON INFLUENCES FROM
RAGGA, DANCEHALL AND GARAGE. VOCALS COME FROM DJ COLLAGE, RAS
T-WEED, ORIETA AND ALLEY CAT. A GUARANTEED HIT ALL ROUND.
VARIOUS - CINEMIX - UNIVERSAL - 3xLP (980889-2)
THE SAMPLER 10" FOR THIS WAS REALLY EXPENSIVE. SO RELATIVELY =
SPEAKING,
THIS WORKS OUT A LOT CHEAPER. THE MUSIC IS PROVIDED BY SERGE =
GAINSBOURG,
ENNIO MORRICONE, FRANCOIS DE ROUBAIX AND ICHEL MAGNE AND THE REMIXES
ARE BY CARL CRAIG, SWAYZAK, GONZALES, HOWIE B, CHRISTIAN =
MORGERNSTERN,
LUKE VIBERT, READYMADE FC, TROUBLEMAKERS AND MORE. A MASSIVELY
VARIED SELECTION OF COOL CINEMATIC THEMED TUNES.
VIKTER DUPLAIX - DJ KICKS - STUD!O K7 - 2xLP (!K7115LP)
A NINE TRACK SELECTION FROM THE MIX CD. INCLUDES FUNKED UP BREAKS
AND BITS FROM P'TAAH, MANDRAKE, BAHAMADIA, TAURUS, CRITICAL POINT,
NEPA ALLSTAR, SHAWN LEE AND PHILLIP CHARLES. GROOVY.
New Releases (Vinyl): Guitar Based
ASJA AUF CAPRI - NOVI RONDE - DIFFICULT FUN - LP (DF002LP)
Any record that lists alongside the drums, guitars, keyboards
a credit for someone shouting is alright by me. It is entirely
appropriate that this has been released on a label called Difficult
Fun - because it is quite difficult, but is definitely coming
from the fun neck of the woods. I think it is best described
as acousto-pop or punk-folk - being as it is a lo-fi and =
experimental
version of something like Numbers meets Paw Tracks. Odd, but
good odd...
DARREN HAYMAN - CARAVAN SONGS - STATIC CARAVAN - 7" (VAN92-7)
Ahh, It's Darren Hayman from Hefner. This 7" was recorded in a
relatives caravan by the sea in Northumberland between 2003 &
2004 (one long holiday).The tracks are both charming and intriguing
and a fine example of stunning songwriting and blinding bedroom
production. Slick!!!!!
DIRTY SNOW - LOSING CONTROL / CRYING ALL NIGHT - UNKNOWN - 12" (????)
Rather a home-made vibe to this release from occasional customer
Esther Planas, who looks like she's reconditioned a few old record
sleeves. As for the music, think Nico backed by The Banshees or
The Cure circa 1981 on major downers... simplistic lyrics which
effectively blend into the music make this very much a mood piece.
It reminds me of Wire a bit at times, too. Nice stuff.=20
FRED MOLLIN - FRIDAY THE 13TH - THE SERIES SOUNDTRACK - CRESCENDO - LP =
(GNPS8018)
Something for the horror friends here. The original sountrack
to the slightly more obscure offshoot television series of the
seminal horror film creation that was Friday the 13th. Full of
spacy effects, sad strings, supended orchestral action, and general
fright music. Worth for the great cover alone.=20
JIM O'ROURKE - TWO ORGANS - THREE POPLARS - LP (3P15LP)
Beautifully packaged album by Jim O'Rourke that was recorded in
1990. The A-side is titled "two Organs", the B-side is titled
"Two More Organs" - so you kind of know what the source material
is! The windows / graves on the cover also give some clue as
to it's tone. This kind of reminds me of some of the Hafler Trio
- there is that same intensity and epicness to music even though
it is so simple in it's construction. The organs (and the more
organs) create a constantly evolving number of tones that at times
seem very experimental and at others seem to be emmanating from
somewhere deep inside a church/ temple etc. Beautiful in a vague,
imprecise almost foggy, sort of way. Recommended.
JONATHAN SHEFFER - IN A SHALLOW GRAVE - VARESE SARABANDE - LP =
(STV81359)
String and harpsichord dominated soundtrack to this strange looking
1988 film. Quite moody in places, and generally of the more quiet
variety, with a few tear jerking sadness tracks in between. Tears
almost rolling down my cheeks while writing this....=20
RAMESSES - THE TOMB - INVADA - 12" (INV018LP)
Striking picture disc that looks like it is classic Psychedelia
on one side and motor-bike obsessed Death-Rock on the other.=20
Musically, however, this seems to have more of a post-rock tone,
with both hints of psychedilia and thrash rock - If you imagine
the kind of music the three motley looking blokes on the record
might make, and then think of what they might produce after a
good heavy dose of ketamin. You get the picture....
TEST ICICLES - BOA VS PYTHON - DOMINO - 7" (RUG205)
Well, i like to think i know a bit about what Domino (one of my
favourite labels) are putting out, but have to say i'm completely
ignorant on the subject of Test Icicles. Even after listening
to this, i'm not much the wiser and a little nonplussed. Kinda
sounded like a cross between The Darkness, The Cramps and Franz
Ferdinand. It's on headache-inducing green vinyl. I did all that
without making a joke about their name, too. Released Monday 1st
August although we can send it mailorder to arrive on Monday.
=20
TRACER AMC - IN RIVERS - WE LOVE RECORDS / ERROL RECORDS - 12" =
(WELOVE004)
If you look up post-rock in an audio dictionary, it might well
play this at you! Four tracks of rather beautiful instrumental
music that drift and wander and then drift some more - wooing
and lulling you into a sleepy and dreamy and rambling state of
uplifted melancholy. Duende me thinks. Nothing radical, but
very pleasant.
UPCDOWNCLEFTCRIGHTCABC+START - SHALLOWS - TAP 'N' TIN - 10" =
(TAPNTIN003)
Bit of a gem, this. The A-side is a tremendously evocative piece
of quiet/loud post-rock that's almost like a slightly more =
pastoral/folky
Mogwai! On side two, things head down a more State River Widening
/ Tortoise / Thrill Jockey dust-track, concluding with a more
electronic John Amino remix (whose name rings a bell, but i'm
not sure why, sorry... he adds a touch of Ulrich Schnauss to =
proceedings).
Fans of Silver Ray will really go nuts for this. One to watch.
=20
VARIOUS - GAME AND ERRANCY - DIFFICULT FUN - LP (DF003lp)
Subtitled: A Difficult Fun Compilation 2005. This is a ten track
album featuring a whole host of artists, most of whose names are
unfamiliar to me. Antifamily, Mom, High Density, Larcin, =
Break/Flow,
Oxen of the Sun, Vaw, Petit Mal, Sarcomasine and Star Wars. =
Musically
this is all over the place - from distorted sounds that perhaps
started life as folk, to experimental and noisy sound projects,
to deadpan vocalled nu-wave sounding stuff, to straight up lo-fi
folk - all of this is a bit whacked out, but all has a certain
something that makes you keep listening. Comes complete with a
14 page booklet that will inform you as to what this is all about
(although having just looked at it I am none the wiser!).
Restocks (Vinyl): Guitar Based
VARIOUS - RAGAZZA POP - S.H.A.D.O. - 2xLP (RPOPLP001)
Those into labels such as Bungalow, Elefant and Marina are just
gonna love this. Bands/artists such as The Ladybug Transistor,
Souvenir, Noonday Underground, Die Moulinettes, Fonda, The Aislers
Set, Mirah and Moe Tucker (covering 'Will You Still Love Me =
Tomorrow'
and 'To Know His Is To Love Him') all contribute to this extremely
charming double-LP of twee / retro pop. A breath of fresh air.
=20
New Releases (Vinyl): Funk / Jazz / Soul
ESTHER WILLIAMS - YOURS AND YOURS / LAST NIGHT CHANGED IT ALL - =
FRIENDS & CO - 12" (DD1003)
Sweet and soulful funk from Ms Williams - "Yours and Yours" being
more sentimental, but "Last Night Changed It All" is superb -
with a good balance between the tough break and the sweet chorus
- top tune...
KENI BURKE - RISIN' TO THE TOP - RCA - 12" (JT13272)
If Juergen was here, he would have popped his head out of the
office and asked "what's this?" - his soul radar being a finely
tuned instrument these days. Three versions of this 1982 soulful
classic - original, acoustic and instrumental. Oooh, yeah, baby!
VARIOUS - THE 2PAC COLLECTION - STRICTLY BREAK - 2xLP (SB-9816)
You know the deal - this is 28 original tracks that have been
used by 2Pac over the years. Too many to list all of them, but
artists include: The JBs, Herbie Hancock, Zapp, Stevie Wonder,
Funkadelic, people's Choice, DeBarge, Minnie Ripperton and many
more.=20
WILLIE DRAGG - TELL YOU IN DUB - BETTER DAYS RECORDS - 12" (DAYS013)
Four track 12" of old disco / funk tracks. Two have that lovely
live sounding percussion that will get any funky crowd moving,
the other two are more disco. Class(ic)...
New Releases (CD): Electronica
ASMUS TIETCHENS - IN DIE NACHT - DIE STADT - CD (DS72)
Originally released on Sky Records in 1982 this CD reissue is
a very interesting document of a side of Asmus you may not be
so aware of. Back in those days he was experimenting with sound
in a variety of different ways and this is a blinding selection
of those sounds. Psychedelic, experimental, Pop, Ambient, Music
Concrete and more, all mixed together to create a thoroughly =
intriguing
whole. Superb.
BEAR IN HEAVEN - TUNES NEXTDOOR TO SONGS - EASTERN DEVELOPMENTS - CD =
(EDM10CD)
An absolute torrent of new Eastern Developments releases this
week, which is a bit of pain as there really are some beauties
amongst them and one or two are bound to be neglected. This is
an absolute stunner, to be honest, and follows on perfectly from
the Lori Scacco album. A wonderful, melancholic 4-track EP (21
mins) of fragile instrumentals again comparable to Lunz as well
as Max Richter or that piano-based Eluvium album of last year.
Sigur Ros would also be a legitimate comparison at times. Very
impressive.=20
ELLIOT LIPP - ELLIOT LIPP - EASTERN DEVELOPMENTS - CD (EDM011CD)
Beats, soundtrack influenced instrumentals, samples galore. A
very 'Eastern Developements' type of album from young Mr Lipp.
Pleasureable enough and almost, although thankfully not quite,
coffetable. Get yer luggs round some Lipps.............
ERIC MALMBERG - DEN GATFULLA MANNISKAN - HAPNA - CD (H.22)
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! This was a really pleasant surprise.
Not that it was good, because Hapna's a great label, but because
of the nature of the music contained within. You might say that
the sounds on here are quint and old-school and, to a certain
extent, you'd be right. It almost comes across like an old library
album at times with a mixture of Radiophonic Workshop style =
electronic
melodies. Drum machines sit underneath and trundle away beautifully
helping to keep the music on top moving along and there are some
lush and catchy melodies at work as well. Fundamentally this is
a very unusual sounding album that harks back to a very different
era but in a very contemporary way. Have alisten and see what
I mean.
EXILE - PRO AGONIST - PLANET MU - CD (ZIQ116CD)
Having released records on labels such as Moving Shadow, Renegade
Hardware, Mosquito and others, this is a full on D & B release
for Planet Mu. Twisted bass lines, frantic beats, chopped up
compositions - all the required ingreients for proper drum and
bass. =20
EXPOSURES, THE - LOST RECORDINGS 2000-2004 - EASTERN DEVELOPMENTS - CD =
(EDM12CD)
Compilation LP of this criminally underated trio from Berlin.
These guys have been writing music for film & television since
the 1980's. This is a rare collection of work that the trio composed
under the influence of fellow German, digital/sampling artist
Jan Jelinek. This really is a tremendous collection of modern
electronica and very worthy of you attention. Thankyou Eastern
Developements for unearthing this treasure for us............
EZEKIEL HONIG - 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.
EZEKIEL HONIG AND MORGAN PACKARD - EARLY MORNING MIGRATION - MICROCOSM =
- CD (MCOSM1009)
Microcosm is a label that we've been following very closely here
at Smallfish and this, for me, fulfills all the promise that we've
thus far seen. Label boss Ezekiel Honig has consistently been
putting out fabulous Techno and Electronica releases on a number
of labels and the sheer depth, simplicity and warmth of his sound
is simply a joy to listen to. Subtle 4/4's have been his trademark
so far so it's interesting to see him put his sound into a more
ambient and textural persepctive. With help from Morgan Packard
(weho actually provides half of the tracks on the CD) he's created
a dense, lovingly crafted and gentle selection that is melodic
without ever being obvious. Muted soundscapes and rhythmic pulses
sit underneath the tracks and the luscious layers that lie on
top of everything are quite divine. Everything you would or could
want from a piece of ambient Electronica. Highly, highly =
recommended.
FENTON (SHUTTLE358) - PUP - PLOP - CD (PLIP-3014)
What can you say about a new album from such a heavily respected
and loved artist as Dan Abrams aka Shuttle358? To discover that
this exquisite gem of a release had landed on our doorstep today
after being unsure as to quite how we'd get hold of it was a moment
to treasure. And here for your listening pleasure is, conceivably,
the highest point so far achieved in the field of Electronica
and organic, guitar based music. Dan has put together a sparkling
collection of gentle, lilting and achingly beautiful tracks that
will do their absolute utmost to soothe and enchant you with =
beautifully
picked and played melodies. Couple that with the sort of deft
manipulations that have made him the figure he is within the sphere
of this sort of minimal music and you have a shining, shimmering
example of exactly how to do it. A very special album indeed and
one that we're incredibly proud to be able to offer you. You simply
have to check this out! Highly, highly recommended.
GIUSEPPE LELASI - GESINE - HAPNA - CD (H.21)
Hapna really do vary their sound so much, which is why we like
them so much, I guess. This has a lovely range of sounds that
use electronics to manipulate some deftly played guitar licks
and phrases. At times it brings to mind the wonderful Andrey =
Kiritchenko
CD on Spekk but probably has a slightly lighter touch and less
hiss and background noise. Gentle, then but challenging at times,
which makes for a delicious piece of work. Recommended.
HORACIO POLLARD - THE OWL ALBUM - NEIGH%MUSIC - CD (????)
Home-made CDR laptoptronica shenanigans a go-go, and a full-length
16-track album to boot. Frantic, Red Bull-fuelled broken noise
and electronics to be filed next to the likes of Squarepusher,
Planet Mu and Tigerbeat. I'm not sure what the owl obsession is
all about, maybe this will reveal itself after repeated listens.
Perhaps it's cos it's such a hoot (right, this is your final =
warning...
- Ed)!=20
LEB LAZE - PRESSURE EP - EASTERN DEVELOPMENTS - CD (EDM9CD)
I dunno, you wait an eternity for a new Eastern Developments release
and suddenly five come along at once. Featuring fellow ED signing
Ahmad Szabo, this five-track EP is a solid slab of electronic
/ leftfield instrumental hip hop very much in the style we've
come to know and love over the years, ie. organic, melodic, musical.
If you're a Prefuse fan, you'll obviously want to check this out.
=20
METROPOL - GEOMETRIAS DE SILENCIO - CREATIVE SPACE - CD (NOTSURE1)
More moody music from Greece. Classy electronica that could quite
easily be released on all number of respected labels (from Merck
to Expanding to A.I. to C.C.O). Monolake wouldn't be an entirely
unreasonable comparison. Recommended.=20
MOX - INSECTS - EXOTICA - CD (EXO02124)
Interesting... this begins with a tonal / clicky Raster Noton
/ Marc Leclair kinda vibe and suddenly some live drums kick in
and the whole thing takes off. At other times, it has a Bill Laswell
/ Jah Wobble feel, only combined with contemporary laptop electronic
influences. Warm, playful and Russian!=20
NAM SHUB / KIKI.ILL - IN THE VALLEY OF MOOD - CREATIVE SPACE - CD =
(CS002)
There's something extremely odd about this - it's pretty darn
entertaining but at least as strange. Think a mutant, hyperactive
hybrid of Richard H. Kirk and everyone on the Tigerbeat label!
Really quite nuts, but charming and amusing with it. From Greece,
but looks Russian!=20
PERCEVALMUSIC - VIESCOLAIRE - EFFERVESCENCE - CD (FRVSENS07CD)
Really bizarre but hypnotic stuff which combines / alternates
chopped-up strings, harpischord and classical motifs with a harsher,
instrumental (post) rock sound, in a really lo-fi, rough 'n' ready
way. Whether clanging drums and abrasive guitars rubbing shoulders
with laptop-treated strings quartets sounds like your idea of
fun or not, this is certainly unique and quite unlike anything
else around at the moment.=20
SPYWEIRDOS - FOR CHILDREN TO PLAY - ZMA - CD (ZMA026)
Definitely one for the retro ambient / electronica heads, =
encompassing
such styles and influences as Fax and Tangerine Dream right through
to more beat-driven artists and labels, eg. Wobblyhead. Actually,
it's a bit Ulrich Schnauss at times (lots of things seem to be
this weekend!). The sort of thing The Big Chill attempt to do,
but fail. From Greece, if that matters.=20
STUNTMAN5 - MELTED PLASTIC FAKE - EFFERVESCENCE - CD (FRVSENS10CD)
Definitely one that will appeal to fans of Anticon's recent output,
as it really has a slight Odd Nosdam / Dosh / Clouddead / Why?
flava, ie. off-kilter MBV-esque guitars, lo-fi electronics and
left-of-centre rhymes delivered in that dry, effortless, =
off-the-cuff
but poetic way. Watch this space.=20
VARIOUS - TRANS SLOVENIA EXPRESS VOL. 2 - MUTE - CD (CDSTUMM256)
One of Daniel Miller's more conceptual projects sees a host of
relatively unknown Slovenian artists tackling Kraftwerk covers
(with mixed results, it has to be said). Laibach contribute more
of a Kraftwerk tribute, Siddharta perform a bizarre pantomime
metal cover of "The Robots" reminiscent of Rammstein (only even
more comical!), and a host of other artists give their own equally
unique takes... this really is one you'll have to listen to and
make your own mind up on. Either way, it's certainly compelling.
=20
VARIOUS - KALK SEEDS - KARAOKE KALK - CD (KALK30CD)
The organic, heartwarming, melodic sound of Karaoke Kalk gets
showcased to perfection across this full-length sampler CD. Many
a previously unreleased track to be had from the likes of Roman,
Hausmeister, Sora & Wechsel Garland, Hauschka, Tagaki Masakatsu,
Kandis, Le Rok, Donna Regina, Takeo Toyama Trio etc plus album
tracks from Toog, Pascal Schafer, Marz and Kuchen Meets Mapstation,
and a new QuickTime movie from Pluramon. Chilled and often quite
beautiful, this is a great way of getting into a great label.
WILLIAM BASINSKI - VARIATIONS: A MOVEMENT IN CHROME POSITIVE - DURTRO =
/ DIE STADT - 2xCD (DURTRO071/DS71)
This is easily up there with the Disintegration Loops for sheer
brilliance. Basinski does it again with a gorgeous series of loops
that combine together to create a very listenable, very atmospheric
piece of work that stands pretty much alone without any peers.
Lush, detailed, beautiful, soothing and just generally amazing...
even though it's pricey it's worth absolutely every single penny.
Highly recommended.
WILLIAM BASINSKI - SILENT NIGHT - 2062 - CD (2062.0401)
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.
Restocks (CD): Electronica
AUTECHRE / THE HAFLER TRIO - AEO3 & 3HAE - DIE STADT - 2xCD (DS82CD)
This is the second collaboration between Autechre and The Hafler
Trio. The first was a 30 minute long affair that blurred the lines
of distinction between the sounds of the two artists to a point
where it was virtually impossible to distinguish which one was
which. This release takes that even further and it would be a
very brave person indeed that would make a bet on who was =
responsible
for which bit. Once again the packaging is delightful and has
the same theme as the first CD... tracing paper inserts, wonderful
typography and subtle, beautifully managed artwork. Musically
it's a development, not only the length of the work (it's twice
as long) but within the soundscapes that they've created. It's
probably more accessible to be honest and the drone based, but
starnagely melodic first CD is truly beautiful, in a low-key,
melancholic way. The second CD is a much more abstract beast and
features a noisy intro section before diving off into a reduced
minimalism that ebbs and flows throughout. Atmospheric, lush (in
every way), well thought out and, most importantly, just plain
good to listen to! A highly recommended piece of work.=20
EXPERIMENTAL AUDIO RESEARCH - WORN TO A SHADOW - LUMBERTON TRADING =
COMPANY - CD (LUMB001)
FOUR TRACKS TRANSLATES INTO OVER 50 MINUTES OF MUSIC. THEY REALLY
DO DO WHAT THEIR NAME SUGGESTS - THIS IS EXPERIMENTAL AUDIO.=20
OFTEN RATHER BEAUTIFUL, OFTEN DARK AND FOREBODING AND OFTEN =
SOMETHING
THAT MIGHT BELONG IN A "NEW-AGE" SETTING. IT WORKS THOUGH, AND
ALTHOUGH YOU MIGHT GET INTO TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION IN PASSING,
IT IS ACTUALLY VERY LISTENABLE.
KSCHZT - THE EARTH'S HUM - BLASE - CD (BLA007CD)
Coming from the man that brought us the wonderful MD albums on
Merck as well as the superb previous single on Blase, it's no
surprise to find that Jakko's almost unpronouncable Kschzt full
length is a beauty. Mixing up a whole slew of electronic styles
from pacey electronica to Detroit influenced Tech sounds via some
wonderfully abstract moments and quality breakbeat based tracks,
this is a joy from beginning to end and features some incredibly
detailed programming and production that really fits the overall
feel. Mature, engaging and interesting throughout, this is yet
another string in Blase's bow and a super moment for Kschzt. =
Definitely
recommended.
