[Smallfish-releases-text] Smallfish Mailout 18/11/05
Mike Smallfish
mike@smallfish.co.uk
Fri, 18 Nov 2005 14:17:33 -0000
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<! Aplogies if you've received this twice !>
Smallfish Release Mailout 18/11/05
Hi there.
Sorry to bother you with 2 mailouts in 2 days but thanks to a little =
help from someone with a great deal of technical knowledge, we can now =
offer you the proper mailout in its proper format! Hallelujah!
So, this weeks list is fairly brimming with lovely new bits and tons of =
restocks. Go check!
Anther point for us to make is that we are aware that there seems to =
have been a problem with our sound samples over the last fortnight or =
so. We can only apologise for this and hope you'll bear with us whilst =
we rectify the error.=20
Don't let that put you off though as there are some serious releases at =
the moment...
As of next week we'll be back to the proper format but we figured you'd =
like to see a complete list as a priority this week.
With that, we'll leave you and wish you a great weekend.
Peace.
The Fish.
Smallfish Records | 329 Old Street | London | EC1V 9LE | +44 [0] 20 7739 =
2252 | www.smallfish.co.uk
New Releases (Vinyl): Electronica
ANTONELLI - THE BLACKOUT QUINTET - ITALIC - LP + 12" (ITALIC054)
This, to me, is what minimal techno is really all about, although
i'm filing it under electronica as generally speaking it is very
chilled, and on the whole not at all dancefloor orientated but
it is certainly deep, musical, warm, well produced and very good
indeed. If you're a fan of Lawrence, Meanwhile, New World Aquarium,
Triola / the more relaxed end of Kompakt etc, this comes highly
recommended. There is actually a remix from Lawrence on the bonus
12" (which also contains reworkings by Oliver Hacke and Error
Error). Lovely.=20
ENDUSER - CALLING ALL VULTURES - SUBLIGHT - LP (C12)
Dark, edgey mish mash of breaks, electronica, up & down tempo
& some nice edits in there, a little of everything (well, almost
everything!). The Emphasis though has to be on the darkness, it's
not to be listened to in a darkened room when your feeling a bit
down......
GEROYCHE - VOXXX SERIES A.1 - VENTILATOR TONTRAGER - 12" (VT003)
Intersting, off the wall crunchy electronica with more than a
hint of the random about it. Has some melodic elements but the
emphasis is on the beats. 5 tracks in all for you to investigate....
MAT & KELLY - HIROSHIMA - BULLY - 12" (FU20)
Beautiful tonal electronica which has very little hip hop influence,
which has played a part in all previous bully releases. Both cuts
are subtle rhythmically and melodicly and have a fragile sound
to them. superb stuff i have to say.......
PULSE PROGRAMMING - TULSA FOR ONE SECOND REMIX PROJECT - AESTHETICS - =
12" (AST37)
This three-track 12" sampler for the full album includes the =
brilliant
complete re-recording of "Blooms Eventually" by Hood, as well
as Barbara Morgenstern's short and sweet minimal electro synth
remix, and Kohn's Isan/Morr Music-esque take on "Within Orderly
Long-Distance Life". Great stuff.=20
THOMAS BRINKMANN - LUCKY HANDS - MAX ERNST - 3xLP (MAXERNST19)
Generally speaking too downbeat and introverted to be filed under
Techno/Electro, this combines moody vocals, subtle musicianship,
songwriting and deep production to strong effect. Reminiscent
of Tarwater, To Rococo Rot, Static and that whole Stefan Schneider
stable of artists, this contains a barely recognisable, ultra
post-modern cover of Morrissey's "The More You Ignore Me, The
Closer I Get" (oh, Schneider TM, so much to answer for)....=20
VARIOUS - POP AMBIENT 2006 - KOMPAKT - LP (KOM130)
As another year draws to a close, why not indulge yourself in
that most luxurious and comforting of winter releases, the annual
Pop Ambient compilation from Kompakt? In all honesty this is another
beautiful selection of tracks by Uli Teichmann, Pass Into Silence,
Markus Guentner, The Orb, Klimek, Andrew Thomas, Ulf Lohmann,
Triola, Popnoname and Mikkel Metal. These albums have pretty much
become the benchmark of contemporary ambient electronica by which
all others must be judged, and considering this (to me) sounds
like the best volume in two or three years, this trend looks set
to continue. Simply tremendous stuff.=20
Restocks (Vinyl): Electronica
AFX - ANALORD 11 - REPHLEX - 12" (ANALORD11)
WITH ANALORD 10 EXCLUSIVE TO THE BINDER, IT'S STRAIGHT ON EPISODE
11 WE GO. ARE YOU READY TO GO ANOTHER TEN ROUNDS? MORE IMPORTANTLY,
ARE YOUR WALLETS?! SIDE ONE IS TAKEN UP BY AN EXTENDED, SLIGHTLY
EERIE, OFF-KILTER PIECE OF HIGH END, SUPER COMPRESSED RELECTRO
(AS I'M NOW CALLING IT) THAT COULD EASILY DATE FROM 1981, AND
FOR ALL I KNOW DOES. SIDE TWO IS A MOST SCHIZOPHRENIC AFFAIR -
DISTORTED, ENERGETIC DISCO, FOLLOWED BY DOOMY, BROKEN, HYPNOTIC
EXPERIMENTALISM. CLASSY STUFF, YOU HAVE TO ADMIT AND JUSTIFYING
THE HYPE ONCE AGAIN.