MANITOBA - START BREAKING MY HEART - LEAF - CD (BAY16CD)
SUPERB NEW ALBUM ON LEAF WHICH FOLLOWS ON BEAUTIFULLY FROM THE
RECENT SINGLE. TAKING AN ECLECTIC ELECTRONIC APPROACH, BUT =
SPRINKLING
IT LIBERALLY WITH LIVE INSTRUMENTATION. VERY SUMMERY, VERY =
BEAUTIFUL,
THOROUGHLY EXCELLENT.
RJ VALEO - SEPTEMBER - TYPE - CD (TYPECD001)
I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS FOR A WHILE! THE HOTLY TIPPED NEW LABEL
TYPE DELIVERS IT'S FIRST RELEASE AND IT'S AN ABSOLUTE SMASHER.RJ
VALEO'S DEBUT ON HOBBY INDUSTRIES WAS A SUPERB PIECE OF WORK AND
THIS BETTERS IT IN MY OPINION. A FULL EIGHT TRACK ALBUM OF SOME
OF THE MOST DELECTABLY ATMOSPHERIC ELECTRONICA AROUND. TAKING
CUES FROM LABELS SUCH AS SCAPE AND ARTISTS SUCH AS DUB TRACTOR,
THIS ALBUM HAS SOME LUSH, ICY COLD SOUNDING TEXTURES AND CHORDS
COUPLED WITH SUBTLE, DOWNBEAT RHYTHMIC STRUCTURES THAT SIT HAPPILY
IN A SEMI GLITCH KIND OF STYLE. CONVERSELY, THERE ARE A COUPLE
OF MORE UPBEAT TRACKS WITH QUALITY BEATS AND A MORE LIVELY SOUND
TO THE MELODIES WHICH COMPLEMENTS THE OTHER HAUNTING TRACKS =
PERFECTLY.
AN OUTSTANDING FIRST RELEASE FOR TYPE AND A BRILLIANT PIECE OF
WORK FROM RJ VALEO. LETS HOPE THEY CAN KEEP IT UP. RESPECT.
New Releases (CD): Techno / Electro
CLOR - CLOR - REGAL - CD (REG122CD)
Quirky eighties electro pop that's kinda like a much more palettable
Fischerspooner. Clor could almost be some kind of Jeff =
Goldblum-created
genetic hybrid of Bis and Gary Numan, with a bit of DFA thrown
in for extra cred! Now where did i put that teleporter...?=20
DAVE MILLER - MITCHELLS RACCOLTA - BACKGROUND - CD (BG045CD)
Firstly, apologies to both Dave Miller and our customers for the
lengthy delay on us getting this in so late. There are no excuses
I'm afraid. so I shall continue on with the review. Dave's earlier
work on Background was slowly but surely moving into more textural
territory. The glitched-out funk of his 12"s was firmly in the
Techno camp but always with a lighter and more sculptural feel.
This album takes that approach to a new level with its wonderfully
deep chords and sounds coupled with a jazzy lick (in a Scape-ish
sort of way) to some of the beautifully intricate percussion.
There are some more groove based tracks as well to counterpoint
the more downbeat moments and as a whole it's an extremely well
thought out and put together piece of work. Warm, atmopsheric
and highly recommended.=20
Restocks (CD): Techno / Electro
JUAN ATKINS - 20 YEARS METROPLEX - TRESOR - 2xCD (TRESOR216)
MAGNIFICENT COLLECTION OF TECHNO AND ELECTRO TRACKS FROM ONE OF
THE UNDISPUTED GODS OF DETROIT TECHNO. SPANNING TWENTY YEARS OF
CLASSIC RELEASES ON HIS OWN METROPLEX LABEL IT FEATURES VIRTUALLY
EVERYTHING YOU COULD HOPE FOR. I WON'T NAME THEM ALL BUT AS AN
EXAMPLE YOU GET 'GAME ONE', 'STARLIGHT', 'THE FLOW', 'CLEAR',
'THE PASSAGE' AND OTHER SUCH GENIUS TUNES. GENUINELLY BRILLIANT.
VARIOUS - 2RABIMMEL 2RABAMMEL 2RABUM 2BUM BUM - AREAL - CD (AREALCD04)
Areal present the '2Rabimmel' album for your listening pleasure.
Featuring the more wayward, off-kilter side of their sound (as
if they weren't oddball enough already!) it's got cuts from the
usual suspects including Basteroid, Metope, Ada, Konfekt, Remute,
Roan and Imogen and is a very convincing selection of tunes to
make you rock on the dancefloor. Tough, dirty, really nicely =
produced
sounds as you'd expect from such a quality label. The CD version
also includes the four tracks from the previous 12".=20
VARIOUS - CAMPING - B PITCH CONTROL - CD (BPC101)
NICE TO SEE B PITCH PUTTING OUT A CHEAPO SAMPLER CD AS IT SHOULD
HELP TAKE THEM TO A WELL-DESERVED LARGER AUDIENCE. PRETTY MUCH
EVERYONE YOU'D EXPECT TO BE ON HERE IS PRESENT AND CORRECT - KIKI,
SYLVIE MARKS & HAL 9000, ELLEN ALLIEN, MODESELEKTOR, PAUL =
KALKBRENNER,
SASCHA FUNKE, SMASH TV, TOMAS ANDERSON ETC... TOP-NOTCH ELECTRO
/ DISCO / FUNK LITE ALL THE WAY.
New Releases (CD): House
RECLOOSE - HIATUS ON THE HORIZON - PEACEFROG - CD (PFG064CDUK)
Recloose go all soulful on us. Reminds one a little of Amp Fiddler,
only this is more club-orientated. Fans of his earlier material
might be a little alienated by this, but the production is tight
and upfront. Is bound to do well. Released Monday 1st August =
although
we can send it mailorder to arrive on Monday.=20
Restocks (CD): Hip Hop
DIPLO / MIA - PIRACY FUNDS TERRORISM - UNKNOWN - CD (HTX003CD)
ANOTHER MASH-UP SELECTION FROM DIPLO. THIS TIME CONCENTRATING
ON THE WORK OF THE HOT PROPERTY KNOWN AS MIA. DIPLO'S DONE A FEW
REMIXES ANYWAY AND HE GETS THEM INTO THE MIX VERY SUCCESSFULLY
PLUS VIRTUALLY ALL OF HER OTHER MATERIAL. THIS IS GOING TO FLY
SO YOU NEED TO GET IN THERE REALLY QUICKLY. CHECK.
New Releases (CD): Eclectic Beats
TREVA WHATEVA - MUSICS MADE OF MEMORIES - NINJA TUNE - CD (ZENCD106)
What's the deal with Treva Whateva? I mean, who is he? What's
the point of it all? Whilst there's nothing particularly bad about
what he does, you have to say it all sounds a little dated. Ninja
are a weird old label... either their releases are absolutely
cutting-edge or sound like stuff they were releasing a decade
ago! Jazzy, breaky, loungy, funky, kitchy, eclecticy it is then!
Released Monday 1st August although we can send it mailorder to
arrive on Monday.=20
New Releases (CD): Guitar Based
AMINO PEOPLE - WORK IT OUT - FENCE - CD (FNC803CD)
Not an easy one to categorise in terms of genre (it could equally
at times go in the Electronica section) but comparisons wise,
think Tuung, the Wobblyhead label, The Go! Team, some of the Sarah
artists. So, yes, it's quite diverse but certainly rooted in all
things Sixties - imagine if Herman's Hermits were around today
and signed to Melodic! Lovely stuff that went down well when played
in the shop.=20
ASJA AUF CAPRI - NOVI RONDE - DIFFICULT FUN - CD (DF002CD)
Anything that lists alongside the drums, guitars, keyboards a
credit for someone shouting is alright by me. It is entirely
appropriate that this has been released on a label called Difficult
Fun - because it is quite difficult, but is definitely coming
from the fun neck of the woods. I think it is best described
as acousto-pop or punk-folk - being as it is a lo-fi and =
experimental
version of something like Numbers meets Paw Tracks. Odd, but
good odd...
BLINDFOLD - BLINDFOLD - RESONANT - CD (RESCD013)
I hope Resonant are getting a grant from the Icelandic government,
as they're really doing a stern job unearthing talent from that
part of the world. Not so much post rock as post-tronica, perhaps...
this is uncontrived, affecting music which despite its textural
/ soundscape qualities is still firmly rooted in the songwriting
camp. Washes of etheriel guitars and atmospherics remind one of
Slowdive, Sigur Ros, Port Royal and Stafraenn Hakon. Superb. =
Released
Monday 1st August although we can send it mailorder to arrive
on Monday.=20
CHARLOTTEFIELD - HOW LONG ARE YOU STAYING - JONSON FAMILY - CD =
(JFR016CD)
Charlottefield follow-up their release on Fatcat with this album
/ mini-album on Jonson Family. Angular, funky Indie sounds with
quality drumming (nice one Ash) and some great punky moments as
well as a bit of a thrashy influence at times. It's great to hear
some varied sounds and this one comes recommended.
ET SANS - PAR NOUSSSS TOUSS LES TROUS DE VOS CRANES! - ALIEN 8 - CD =
(ALE52D)
According to Babelfish (which is always entertaining), the title
translates (when you remove the superfluous S's) as "By us all
holes of your craniums", which although makes little sense does
sound like a Godspeed-related album title (which this project
is, featuring interchangable-as-they-are members of Le Fly Pan
Am, GY!BE and A Silver Mt. Zion). "Together they seamlessly =
intermingle
experimental based psychedelic-pop with vintage industrial music
with a nod towards classic Krautrock of the 70's" it says here,
and i'm in no frame of mind to argue with that. Released Monday
1st August although we can send it mailorder to arrive on Monday.
=20
FURSAXA - LEPIDOPTERA - ALL TOMORROWS PARTIES - CD (ATPRCD13)
Neo-folk, i believe is the genre. Admirers of Animal Collective,
Black Dice, and the whole ATP raison d'etre (eg. Bardo Pond) should
certainly pay attention to this one-woman (guitar, organ, voice,
flute, accordion, various percussion) outfit. As contemporary
as it is retro, as experimental as it is hypnotic. Lovely, actually.
Released Monday 1st August although we can send it mailorder to
arrive on Monday.=20
GARY NUMAN - LIVING ORNAMENTS '80 - BEGGARS BANQUET - 2xCD =
(BEGA156CDD)
Two well-recorded live sets from Mr. Numan, both dating from 1980
when he was at the peak of his fame. All the classics on here
- "I Die: You Die", "Down In The Park", "Are 'Friends' Electric",
"We Are Glass", "Cars", "I Dream Of Wires" etc. One for committed
fans and passing admirers alike. Released Monday 1st August although
we can send it mailorder to arrive on Monday.=20
JUNKBOY - LOST PARADE - ENRAPTURED - CD (RAPTCD44)
Not for the first time, Junkboy has released something really
quite beautiful. A mixture of simplistic electronics and melancholic
post-rock with hints of jazz and easy listening reminiscent of
Lunz, some of the Resonant releases (especially Olvis), State
River Widening or Tortoise at their most chilled. This really
does come extremely highly recommended indeed.=20
LORI SCACCO - CIRCLES - EASTERN DEVELOPMENTS - CD (EDM7CD)
I really defy anyone to find this anything other than a beautiful
piece of work. Hazy, extremely relaxed, melancholic, intricate
and intimate, this is akin to a very chilled Tortoise meets Savath
& Savalas (particularly in the early days) with hints of Lunz
or Pullman. Do not overlook this absolute gem of an album, which
i guarantee you will love!=20
POOSTOSH - UNTIME - UNTIME - CD (IDUNNO1)
This is all very cute and shoegazy, reminds me a bit of Love And
Rockets, actually. Laidback, summery, extremely chilled (beating
The Big Chill at their own game, in fact), and really rather =
lovely...
i've no idea who this lot are (other than they're from Russia)
but i'd happily hear more - gorgeous.=20
SINISTRI - FREE PULSE - HAPNA - CD (H.20)
This set of tracks from Sinistri (ex Starf**kers) is a very angular
selection of guitar and drum tracks with some subtle electronic
sound in the background. Freeform, almost Jazz-style arrangements
that skip merrily from chord to chord with slightly frenetic drum
work underneath. It flows, but is stilted at the same time which
makes it all the more intersting. Quality stuff from Hapna, as
always.
THROBBING GRISTLE - DIMENSIA IN EXCELSIS - LIVE IN L.A. 22.5.1981 - =
DOSSIER - CD (DCD9093)
Storming live set from 1981 featuring the full T.G.. line-up.
9 tracks of pure off the wall semi-industrial fun and games by
this most influential of bands. Recommended.
VARIOUS - DAD'S ARMY: MUSIC FROM THE TELEVISION SERIES - CD41 - CD =
(CD41010)
"Don't tell him your name, Pike!". I don't remember there being
a great deal of music in Dad's Army other than "Who Do You Think
You Are Kidding, Mr Hitler?" but a quick glance at the sleevenotes
tells me this isn't the case. A total of 26 war time songs from
Jack Hylton, Billy Cotton, Joe Loss, Arthur Askey, Gracie Fields,
Henry Hall, Vera Lynn and, of course, Bud Flanagan. Reminds me
of my grandparents! Released Monday 1st August although we can
send it mailorder to arrive on Monday.=20
XIU XIU - LIFE AND LIVE - XENG - CD (XENGCD02)
This is a recording of solo work by Jamie Stewart of Xui Xui during
an autumn tour of 2003. Apparently it could be filed under "twisted
folk" but that would be to downplay the fragility of so much of
this music. Yes, it's odd, but it seems to be oddness derived
from melancholy, lost love, broken hearts and the tragic-comedy
of life (well, that's how i'd sing and play music if I felt like
that!). The words seem to be wrenched from the singers mouth,
the music feels like it is self-concious and would rather be =
somewhere
else. It all hangs together like an ill fitting but beautifully
taylored suit. Fans of Animal Collective, Devandra Banhart (who
gets props on the sleeve notes) should investigate. Something
for your soul.
Restocks (CD): Guitar Based
VETIVER - VETIVER - DICRISTINA - CD (STEP02)
FEATURING AN ALL STAR CAST OF MUSICIANS INCLUDING DEVENDRA BANHART,
MY BLOODY VALENTINE'S COLM O'CIOSOIG AND HOPE SANDOVAL THIS IS
A FABULOUS ALBUM RECORDED IN THE BAY AREA THAT USES TRADITIONAL
AMERICAN FOLK MUSIC AS ITS INSPIRATION. WONDERFULLY MELANCHOLIC
AND COUNTRY SOUNDING, THIS IS A RARE TREAT INDEED. RECOMMENDED.
Restocks (CD): Funk / Jazz / Soul
BASIL KIRCHIN - ABSTRACTIONS OF THE INDUSTRIAL NORTH - TRUNK - CD =
(JBH012CD)
ANOTHER BRILLIANT AND UTTERLY UNIQUE BASIL KIRCHIN RELEASE FROM
THE ETERNALLY-ON-THE-CASE TRUNK LABEL. JONNY'S SLEEVE NOTES SAY
IT ALL (AS EVER) FAR BETTER THAN I COULD, SO I'LL IMPROVISE AROUND
THEM! TRACKS 1-11 MAKE UP THE COMPLETE "ABSTRACTIONS..." ALBUM
RECORDED IN 1966, AND IT'S PASTORAL, BEAUTIFUL, STRIKINGLY ORIGINAL
LIBRARY MUSIC THAT THOROUGHLY DESERVES TO BE HEARD. THIS IS FOLLOWED
BY NINE "LIBRARY CUES" FOUND ON A DE WOLFE LIBRARY 10" FROM THE
SAME PERIOD, WHICH INCLUDES JIMMY PAGE AMONGST THE SESSION =
MUSICIANS.
TERRIFIC STUFF THAT LOVERS OF THE WHOLE TRUNK ETHIC WILL GO NUTS
FOR.
BREAKESTRA - THE LIVE MIX PART 1 - ROOTDOWN - CD (RD003)
WICKED LIVE MIX OF COVERS FROM THE TALENTED BREAKESTRA. COVERS
THAT YOU'LL IMMEDIATELY RECOGNISE, INCLUDING TRACKS FROM THE OUTLAW
BLUES BAND, JIMMY SMITH, THE METERS, HERBIE HANCOCK, BOBBY BYRD,
BILLY BROOKS, THE HEADHUNTERS AND OTHERS. DEEPLY GROOVY, FUNKY
AND RECOMMENDED.
New Releases (CD): Experimental
ANTI GROUP, THE - PSYCHOEGOAUTOCRATICAL AUDITORY PHYSIOGOMY DELINEAT - =
DIE STADT - CD (DS67)
This is a wonderful piece of work from The Anti Group. A long,
hypnotic and, initially at least, drone based track that grows
in sound and stature until it becomes a seething, experimental
soundscape of harsh noise and high frequencies. To begin with
there is a hissing sound which gradually builds into a background
field recording, then into a melodic drone before introducing
the more challenging elements about halfway through. There's a
lot of blurb in the accompanying booklet which I'm sure would
explain the concept of the whole piece of work, but time being
something I don't have a great deal of space to go into it. Fans
of Basinski and the Hafler Trio will definitely want to investigate
though.
FRANCISCO LOPEZ - LIVE IN MONTREAL - ALIEN 8 - CD (ALE54D)
Francisco Lopez we know from his highly original releases on Mego,
Alien 8 and Bottrop-Boy, and this live album (which could mean
anything, i hear no audience) captures him on typically devastating
form. Barely audible for the main part, but extreme intense at
other times, this none more black CD comes with a free strip of
material... which is also black. Profound. Released Monday 1st
August although we can send it mailorder to arrive on Monday.
=20
HAFLER TRIO, THE - A EG AD HALDA AFRAM? - IMPORTANT - CD (IMPREC050)
This is simply magnificent. Hafler Trio are always worth checking
out and this single track piece is amazingly put together. Starting
out with a barely there spoken piece that's incredibly dislocating
and bit scary, it soon launches into one of the most full sounding
and surprisingly melodic drones I've heard in a while. This is
followed up by more intense minimalism and then, incredibly, it
moves into a rhythmic passage. Hafler Trio using beats? And guess
what? It works a treat. Deep, slowed down breaks that are full
of menace and darkness. A sublime CD. Definitely recommended.
MECHA FIXES CLOCKS - ORBITING WITH SCREWDRIVERS - ALIEN 8 - CD =
(ALE50D)
Minimal, experimental neo/avant-classical that as detailed as
it is challenging, but never obtrusive. A veteran of Montreal
experimental scene, Michel F. Cote has assembled a carefully chosen
ensemble from the city's Musique Actuelle community, as well as
fixing clocks on his days off. Released Monday 1st August although
we can send it mailorder to arrive on Monday.=20
ORGANUM - VACANT LIGHTS / RARA AVIS - DIE STADT - 2xCD (DS62)
Double CD from Organum with two very different takes on experimental
Electronica. The first CD is a deep piece of minimalist soundscape
music with dense, noise-based textures and a cleverly building
and morphing feel... always leaving you wanting to hear the next
segment. The second CD is a series of pieces which range from
melosic, almost Gas-style ambient pieces via harsh drones and
then onto pure noise experiments. Very coherent overall and very
pleasing as a complete collection.=20
Restocks (CD): Experimental
THROBBING GRISTLE - KREEME HORN - DOSSIER - CD (DCD9090)
WITH A SUB-TITLE OF "IN PRAISE OF THE GROTESQUE" YOU'VE SOME IDEA
WHERE THIS IS COMING FROM. PRODUCED IN 1975, THIS IS THROBBING
GRISTLE IN EXPERIMENTAL AND NOISY ELECTRONIC VOICE. AS USUAL,
SUPERB STUFF FROM THE INVENTORS OF THE INDUSTRIAL SOUND.=20
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<DIV><STRONG><U><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2>Smallfish Mailout=20
28/07/05</FONT></U></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><U><FONT face=3DTahoma =
size=3D2></FONT></U></STRONG> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2>Hi there everyone and many peaceful =
greetings from=20
all at Smallfish</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2>Considering I had to do a mailout =
extra last week=20
because of the sheer amount of new things that came in after the =
official=20
mailout earlier in the week, I decided to hold back a few days this week =
because=20
I knew there were some really nice things coming in. I won't make a =
habit of it=20
, mind you, and it'll be back to normal next week. Actually it was a bit =
of a=20
freaky week all round, but that's a different matter...</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2>So, things to mention this week=20
include:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><U><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2>Fenton - Pup - Plop =
[PLIP-3014] -=20
CD</FONT></U></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><U><FONT face=3DTahoma =
size=3D2></FONT></U></STRONG> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2>This CD is something I've been waiting =
for for a=20
few months after hearing early reports about it. Simply put this is one =
of those=20
electronic / organic pieces of work that has me struggling to find the =
sort of=20
superlatives that do it justice. Fenton is, in fact, Dan Abrams aka =
Shuttle358=20
and with this album he has moved onto the logical conclusion of where =
'Chessa'=20
on 12k left off. If you listen to both albums back to back they make the =
most=20
perfect pairing. As his skills are already without question I'll just =
say that=20
hearing a guitar being played and manipulated so beautifully is =
genuinely=20
heartwarming and enchanting. Melodies? Plenty. Atmopshere? Loads. Warmth =
and=20
depth? By the bucketload! If you love electronica with an acoustic edge =
you've=20
got to check this out! Be quick though... that's my advice. (quick, =
stop, I'm in=20
danger of gushing too much!)</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><U><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2>Experiment in lower-case =
type on the=20
website</FONT></U></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><U><FONT face=3DTahoma =
size=3D2></FONT></U></STRONG> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2>We think that changing the way we =
write things=20
from capital letters to normal, human writing has been something of a =
success.=20
Thanks to the people who mailed us with feedback... always an invaluable =
thing=20
to get. The website looks better for it, it certainly reads better and =
we think=20
that you're probably thinking that too. It's a winner.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><U><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2>Ezekiel Honig and Morgan =
Packard -=20
Early Morning Migration - Microcosm Music - CD</FONT></U></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><U><FONT face=3DTahoma =
size=3D2></FONT></U></STRONG> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2>This one's a real treat! Ezekial =
Honig's Microcosm=20
Music has been putting out some extremely good low-key Techno / =
Electronica=20
records for a couple of years and, so far, they've been more based =
around the=20
idea of subtle, incredibly deep 4/4 sounds or scrunchy off-kilter gear =
from the=20
likes of Someone Else and Miskate (as well as Ezekiel himself, of =
course). This=20
new CD only release really adds a new depth to the sound with a =
wonderful=20
pairing of artist who absolutely understand how to write sculptural, =
beautiful=20
Electronica. They each bring their own twist to the sounds on offer but =
both=20
have an undeniable knack of delivering melody as well as seemingly =
complex=20
soundscapes along with a very sublte rhythmic quality. Check this out to =
see=20
what I mean and, as an aside, you may want to check out Ezekiel's =
earlier album=20
'People, Places and Things' because that is also extremely good. =
Fabulous=20
work.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2><STRONG><U>Blue / XXC3 / Temple / =
Electro Bunker=20
Cologne</U></STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><U><FONT face=3DTahoma =
size=3D2></FONT></U></STRONG> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2>You may have noticed some of these =
release lurking=20
on the website this week and it's worth mentioning that there will be =
restocks=20
of most of them coming back in (except, sadly, the H.E.A.D. 'EFS' LP) =
plus=20
(excitement builds up in Mike's immediate vicinity!) loads of Harvest =
release=20
from the mid to late '90's. The one thing that links all of these =
releases is=20
the fact they are pretty much all Air Liquide related. For me that's =
exciting=20
enough in itself, but when you consider how difficult they were to get=20
originally in this country it makes it all the more special that these =
are=20
original copies! Common themes are 1) Acid 2) Dub 3) Minimal Techno 4) =
More=20
Acid... The way all of these guys (Khan, Kerosene, Dr. Walker, Jammin' =
Unit=20
etc.) put their sounds together and worked in different pairings and=20
combinations still does it for me. These records are a little slice of =
history,=20
Techno-wise, and most of them are still brilliant. Investigate=20
forthwith...</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2><STRONG><U>Mailout =
Extra</U></STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><U><FONT face=3DTahoma =
size=3D2></FONT></U></STRONG> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2>I did a little 'Mailout Extra' last =
week (as I=20
mentioned at the beginning) and found that it proved very helpful to a =
lot of=20
people. So, from now on I'll be doing more regular updates of restocks =
and items=20
of interest and if you think that's a good thing, let me know. As =
always, your=20
feedback is much appreciated.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2>That brings me to the end of this =
weeks mailout so=20
I shall bid you a fond farewell and a safe weekend.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2>Take good care.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2>Peace.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2>The Fish.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D1>Smallfish Records | 329 Old Street | =
London | EC1V=20
9LE | +44 [0] 20 7739 2252 | <A=20
href=3D"http://www.smallfish.co.uk">www.smallfish.co.uk</A></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D1></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DTahoma size=3D1></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>New Releases (Vinyl): Electronica</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> AIR LIQUIDE - @ THE CLUB - THE REMIXES - =
BLUE - 12"=20
(BLUE2-01)<BR> 3 wonderful tracks from the lords of =
Acid. This=20
was the first<BR> release on the reborn Blue label and =
it sees=20
the Air Liquide guys<BR> tweaking the 303s and =
providing some=20
tough Techno grooves in a<BR> live stylee. This are =
seriously=20
limited as they're original copies<BR> so don't hang=20
around!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> BROADWAY PROJECT - AUTUMN BREAKS EP - =
MEMPHIS=20
INDUSTRIES - 12" (MI036T)<BR> I think this is one from =
last=20
year we missed. Four track EP, kinda<BR> Ulrich =
Schnauss meets=20
Blue States meets Four Tet meets Murcof<BR> meets DJ =
Shadow on=20
Ninja Tune... and if you don't like any of<BR> those, =
what the=20
heck are you doing here?!? Sweeeeeeeet.... </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> DJ SWAMP - INSTRUMENTS OF TORTURE - =
DECADENT - 12"=20
(DEC-038)<BR> This is an album - but it is only single =
vinyl=20
(bucking the Drum<BR> and Bass trend of having one =
piece of=20
vinyl for every two tracks)<BR> and has seven =
tracks. =20
For the most part this is straight up Drum<BR> and =
Bass -=20
nothing too fierce and nothing too noodlie. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> DMX KREW - MANY WORLDS - REPHLEX - LP=20
(CAT175LP)<BR> A surprisingly non-electro based =
9-track LP=20
from DMX, subtitled<BR> "The Collapse Of The Wave =
Function=20
Volume 4". Straightforward,<BR> often downtempo =
electronic=20
loops and simple melodies combine in<BR> this almost=20
"Analord-stripped-bare" project, kinda reminiscent<BR> =
at=20
times of Kraftwerk (one track sounds like it could break=20
into<BR> "Showroom Dummies" at any minute!). Will no =
doubt fly=20
out. Released<BR> Monday 1st August although we can =
send it=20
mailorder to arrive<BR> on Monday. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> DMX KREW - THE TRANSACTIONAL =
INTERPRETATION -=20
REPHLEX - LP (CAT176LP)<BR> Two equally intriguing =
LP's in one=20
week from DMX it is, then.<BR> Again, this is really =
pure=20
electronica, utilising stark loops<BR> and simplistic =
melodies=20
in an "Analord-stripped-bare" style. Seemingly<BR> =
(again)=20
very Kraftwerk inspired (one track was almost "It's =
More<BR> =20
Fun To Compute", another has curiously Eno-esque vocals!).=20
Definitely<BR> one the Rephlex heads will snap up. =
Released=20
Monday 1st August<BR> although we can send it =
mailorder to=20
arrive on Monday. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> ELLIOT LIPP - ELLIOT LIPP - EASTERN =
DEVELOPMENTS -=20
LP (EDM011LP)<BR> Beats, sountrack influenced =
instrumentals,=20
samples galore. A very<BR> 'Eastern Developements' =
type of=20
album from young Mr Lipp. Pleasureable<BR> enough and =
almost,=20
although thankfully not quite, coffetable.<BR> Get yer =
luggs=20
round some Lipps.............</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> EXPERIMENTAL AUDIO RESEARCH - WORN TO A =
SHADOW -=20
LUMBERTON TRADING COMPANY - LP (LUMB001LP)<BR> Four =
tracks=20
translates into over 50 minutes of music. they=20
really<BR> do do what their name suggests - this is =
truely=20
experimental audio;<BR> often rather beautful, often =
dark and=20
foreboding, and often sounding<BR> like something that =
might=20
belong in a "new-age" setting (appropriate<BR> picture =
disc=20
too!). It works though, and although you might get<BR> =
into=20
transcendental meditation in passing it is actually =
very<BR> =20
listenable (and you probably need to chill out and calm down=20
anyway!).</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> EXPOSURES, THE - LOST RECORDINGS 2000 - =
2004 -=20
EASTERN DEVELOPMENTS - LP (EDM12LP)<BR> Compilation LP =
of this=20
criminally underated trio from Berlin.<BR> These guys =
have=20
been writing music for film & television since<BR> =
the=20
1980's. This is a rare collection of work that the trio=20
composed<BR> under the influence of fellow German,=20
digital/sampling artist<BR> Jan Jelinek. This really =
is a=20
tremendous collection of modern<BR> electronica and =
very=20
worthy of you attention. Thankyou Eastern<BR> =
Developements=20
for unearthing this treasure for us............</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> GREENSPACE - GREENSPACE - SPACE BADGER - =
LP=20
(BADGERLP001)<BR> This is a lovely album of dreamy =
post-rock=20
and sweetly mournful<BR> female vocals. Very =
summery and=20
soporiphic.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> H.E.A.D. - EFS - BLUE - 2xLP=20
(BLUE008)<BR> There aren't many words that would =
describe just=20
how much I love<BR> this album. Hailing from the good =
old days=20
of Air Liquide's Blue<BR> label, this splendid marbled =
vinyl,=20
double pack is quite simply<BR> wonderful. Created by =
the=20
potent pairing of Khan and Kerosene,<BR> the main idea =
behind=20
all the tracks is ACID... plus a bit of mid<BR> '90's=20
electronic weirdness. 'EFS 8' is still one of the best=20
Acid<BR> tracks I've ever heard and features possible =
the most=20
tweaky 303<BR> line of all time. It's ambient, it's =
trancey,=20
it's strangely hippyish,<BR> it's Techno and it's just =
plain=20
awesome. Get it quickly because<BR> we only have a few =
copies=20
of it.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> INCITE - MINIMAL LISTENING - INCITE - 7"=20
(?1)<BR> Currently touring the UK, Incite are a =
Hamburg-based=20
male/female<BR> experimental electronics duo that =
should=20
appeal to fans of Raster<BR> Noton, 12k / Line, and =
all things=20
minimal, abstract and slightly<BR> challenging. At =
first both=20
sides appear to be a confused, frenzied<BR> mess of =
atonal=20
glitch, distortion and tones until more rhythmic<BR> =
qualities=20
reveal themselves. Compelling and unusual, this =
should<BR> be=20
investigated. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> JAMMIN' UNIT - REMOTE CAR BABE - TEMPLE - =
10"=20
(TEMPLE004)<BR> I must admit that I don't remember =
this from=20
when it first came<BR> out so it's very pleasing to =
find that=20
this slightly off colour<BR> clear vinyl 10" is a =
classic slab=20
of Air Liquide styled acidic<BR> Electronica / Techno =
with all=20
the hallmarks of that mid '90's<BR> sound I love so =
much. Get=20
in there with this as I have a sneaking<BR> suspicion =
that=20
it's not going to last that long!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> KHAN - EAR GOGGLES / B-MEN - XXC3 - 10"=20
(XXC3/401)<BR> More absolutely classic goodness from =
the Air=20
Liquide related<BR> XXC3 label from back in '94. Khan =
delivers=20
two heavily Acid inspired<BR> tracks in a minimal =
style with a=20
breakbeat flava on one side and<BR> 4/4's on the =
other. 10",=20
blue vinyl, highly collectable for those<BR> in the =
know...=20
get it now before it disappears for good!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> KHAN + WALKER - EMPIRE STATE BUILDING - =
XXC3 - 12"=20
(XXC3/801)<BR> Fabulous looking yellow vinyl 12" on =
the Air=20
Liquide related XXC3<BR> label. Khan and Walker =
deliver two=20
long and involved tracks of<BR> beautifully ambient =
Acid=20
Electronica. Loads of dubbiness and gorgeous<BR> =
analogue=20
sequences which keep on wibbling away throughout =
both<BR> =20
sides. The 303 lines are muted, subtle and very, very groovy=20
in<BR> a sort of G.E.N. kind of style. Wicked stuff =
from 1995=20
that isn'g<BR> going to hang around for very long at=20
all.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> MODESTY - MINDFLY - XXC3 - 12"=20
(XXC3/301)<BR> Once again I'm delighted to present one =
of my=20
favourite records<BR> of all time. I hammered this so =
much=20
that my copy barely plays<BR> any more. The A-side is =
a deeply=20
emotive ambient track with a<BR> gorgeous, divinely=20
atmospheric analogue line which builds and<BR> builds=20
throughout and then is joined by the sweetest flute / =
pan<BR> =20
pipe line. Sounds odd bu it's genuinely beautiful. The flip=20
is<BR> host to a more minimalistic Techno sound with =
some=20
absolutely<BR> deep as hell sounds and claatering 909=20
percussion. the other track<BR> is more of a Black Dog =
inspired slice of Electronica. Simply brilliant<BR> =
and still=20
sounding amazing after 10 years. Highly, highly=20
recommended<BR> indeed.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> PIERROT PREMIERE - PAIN-KILLER PILOT =
PLANT - XXC3 -=20
10" (XXC3/701)<BR> Aah. Pierrot Premiere. Air =
Liquide's Walker=20
and Thomas Thorn combine<BR> to deliver the kind of =
smashing=20
minimalistic, acidic and slightly<BR> dubby grooves =
that were=20
the signature of these guys back in the<BR> mid '90's. =
These=20
are original copies on Blue vinyl and, as such,<BR> =
should be=20
treated as extremely rare. Snap them up and don't delay!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> SIA - BREATHE ME / NUMB (ULRICH SCHNAUSS =
/ LEILA=20
MIXES) - UNKNOWN - 10" (10GOB60)<BR> I haven't got a =
scooby=20
who Sia is, but i do know who Ulrich Schnauss<BR> and =
Leila=20
are, and i'm sure you do too. Ulrich pretty much =
does<BR> =20
exactly what you'd expect but it's still very pleasant, if a=20
bit<BR> "Big Chill" (would be much better as an =
instrumental,=20
imo). Leila<BR> gets her old skool synths out =
resulting in a=20
mix that tries to<BR> be a bit Curve / Cocteaus but =
ends up=20
more Moloko / Massive Attack<BR> (again, ditch the =
vocals!).=20
Could be collectable, though, who<BR> knows? =
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> TRIPLE R + WALKER - AUFRAEUMEN! - XXC3 - =
10"=20
(XXC3/601)<BR> Could this be the very first appearance =
on=20
vinyl of Trapez / Traum<BR> boss Triple R? Here, he =
teams up=20
with Air Liquide's Walker for<BR> a slice of deep,=20
minimalistic Techno with that distinctive '90's<BR> =
twist.=20
Slightly dubby, lightly acidic and considerably =
brilliant.<BR> =20
This 10" EP is one of those sought after pieces that you'll=20
want<BR> to snap up immediately. Don't miss =
out.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> VARIOUS - WHITE COCK 1 - COCK ROCK DISCO =
- 12"=20
(COCK1-12)<BR> Heeeere we go!!! Five thunderous =
bangers from=20
the likes of Knifehandchop,<BR> Jason Forrest, =
Xanopticon and=20
Duran Duran Duran. Like Planet Mu<BR> on speed, like a =
possessed hoover making love to Fugazi at 45rpm,<BR> =
like the=20
Beatles...... =
&=
nbsp; &n=
bsp; =20
<BR> .........No, nothing at all like the =
Beatles. This=20
marvellous<BR> release comes with free stickers and a =
'Disturb=20
Yer Nan' poster.<BR> You know you always get value =
with the=20
Cock!!!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> X911 - OXYGEN - ELECTRO BUNKER COLOGNE - =
11"=20
(EBC005)<BR> Electro Bunker Cologne never released =
that many=20
records but, for<BR> fans of the Air Liquide empire's =
output,=20
they were pretty much<BR> essential. Using a similar =
approach=20
to Pharma mixed with XXC3<BR> you get an analogue / =
Acid=20
hybrid that's both funky and yet incredibly<BR> =
obscure.=20
Fabulous material that has sttod the test of time =
(if,<BR> =20
like me, you were into that sound) and is pretty hard to get=20
hold<BR> of these days. These are original copies so =
make sure=20
you don't<BR> miss out.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> YUNX - IN THE HEART OF THE NIGHT - A.I. - =
2xLP=20
(AI013LP)<BR> OK, so the title sounds like something =
in the=20
vein of Berlin's<BR> "take my breath away", but be =
assured=20
this is nothing like that.<BR> The cover shows, =
I=20
presume, a Japanese skyscape, with "Yunx"<BR> subtlely =
embossed through the streetlight. Open it up and=20