BOLA - GNAYSE - SKAM - 2xLP (SKALP015)
AT LONG LAST THE THIRD BOLA ALBUM LANDS UPON THE DREAMY SHORES
OF MOUNT SMALLFISH. THIS MARKS MORE OF AN EVOLUTION THAN A =
REVOLUTION
IN HIS SOUND BUT MANAGES TO REMAIN A DELECTABLE SLICE OF =
CONTEMPORARY
ELECTRONICA PAR EXCELLENCE. HARKING BACK TO THE DAYS OF EARLY
AUTECHRE, MID PERIOD BLACK DOG AND HIS OWN UNIQUE BOLA SOUND,
DARRELL CONSTRUCTS INTRICATE SOUNDSCAPES OF QUITE BEAUTIFUL NOISE
COMPLETE WITH LUSH SOUNDS AND MELODIC TOUCHES ALONGSIDE A VARIED
ARRAY OF RHYTHMIC PROGRAMMING. YOU MAY WELL HAVE GUESSED THAT
I RATHER LIKE IT. RECOMMENDED.
SIGNALDRIFT - SET DESIGN - CONSUMERS RESEARCH AND... - LP (CRL008LP)
Fabulous LP from Signaldrift. Gorgeous electronica that occasionally
drifts into house but always returns to soundscapes and textural
compositions of the highest order. Fans of either the artist or
the label will adore this. Recommended.
New Releases (Vinyl): Techno / Electro
ALTER EGO - GATE 23 (LOST ON ARRIVAL) - KLANG - 12" (KLANG99)
Yes folks, it's another Alter Ego 12" on Klang. It's seriously
funky gear, mind. Two remixes of the title track on the A-side,
from Alter Ego themselves and nom-du-jour Isolee - what a treat.
A new reworking of "Daktari" on side two from rising Perlon star
Matt John tops the set off just nice.=20
BEN KLOCK - MEMO 02 - MEMO - 12" (MEMO02)
The wonderfully named Ben Klock releases his second EP on this
(supposed) B Pitch Control offshoot label. Straight-up minimal
techno with a nice sci-fi, dark glitch edge to it. Uncomplicated,
but the simplest ideas are often the best, i find. The tracks
on side two have lovely melody lines that add a whole new dimension
to things. Check it.=20
EDUCUTION - MAN VERSUS MAN BEAST - MINIMISE - 12" (MINIMISE21)
The label responsible for all those Donnacha Costello releases
returns. I do enjoy a nice game of "Guess The Speed" on a Saturday
afternoon (why is this information so often kept from us?). =
Presuming
it is 45, this is a fairly lively, minimal rave (??) beast (!).
No confusion with side two, however - it's swinging, perfunctory
techno followed by a sinister, possibly Chain Reaction / Basic
Channel inspired piece. Minimise - it sounds a bit like minimal.
=20
GOLDEN DAYS - KEEP IT DRY - TELEVISION - 12" (TELEVISION026)
The Electro Atomu remix is Schaffel-y electro house that could
easily have appeared on a Kompakt 'Total' compilation, for example.
Tough stuff with plenty of bottom end for that extra Kompakt flava.
Nice. The original is Hoxton electro pop that's part Goldfrapp,
part Cobra Killer (make of that what you will). Golden Days own
remix pumps the whole thing up a la Tiefschwarz, Alter Ego etc
so that's most bases covered i reckon!=20
KAMELION - CRYING HANDS - ULTRAMENTALS - 12" (EVR001)
Every now and again you're confronted with a record that does
something rare... it confuses you! This Ep comes from so many
different angles, all of them excellent, that it's hard to know
where to begin. The overriding flava is that of Techno-soul and
it has numerous references to the Motor City throughout. Deep
string sounds, lush pads and these melodic lines that are at once
at odds with the chords but work in a similar way to Dan Curtins
old work. Electro and Techno beats underpin everything and there
are at least two tracks that it would be easy to play at either
speed. Essentially this is a fabulously off-kilter Ep that should
easily appeal to fans of Delsin, Future Beat Alliance and the
old Archive records. Recommended.