you'll<BR> find a double pack of eclectic music. =
From=20
melodic and sci-fi<BR> influenced electronics, often =
wearing=20
the heavy boots of melancholy,<BR> and easily =
mistakable for=20
the likes of Plaid; to jazz laden and<BR> loungey beat =
tracks;=20
to more perky electronics that have a leaning<BR> to =
toe=20
tapping and head nodding - kind of relaxed techno. =20
Very<BR> nice...</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>Restocks (Vinyl): Electronica</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> APHEX TWIN - REMIXES 1 - UNKNOWN - 2xLP=20
(ATW01)<BR> WELL, WELL. A SELECTION OF REMIXES BY A =
CERTAIN=20
APHEX TWIN. SEEMS<BR> A BIT LIKE THE 26 MIXES FOR CASH =
COMPILATION BUT, TO BE FAIR,<BR> YOU CAN'T KNOCK A =
VINYL=20
VERSION THAT INCLUDES HIS STAGGERINGLY<BR> COOL =
VERSIONS OF ST=20
ETIENNE, NAV KATZE, SEEFEEL, CURVE, BABY FORD,<BR> =
MEAT BEAT=20
MANIFESTO, THE GENTLE PEOPLE AND THE BEATNIKS. =
PLUS<BR> YOU=20
GET THE ACID EDIT OF WINDOWLICKER AS WELL. STORMING =
STUFF<BR> =20
THAT IT WOULD PROBABLY BE FOOLISH TO MISS!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> AROVANE - LILIES - CITY CENTRE OFFICES - =
LP=20
(TOWERBLOCK020)<BR> THIS ALBUM REALLY DOESN'T NEED ANY =
INTRODUCTION, I'M SURE. AROVANE'S<BR> THIRD LONG =
PLAYER AND=20
HIS SECOND FOR C.C.O. IS A GENUINE BEAUTY<BR> THAT =
MANAGES TO=20
CAPTURE THE ESSENCE OF 'TIDES' ALONG WITH HINTS<BR> OF =
THE=20
DARKER, MORE ELECTRONIC 'ATOL SCRAP'. SUCCESSFULLY =
MELDING<BR> =20
THESE TWO IDEAS TOGETHER AND ADDING LUSCIOUS LAYERS OF=20
MELODY<BR> WITH HARP, HARPSICHORD AND PIANOS PAYS OFF =
AND THE=20
OVERALL FEEL<BR> OF THE ALBUM IS ONE OF SOOTHING =
PURITY.=20
SIMPLY PUT, YOU NEED THIS<BR> ALBUM IF YOU HAVE ANY =
INTEREST=20
IN ELECTRONICA. ESSENTIAL.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> BASIL KIRCHIN - QUANTUM - TRUNK - LP=20
(JBH003LP)<BR> I'VE PUT THIS IN THE ELECTRONIC =
SECTION, BUT IT=20
REALLY BELONGS<BR> IN A "REALLY DERANGED AND MENTAL" =
SECTION -=20
SADLY WE DON'T HAVE<BR> ONE. PRODUCED BY BASIL =
KIRCHIN=20
WITH ASSISTANCE FROM HIS WIFE,<BR> EVAN PARKER, A TAPE =
MACHINE=20
SOME AUTISTIC CHILDREN AND MANY MORE.<BR> IT =
WILL=20
INITIALLY WOO YOU WITH RATHER BEAUTIFUL SOUNDSCAPEY=20
MATERIAL,<BR> HYPNOTIC AND SOOTHING. BE PREPARED =
FOR=20
FREEFORMED JAZZ COMING<BR> AT YOU WITH NO HOLDS=20
BARRED. THINGS CONTINUE IN THIS VEIN OF<BR> =
THINGS OVER=20
TWO LONG AND COMPELLING TRACKS. HIGHLY ODD, =
HIGHLY<BR> =20
RECOMMENDED.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> KSCHZT - THE EARTH'S HUM - BLASE - LP=20
(BLA007)<BR> Coming from the man that brought us the =
wonderful=20
MD albums on<BR> Merck as well as the superb previous =
single=20
on Blase, it's no<BR> surprise to find that Jakko's =
almost=20
unpronouncable Kschzt full<BR> length is a beauty. =
Mixing up a=20
whole slew of electronic styles<BR> from pacey =
electronica to=20
Detroit influenced Tech sounds via some<BR> =
wonderfully=20
abstract moments and quality breakbeat based =
tracks,<BR> this=20
is a joy from beginning to end and features some=20
incredibly<BR> detailed programming and production =
that really=20
fits the overall<BR> feel. Mature, engaging and =
interesting=20
throughout, this is yet<BR> another string in Blase's =
bow and=20
a super moment for Kschzt. Definitely<BR> =20
recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> MAPS AND DIAGRAMS - TACTILE LOVE EP - =
ARABLE - 12"=20
(ARABLE3)<BR> ROBIN 'ISAN' SAVILLE'S ARABLE LABEL IS =
ONLY=20
THREE RELEASES OLD<BR> AND YET THE QUALITY OF THOSE =
RELEASES=20
TELLS YOU ALL YOU NEED TO<BR> KNOW. SO FAR PSAPP AND =
FLOTEL=20
HAVE PROVIDED SUPER DEEP, SUPER<BR> BEAUTIFUL =
ELECTRONIC=20
MOMENTS AND NOW IT'S THE TURN OF MAPS + DIAGRAMS.<BR> =
EIGHT=20
TRACKS TAKING THE FORM OF FOUR MAIN TRACKS AND FOUR=20
SHORTER<BR> INTERLUDE PIECES. EVERY SINGLE MOMENT ON =
THIS EP=20
IS A JOY WITH<BR> A DELICATELY PUT TOGETHER SELECTION =
OF=20
MELODIC ELECTRONICS PAR<BR> EXCELLENCE. SUBTLE =
RHYTHMIC=20
SHIFTS, BEATLESS MOMENTS OF PURE AMBIENT<BR> =
PLEASURE... THE=20
LIST GOES ON. A TREMENDOUS PIECE OF WORK THAT<BR> =
COMES=20
HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> MARSEN JULES - HERBSTLAUB - CITY CENTRE =
OFFICES -=20
LP (TOWERBLOCK023)<BR> I WONDERED HOW LONG IT WOULD BE =
BEFORE=20
SOMEONE PICKED UP MARTIN<BR> JUHLS MOST WONDERFUL =
MUSIC UNDER=20
THE MARSEN JULES PSEUDONYM. AFTER<BR> A SERIES OF =
AMAZING=20
RELEASES FOR SEVERAL INTERNET LABELS (AS BOTH<BR> =
MARSEN JULES=20
AND KRILL.MINIMA) CITY CENTRE OFFICES HAVE SEEN =
FIT<BR> TO=20
RELEASE THIS STAGGERINGLY BEAUTIFUL ALBUM. DIFFICULT TO=20
CLASSIFY<BR> MUSICALLY, IT IS A BLEND OF THE FINEST =
SCULPTURAL=20
ELECTRONICA<BR> MIXED WITH AN OVERTLY CLASSICAL, =
CHAMBER MUSIC=20
SOUND. TO SIMPLY<BR> DESCRIBE IT AS 'CLASSICAL GAS' IS =
TO DO=20
IT A SEVERE INJUSTICE.<BR> THIS IS ORIGINAL MUSIC, =
LOVINGLY=20
CREATED AND BEAUTIFULLY PRODUCED<BR> THAT'S EXPANSIVE, =
ENGAGING AND JUST PLAIN WONDERFUL. ALBUM OF<BR> THE =
WEEK,=20
MONTH AND PROBABLY YEAR. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>New Releases (Vinyl): Techno / =
Electro</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> ALEXANDER EAST - BEGINNING WEEKEND - RAUM =
MUSIK -=20
12" (MUSIK048)<BR> Raum on form here again with this =
slamming=20
release from Alexander<BR> East. What it does, it does =
so well=20
that it's very hard to resist<BR> the minimalistic, =
almost=20
old-school feel that you get from this.<BR> Phat 4/4 =
beats and=20
reduced sounds that have this punctuating bleepy<BR> =
noise to=20
accentuate the grooves. A very, very good release =
for<BR> =20
those seeking some pure dancefloor pleasure with absolutely=20
no<BR> cheese whatsoever. Wicked.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> ARGY - LOVE DOSE - POKER FLAT - 12"=20
(PFR60)<BR> Bleepy, funky, crisply produced Tech =
sounds here=20
from the label<BR> that can. Both originals are really =
very=20
good but the real highlight<BR> (for most people, =
anyway) is=20
the Luciano remix. A superb reduction<BR> of the =
original mix=20
that keeps the bleeps and gives them a punchier,<BR> =
more=20
groove based sound as well as offering a stunning=20
arrangement<BR> that's just made for the floor. =
Brilliant=20
stuff.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> BEN MONO FEAT. SIRIUS MO - PROTECTION - =
COMPOST -=20
12" (COMPOST172)<BR> Those cheeky scamps at Compost =
decide to=20
release an electro /<BR> house / pop record that's a =
bit West=20
London Mate Innit. Be excited.<BR> Thankfully, it's =
not *that*=20
"Protection"! Pure dancefloor fodder.<BR> =
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> CHELO SCOTTI - TIEMPO - L'AGE DOR - 12"=20
(LADO17116)<BR> Four loosely techno tracks - all with=20
vocals. From really bizarre<BR> and coomercial =
sounding=20
poppy techno, to almost electronica, via<BR> cheesy=20
electro-pop. Will fit somewhere in an ironic or=20
retro<BR> set, but where exactly is anybody's=20
guess!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> CLARO INTELECTO - LACAN / EPISODE - =
MODERN LOVE -=20
12" (LOVE015)<BR> I haven't even heard this yet and=20
unfortunately even though we<BR> were promised 50 =
copies we've=20
actually only got 25 so it's 1 only<BR> per person and =
you'd=20
be better be bloody quick about it. I'm sure<BR> it's =
probably=20
quite good so I'll dispense with the pleasantries<BR> =
and say:=20
DO NOT HANG AROUND! (I'll rewrite this once I've =
heard<BR> =20
it)</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> CLOR - CLOR - REGAL - 2xLP=20
(REG122)<BR> Quirky eighties electro pop that's kinda =
like a=20
much more palettable<BR> Fischerspooner. Clor could =
almost be=20
some kind of Jeff Goldblum-created<BR> genetic hybrid =
of Bis=20
and Gary Numan, with a bit of DFA thrown<BR> in for =
extra=20
cred! Now where did i put that teleporter...? A =
very<BR> =20
attractive gatefold double-vinyl package, it has to be said. =
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> DAGOBERT - ON THE RUN - DOMINANCE =
ELECTRICITY - 12"=20
(DR-016.003)<BR> Early-ish Dominance EP that features =
some=20
stormingly good electro<BR> grooves. Pure and synthy =
on one=20
side with a smashing mix by Sbassship<BR> on the flip =
which=20
ups the pace and heaviness to a large degree.<BR> =
Proper good=20
sounds which no Electro-head should be without.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> DAKAR & GRINSER - 25 REPTILE - DISKO =
B - 12"=20
(DB133)<BR> Dakar & Grinser - tank top wearing dog =
lovers=20
- return with three<BR> tracks of electro =
techno. The=20
main track is complete with vocals<BR> and has =
"electro-pop"=20
tagged all over it. The flip is more =
stripped<BR> back=20
(mixes from Pink Elln and You We Are): toughter and =
less<BR> =20
cheesy and has some good stabby sounds that make it rather=20
good.<BR> </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> DAVE MILLER - MITCHELLS RACCOLTA - =
BACKGROUND -=20
2xLP (BG045)<BR> Firstly, apologies to both Dave =
Miller and=20
our customers for the<BR> lengthy delay on us getting =
this in=20
so late. There are no excuses<BR> I'm afraid. so I =
shall=20
continue on with the review. Dave's earlier<BR> work =
on=20
Background was slowly but surely moving into more =
textural<BR> =20
territory. The glitched-out funk of his 12"s was firmly in=20
the<BR> Techno camp but always with a lighter and more =
sculptural feel.<BR> This album takes that approach to =
a new=20
level with its wonderfully<BR> deep chords and sounds =
coupled=20
with a jazzy lick (in a Scape-ish<BR> sort of way) to =
some of=20
the beautifully intricate percussion.<BR> There are =
some more=20
groove based tracks as well to counterpoint<BR> the =
more=20
downbeat moments and as a whole it's an extremely =
well<BR> =20
thought out and put together piece of work. Warm,=20
atmopsheric<BR> and highly recommended. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> DB - TROON EP - BACKGROUND - 12"=20
(BG044)<BR> Cracking selection of tracks from DB which =
features a mix from<BR> label owner and Sound =
Variation head=20
honcho Andy Vaz. DB's cuts<BR> are minimalistic Techno =
in the=20
finest tradition of this brilliant<BR> label with =
super chord=20
sounds that meander over the subtle, shuffling<BR> =
beats in=20
the best way. Funky? Yup. Atmospheric? Yup. Andy's =
mix<BR> is=20
slightly more reduced and has that bleepy sort of sound=20
that<BR> the Sound Variations are famous for. A well =
rounded=20
and extremely<BR> splendid record. =
Recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> DJ ALI - YOU AND I - RESCUE - 12"=20
(RR13)<BR> Two tracks of top drawer, straight-up tech =
house=20
(that's the non-Mike<BR> definition of tech house, =
there) that=20
will do some dancefloor<BR> damage, for sure. Not a =
million=20
miles from Wighnomy Brothers,<BR> with some tough =
beats and=20
cleverly twisted vocals. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> DOMINATRIX - THE DOMINATRIX SLEEPS =
TONIGHT - GIGOLO=20
- 12" (GIGOLO111)<BR> Now this is a classic from =
Gigolo,=20
released in 2003 but originally<BR> dating from 1984. =
Hell=20
covered this track back in 1998, when he<BR> was good, =
for his=20
groundbreaking 'Munich Machine' LP but you can't<BR> =
"beat"=20
the original (get it?!). Comes complete with new =
mixes<BR> =20
from Black Strobe and Terranova, too.... </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> DUPLEX 100 - BIG SHOT - TREIBSTOFF - 12"=20
(TREIBSTOFF54)<BR> Big and bouncy and strangely =
electro=20
sounding on the A-side, Phil<BR> Stumpf and Sam =
Rouanet=20
deliver some top notch Techno grooves here<BR> with a =
nicely=20
funky House twist. Very stringy and very much =
based<BR> on the=20
idea of melody they concoct a very convincing sound =
that<BR> =20
fits with Treibstoff exactly but has, possibly, a slightly=20
lighter<BR> sound than some of the other releases. =
Whatever,=20
it's a great<BR> one and definitely worth having a =
listen=20
to.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> ENVOY - MOVE ON - SOMA - 12"=20
(SOMA152)<BR> This Ewan Pearson production (with Craig =
Armstrong on string duties)<BR> really doesn't amount =
to any=20
more than a poor (make that destitute)<BR> man's New =
Order=20
(the lyrics are even worse than Mr. Sumner's!).<BR> =
Two mixes=20
from Al Usher don't redeem things a great deal. =
Still,<BR> if=20
you're a Soma head you might be into this. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> FAINT, THE / VARIOUS - DANCE MACABRE =
REMIXES -=20
SADDLE CREEK - 3xLP (ASC83269)<BR> A mixed bag of =
remixes, to=20
put it mildly. Some half-decent, well-known<BR> =
artists=20
(Photek, Ursula 1000, Medicine, Jagz Kooner), some=20
complete<BR> unknowns (The Calculators, Tommie =
Sunshine,=20
Mojolators), and some<BR> far-too-well-known types =
best=20
forgotten about (Paul Oakenfold,<BR> Junior Sanchez) =
all=20
contribute to this curious package, bizarrely<BR> on =
the same=20
label as Bright Eyes! </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> FELIX DA HOUSECAT - ROCKET RIDE - EMPEROR =
NORTON -=20
12" (ENR541)<BR> Felix Da Housecat divides (or should =
that be=20
'da-vides') people,<BR> but there's no arguing he gets =
the job=20
done. This 12" features<BR> two tracks from last =
year's "Devin=20
Dazzle & The Neon Fever" album,<BR> plus a =
Freeform 5=20
remix. Prime electro-house (as it's now commonly<BR> =
known).=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> FRIVOLOUS - KEVORK MOTION EP - BACKGROUND =
- 12"=20
(BG047)<BR> Lovely, playful and scatty Techno sounds =
from=20
Frivolous here.<BR> Five tracks that have a similar =
style to=20
his releases on Karloff<BR> and, certainly, his =
earlier=20
Background material. Possibly not<BR> quite as =
stripped down=20
and featuring a full and fruity set of<BR> quirky =
sounds and=20
some shuffling, groovy beats. Hits that balance<BR> =
between=20
Tech and House with a great deal of style. =
Recommended?<BR> =20
Yup, you bet.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> HENRIK SCHWARZ - LEAVE MY HEAD ALONE =
BRAIN - SUNDAY=20
MUSIC - 12" (SMR004)<BR> Deep, deep techno / minimal =
house=20
with that jazzy flava from Mr<BR> H. Schwarz that's =
certainly=20
up to his usual high standard. Quirky,<BR> original, =
totally=20
on the money. Should fly. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> KHAN - SILENT MOVIE - ELECTRO BUNKER =
COLOGNE - 12"=20
(EBC003)<BR> Dirty, phat, Electro and Techno grooves =
on the=20
sporadic, at best,<BR> Electro Bunker Cologne label. =
Khan=20
really gets on it here with<BR> some funky-assed =
minimal=20
grooves that, as we just discovered,<BR> still have =
the power=20
to move people. Limited when it came out<BR> these are =
original copies and should be snapped up with all =
haste.<BR> =20
Superb.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> LAWRENCE - THE NIGHT WILL LAST FOREVER =
REMIXES -=20
LADOMAT 2000 - 12" (LADO2175)<BR> I'm slightly =
concerned about=20
the teaming up of Ladomat and Novamute<BR> and their =
penchant=20
for endlessly remixing things... particularly<BR> =
Lawrence. So=20
far, however, we're still in the realms of quality<BR> =
and=20
both the John Tejada and Lusine remixes are quite simply=20
superb.<BR> J.T. delivers a gnarly, bass driven mix =
with all=20
of his funked-out,<BR> skippy trademarks whilst Lusine =
opts=20
for a flat, warm, yet atmospherically<BR> moody =
version which=20
is absolutely sopt on. Add to that a new and<BR> =
exclusive=20
track and you've got an indespensible release from =
one<BR> of=20
my favourite artists. Killer.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> LE TIGRE - THIS ISLAND REMIXES VOL. 2 - =
CHICKS ON=20
SPEED - 12" (COSR24)<BR> More interesting than the =
first=20
volume in as much as it has remixes<BR> from Peaches, =
NDB (aka=20
Elliot Taub and John Selway) and vocal<BR> and =
instrumental=20
mixes from (erk!) Junior Senior. In some ways,<BR> =
it's a good=20
job i'm very busy today.... Released Monday 1st =
August<BR> =20
although we can send it mailorder to arrive on Monday. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> MOVING NINJA - SHELLCODE - TECTONIC - 12" =
(TEC002)<BR> Dark yet stripped-bare grime, moody and =
cinematic=20
with an excellent<BR> line in percussive sounds.=20
Well-produced, and certainly up there<BR> with =
anything in=20
this genre around at the moment. Fans of Vex'd<BR> in=20
particular should check this. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> MUNK - MEIN SCHATZI - REMIXES - GOMMA - =
12"=20
(GOMMA-N)<BR> Munk teams up with Princess Superstar =
and then=20
gets the remix<BR> treatment from Zongamin, Midnight =
Mike,=20
Zongamin with Midnight<BR> Mike and Hiltmeyer. =
Four=20
tracks - two that are hybrid hip hop<BR> / electro pop =
that=20
have an overal loud and in your face feel.<BR> =
The other=20
two are much more straight electro and quite good =
with<BR> =20
it... Sorry about the catalogue number but there just isn't=20
one<BR> anywhere to be found. It's bloody =
useless - I=20
bet the people<BR> who run Gomma have to have mittens =
attached=20
to each other via<BR> a piece of string going through =
the arms=20
of their jackets - otherwise<BR> they'de be bound to =
lose=20
them...</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> PRODIGY, THE - GIRLS / MEMPHIS BELLS =
(PROMO) - XL -=20
12" (OHDEAR1)<BR> Recent two-track promo... do i have =
any=20
takers for these fallen<BR> Essex idols? Come on, you =
cockney=20
monkeys! If you've felt jilted<BR> since '...Jilted=20
Generation', you won't feel any less betrayed<BR> by =
this, i'm=20
afraid but hey, maybe you'll get lucky and sell it<BR> =
on ebay=20
for =A36.32 or summat...? </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> RANDOM FACTOR FEAT. GEORG LEVIN - MOVE ON =
- 20:20=20
VISION - 12" (VIS104)<BR> Written and produced by Carl =
Finlow,=20
but nothing like his releases<BR> on Device, for =
example. Pure=20
West London gear, jazzy, soulful,<BR> housey, all =
that.=20
'Breakout' fares better, and there are mixes<BR> from =
Fred=20
Everything and The New Mastersounds to round =
things<BR> off.=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> RATATAT - SEVENTEEN YEARS - REX - 12"=20
(REKD034)<BR> There seems to be the beginnings of =
something=20
resembling hype<BR> towards Ratatat at the moment. =
Curiously,=20
one half of Ratatat<BR> (which is most satisfying to =
type) is=20
otherwise known as E*Vax<BR> and the co-founder of the =
Audio=20
Dregs label. I say curiously as<BR> although the =
B-side is a=20
little more downtempo, this is generally<BR> coming =
from the=20
Vitalic / Daft Punk / Alan Braxe school of =
thought.<BR> This=20
scarce 12" dates from 2003. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> REMUTE - FLASH / MUSIC MAKES YOU / =
ODYSSEY REMIXES=20
- MY BEST FRIEND - 12" (MBFLTD12007)<BR> I think it's =
fair to=20
say that My Best Friend's Limited series<BR> sits at =
the=20
slightly more Euro and commercial end of things =
and<BR> with=20
this set of remixes of tracks by Riley & Steve Barnes,=20
Break<BR> 3000 and Robert Schulze, you're getting a =
lot of=20
dancefloor friendly<BR> material for your money. Denis =
Karimani under his Remute guise<BR> gets stuck into =
all three=20
tracks and provides some cracking grooves<BR> that =
concentrate=20
on floor-filling and somewhat epic sounds, but<BR> =
never loses=20
sight of the underground-ness of the Cologne =
scene.<BR> Tip=20
top and totally mint condition (to use a rubbish phrase=20
from<BR> a rubbish TV program).</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> RHYTHM_MAKER - EVERY NOW AND THEN, ANGER =
EP -=20
BACKGROUND - 12" (BG046)<BR> Ah, yes... Rhythm_Maker. =
This is=20
a fabulous release that eschews<BR> the more downbeat =
and=20
clicked-out sound that Background have =
concnetrated<BR> on for=20
a while now and delivers a pure injection of minimal,=20