LCD SOUNDSYSTEM - TRIBULATIONS - DFA - 12" (DFA2151)
Anyone that seen LCD live will know what a crowd pleaser =
"Tribulations"
is. Possibly the most obvious single on the album, this killer
electro pop track is chock-full of hooks - it's also James Murphy's
best vocal performance yet, in my opinion. Remixes come courtesy
of Tiga (not a bad one for him, to be fair) and Lindstrom =
(Playhouse,
Feedelity), whose take almost sounds like a tribute to the DFA!
Be nice to see this in the charts. This is the US pressing!
LUDOVIC VENDI - DEBUT EP - DIALECT - 12" (DIAL005)
Excellent three track Ep on this Battle offshoot label. Ludovic
gives us a selection of extremely funky Techno / House / Acid
crossover tracks that are full of perky sounds and a stripped,
yet full sounding set of arrangements. Pure dancefloor music and,
by gum, there's nothing wrong with that. Solid.
MARK BROOM/SIR LOIN/CJ BAKER - KLICK/VOID/BLINDED BY COD - PURE =
PLASTIC - 12" (PP061)
Yes, this is the moment I have been waiting for: Pure Plastic
are absolutely back on form with this 12". Truly classic tracks
with a distinct 80's boogie feel, courtesy of the keyboard skills
of CJ Baker, and with Broom on the controls, you can rest assured,
that the mix is tight and punchy in all the right places. Listen
to this! You will not be dissapointed...
MIKAEL WEILL - HOUMOUS - KARAT - 12" (KARAT21)
Another stormingly good release from Karat who seem to have their
finger on thepulse at the moment. Mikael Weill delivers four solid
tracks of the kind of bass-heavy, minimalistic Techno that really
is doing it at the present time. File next to Jay Haze, Luciano
etc and, fear not... you can;t go wrong with this gem. Quality.
NOZE - KITCHEN - TRAPEZ - 12" (TRAPEZ57)
A slightly comedic release from Trapez. Musically it's business
as usual although someone seems to be doing a bizarre impersonation
of a German Tom Waits over the top of it (possibly?). Interesting.
This theme continues on the flip, the end result sounding a bit
like Mu with a very sore throat. Very silly but will probably
be huge!=20
QUENUM - RIO GRANDE EP - NUM - 12" (NUM04)
Quite a bit of interest in this one. The deeper end of shuffly
minimal techno, with some great melody lines, this will definitely
get folk moving. The B-side (not sure how a two track single can
be an EP, guys) is the stronger one for me, with a nice phat rhythm
track. Everything else by Quenum has shot out the door, and this
is bound to do the same.=20
SEBASTIAN - SMOKING KILLS - ED BANGER - 12" (ED006)
Heavy Ep of (dare I say it) Electro-House which utilises some
particularly gnarly beats and dense sound construction to get
its point across. I'd go so far as to say this is one of the better
examples I've heard of this sort of music as it makes you sit
up and listen. Rough, tough and dangerous to know... well, not
quite dangerous, but jolly good nonetheless.
SENDER BERLIN - UNEQUAL ARTS - UNGLEICH - 12" (MDM23696)
A six-track EP that covers a variety of techno bases. "Theory's
Dead" features Jay Haze, plus there's a collaboration with DJ
Luke. A bit of a departure from the seriously banging stuff they
used to put out on Tresor.=20
SOMEONE ELSE - FRESH AIR - NUMMER SCHALLPLATTEN - 12" (NUMMER013)
A big tune here from the hotly-tipped Someone Else. Combining
majorly infectious grooves with gnarly basslines and clangy =
percussion,
this should go down well with the usual minimal crowd. The B-side
is perhaps a little glitchier but on a very similar tip. Coming
in a suitably bright magenta sleeve, this will do the business.
=20
SURGEON - KLONK - DYNAMIC TENSION - 12" (DTR007)
A new record from Surgeon is always something to get excited about
and this is no exception. The kind of gritty Techno grooves that
we've come to expect from this master of the genre. Add to that
a slightly two-steppy feel, some intense basslines and a fair
amount of processing and manipulation and you've got yourself
an absolutely fabulous EP. Recommended.