funked<BR> up, deeply atmospheric Techno fun. Reduced =
sounds=20
and a couple<BR> of nice Housey moments on the B-side =
that add=20
a true variety to<BR> the proceedings. You don't get =
minimal=20
Techno like this very often<BR> so my advice would be =
to make=20
the most of it while it's there!<BR> Top =
stuff.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> RUDE 66 - OVERKILL - VIEWLEXX - 12"=20
(V12/19)<BR> The robot may be your friend, but that =
doesn't=20
increase the production<BR> costs of the viewlexx =
catalogue=20
and therefore doesn't excuse a<BR> european record =
being so=20
expensive. OK, so it's a good record<BR> =
with two=20
electro tracks on it. The A-side has a fat beat =
and<BR> =20
bass line, with a sultry female vocal thing going on. The=20
flip<BR> seems to be the vocodered dub version, which =
gets my=20
vote. Something<BR> that will appeal to both the =
electro and=20
the 'clash camps... </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> TOCOTRONIC - PURE VERNUNFT DARF NIEMALS =
SIEGEN=20
REMIXE - KOMPAKT POP - 12" (KOMPOP7)<BR> Big one for =
Kompakt=20
Pop here. Tocotronic are pretty big in their<BR> =
homeland and=20
you can see why. Their original mix is a rocky, =
poppy<BR> =20
guitar based affair that could easily top the indie charts!=20
For<BR> the rest of us, however, the more pertinent =
question=20
is regarding<BR> the remixes. Luckily Superpitcher and =
the=20
legendary Wasserman<BR> deliver by the bucketload with =
the=20
kind of slightly trancey, very<BR> dancefloor =
orientated Pop=20
Techno that we've come to know, respect<BR> and love =
from the=20
Cologne massive. The vocals might annoy some<BR> =
people, but=20
as ever, you should definitely give this a listen.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> TOOB - 4 WALLS - LO - 12"=20
(LO1205)<BR> Not really what i'd expect from Lo - this =
being a=20
full on banging<BR> bass heavy techno track. The =
original mix is far too commercial<BR> and, dare i =
say,=20
transey for these old and jaded ears. The =
record<BR> is=20
partly redeemed by flipping it over to the=20
"HeavywightHill"<BR> remix - still banging and aimed =
squarely=20
at the middle of the<BR> dancefloor, but sounding like =
a=20
Tipper / Si Begg record given<BR> a (massive) rave=20
remix! </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> VARIOUS - SOMA DUBS VOL. 4 - SOMA - 12"=20
(SOMA176)<BR> Four Soma dubs / instrumentals / remixes =
for=20
your listening pleasure.<BR> A surprisingly fine Death =
In=20
Vegas mix of Slam (much more minimal<BR> and =
underplayed than=20
you might expect), the Henrik Schwarz dub<BR> of Alex =
Smoke,=20
Alex's own dub of "Don't See The Point", and =
another<BR> =20
chance to grab the Claro Intelecto dub of Vector Lovers'=20
"Futures<BR> In Plastic" (a Claro track you can =
actually buy=20
this week!). Released<BR> Monday 1st August although =
we can=20
send it mailorder to arrive<BR> on Monday. =
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> VARIOUS - NORTHERN ELECTRONIC - =
DISCOGRAPH - 2xLP=20
(DGLP81665)<BR> Solid double-vinyl compilation (from =
'03) of=20
still-relevant sleazy<BR> dancefloor / electro-pop =
smashers=20
from moons ago, which includes<BR> Fat Truckers, =
Stazi, White=20
Trash, I Monster, Kings Have Long Arms,<BR> Mum & =
Dad et=20
al. Certainly the better end of the genre here. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> VARIOUS - ADJUNCT VOLUME ONE - ADJUNCT - =
12"=20
(ADJUNCT01)<BR> First release from this new label and =
what a=20
line-up! John Tejada,<BR> Pheek, Bruno Pronsato and=20
[A]pendics.shuffle all provide killer<BR> minimal, =
dancefloor=20
Techno grooves that have energy, funky, weirdness<BR> =
and=20
killer production in abundance. You couldn't ask for a=20
better<BR> start than this and I'll definitely be =
keeping a=20
keen eye on their<BR> future releases. Great=20
stuff.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>Restocks (Vinyl): Techno / Electro</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> ALDEN TYRELL - DISCO LUNAR MODULE (MORE =
REMIXES!) -=20
CLONE - 12" (MOGS02)<BR> HELL'S TEETH, OUR ALDEN'S =
MILKING HIS=20
DISCO LUNAR MODULE FOR ALL<BR> IT'S WORTH, ISN'T HE? =
THESE ARE=20
THE "U4RIA SUPERDUNKEL" REMIXES<BR> (VERSION 1.0 AND =
1.25,=20
MIND) BUT TO BE FAIR THEY ARE AN ABSOLUTELY<BR> SUPER =
PAIR OF=20
DRAMATIC ELECTRO TRACKS (ALBEIT BOTH QUITE =
SIMILAR)<BR> ON A=20
PAR WITH ANY OF THE CLONE OR VIEWLEXX GEAR.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> ARK - CALIENTE - PERLON - 2xLP=20
(PERL47LP)<BR> DOUBLE PACK PLEASURE FROM CIRCUS =
COMPANY'S ARK=20
AND IT'S A STRANGELY<BR> DIVERSE SOUNDING BEAST. =
MASHED UP=20
HOUSE AND TECHNO SOUNDS WITH<BR> A LIBERAL SPRINKLING =
OF=20
ODDBALL R&B / HIP HOP VIBES TO VARY THINGS.<BR> =
SHOULD=20
FIND FAVOUR WITH PERLON FANS AND QUIRKY, PERKY, CUT =
UP<BR> =20
TECH TRACKS FANS. CHECK.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> BURIAL - SOUTH LONDON BOROUGHS - HYPERDUB =
- 12"=20
(HDB001)<BR> SERIOUSLY DARK AND EERIE GRIME - I'M =
SURPRISED=20
THE LIKES OF REPHLEX<BR> AND PLANET MU AREN'T FIGHTING =
OVER=20
THIS ONE. THE TWO TRACKS ON<BR> SIDE ONE ARE =
CLAUSTROPHIC,=20
INTENSE YET BY NO MEANS OVERWROUGHT<BR> TWO-STEP THAT =
WILL=20
STILL CAUSE DEVASTATION ON THE DANCEFLOOR.<BR> THE TWO =
B-SIDES=20
ARE OF A MORE MINIMAL, ELECTRONIC NATURE BUT =
EQUALLY<BR> =20
DOOMY. FIRST CLASS. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I GIVE YOU GOTH=20
GRIME<BR> (OR GROTH!).</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> CHRISTOPHER JUST - B.O.B. - POMELO - 12"=20
(POM15)<BR> Cripes alive! This is a banger. Putting it =
on, I=20
was expecting<BR> a disco / house / techno sort of =
affair and=20
then I remembered<BR> it's on Pomelo. What you end up =
with are=20
3 fierce electro-based<BR> tracks with almost entirely =
distorted up sounds and beats that<BR> will bang =
through your=20
head and really get into your feet. An<BR> absolutely =
wicked=20
ep all round. Bravo.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> DEPTH CHARGE - HI VOLTAGE MAN - DC - 12"=20
(DC51)<BR> 2 CUTS FROM THE MAN LIKE J SAUL KANE HERE. =
ONE IS A=20
DOWNBEAT,<BR> ULTRA FUNKY SLICE OF ELECTRONICS WITH =
SOME GREAT=20
VOCAL SNIPPETS<BR> POPPING UP THROUGHOUT THE TRACK. =
THE OTHER=20
IS A MORE DANCEFLOOR<BR> FRIENDLY CUT WITH A WICKED =
ANALOGUE=20
LINE ROCKING THROUGHOUT THE<BR> TRACK. CHECK IT=20
OUT....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> DJ KOZE A.K.A. MONACO SCHRANZE / GEBR. =
TEICHMANN -=20
SPEICHER 25 - KOMPAKT EXTRA - 12" (KOMEX25)<BR> IT'S A =
QUARTER=20
OF A CENTURY FOR THE KOMPAKT EXTRA LABEL AND IT'S<BR> =
A=20
BLISTERING ASSAULT ALL ROUND FROM KOZE AND GEBR.=20
TEICHMANN.<BR> DARK, PROGRESSIVE, SLAMMING CLUB SOUNDS =
FOR THE=20
MORE UPBEAT DANCEFLOORS...<BR> JUST WHAT YOU'D EXPECT, =
REALLY.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> DOMINIK EULBERG - ROTBAUCHUNKEN REMIXE - =
TRAUM -=20
12" (TRAUMV58)<BR> PROPS GO TO BOTH OF THE REMIXERS =
HERE.=20
ROBAG WRUHME TURNS IN A<BR> GREAT VERSION WITH HIS =
TRADEMARK=20
QUALITY BUT TOBI NEUMANN TAKES<BR> THE WINNING FLAG =
WITH HIS=20
SUPERBLY OFF-KILTER MIX THAT HAS DEPTH,<BR> WEIRDNESS =
AND=20
KILLER 4/4 BEATS. SERIOUSLY, THIS IS A WICKED =
TRACK<BR> AND=20
YOU'LL WANT TO CHECK IT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. RECOMMENDED.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> KOERNER & TREPLEC - =
UNTENRUMGEHTSBESSER -=20
MILNOR MODERN - 12" (MMR.004)<BR> Milnor Modern =
deliver=20
another staggeringly deep and funky selection<BR> of=20
ultra-minimal Techno sounds. Every release so far has =
been<BR> =20
superb and the level of detail on this record is=20
magnificent.<BR> Crispy, crunchy rhythms with a =
healthy dose=20
of glitchyness and<BR> crackle coupled with delicious, =
melodic=20
breaks and chords are<BR> the hallmarks and along with =
some=20
rumbling bass sounds makes this<BR> another essential =
release.=20
Awesome stuff.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> LEGOWELT - BEYOND THE CONGO - BUNKER - =
12"=20
(B3044)<BR> JUST WHAT THE SMALLFISH ELECTRO DOCTOR =
ORDERED - A=20
NEW SIX TRACK<BR> EP FROM THE MIGHTY LEGOWELT. IN ALL =
HONESTY,=20
THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE<BR> BELTER AND AS STRONG AS ANY =
ELECTRO=20
RECORD I'VE HEARD ALL YEAR.<BR> THE PRODUCTION IS =
ULTRA DEEP,=20
AND A CUT ABOVE THE REST. THROBBING,<BR> PULSATING, =
ROUGH AND=20
SLEAZY JUST THE WAY I LIKE IT (AND MY ELECTRO,<BR> =20
AHEM).</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> NATHAN FAKE - DINAMO / COHEED REMIXES =
(DOMINIK=20
EULBERG / MICHAEL - TRAUM - 12" (TRAUMV60)<BR> NOW, =
BEARING IN=20
MIND JUST HOW MASSIVE THE ORIGINAL WAS, I THOUGHT<BR> =
IT WAS=20
GOING TO BE SOMETHING OF A TALL ORDER FOR ANYONE TO =
DO<BR> =20
'DINAMO' ANY JUSTICE. DOMINIK EULBERG, HOWEVER, HAS TAKEN A=20
COUPLE<BR> OF ELEMENTS AND USED THEM TO FINE, FINE =
EFFECT. A=20
CRISPY, DRY<BR> SOUNDING BEAT AND THE QUALITY BURBLY =
ANALOGUE=20
LINE FROM THE ORIGINAL<BR> ARE MORE THAN ENOUGH TO =
MAKE THIS A=20
DANCEFLOOR BEAST AND IDEAL<BR> FOR MIXING INTO THE =
ORIGINAL.=20
MICHAEL MAYER GETS BUSY WITH 'COHEED'<BR> ON THE =
FLIPSIDE AND=20
TURNS IT INTO A SOMEWHAT EPIC VERSION WITH<BR> SOARING =
SYNTHS=20
AND A PSEUDO-TRANCE FEEL. ALL VERY PLEASING, REALLY.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> RA-X - THE OPIUM DEN (PARTS V-VIII) - =
MIGHTY ROBOT=20
- 12" (MR00000000000001)<BR> I WISH MORE PEOPLE MADE =
ELECTRO=20
RECORDS WITH THE SORT OF DEPTH<BR> AND WARMTH THIS HAS =
GOT.=20
THE PRODUCTION IS FABULOUSLY DEEP, THE<BR> SECOND =
TRACK ALMOST=20
HAVING THAT EARLY WARP KINDA VIBE. THE STANDOUT<BR> =
TRACK,=20
HOWEVER IS THE THIRD (PART VII?), WITH ITS MID-TEMPO,=20
STASIS<BR> / B12 IF THEY WERE AROUND IN THE EIGHTIES =
FEEL. IF=20
YOU LIKE CLARO<BR> INTELECTO, YOU NEED TO HEAR THIS=20
TOO!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> SLG - QUARTER PAST ELEVEN EP - LEVEL =
RECORDS - 12"=20
(LEVEL04)<BR> Level Records has only put out 4 =
releases so far=20
but they've been<BR> of such exceptionally high =
quality that I=20
always eagerly await<BR> a new one. This doesn't =
disappoint at=20
all and, in fact, could<BR> easily be my favourite 12" =
so far.=20
The deepest of Techno grooves<BR> with subtle, shining =
chord=20
sequences made up of gentle sinewave<BR> sounds plus =
funky,=20
House influenced beats that have just enough<BR> =
shuffle to=20
groove it whilst remaining true to their Techno =
roots.<BR> A=20
wonderful ep for playing and listening to that will easily=20
stand<BR> the test of time. Recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>New Releases (Vinyl): US Techno / =
Electro</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> ACTUAL JAKSHUN - SEQUENTIAL CIRCUS - =
MINUS - 12"=20
(MINUS27)<BR> Great minimal house/techno tracks here =
from=20
Actual Jakshun. Stripped,<BR> sparse, cold and damn =
groovy.=20
Not only that, but check out the<BR> Marc Houle remix =
of the=20
title track. Blinding. A seriously good<BR> record... =
R E C O=20
M M E N D E D ! </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> MATTHEW DEAR - LEAVE LUCK TO HEAVEN =
(PROMO) -=20
GHOSTLY INTERNATIONAL - 2xLP (SPC11)<BR> Just one copy =
only of=20
this much-celebrated Matthew Dear LP from<BR> last =
year in=20
promo form in stock... double white label =
(actually,<BR> black=20
label!) with insert, seemingly unplayed. Essential for=20
fans<BR> of Playhouse, Perlon, Akufen, Villalobos, =
Isolee etc=20
that don't<BR> already have it! </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>Restocks (Vinyl): US Techno / =
Electro</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> KONRAD BLACK - DRACONIA - WAGON REPAIR - =
12"=20
(WAG-003)<BR> DARK, FUNKY, EDGY AND RATHER GOOD MOODY =
HOUSE=20
CUT HERE FROM KONRAD<BR> BLACK. ANALOGUE BASS BATTLES =
WITH=20
MID-TEMPO DRY DRUMS AND, EVENTUALLY,<BR> SPOOKY VOCALS =
AND=20
SUCH. I NEVER REALISED THAT PAGANS COULD BE<BR> SO =
DARN=20
FONKEEE. THE FLIP IS A SLIGHTLY LIGHTER (NOT MUCH) =
ACID<BR> =20
TINGED WORKOUT. R E C O M M E =
N =20
D E D ! ! !=20
<BR> ! ! ! =20
! ! </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> MATHEW JONSON - RETURN OF THE ZOMBIE =
BIKERS - WAGON=20
REPAIR - 12" (WAG-004)<BR> This could quite easily be =
one of=20
Mathew Jonson's most memorable<BR> tracks to date! The =
main=20
cut is a seething beast that uses electro<BR> =
influences and=20
some killer basslines to produce a hypnotic affair<BR> =
that's=20
actually quite accessible! Add to that the massive =
break<BR> =20
in the middle with this swarming beast sound that buzzes=20
around<BR> in your mind and you've got a smasher. The =
flip is=20
Jonson by numbers,<BR> but obviously those numbers are =
pretty=20
good and will absolutely<BR> get the dancefloor =
pumping.=20
Killer stuff once again. Essential.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>New Releases (Vinyl): House</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> AMP DOG KNIGHT - OVER U - MAHOGANI - 12"=20
(M.M-15)<BR> Best Mahogani release for a while here =
with this=20
lush offering<BR> from Moodymann under his Amp Dog =
Knight=20
guise. He's delivered<BR> an upbeat, soulful, yet =
strangely=20
off-kilter set of tracks that<BR> should actually get =
people=20
dancing as well as pleasing the fans<BR> who like it =
obscure=20
and deep as hell. There's something about<BR> the =
vocal mix=20
with its subtle freestyle / scat style that really<BR> =
works a=20
treat. Super stuff.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> DELLS, THE / MASTER JAY - NO WAY BACK / =
DISCO EDITS=20
- FUNHOUSE - 12" (FUN001)<BR> Cheeky little disco =
re-edit 12"=20
here. Apart from a very nice instrumental<BR> edit of =
The=20
Dells we also have a blinding re-arrangement of =
"No<BR> Way=20
Back" a la Master Jay. Good time ole skool flavours to=20
savour.<BR> C H E C K ! !</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> ELECTRIC PRESS, THE - RE:VOLT EP - 20:20 =
VISION -=20
12" (VIS101)<BR> 'Ahse. Solid 4-to-the-floor, smooth, =
shuffly,=20
samey... but Smallfish<BR> 'ahse nonetheless. One for =
the=20
Juergen (two for the show, three<BR> to get ready =
etc).=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> ETERNALS, THE - ASTROPIONEERS - CAPITOL - =
2xLP=20
(5845451)<BR> Very upfront electro house that's a bit =
Vitalic,=20
a bit Alan Braxe<BR> / Daft Punk / Thomas Bangalter =
and a bit=20
Gigolo only more commercial<BR> sounding. Lively 4/4 =
beats to=20
shake the sternest booty - and you<BR> get a poster =
with it!=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> MARK FARINA - THE LOST BAGGAGE EP - OM - =
12"=20
(OM152)<BR> Deep house goes West London... this is the =
sort of=20
record we usually<BR> send stray customers to Disque =
for, but=20
not this time! Smooth<BR> as a baby's bum.... =
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> PORKS WATCH / CRUSHO - MINOTAUR / =
LOCOMOTIV -=20
Q-TAPE RECORDS - 12" (QT013)<BR> Two tracks of very =
nice and=20
very deep house music with lovely<BR> bass lines and =
chords=20
that will appeal to fans of the moodier<BR> and less =
obvious=20
end of this genre. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> ROBERTA SWEED - HOW SWEED IT IS - KDJ - =
12"=20
(KDJ-34)<BR> This is, to be realistic, one of the best =
Moodymann tracks in<BR> a long, long time. As soon as =
you drop=20
the needle (or carefully<BR> place it, rather) you can =
hear=20
it... Weird chord sounds, flat,<BR> but punchy beats, =
a=20
soulful, Detroit sounding warmth and flava...<BR> when =
the=20
Rhodes piano comes in it's a really dream-like =
sound<BR> that=20
swept me off my feet. Highly, highly recommended and an=20
essential<BR> Kenny Dixon release... no=20
arguments.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>Restocks (Vinyl): House</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> FANTASTIC PLASTIC MACHINE - REACHING FOR =
THE STARS=20
(MAW REMIXES) - KITSUNE - 12" (KITSUNE010)<BR> THE =
ORIGINAL,=20
PLUS MASTERS AT WORK AT WORK OVER THREE MIXES. ALL<BR> =
VERY=20
COMMERCIAL SOUNDING AND RATHER OFFENSIVE TO THESE =
YEARS,<BR> =20
BUT I SUSPECT I'M NOT EXACTLY ITS TARGET MARKET. WHO IS? I=20
DUNNO,<BR> MAYBE DAVE PIERCE?</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>New Releases (Vinyl): Hip Hop</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> BEANS - PHREEK THE BEET / MUTESCREAMER - =
WARP - 12"=20
(WARPLP103P)<BR> Promo only 12" that accompanied the =
Beans=20
album Tomorrow Right<BR> Now. Two tracks - that have =
that=20
lovely old school sounding drum<BR> machine combined =
with hip=20
hop vocals and definitely a nod to the<BR> days of =
proper=20
early electro. Dig out yer lino...</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> BOOGIE DOWN PRODUCTIONS - MY PHILOSOPHY / =
STOP THE=20
VIOLENCE - JIVE - 12" (JIVER170)<BR> Hmmm, nice. =
Original UK=20
pressing (from 1988) of this KRS-One release,<BR> with =
two=20
mixes of 'My Philosophy' and 'Stop The Violence' as =
a<BR> =20
double-A side. They don't make 'em like this anymore. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> BOOM BAP PROJECT - REPROGRAM - RHYME =
SAYERS - 2xLP=20
(RS0060-1)<BR> Debut long player from the Boom Bap=20
Project. Guest appearances<BR> by Rakkaa =
Iriscience=20
(Dilated Peoples), Gift of Gab (Blackalicious),<BR> DJ =
Vinroc,=20
Lifesavas and Grayskul; production by Jake One, =
Vitamin<BR> D,=20
Bean One, Jumbo and Mr. Hill. I like this - up beat and=20
funky,<BR> without sounding too commercial. =
Proper fun=20
hip hop with good<BR> rapping and scratching that =
manages to=20
be funky and danceable;<BR> digital, but still=20
human.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> BRAINTAX - DON'T DRAG ME IN / BIRO FUNK - =
LOWLIFE -=20
12" (LOW14)<BR> Promo version of this 12" sampler from =
the=20
Biro Funk LP from 2001.<BR> Big funky beats and =
nice=20
rhymes. Check... </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> COO COO CAL - MY PROJECTS - TOMMY BOY - =
12"=20
(TB2225)<BR> 12" from 2001 from the sadly now defunct =
Tommy=20
Boy. Clean, Dirty<BR> and Instrumental of the =
title=20
track, plus "Dedication" featuring<BR> Do It To =
Death. =20
All of it definitely coming from the epic, digital<BR> =
and=20
jump up neck of the woods.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> D'ANGELO - LEFT AND RIGHT - EMI - 12"=20
(12EM555)<BR> Five versions of the title track (plus a =
dreadful R&B bonus (?)<BR> track) featuring Method =
Man and=20
Redman (1999) Suprisingly soft<BR> hip hop that =
has alot=20
of R&B going on too. Lazy and =
tripping-up<BR> beats=20
kind of getting into almost electronica territory. =20
Best<BR> without vocals, so go straight for the=20
instrumental.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> GREENHOUSE EFFECT VS. RADIOHEAD - =
GREENHOUSE EFFECT=20
VS. RADIOHEAD - UNKNOWN - LP (VS001LP)<BR> Ltd edition =
Japanese import on green vinyl of Greenhouse =
Effect<BR> =20
rapping over tracks made from Radiohead samples/loops.=20
Although<BR> on paper this may seem workable, to these =
ears it=20
really is not.<BR> Maybe your ears will fare=20
better...</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> JUST-ICE & KRS-ONE - KOOL AND DEADLY=20
(JUSTICIZMS) - FRESH - LP (LPRE-5)<BR> Dating from =
1987 this=20
is Just-Ice and KRS- One sounding really<BR> simple, =
raw and=20
under-produced (that being a good thing if you<BR> ask =
me). Proper authentic and original hip-hop from two of=20
the<BR> originators. Still sounds fresh to=20
me...</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> KILLA KELA - RAVE OF THE FUTURE - SPIT =
KINGDOM -=20
10" (KELA002)<BR> New limited gatefold 10" (plus =
poster and=20
stickers!) from human<BR> beatbox sensation Killa =
Kela, who's=20
currently being touted as<BR> the next big thing in =
British=20
Hip Hop. Certainly this has all<BR> the makings of a =
hit, and=20
i dare say with the right support he'll<BR> go far. =
For those=20
into Dizzee Rascal, Wiley, Roots Manuva etc,<BR> i =
also say=20
check this out. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> LMNO - GRIN AND BEAR IT - UP ABOVE - 12"=20
(UPA3096-1)<BR> D'you see what they've done? =
It's a=20
bear... One side is versions,<BR> the other is =
instrumentals -=20
the versions are a tad whiney if<BR> you ask me, but =
the=20
instrumentals are lush (plus an entertaining<BR> =
quirky little=20
number) - really good beats and samples. =
Deep,<BR> lush,=20
quality... </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> MAKER - SHOOTING THE BREEZE - GALAPAGOS 4 =
- LP=20
(G4LP0031)<BR> Decent album here from Maker. =
Instrumental hip=20
hop very much in<BR> the vein of old RJD2. Warm beaks, =
untraceable loops, very snare<BR> heavy and almost =
lounge in=20
the way it tackles it's task with such<BR> ease. Very =
worth a=20
listen............</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> MED AKA MEDAPHOAR - GET BACK - =
STONESTHROW - 12"=20
(STH2113)<BR> Produced by Just Blaze, who's clearly =
been=20
influenced by Timbaland<BR> / Missy Elliott's "Pass =
The=20
Dutch". On the reverse, a Madlib production<BR> ("Get =
A=20
Grip"). Released Monday 1st August although we can =
send<BR> it=20
mailorder to arrive on Monday. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> MIND SPACE - LIFE IS FOUL - FUNKY ASS - =
12"=20
(KTR-005)<BR> Four tracks - three vocal and three =
instrumnetal=20
produced by Kutmasta<BR> Kurt. The instrumentals =
tick=20
all the right boxes - deep, soulful<BR> and still =
funky. =20
The vocals get in the way of the really good<BR> beats =
if you=20
ask me...</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> MISSY ELLIOTT - PASS THAT DUTCH - ELEKTRA =
- 12"=20
(ED6047)<BR> You might think that there are six =
versions of=20
Pass That Dutch,<BR> but infact there are only three - =
the a=20
side is on both sides.<BR> This was released as =
a promo=20
release as a prelude to the album<BR> "This is Not a=20
Test". Good digital beats and some =
recognisable<BR> =20
samples along with Missy's unmistakable voice. (Though the=20
instrumental<BR> is definitely the =
one...)</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> NIGHTMARES ON WAX - 70S / 80S (PROMO) - =
WARP -=20
2x12" (WAP160P)<BR> Promo version of these two records =
that=20
were released as two separate<BR> records. =
First=20
disc has an RJD2 mix and tracks featuring Roots<BR> =
Manuva,=20
Rodney P and Tozz 180. Disc two has a Roots Manuva =
mix<BR> and=20
two Scientist mixes. Nice...</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> RAKIM FEAT. CANIBUS - I'LL BUST 'EM YOU =
PUNISH 'EM=20
- UNKNOWN - 12" (RAK2000)<BR> Being no Hip Hop expert, =
i can't=20
tell you a lot about this...<BR> i neither know from =
when it=20
dates or how legit this pressing is<BR> but, y'know, =
it's=20
Sunday morning and i don't think Steve would<BR> =
appreciate me=20
calling him (particularly when he doesn't work =
here<BR> =20
anymore).... </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> ROOKWOOD / MC TRIP - WHAT'S YOUR NAME / =
RINGSIDE -=20
SPIT KINGDOM - 12" (SPK01)<BR> Neat split 12" on Killa =
Kela's=20
Spit Kingdom label. Really good<BR> quality British =
Hip Hop=20
with sound production - the Rookwood side<BR> is =
produced by=20
Plus One (Scratch Perverts), the MC Trip side by<BR> =
Beni G=20
(The Mixologists). To be investigated. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> VARIOUS - RETURN OF THE DJ VOLUME II - =
BOMB HIP-HOP=20
- 2xLP (BOMB2003)<BR> Part two of this series =
featuring DJs=20
from all over the place.<BR> 16 Tracks of =
scratch-tastic=20
trickery from a load of talented<BR> turntablists =
including DJ=20
Format, Kid Koala, Tommy Tee, Roc Raida,<BR> Pepe =
Deluxe and a=20
whole load more. Useful tool...</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> WILLUS DRUMMOND vs ESAU - MAKING MUSIC =
(WITH YOUR=20
MOM) AND IT'S A STICK UP - DOWNS ELEMENTARY - 12" =
(DE002)<BR> =20
Most bizarre cover of a record i've seen for a while - I=20
like<BR> the idea of doing a stick up with a hand =
saw!?=20
Anyway, this is<BR> an eccentric slice of left of =
centred hip=20
hop. Plenty of music<BR> for your money - 5 =
tracks with=20
instrumental versions too, plus<BR> a few odds and =
sods (with=20
emphasis on the odds) - this is sub-titled<BR> "the 5 =
song=20
super single" - it is a single and it is rather=20
super...<BR> Have a listen and judge for=20
yourself...</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>Restocks (Vinyl): Hip Hop</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> ANTIPOP CONSORTIUM - ARRHYTHMIA - WARP - =
2xLP=20
(WARPLP94)<BR> A WICKED SELECTION OF DEEP, DARK, =
LYRICALLY=20
INTENSE CUTS FROM<BR> THE AWESOME ANTI POP. SEETHING =
TEXTURES,=20
DOOM LADEN BEATS CUT<BR> UP WITH SCI-FI FX AND OBSCURE =
SOUNDS=20
SHOW THAT THESE GUYS MEAN<BR> SERIOUS BUSINESS. =
BRILLIANT!=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> BIGG JUS - BLACK MAMBA SERUMS V2.0 - BIG =
DADA -=20
2xLP (BD071)<BR> PROMO VERSION OF THIS LP (SO NO =
COVER). DEEP,=20
SMOOTH BEATS YET<BR> PRETTY UPFRONT RHYMES FROM THIS =
CREW,=20
THAT I HAVE TO ADMIT I KNOW<BR> VERY LITTLE ABOUT. =
CHECK IT,=20
SEE WHAT YOU THINK...................</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> CYPRESS HILL - INSANE IN THE BRAIN - =
RUFFHOUSE -=20
12" (77019)<BR> ORIGINAL COPY OF THIS WEST COAST =
CLASSIC=20
FROM1993. SO MANY GOOD<BR> HIP HOP REISSUES RECENTLY =
AND THIS=20
IS ANOTHER QUALITY ITEM TO<BR> ADD TO THE=20
COLLECTION.......</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> GHOSTFACE KILLAH - IRONMAN - EPIC - 2xLP=20
(485389)<BR> REISSUE OF THIS TOP LP FROM 1996. =
FEATURES THE=20
WICKED DAYTONA<BR> 500 CUT WHICH HAD THAT EXCELLENT=20
VIDEO........</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> KUBIQ - KUBONIQS - HERATIK - 2xLP=20
(HTK012)<BR> NICE DEBUT LP FEAT RASCO AND PLANET ASIA =
AMONGST=20
OTHERS, WITH<BR> ALL THE MINIMAL HEADNODDIN BEATS =
LACED BY=20
FANATIK..... VERY VERY<BR> NICE!!!!!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> RODNEY P - RIDDIM KILLA - RIDDIM KILLA / =
LOW LIFE -=20
12" (RKP03)<BR> TOUGH NEW JOINT FROM TOP RAPPER RODNEY =
P.=20
ROUGH BEATS WITH A SLIGHTLY<BR> AGGRESSIVE FEEL =
COUPLED WITH=20
HIS WICKED LYRICAL STYLE. FRESH.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> RODNEY P - BIG TINGS WE INNA - LOWLIFE - =
12"=20
(RKP02)<BR> PRODUCTIONS FROM JOE BUDHA & SEA ON A =
BEACH(?)=20
NICE UK SKILLZZZZZ............</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>New Releases (Vinyl): Eclectic =
Beats</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> BABY MAMMOTH - AND I'LL SEE YOU - PORK - =
12"=20
(PORK)<BR> Good old Baby Mammoth delivers two tracks =
of=20
slightly groovy and<BR> slightly jazzy break =
beat. One=20
has a bit more guts than the other,<BR> but they are =
designed=20
to induce more of a sway than a stomp...</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> DANCING DJEDI - BODY SURFIN' - GAMM =
ENTERPRISES -=20
12" (GAMM021)<BR> More mash ups from the Gamm stable - =
this=20
one by the Dancing Djedi<BR> (who is decidedly lacking =
the=20
force if you ask me!) putting Mos<BR> Def's vocals =
over a=20
simple dubby break beaty affair on one side<BR> and a =
more=20
leap-around orientated drum and bass beat on the=20
flip.<BR> </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> ENNIO MORRICONE - REMIXES VOL. 1 - =
COMPOST - 3xLP=20
(COMPOST150-1)<BR> A veritable Smorgasbord of =
Morricone mixes=20
here (across six sides<BR> of vinyl) from a pretty =
diverse set=20
of artistes, including International<BR> Pony =
(Playhouse),=20
Alex Attias (Visions), Leroy Hanghofer (Gomma),<BR> =
Butti 49,=20
Domu (Archive), Dan Curtin, Doctor Rockit, Raw =
Deal<BR> and=20
others. Some work better than others (as you'd expect =
from<BR> =20
such an ambitious project), but overall it's worth =
checking.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> JOSEPH MALIK - AQUARIUS SONGS EP - =
COMPOST - 12"=20
(COMPOST162)<BR> Fauna Flash's remix is a pleasant =
surprise,=20
in as much as it's<BR> a shuffly electronic diversion =
away=20
from Compost's usual, erm,<BR> manure... then it goes =
and=20
spoils it all by going all generic<BR> latin jazz =
again - boo!=20
Mind you, if you like Compost / Jazzanova<BR> =
(patently, i'm=20
not qualified to pass judgement, really), you =
should<BR> just=20
ignore me and give it a listen. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> RED ASTAIRE - WATCHA DO - GAMM =
ENTERPRISES - 12"=20
(GAMM020)<BR> One side is utter rubbish - mainly =
because it=20
has a dreadful man<BR> who I think is called Usher - =
although=20
I am just a tad ignorant<BR> about all things =
R&B. =20
The flip is a big assed, big band funk<BR> affair that =
will=20
have you going, "Oooh, baby" and strutting your<BR> =
stuff like=20
a puffed up chicken.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> SERGE GAINSBOURG - CINEMIX VOLUME 2 - =
UNIVERSAL -=20
10" (980684-9)<BR> Four tracks - One original by =
Monsieur=20
Gainsbourg, and three mixes;<BR> Sofa Surfers, Howie B =
and La=20
Horse, variously muddy and dirty<BR> breakbeat, =
loungey beats=20
with a cinematic feel and sort of =
electro-pop.<BR> The=20
original is classic slice of atmospheric soundtrack=20
material.<BR> Nice...</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> TREVA WHATEVA - MUSIC'S MADE OF MEMORIES =
- NINJA=20
TUNE - 3xLP (ZEN106)<BR> What's the deal with Treva =
Whateva? I=20
mean, who is he? What's<BR> the point of it all? =
Whilst=20
there's nothing particularly bad about<BR> what he =
does, you=20
have to say it all sounds a little dated. Ninja<BR> =
are a=20
weird old label... either their releases are =
absolutely<BR> =20
cutting-edge or sound like stuff they were releasing a=20
decade<BR> ago! Jazzy, breaky, loungy, funky, kitchy,=20
eclecticy it is then!<BR> Released Monday 1st August =
although=20
we can send it mailorder to<BR> arrive on Monday.=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> VARIOUS - TRIP DO WEST - TRIP DO WEST - =
2xLP=20
(TDWLP001)<BR> Not entirely sure what the premise is =
here, but=20
as it stands this<BR> is a pretty darn ok comp of =
mellow=20
house, chilled techno and eclectic<BR> / downtempo / =
jazzy=20
beats from the likes of DJ Armand, Chateau<BR> Flight, =
Raw=20
Deal, DJ Spinna, Neon Heights, Readymade FC, Ian =
O'Brien,<BR> =20
Blaze and others. Summery bar music for the Islington posse. =
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>Restocks (Vinyl): Eclectic Beats</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> STEREOTYP MEETS AL'HACA - PHASE TWO - =
KLEIN - 12"=20
(KL054)<BR> SECOND VOLUME OF HARD, GROOVING TRACKS =
TAKING ON=20
INFLUENCES FROM<BR> RAGGA, DANCEHALL AND GARAGE. =
VOCALS COME=20
FROM DJ COLLAGE, RAS<BR> T-WEED, ORIETA AND ALLEY CAT. =
A=20
GUARANTEED HIT ALL ROUND.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> VARIOUS - CINEMIX - UNIVERSAL - 3xLP=20
(980889-2)<BR> THE SAMPLER 10" FOR THIS WAS REALLY =
EXPENSIVE.=20
SO RELATIVELY SPEAKING,<BR> THIS WORKS OUT A LOT =
CHEAPER. THE=20
MUSIC IS PROVIDED BY SERGE GAINSBOURG,<BR> ENNIO =
MORRICONE,=20
FRANCOIS DE ROUBAIX AND ICHEL MAGNE AND THE =
REMIXES<BR> ARE BY=20
CARL CRAIG, SWAYZAK, GONZALES, HOWIE B, CHRISTIAN=20
MORGERNSTERN,<BR> LUKE VIBERT, READYMADE FC, =
TROUBLEMAKERS AND=20
MORE. A MASSIVELY<BR> VARIED SELECTION OF COOL =
CINEMATIC=20
THEMED TUNES.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> VIKTER DUPLAIX - DJ KICKS - STUD!O K7 - =
2xLP=20
(!K7115LP)<BR> A NINE TRACK SELECTION FROM THE MIX CD. =
INCLUDES FUNKED UP BREAKS<BR> AND BITS FROM P'TAAH, =
MANDRAKE,=20
BAHAMADIA, TAURUS, CRITICAL POINT,<BR> NEPA ALLSTAR, =
SHAWN LEE=20
AND PHILLIP CHARLES. GROOVY.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>New Releases (Vinyl): Guitar Based</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> ASJA AUF CAPRI - NOVI RONDE - DIFFICULT =
FUN - LP=20
(DF002LP)<BR> Any record that lists alongside the =
drums,=20
guitars, keyboards<BR> a credit for someone shouting =
is=20
alright by me. It is entirely<BR> appropriate =
that this=20
has been released on a label called Difficult<BR> Fun =
-=20
because it is quite difficult, but is definitely =
coming<BR> =20
from the fun neck of the woods. I think it is best=20
described<BR> as acousto-pop or punk-folk - being as =
it is a=20
lo-fi and experimental<BR> version of something like =
Numbers=20
meets Paw Tracks. Odd, but<BR> good =
odd...</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> DARREN HAYMAN - CARAVAN SONGS - STATIC =
CARAVAN - 7"=20
(VAN92-7)<BR> Ahh, It's Darren Hayman from Hefner. =
This 7" was=20
recorded in a<BR> relatives caravan by the sea in=20
Northumberland between 2003 &<BR> 2004 (one long=20
holiday).The tracks are both charming and =
intriguing<BR> and a=20
fine example of stunning songwriting and blinding =
bedroom<BR> =20
production. Slick!!!!!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> DIRTY SNOW - LOSING CONTROL / CRYING ALL =
NIGHT -=20
UNKNOWN - 12" (????)<BR> Rather a home-made vibe to =
this=20
release from occasional customer<BR> Esther Planas, =
who looks=20
like she's reconditioned a few old record<BR> sleeves. =
As for=20
the music, think Nico backed by The Banshees or<BR> =
The Cure=20
circa 1981 on major downers... simplistic lyrics =
which<BR> =20
effectively blend into the music make this very much a mood=20
piece.<BR> It reminds me of Wire a bit at times, too. =
Nice=20
stuff. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> FRED MOLLIN - FRIDAY THE 13TH - THE =
SERIES=20
SOUNDTRACK - CRESCENDO - LP (GNPS8018)<BR> Something =
for the=20
horror friends here. The original sountrack<BR> to the =
slightly more obscure offshoot television series of =
the<BR> =20
seminal horror film creation that was Friday the 13th. Full=20
of<BR> spacy effects, sad strings, supended orchestral =
action,=20
and general<BR> fright music. Worth for the great =
cover alone.=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> JIM O'ROURKE - TWO ORGANS - THREE POPLARS =
- LP=20
(3P15LP)<BR> Beautifully packaged album by Jim =
O'Rourke that=20
was recorded in<BR> 1990. The A-side is titled =
"two=20
Organs", the B-side is titled<BR> "Two More Organs" - =
so you=20
kind of know what the source material<BR> is! =
The=20
windows / graves on the cover also give some clue =
as<BR> to=20
it's tone. This kind of reminds me of some of the Hafler=20
Trio<BR> - there is that same intensity and epicness =
to music=20
even though<BR> it is so simple in it's =
construction. =20
The organs (and the more<BR> organs) create a =
constantly=20
evolving number of tones that at times<BR> seem very=20
experimental and at others seem to be emmanating =
from<BR> =20
somewhere deep inside a church/ temple etc. Beautiful in a=20
vague,<BR> imprecise almost foggy, sort of way. =20
Recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> JONATHAN SHEFFER - IN A SHALLOW GRAVE - =
VARESE=20
SARABANDE - LP (STV81359)<BR> String and harpsichord =
dominated=20
soundtrack to this strange looking<BR> 1988 film. =
Quite moody=20
in places, and generally of the more quiet<BR> =
variety, with a=20
few tear jerking sadness tracks in between. Tears<BR> =
almost=20
rolling down my cheeks while writing this.... </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> RAMESSES - THE TOMB - INVADA - 12"=20
(INV018LP)<BR> Striking picture disc that looks like =
it is=20
classic Psychedelia<BR> on one side and motor-bike =
obsessed=20
Death-Rock on the other. <BR> Musically, =
however, this=20
seems to have more of a post-rock tone,<BR> with both =
hints of=20
psychedilia and thrash rock - If you imagine<BR> the =
kind of=20
music the three motley looking blokes on the =
record<BR> might=20
make, and then think of what they might produce after =
a<BR> =20
good heavy dose of ketamin. You get the picture....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> TEST ICICLES - BOA VS PYTHON - DOMINO - =
7"=20
(RUG205)<BR> Well, i like to think i know a bit about =
what=20
Domino (one of my<BR> favourite labels) are putting =
out, but=20
have to say i'm completely<BR> ignorant on the subject =
of Test=20
Icicles. Even after listening<BR> to this, i'm not =
much the=20
wiser and a little nonplussed. Kinda<BR> sounded like =
a cross=20
between The Darkness, The Cramps and Franz<BR> =
Ferdinand. It's=20
on headache-inducing green vinyl. I did all that<BR> =
without=20
making a joke about their name, too. Released Monday =
1st<BR> =20
August although we can send it mailorder to arrive on=20
Monday.<BR> </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> TRACER AMC - IN RIVERS - WE LOVE RECORDS =
/ ERROL=20
RECORDS - 12" (WELOVE004)<BR> If you look up post-rock =
in an=20
audio dictionary, it might well<BR> play this at you! =
Four=20
tracks of rather beautiful instrumental<BR> music that =
drift=20
and wander and then drift some more - wooing<BR> and =
lulling=20
you into a sleepy and dreamy and rambling state of<BR> =
uplifted melancholy. Duende me thinks. Nothing radical,=20
but<BR> very pleasant.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> UPCDOWNCLEFTCRIGHTCABC+START - SHALLOWS - =
TAP 'N'=20
TIN - 10" (TAPNTIN003)<BR> Bit of a gem, this. The =
A-side is a=20
tremendously evocative piece<BR> of quiet/loud =
post-rock=20
that's almost like a slightly more pastoral/folky<BR> =
Mogwai!=20
On side two, things head down a more State River =
Widening<BR> =20
/ Tortoise / Thrill Jockey dust-track, concluding with a=20
more<BR> electronic John Amino remix (whose name rings =
a bell,=20
but i'm<BR> not sure why, sorry... he adds a touch of =
Ulrich=20
Schnauss to proceedings).<BR> Fans of Silver Ray will =
really=20
go nuts for this. One to watch.<BR> </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> VARIOUS - GAME AND ERRANCY - DIFFICULT =
FUN - LP=20
(DF003lp)<BR> Subtitled: A Difficult Fun Compilation=20
2005. This is a ten track<BR> album featuring a =
whole=20
host of artists, most of whose names are<BR> =
unfamiliar to=20
me. Antifamily, Mom, High Density, Larcin,=20
Break/Flow,<BR> Oxen of the Sun, Vaw, Petit Mal, =
Sarcomasine=20
and Star Wars. Musically<BR> this is all over =
the place=20
- from distorted sounds that perhaps<BR> started life =
as folk,=20
to experimental and noisy sound projects,<BR> to =
deadpan=20
vocalled nu-wave sounding stuff, to straight up =
lo-fi<BR> folk=20
- all of this is a bit whacked out, but all has a =
certain<BR> =20
something that makes you keep listening. Comes complete with=20
a<BR> 14 page booklet that will inform you as to what =
this is=20
all about<BR> (although having just looked at it I am =
none the=20
wiser!).</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>Restocks (Vinyl): Guitar Based</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> VARIOUS - RAGAZZA POP - S.H.A.D.O. - 2xLP =
(RPOPLP001)<BR> Those into labels such as Bungalow, =
Elefant=20
and Marina are just<BR> gonna love this. Bands/artists =
such as=20
The Ladybug Transistor,<BR> Souvenir, Noonday =
Underground, Die=20
Moulinettes, Fonda, The Aislers<BR> Set, Mirah and Moe =
Tucker=20
(covering 'Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow'<BR> and =
'To Know=20
His Is To Love Him') all contribute to this =
extremely<BR> =20
charming double-LP of twee / retro pop. A breath of fresh=20
air.<BR> </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>New Releases (Vinyl): Funk / Jazz / =
Soul</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> ESTHER WILLIAMS - YOURS AND YOURS / LAST =
NIGHT=20
CHANGED IT ALL - FRIENDS & CO - 12" (DD1003)<BR> =
Sweet and=20
soulful funk from Ms Williams - "Yours and Yours" =
being<BR> =20
more sentimental, but "Last Night Changed It All" is superb=20
-<BR> with a good balance between the tough break and =
the=20
sweet chorus<BR> - top tune...</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> KENI BURKE - RISIN' TO THE TOP - RCA - =
12"=20
(JT13272)<BR> If Juergen was here, he would have =
popped his=20
head out of the<BR> office and asked "what's this?" - =
his soul=20
radar being a finely<BR> tuned instrument these =
days. =20
Three versions of this 1982 soulful<BR> classic - =
original,=20
acoustic and instrumental. Oooh, yeah, baby!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> VARIOUS - THE 2PAC COLLECTION - STRICTLY =
BREAK -=20
2xLP (SB-9816)<BR> You know the deal - this is 28 =
original=20
tracks that have been<BR> used by 2Pac over the years. =
Too=20
many to list all of them, but<BR> artists include: The =
JBs,=20
Herbie Hancock, Zapp, Stevie Wonder,<BR> Funkadelic, =
people's=20
Choice, DeBarge, Minnie Ripperton and many<BR> more.=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> WILLIE DRAGG - TELL YOU IN DUB - BETTER =
DAYS=20
RECORDS - 12" (DAYS013)<BR> Four track 12" of old =
disco / funk=20
tracks. Two have that lovely<BR> live sounding=20
percussion that will get any funky crowd moving,<BR> =
the other=20
two are more disco. Class(ic)...</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>New Releases (CD): Electronica</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> ASMUS TIETCHENS - IN DIE NACHT - DIE =
STADT - CD=20
(DS72)<BR> Originally released on Sky Records in 1982 =
this CD=20
reissue is<BR> a very interesting document of a side =
of Asmus=20
you may not be<BR> so aware of. Back in those days he =
was=20
experimenting with sound<BR> in a variety of different =
ways=20
and this is a blinding selection<BR> of those sounds.=20
Psychedelic, experimental, Pop, Ambient, Music<BR> =
Concrete=20
and more, all mixed together to create a thoroughly=20
intriguing<BR> whole. Superb.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> BEAR IN HEAVEN - TUNES NEXTDOOR TO SONGS =
- EASTERN=20
DEVELOPMENTS - CD (EDM10CD)<BR> An absolute torrent of =
new=20
Eastern Developments releases this<BR> week, which is =
a bit of=20
pain as there really are some beauties<BR> amongst =
them and=20
one or two are bound to be neglected. This is<BR> an =
absolute=20
stunner, to be honest, and follows on perfectly =
from<BR> the=20
Lori Scacco album. A wonderful, melancholic 4-track EP =
(21<BR> =20
mins) of fragile instrumentals again comparable to Lunz as=20
well<BR> as Max Richter or that piano-based Eluvium =
album of=20
last year.<BR> Sigur Ros would also be a legitimate =
comparison=20
at times. Very<BR> impressive. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> ELLIOT LIPP - ELLIOT LIPP - EASTERN =
DEVELOPMENTS -=20
CD (EDM011CD)<BR> Beats, soundtrack influenced =
instrumentals,=20
samples galore. A<BR> very 'Eastern Developements' =
type of=20
album from young Mr Lipp.<BR> Pleasureable enough and =
almost,=20
although thankfully not quite,<BR> coffetable. Get yer =
luggs=20
round some Lipps.............</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> ERIC MALMBERG - DEN GATFULLA MANNISKAN - =
HAPNA - CD=20
(H.22)<BR> Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! This was a =
really=20
pleasant surprise.<BR> Not that it was good, because =
Hapna's a=20
great label, but because<BR> of the nature of the =
music=20
contained within. You might say that<BR> the sounds on =
here=20
are quint and old-school and, to a certain<BR> extent, =
you'd=20
be right. It almost comes across like an old =
library<BR> album=20
at times with a mixture of Radiophonic Workshop style=20
electronic<BR> melodies. Drum machines sit underneath =
and=20
trundle away beautifully<BR> helping to keep the music =
on top=20
moving along and there are some<BR> lush and catchy =
melodies=20
at work as well. Fundamentally this is<BR> a very =
unusual=20
sounding album that harks back to a very different<BR> =
era but=20
in a very contemporary way. Have alisten and see =
what<BR> I=20
mean.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> EXILE - PRO AGONIST - PLANET MU - CD=20
(ZIQ116CD)<BR> Having released records on labels such =
as=20
Moving Shadow, Renegade<BR> Hardware, Mosquito and =
others,=20
this is a full on D & B release<BR> for Planet =
Mu. =20
Twisted bass lines, frantic beats, chopped up<BR> =
compositions=20
- all the required ingreients for proper drum and<BR> =20
bass. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> EXPOSURES, THE - LOST RECORDINGS =
2000-2004 -=20
EASTERN DEVELOPMENTS - CD (EDM12CD)<BR> Compilation LP =
of this=20
criminally underated trio from Berlin.<BR> These guys =
have=20
been writing music for film & television since<BR> =
the=20
1980's. This is a rare collection of work that the trio=20
composed<BR> under the influence of fellow German,=20
digital/sampling artist<BR> Jan Jelinek. This really =
is a=20
tremendous collection of modern<BR> electronica and =
very=20
worthy of you attention. Thankyou Eastern<BR> =
Developements=20
for unearthing this treasure for us............</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> EZEKIEL HONIG - PEOPLE PLACES & =
THINGS -=20
MICROCOSM - CD (SC1001CD)<BR> Restock! I love it when =
things=20
come out of nowhere and surprise<BR> you, as this =
album=20
certainly did. We've had the vinyl version<BR> of this =
(a 12")=20
before and I seem to remember it being superb...<BR> A =
wonderful mixture of Electronica and deep, dubby, glitch=20
based<BR> Techno. This full CD follows on from that=20
beautifully and is a<BR> gorgeously crafted selection =
of=20
subtly melodic and shifting tracks<BR> that are moody =
and=20
atmospheric, yet strangely uplifting in their<BR> own =
unique=20
minimal way. Do not ignore this absolute gem and =
be<BR> sure=20
that you'll be hearing much more about Ezekiel Honig in=20
the<BR> future. Highly recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> EZEKIEL HONIG AND MORGAN PACKARD - EARLY =
MORNING=20
MIGRATION - MICROCOSM - CD (MCOSM1009)<BR> Microcosm =
is a=20
label that we've been following very closely here<BR> =
at=20
Smallfish and this, for me, fulfills all the promise that=20
we've<BR> thus far seen. Label boss Ezekiel Honig has=20
consistently been<BR> putting out fabulous Techno and=20
Electronica releases on a number<BR> of labels and the =
sheer=20
depth, simplicity and warmth of his sound<BR> is =
simply a joy=20
to listen to. Subtle 4/4's have been his trademark<BR> =
so far=20
so it's interesting to see him put his sound into a =
more<BR> =20
ambient and textural persepctive. With help from Morgan=20
Packard<BR> (weho actually provides half of the tracks =
on the=20
CD) he's created<BR> a dense, lovingly crafted and =
gentle=20
selection that is melodic<BR> without ever being =
obvious.=20
Muted soundscapes and rhythmic pulses<BR> sit =
underneath the=20
tracks and the luscious layers that lie on<BR> top of=20
everything are quite divine. Everything you would or =
could<BR> =20
want from a piece of ambient Electronica. Highly, highly=20
recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> FENTON (SHUTTLE358) - PUP - PLOP - CD=20
(PLIP-3014)<BR> What can you say about a new album =
from such a=20
heavily respected<BR> and loved artist as Dan Abrams =
aka=20
Shuttle358? To discover that<BR> this exquisite gem of =
a=20
release had landed on our doorstep today<BR> after =
being=20
unsure as to quite how we'd get hold of it was a =
moment<BR> to=20
treasure. And here for your listening pleasure is,=20
conceivably,<BR> the highest point so far achieved in =
the=20
field of Electronica<BR> and organic, guitar based =
music. Dan=20
has put together a sparkling<BR> collection of gentle, =
lilting=20
and achingly beautiful tracks that<BR> will do their =
absolute=20
utmost to soothe and enchant you with beautifully<BR> =
picked=20
and played melodies. Couple that with the sort of =
deft<BR> =20
manipulations that have made him the figure he is within the=20
sphere<BR> of this sort of minimal music and you have =
a=20
shining, shimmering<BR> example of exactly how to do =
it. A=20
very special album indeed and<BR> one that we're =
incredibly=20
proud to be able to offer you. You simply<BR> have to =
check=20
this out! Highly, highly recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> GIUSEPPE LELASI - GESINE - HAPNA - CD=20
(H.21)<BR> Hapna really do vary their sound so much, =
which is=20
why we like<BR> them so much, I guess. This has a =
lovely range=20
of sounds that<BR> use electronics to manipulate some =
deftly=20
played guitar licks<BR> and phrases. At times it =
brings to=20
mind the wonderful Andrey Kiritchenko<BR> CD on Spekk =
but=20
probably has a slightly lighter touch and less<BR> =
hiss and=20
background noise. Gentle, then but challenging at =
times,<BR> =20
which makes for a delicious piece of work. Recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> HORACIO POLLARD - THE OWL ALBUM - =
NEIGH%MUSIC - CD=20
(????)<BR> Home-made CDR laptoptronica shenanigans a =
go-go,=20
and a full-length<BR> 16-track album to boot. Frantic, =
Red=20
Bull-fuelled broken noise<BR> and electronics to be =
filed next=20
to the likes of Squarepusher,<BR> Planet Mu and =
Tigerbeat. I'm=20
not sure what the owl obsession is<BR> all about, =
maybe this=20
will reveal itself after repeated listens.<BR> Perhaps =
it's=20
cos it's such a hoot (right, this is your final =
warning...<BR> =20
- Ed)! </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> LEB LAZE - PRESSURE EP - EASTERN =
DEVELOPMENTS - CD=20
(EDM9CD)<BR> I dunno, you wait an eternity for a new =
Eastern=20
Developments release<BR> and suddenly five come along =
at once.=20
Featuring fellow ED signing<BR> Ahmad Szabo, this =
five-track=20
EP is a solid slab of electronic<BR> / leftfield =
instrumental=20
hip hop very much in the style we've<BR> come to know =
and love=20
over the years, ie. organic, melodic, musical.<BR> If =
you're a=20
Prefuse fan, you'll obviously want to check this =
out.<BR> =20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> METROPOL - GEOMETRIAS DE SILENCIO - =
CREATIVE SPACE=20
- CD (NOTSURE1)<BR> More moody music from Greece. =
Classy=20
electronica that could quite<BR> easily be released on =
all=20
number of respected labels (from Merck<BR> to =
Expanding to=20
A.I. to C.C.O). Monolake wouldn't be an entirely<BR> =20
unreasonable comparison. Recommended. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> MOX - INSECTS - EXOTICA - CD=20
(EXO02124)<BR> Interesting... this begins with a tonal =
/=20
clicky Raster Noton<BR> / Marc Leclair kinda vibe and =
suddenly=20
some live drums kick in<BR> and the whole thing takes =
off. At=20
other times, it has a Bill Laswell<BR> / Jah Wobble =
feel, only=20
combined with contemporary laptop electronic<BR> =
influences.=20
Warm, playful and Russian! </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> NAM SHUB / KIKI.ILL - IN THE VALLEY OF =
MOOD -=20
CREATIVE SPACE - CD (CS002)<BR> There's something =
extremely=20
odd about this - it's pretty darn<BR> entertaining but =
at=20
least as strange. Think a mutant, hyperactive<BR> =
hybrid of=20
Richard H. Kirk and everyone on the Tigerbeat =
label!<BR> =20
Really quite nuts, but charming and amusing with it. From=20
Greece,<BR> but looks Russian! </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> PERCEVALMUSIC - VIESCOLAIRE - =
EFFERVESCENCE - CD=20
(FRVSENS07CD)<BR> Really bizarre but hypnotic stuff =
which=20
combines / alternates<BR> chopped-up strings, =
harpischord and=20
classical motifs with a harsher,<BR> instrumental =
(post) rock=20
sound, in a really lo-fi, rough 'n' ready<BR> way. =
Whether=20
clanging drums and abrasive guitars rubbing =
shoulders<BR> with=20
laptop-treated strings quartets sounds like your idea =
of<BR> =20
fun or not, this is certainly unique and quite unlike=20
anything<BR> else around at the moment. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> SPYWEIRDOS - FOR CHILDREN TO PLAY - ZMA - =
CD=20
(ZMA026)<BR> Definitely one for the retro ambient /=20
electronica heads, encompassing<BR> such styles and =
influences=20
as Fax and Tangerine Dream right through<BR> to more=20
beat-driven artists and labels, eg. Wobblyhead. =
Actually,<BR> =20
it's a bit Ulrich Schnauss at times (lots of things seem to=20
be<BR> this weekend!). The sort of thing The Big Chill =
attempt=20
to do,<BR> but fail. From Greece, if that matters.=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> STUNTMAN5 - MELTED PLASTIC FAKE - =
EFFERVESCENCE -=20
CD (FRVSENS10CD)<BR> Definitely one that will appeal =
to fans=20
of Anticon's recent output,<BR> as it really has a =
slight Odd=20
Nosdam / Dosh / Clouddead / Why?<BR> flava, ie. =
off-kilter=20
MBV-esque guitars, lo-fi electronics and<BR> =
left-of-centre=20
rhymes delivered in that dry, effortless, =
off-the-cuff<BR> but=20
poetic way. Watch this space. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> VARIOUS - TRANS SLOVENIA EXPRESS VOL. 2 - =
MUTE - CD=20
(CDSTUMM256)<BR> One of Daniel Miller's more =
conceptual=20
projects sees a host of<BR> relatively unknown =
Slovenian=20
artists tackling Kraftwerk covers<BR> (with mixed =
results, it=20
has to be said). Laibach contribute more<BR> of a =
Kraftwerk=20
tribute, Siddharta perform a bizarre pantomime<BR> =
metal cover=20
of "The Robots" reminiscent of Rammstein (only =
even<BR> more=20
comical!), and a host of other artists give their own=20
equally<BR> unique takes... this really is one you'll =
have to=20
listen to and<BR> make your own mind up on. Either =
way, it's=20
certainly compelling.<BR> </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> VARIOUS - KALK SEEDS - KARAOKE KALK - CD=20
(KALK30CD)<BR> The organic, heartwarming, melodic =
sound of=20
Karaoke Kalk gets<BR> showcased to perfection across =
this=20
full-length sampler CD. Many<BR> a previously =
unreleased track=20
to be had from the likes of Roman,<BR> Hausmeister, =
Sora &=20
Wechsel Garland, Hauschka, Tagaki Masakatsu,<BR> =
Kandis, Le=20
Rok, Donna Regina, Takeo Toyama Trio etc plus =
album<BR> tracks=20
from Toog, Pascal Schafer, Marz and Kuchen Meets=20
Mapstation,<BR> and a new QuickTime movie from =
Pluramon.=20
Chilled and often quite<BR> beautiful, this is a great =
way of=20
getting into a great label.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> WILLIAM BASINSKI - VARIATIONS: A MOVEMENT =
IN CHROME=20
POSITIVE - DURTRO / DIE STADT - 2xCD =
(DURTRO071/DS71)<BR> This=20
is easily up there with the Disintegration Loops for =
sheer<BR> =20
brilliance. Basinski does it again with a gorgeous series of=20
loops<BR> that combine together to create a very =
listenable,=20
very atmospheric<BR> piece of work that stands pretty =
much=20
alone without any peers.<BR> Lush, detailed, =
beautiful,=20
soothing and just generally amazing...<BR> even though =
it's=20
pricey it's worth absolutely every single penny.<BR> =
Highly=20
recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> WILLIAM BASINSKI - SILENT NIGHT - 2062 - =
CD=20
(2062.0401)<BR> William Basinski is clearly a master =
of this=20
sort of experimental<BR> and minimalist Electronica. =
If you=20
don't know his work you simply<BR> must check this =
wonderful=20
CD out. Built around a simple series<BR> of loops that =
are=20
then manipulated and filtered you get a dense,<BR> =
incredibly=20
deep and superbly atmispheric work that soothes as<BR> =
well as=20
challenges. Imagine a more melodic Hafler Trio and =
you're<BR> =20
getting close. I would say that this is truly essential and=20
it<BR> comes very highly recommended =
indeed.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>Restocks (CD): Electronica</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> AUTECHRE / THE HAFLER TRIO - AEO3 & =
3HAE - DIE=20
STADT - 2xCD (DS82CD)<BR> This is the second =
collaboration=20
between Autechre and The Hafler<BR> Trio. The first =
was a 30=20
minute long affair that blurred the lines<BR> of =
distinction=20
between the sounds of the two artists to a point<BR> =
where it=20
was virtually impossible to distinguish which one =
was<BR> =20
which. This release takes that even further and it would be=20
a<BR> very brave person indeed that would make a bet =
on who=20
was responsible<BR> for which bit. Once again the =
packaging is=20
delightful and has<BR> the same theme as the first =
CD...=20
tracing paper inserts, wonderful<BR> typography and =
subtle,=20
beautifully managed artwork. Musically<BR> it's a =
development,=20
not only the length of the work (it's twice<BR> as =
long) but=20
within the soundscapes that they've created. It's<BR> =
probably=20
more accessible to be honest and the drone based, =
but<BR> =20
starnagely melodic first CD is truly beautiful, in a=20
low-key,<BR> melancholic way. The second CD is a much =
more=20
abstract beast and<BR> features a noisy intro section =
before=20
diving off into a reduced<BR> minimalism that ebbs and =
flows=20
throughout. Atmospheric, lush (in<BR> every way), well =
thought=20
out and, most importantly, just plain<BR> good to =
listen to! A=20
highly recommended piece of work. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> EXPERIMENTAL AUDIO RESEARCH - WORN TO A =
SHADOW -=20
LUMBERTON TRADING COMPANY - CD (LUMB001)<BR> FOUR =
TRACKS=20
TRANSLATES INTO OVER 50 MINUTES OF MUSIC. THEY=20
REALLY<BR> DO DO WHAT THEIR NAME SUGGESTS - THIS IS=20
EXPERIMENTAL AUDIO. <BR> OFTEN RATHER BEAUTIFUL, OFTEN =
DARK=20
AND FOREBODING AND OFTEN SOMETHING<BR> THAT MIGHT =
BELONG IN A=20
"NEW-AGE" SETTING. IT WORKS THOUGH, AND<BR> =
ALTHOUGH YOU=20
MIGHT GET INTO TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION IN =
PASSING,<BR> IT IS=20
ACTUALLY VERY LISTENABLE.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> KSCHZT - THE EARTH'S HUM - BLASE - CD=20
(BLA007CD)<BR> Coming from the man that brought us the =
wonderful MD albums on<BR> Merck as well as the superb =
previous single on Blase, it's no<BR> surprise to find =
that=20
Jakko's almost unpronouncable Kschzt full<BR> length =
is a=20
beauty. Mixing up a whole slew of electronic =
styles<BR> from=20
pacey electronica to Detroit influenced Tech sounds via=20
some<BR> wonderfully abstract moments and quality =
breakbeat=20
based tracks,<BR> this is a joy from beginning to end =
and=20
features some incredibly<BR> detailed programming and=20
production that really fits the overall<BR> feel. =
Mature,=20
engaging and interesting throughout, this is yet<BR> =
another=20
string in Blase's bow and a super moment for Kschzt.=20
Definitely<BR> recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> MANITOBA - START BREAKING MY HEART - LEAF =
- CD=20
(BAY16CD)<BR> SUPERB NEW ALBUM ON LEAF WHICH FOLLOWS =
ON=20
BEAUTIFULLY FROM THE<BR> RECENT SINGLE. TAKING AN =
ECLECTIC=20
ELECTRONIC APPROACH, BUT SPRINKLING<BR> IT LIBERALLY =
WITH LIVE=20
INSTRUMENTATION. VERY SUMMERY, VERY BEAUTIFUL,<BR> =
THOROUGHLY=20
EXCELLENT.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> RJ VALEO - SEPTEMBER - TYPE - CD=20
(TYPECD001)<BR> I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS FOR A =
WHILE! THE=20
HOTLY TIPPED NEW LABEL<BR> TYPE DELIVERS IT'S FIRST =
RELEASE=20
AND IT'S AN ABSOLUTE SMASHER.RJ<BR> VALEO'S DEBUT ON =
HOBBY=20
INDUSTRIES WAS A SUPERB PIECE OF WORK AND<BR> THIS =
BETTERS IT=20
IN MY OPINION. A FULL EIGHT TRACK ALBUM OF SOME<BR> OF =
THE=20
MOST DELECTABLY ATMOSPHERIC ELECTRONICA AROUND. =
TAKING<BR> =20
CUES FROM LABELS SUCH AS SCAPE AND ARTISTS SUCH AS DUB=20
TRACTOR,<BR> THIS ALBUM HAS SOME LUSH, ICY COLD =
SOUNDING=20
TEXTURES AND CHORDS<BR> COUPLED WITH SUBTLE, DOWNBEAT =
RHYTHMIC=20
STRUCTURES THAT SIT HAPPILY<BR> IN A SEMI GLITCH KIND =
OF=20
STYLE. CONVERSELY, THERE ARE A COUPLE<BR> OF MORE =
UPBEAT=20
TRACKS WITH QUALITY BEATS AND A MORE LIVELY SOUND<BR> =
TO THE=20
MELODIES WHICH COMPLEMENTS THE OTHER HAUNTING TRACKS=20
PERFECTLY.<BR> AN OUTSTANDING FIRST RELEASE FOR TYPE =
AND A=20
BRILLIANT PIECE OF<BR> WORK FROM RJ VALEO. LETS HOPE =
THEY CAN=20
KEEP IT UP. RESPECT.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>New Releases (CD): Techno / Electro</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> CLOR - CLOR - REGAL - CD=20
(REG122CD)<BR> Quirky eighties electro pop that's =
kinda like a=20
much more palettable<BR> Fischerspooner. Clor could =
almost be=20
some kind of Jeff Goldblum-created<BR> genetic hybrid =
of Bis=20
and Gary Numan, with a bit of DFA thrown<BR> in for =
extra=20
cred! Now where did i put that teleporter...? </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> DAVE MILLER - MITCHELLS RACCOLTA - =
BACKGROUND - CD=20
(BG045CD)<BR> Firstly, apologies to both Dave Miller =
and our=20
customers for the<BR> lengthy delay on us getting this =
in so=20
late. There are no excuses<BR> I'm afraid. so I shall =
continue=20
on with the review. Dave's earlier<BR> work on =
Background was=20
slowly but surely moving into more textural<BR> =
territory. The=20
glitched-out funk of his 12"s was firmly in the<BR> =
Techno=20
camp but always with a lighter and more sculptural =
feel.<BR> =20
This album takes that approach to a new level with its=20
wonderfully<BR> deep chords and sounds coupled with a =
jazzy=20
lick (in a Scape-ish<BR> sort of way) to some of the=20
beautifully intricate percussion.<BR> There are some =
more=20
groove based tracks as well to counterpoint<BR> the =
more=20
downbeat moments and as a whole it's an extremely =
well<BR> =20
thought out and put together piece of work. Warm,=20
atmopsheric<BR> and highly recommended. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>Restocks (CD): Techno / Electro</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> JUAN ATKINS - 20 YEARS METROPLEX - TRESOR =
- 2xCD=20
(TRESOR216)<BR> MAGNIFICENT COLLECTION OF TECHNO AND =
ELECTRO=20
TRACKS FROM ONE OF<BR> THE UNDISPUTED GODS OF DETROIT =
TECHNO.=20
SPANNING TWENTY YEARS OF<BR> CLASSIC RELEASES ON HIS =
OWN=20
METROPLEX LABEL IT FEATURES VIRTUALLY<BR> EVERYTHING =
YOU COULD=20
HOPE FOR. I WON'T NAME THEM ALL BUT AS AN<BR> EXAMPLE =
YOU GET=20
'GAME ONE', 'STARLIGHT', 'THE FLOW', 'CLEAR',<BR> 'THE =
PASSAGE' AND OTHER SUCH GENIUS TUNES. GENUINELLY BRILLIANT.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> VARIOUS - 2RABIMMEL 2RABAMMEL 2RABUM 2BUM =
BUM -=20
AREAL - CD (AREALCD04)<BR> Areal present the =
'2Rabimmel' album=20
for your listening pleasure.<BR> Featuring the more =
wayward,=20
off-kilter side of their sound (as<BR> if they weren't =
oddball=20
enough already!) it's got cuts from the<BR> usual =
suspects=20
including Basteroid, Metope, Ada, Konfekt, Remute,<BR> =
Roan=20
and Imogen and is a very convincing selection of tunes =
to<BR> =20
make you rock on the dancefloor. Tough, dirty, really nicely=20
produced<BR> sounds as you'd expect from such a =
quality label.=20
The CD version<BR> also includes the four tracks from =
the=20
previous 12". </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> VARIOUS - CAMPING - B PITCH CONTROL - CD=20
(BPC101)<BR> NICE TO SEE B PITCH PUTTING OUT A CHEAPO =
SAMPLER=20
CD AS IT SHOULD<BR> HELP TAKE THEM TO A WELL-DESERVED =
LARGER=20
AUDIENCE. PRETTY MUCH<BR> EVERYONE YOU'D EXPECT TO BE =
ON HERE=20
IS PRESENT AND CORRECT - KIKI,<BR> SYLVIE MARKS & =
HAL=20
9000, ELLEN ALLIEN, MODESELEKTOR, PAUL =
KALKBRENNER,<BR> SASCHA=20
FUNKE, SMASH TV, TOMAS ANDERSON ETC... TOP-NOTCH =
ELECTRO<BR> /=20
DISCO / FUNK LITE ALL THE WAY.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>New Releases (CD): House</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> RECLOOSE - HIATUS ON THE HORIZON - =
PEACEFROG - CD=20
(PFG064CDUK)<BR> Recloose go all soulful on us. =
Reminds one a=20
little of Amp Fiddler,<BR> only this is more =
club-orientated.=20
Fans of his earlier material<BR> might be a little =
alienated=20
by this, but the production is tight<BR> and upfront. =
Is bound=20
to do well. Released Monday 1st August although<BR> we =
can=20
send it mailorder to arrive on Monday. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>Restocks (CD): Hip Hop</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> DIPLO / MIA - PIRACY FUNDS TERRORISM - =
UNKNOWN - CD=20
(HTX003CD)<BR> ANOTHER MASH-UP SELECTION FROM DIPLO. =
THIS TIME=20
CONCENTRATING<BR> ON THE WORK OF THE HOT PROPERTY =
KNOWN AS=20
MIA. DIPLO'S DONE A FEW<BR> REMIXES ANYWAY AND HE GETS =
THEM=20
INTO THE MIX VERY SUCCESSFULLY<BR> PLUS VIRTUALLY ALL =
OF HER=20
OTHER MATERIAL. THIS IS GOING TO FLY<BR> SO YOU NEED =
TO GET IN=20
THERE REALLY QUICKLY. CHECK.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>New Releases (CD): Eclectic Beats</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> TREVA WHATEVA - MUSICS MADE OF MEMORIES - =
NINJA=20
TUNE - CD (ZENCD106)<BR> What's the deal with Treva =
Whateva? I=20
mean, who is he? What's<BR> the point of it all? =
Whilst=20
there's nothing particularly bad about<BR> what he =
does, you=20
have to say it all sounds a little dated. Ninja<BR> =
are a=20
weird old label... either their releases are =
absolutely<BR> =20
cutting-edge or sound like stuff they were releasing a=20
decade<BR> ago! Jazzy, breaky, loungy, funky, kitchy,=20
eclecticy it is then!<BR> Released Monday 1st August =
although=20
we can send it mailorder to<BR> arrive on Monday.=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>New Releases (CD): Guitar Based</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> AMINO PEOPLE - WORK IT OUT - FENCE - CD=20
(FNC803CD)<BR> Not an easy one to categorise in terms =
of genre=20
(it could equally<BR> at times go in the Electronica =
section)=20
but comparisons wise,<BR> think Tuung, the Wobblyhead =
label,=20
The Go! Team, some of the Sarah<BR> artists. So, yes, =
it's=20
quite diverse but certainly rooted in all<BR> things =
Sixties -=20
imagine if Herman's Hermits were around today<BR> and =
signed=20
to Melodic! Lovely stuff that went down well when =
played<BR> =20
in the shop. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> ASJA AUF CAPRI - NOVI RONDE - DIFFICULT =
FUN - CD=20
(DF002CD)<BR> Anything that lists alongside the drums, =
guitars, keyboards a<BR> credit for someone shouting =
is=20
alright by me. It is entirely<BR> appropriate =
that this=20
has been released on a label called Difficult<BR> Fun =
-=20
because it is quite difficult, but is definitely =
coming<BR> =20
from the fun neck of the woods. I think it is best=20
described<BR> as acousto-pop or punk-folk - being as =
it is a=20
lo-fi and experimental<BR> version of something like =
Numbers=20
meets Paw Tracks. Odd, but<BR> good =
odd...</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> BLINDFOLD - BLINDFOLD - RESONANT - CD=20
(RESCD013)<BR> I hope Resonant are getting a grant =
from the=20
Icelandic government,<BR> as they're really doing a =
stern job=20
unearthing talent from that<BR> part of the world. Not =
so much=20
post rock as post-tronica, perhaps...<BR> this is =
uncontrived,=20
affecting music which despite its textural<BR> / =
soundscape=20
qualities is still firmly rooted in the =
songwriting<BR> camp.=20
Washes of etheriel guitars and atmospherics remind one =
of<BR> =20
Slowdive, Sigur Ros, Port Royal and Stafraenn Hakon. Superb.=20
Released<BR> Monday 1st August although we can send it =
mailorder to arrive<BR> on Monday. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> CHARLOTTEFIELD - HOW LONG ARE YOU STAYING =
- JONSON=20
FAMILY - CD (JFR016CD)<BR> Charlottefield follow-up =
their=20
release on Fatcat with this album<BR> / mini-album on =
Jonson=20
Family. Angular, funky Indie sounds with<BR> quality =
drumming=20
(nice one Ash) and some great punky moments as<BR> =
well as a=20
bit of a thrashy influence at times. It's great to =
hear<BR> =20
some varied sounds and this one comes recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> ET SANS - PAR NOUSSSS TOUSS LES TROUS DE =
VOS=20
CRANES! - ALIEN 8 - CD (ALE52D)<BR> According to =
Babelfish=20
(which is always entertaining), the title<BR> =
translates (when=20
you remove the superfluous S's) as "By us all<BR> =
holes of=20
your craniums", which although makes little sense =
does<BR> =20
sound like a Godspeed-related album title (which this=20
project<BR> is, featuring interchangable-as-they-are =
members=20
of Le Fly Pan<BR> Am, GY!BE and A Silver Mt. Zion). =
"Together=20
they seamlessly intermingle<BR> experimental based=20
psychedelic-pop with vintage industrial music<BR> with =
a nod=20
towards classic Krautrock of the 70's" it says =
here,<BR> and=20
i'm in no frame of mind to argue with that. Released=20
Monday<BR> 1st August although we can send it =
mailorder to=20
arrive on Monday.<BR> </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> FURSAXA - LEPIDOPTERA - ALL TOMORROWS =
PARTIES - CD=20
(ATPRCD13)<BR> Neo-folk, i believe is the genre. =
Admirers of=20
Animal Collective,<BR> Black Dice, and the whole ATP =
raison=20
d'etre (eg. Bardo Pond) should<BR> certainly pay =
attention to=20
this one-woman (guitar, organ, voice,<BR> flute, =
accordion,=20
various percussion) outfit. As contemporary<BR> as it =
is=20
retro, as experimental as it is hypnotic. Lovely,=20
actually.<BR> Released Monday 1st August although we =
can send=20
it mailorder to<BR> arrive on Monday. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> GARY NUMAN - LIVING ORNAMENTS '80 - =
BEGGARS BANQUET=20
- 2xCD (BEGA156CDD)<BR> Two well-recorded live sets =
from Mr.=20
Numan, both dating from 1980<BR> when he was at the =
peak of=20
his fame. All the classics on here<BR> - "I Die: You =
Die",=20
"Down In The Park", "Are 'Friends' Electric",<BR> "We =
Are=20
Glass", "Cars", "I Dream Of Wires" etc. One for =
committed<BR> =20
fans and passing admirers alike. Released Monday 1st August=20
although<BR> we can send it mailorder to arrive on =
Monday.=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> JUNKBOY - LOST PARADE - ENRAPTURED - CD=20
(RAPTCD44)<BR> Not for the first time, Junkboy has =
released=20
something really<BR> quite beautiful. A mixture of =
simplistic=20
electronics and melancholic<BR> post-rock with hints =
of jazz=20
and easy listening reminiscent of<BR> Lunz, some of =
the=20
Resonant releases (especially Olvis), State<BR> River =
Widening=20
or Tortoise at their most chilled. This really<BR> =
does come=20
extremely highly recommended indeed. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> LORI SCACCO - CIRCLES - EASTERN =
DEVELOPMENTS - CD=20
(EDM7CD)<BR> I really defy anyone to find this =
anything other=20
than a beautiful<BR> piece of work. Hazy, extremely =
relaxed,=20
melancholic, intricate<BR> and intimate, this is akin =
to a=20
very chilled Tortoise meets Savath<BR> & Savalas=20
(particularly in the early days) with hints of =
Lunz<BR> or=20
Pullman. Do not overlook this absolute gem of an album,=20
which<BR> i guarantee you will love! </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> POOSTOSH - UNTIME - UNTIME - CD=20
(IDUNNO1)<BR> This is all very cute and shoegazy, =
reminds me a=20
bit of Love And<BR> Rockets, actually. Laidback, =
summery,=20
extremely chilled (beating<BR> The Big Chill at their =
own=20
game, in fact), and really rather lovely...<BR> i've =
no idea=20
who this lot are (other than they're from Russia)<BR> =
but i'd=20
happily hear more - gorgeous. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> SINISTRI - FREE PULSE - HAPNA - CD=20
(H.20)<BR> This set of tracks from Sinistri (ex =
Starf**kers)=20
is a very angular<BR> selection of guitar and drum =
tracks with=20
some subtle electronic<BR> sound in the background. =
Freeform,=20
almost Jazz-style arrangements<BR> that skip merrily =
from=20
chord to chord with slightly frenetic drum<BR> work=20
underneath. It flows, but is stilted at the same time=20
which<BR> makes it all the more intersting. Quality =
stuff from=20
Hapna, as<BR> always.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> THROBBING GRISTLE - DIMENSIA IN EXCELSIS =
- LIVE IN=20
L.A. 22.5.1981 - DOSSIER - CD (DCD9093)<BR> Storming =
live set=20
from 1981 featuring the full T.G.. line-up.<BR> 9 =
tracks of=20
pure off the wall semi-industrial fun and games by<BR> =
this=20
most influential of bands. Recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> VARIOUS - DAD'S ARMY: MUSIC FROM THE =
TELEVISION=20
SERIES - CD41 - CD (CD41010)<BR> "Don't tell him your =
name,=20
Pike!". I don't remember there being<BR> a great deal =
of music=20
in Dad's Army other than "Who Do You Think<BR> You Are =
Kidding, Mr Hitler?" but a quick glance at the =
sleevenotes<BR> =20
tells me this isn't the case. A total of 26 war time songs=20
from<BR> Jack Hylton, Billy Cotton, Joe Loss, Arthur =
Askey,=20
Gracie Fields,<BR> Henry Hall, Vera Lynn and, of =
course, Bud=20
Flanagan. Reminds me<BR> of my grandparents! Released =
Monday=20
1st August although we can<BR> send it mailorder to =
arrive on=20
Monday. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> XIU XIU - LIFE AND LIVE - XENG - CD=20
(XENGCD02)<BR> This is a recording of solo work by =
Jamie=20
Stewart of Xui Xui during<BR> an autumn tour of =
2003. =20
Apparently it could be filed under "twisted<BR> folk" =
but that=20
would be to downplay the fragility of so much of<BR> =
this=20
music. Yes, it's odd, but it seems to be oddness=20
derived<BR> from melancholy, lost love, broken hearts =
and the=20
tragic-comedy<BR> of life (well, that's how i'd sing =
and play=20
music if I felt like<BR> that!). The words seem =
to be=20
wrenched from the singers mouth,<BR> the music feels =
like it=20
is self-concious and would rather be somewhere<BR> =
else. =20
It all hangs together like an ill fitting but =
beautifully<BR> =20
taylored suit. Fans of Animal Collective, Devandra Banhart=20
(who<BR> gets props on the sleeve notes) should=20
investigate. Something<BR> for your =
soul.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>Restocks (CD): Guitar Based</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> VETIVER - VETIVER - DICRISTINA - CD=20
(STEP02)<BR> FEATURING AN ALL STAR CAST OF MUSICIANS =
INCLUDING=20
DEVENDRA BANHART,<BR> MY BLOODY VALENTINE'S COLM =
O'CIOSOIG AND=20
HOPE SANDOVAL THIS IS<BR> A FABULOUS ALBUM RECORDED IN =
THE BAY=20
AREA THAT USES TRADITIONAL<BR> AMERICAN FOLK MUSIC AS =
ITS=20
INSPIRATION. WONDERFULLY MELANCHOLIC<BR> AND COUNTRY =
SOUNDING,=20
THIS IS A RARE TREAT INDEED. RECOMMENDED.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>Restocks (CD): Funk / Jazz / Soul</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> BASIL KIRCHIN - ABSTRACTIONS OF THE =
INDUSTRIAL=20
NORTH - TRUNK - CD (JBH012CD)<BR> ANOTHER BRILLIANT =
AND=20
UTTERLY UNIQUE BASIL KIRCHIN RELEASE FROM<BR> THE=20
ETERNALLY-ON-THE-CASE TRUNK LABEL. JONNY'S SLEEVE NOTES=20
SAY<BR> IT ALL (AS EVER) FAR BETTER THAN I COULD, SO =
I'LL=20
IMPROVISE AROUND<BR> THEM! TRACKS 1-11 MAKE UP THE =
COMPLETE=20
"ABSTRACTIONS..." ALBUM<BR> RECORDED IN 1966, AND IT'S =
PASTORAL, BEAUTIFUL, STRIKINGLY ORIGINAL<BR> LIBRARY =
MUSIC=20
THAT THOROUGHLY DESERVES TO BE HEARD. THIS IS =
FOLLOWED<BR> BY=20
NINE "LIBRARY CUES" FOUND ON A DE WOLFE LIBRARY 10" FROM=20
THE<BR> SAME PERIOD, WHICH INCLUDES JIMMY PAGE AMONGST =
THE=20
SESSION MUSICIANS.<BR> TERRIFIC STUFF THAT LOVERS OF =
THE WHOLE=20
TRUNK ETHIC WILL GO NUTS<BR> FOR.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> BREAKESTRA - THE LIVE MIX PART 1 - =
ROOTDOWN - CD=20
(RD003)<BR> WICKED LIVE MIX OF COVERS FROM THE =
TALENTED=20
BREAKESTRA. COVERS<BR> THAT YOU'LL IMMEDIATELY=20
RECOGNISE, INCLUDING TRACKS FROM THE OUTLAW<BR> BLUES =
BAND,=20
JIMMY SMITH, THE METERS, HERBIE HANCOCK, BOBBY =
BYRD,<BR> BILLY=20
BROOKS, THE HEADHUNTERS AND OTHERS. DEEPLY GROOVY,=20
FUNKY<BR> AND RECOMMENDED.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>New Releases (CD): Experimental</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> ANTI GROUP, THE - PSYCHOEGOAUTOCRATICAL =
AUDITORY=20
PHYSIOGOMY DELINEAT - DIE STADT - CD (DS67)<BR> This =
is a=20
wonderful piece of work from The Anti Group. A =
long,<BR> =20
hypnotic and, initially at least, drone based track that=20
grows<BR> in sound and stature until it becomes a =
seething,=20
experimental<BR> soundscape of harsh noise and high=20
frequencies. To begin with<BR> there is a hissing =
sound which=20
gradually builds into a background<BR> field =
recording, then=20
into a melodic drone before introducing<BR> the more=20
challenging elements about halfway through. There's =
a<BR> lot=20
of blurb in the accompanying booklet which I'm sure =
would<BR> =20
explain the concept of the whole piece of work, but time=20
being<BR> something I don't have a great deal of space =
to go=20
into it. Fans<BR> of Basinski and the Hafler Trio will =
definitely want to investigate<BR> =
though.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> FRANCISCO LOPEZ - LIVE IN MONTREAL - =
ALIEN 8 - CD=20
(ALE54D)<BR> Francisco Lopez we know from his highly =
original=20
releases on Mego,<BR> Alien 8 and Bottrop-Boy, and =
this live=20
album (which could mean<BR> anything, i hear no =
audience)=20
captures him on typically devastating<BR> form. Barely =
audible=20
for the main part, but extreme intense at<BR> other =
times,=20
this none more black CD comes with a free strip of<BR> =
material... which is also black. Profound. Released Monday=20
1st<BR> August although we can send it mailorder to =
arrive on=20
Monday.<BR> </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> HAFLER TRIO, THE - A EG AD HALDA AFRAM? - =
IMPORTANT=20
- CD (IMPREC050)<BR> This is simply magnificent. =
Hafler Trio=20
are always worth checking<BR> out and this single =
track piece=20
is amazingly put together. Starting<BR> out with a =
barely=20
there spoken piece that's incredibly dislocating<BR> =
and bit=20
scary, it soon launches into one of the most full =
sounding<BR> =20
and surprisingly melodic drones I've heard in a while. This=20
is<BR> followed up by more intense minimalism and =
then,=20
incredibly, it<BR> moves into a rhythmic passage. =
Hafler Trio=20
using beats? And guess<BR> what? It works a treat. =
Deep,=20
slowed down breaks that are full<BR> of menace and =
darkness. A=20
sublime CD. Definitely recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> MECHA FIXES CLOCKS - ORBITING WITH =
SCREWDRIVERS -=20
ALIEN 8 - CD (ALE50D)<BR> Minimal, experimental=20
neo/avant-classical that as detailed as<BR> it is =
challenging,=20
but never obtrusive. A veteran of Montreal<BR> =
experimental=20
scene, Michel F. Cote has assembled a carefully =
chosen<BR> =20
ensemble from the city's Musique Actuelle community, as well=20
as<BR> fixing clocks on his days off. Released Monday =
1st=20
August although<BR> we can send it mailorder to arrive =
on=20
Monday. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> ORGANUM - VACANT LIGHTS / RARA AVIS - DIE =
STADT -=20
2xCD (DS62)<BR> Double CD from Organum with two very =
different=20
takes on experimental<BR> Electronica. The first CD is =
a deep=20
piece of minimalist soundscape<BR> music with dense,=20
noise-based textures and a cleverly building<BR> and =
morphing=20
feel... always leaving you wanting to hear the =
next<BR> =20
segment. The second CD is a series of pieces which range=20
from<BR> melosic, almost Gas-style ambient =
pieces via=20
harsh drones and<BR> then onto pure noise experiments. =
Very=20
coherent overall and very<BR> pleasing as a complete=20
collection. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial>Restocks (CD): Experimental</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial> THROBBING GRISTLE - KREEME HORN - DOSSIER =
- CD=20
(DCD9090)<BR> WITH A SUB-TITLE OF "IN PRAISE OF THE =
GROTESQUE"=20
YOU'VE SOME IDEA<BR> WHERE THIS IS COMING FROM. =
PRODUCED=20
IN 1975, THIS IS THROBBING<BR> GRISTLE IN EXPERIMENTAL =
AND=20
NOISY ELECTRONIC VOICE. AS USUAL,<BR> SUPERB STUFF =
FROM THE=20
INVENTORS OF THE INDUSTRIAL SOUND. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
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