SYNTAX ERROR - COWBOY'S WORLD OF BUBBLES EP - FEINWERK - 12" =
(FEINWERK4)
Wonky Techno sounds of the finest kind here spread over 5 tracks.
Manic sounds and truly bizarre arrangements coupled with the sort
of beats that Neil Landstrumm and Cristian Vogel made their own.
A splendid bit of fun that'll batter your ears and, conceivably,
make you dance.
TEMPLEDOG - MAGNETIZE - TEMPLE DOG - 12" (FUDOG006)
Varied 4 track Electro EP with very strong Drexcyian leanings
in the production. Relentless dancefloor action with that mercyless
driving feel, that lovers of serious electro sounds will surely
know how to appreciate.=20
TERRY BROOKES AND AARON SOUL - CITY LIFE PART 1 (CARL CRAIG REMIX) - =
RUSHHOUR - 12" (RH019-1)
Massive new single from Rushhour which sees Terry Brookes teaming
up with Aaron Soul on vocals to create a solid hybrid of Detroit
Techno and House with a lovely soulful edge. Notably there's a
Carl Craig remix which takes the prize for winning version...
a long, hypnotic slab of goodness which has dancefloor stamped
all over it. The original is nice as well and there's a =
stripped-down
Chicago-esque mix from Deepart.
TERRY BROOKES AND AARON SOUL - CITY LIFE PART 2 (CARL CRAIG DUB) - =
RUSHHOUR - 12" (RH019-2)
Here's the second part of the splendid new Rushhour release. Carl
Craig turns in a stripped-down dub version which, strangely, keeps
some of the vocals but tribals-up the beats considerably. The
flip sees two deep and funked out broken beat versions from Terry
himself that have plenty of groove. This one slips neatly into
the part 1 cover as well.
TOMBOY - TOMBOY 3 - GOMMA - 12" (GOMMA063)
Not bad at all, and actually one of the best Gommas in quite a
while, i reckon. Infectious minimal electro house grooves with
some nice retro percussion and effects. Lo-fi and proud, this
could almost be a Clone or Bunker release (or even Rephlex). Worthy
of investigation.=20
TRIO EXKLUSIV - INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS EP 2 - KLEIN - 12" (KL0722)
Set of five Optimo remixes, including two JD Twitch mixes, and
a guest appearance by Louis Austen (yes, he's still knocking about).
Produced by Patrick Pulsinger, this is dancefloor electro techno
trash sleaze for the generation that irony forgot.=20
TRIXIE STALKER - CONTROL / RETREAT / RESIGN - TONGUT - 12" (TONGUT020)
The opening number is pumping, twisted electro house that's the
sort of thing you wish Gigolo would start releasing again. Things
get crunchier and glitchier on the flip, veering into minimal
territory, with the set closing with a wicked slice of edgy =
electronic
house that's a bit B Pitch Control. Clear vinyl and all!=20
UHU - CONSTELLATION MIXES - GIGOLO - 12" (GIGOLO183)
If you think i'm gonna turn off "Sight Of You" by Pale Saints
in order to listen to the new Gigolo, you've got another thing
coming. So i'll just wait for it to finish. There we go. Is it
gonna be half as good, i ask myself? Well, no, obviously not but
it is a cut above the usual Gigolo nonsense, being straight-up
Ectomorph / Doppereffekt, proper retro electro a la Viewlexx,
Clone, Bunker etc. Well produced gear that works on 33 or 45!
=20
VARIOUS - THE DATA EP - TESTIN OUT - 12" (TO001)
Skillfully produced Detroit-inspired techno with distinct forward
drive. Keith Tenniswood provides one of his more disturbed and
darker remixes, to give those electroheads their badly needed
fix. Nice!
VARIOUS - BINARY OPERATIONS - ELECTRO LAB - 12" (ELECTROLAB002)
SECOND RELEASE ON ELECTRO LAB. FIVE TRACKS BY FIVE DIFFERENT
ARTISTS: DIPLOMAT & SKUNK, LAITE, DATEC, AMR AND GOB.GOTO - NEVER
HEARD OF THEM (OTHER THAN DIPLOMAT), TILL NOW... VERY MUCH IN
THE DREXCIYAN MOULD OF ELECTRO - PACEY, SCI-FI, DARK AND CLUB
FRIENDLY MATERIAL THAT WILL UNDOUBTEDLY GRACE MANY A DANCEFLOOR.
VARIOUS - FRAGMENT EP - NATIVE - 12" (NATCOL006)
Twisted Minimal Techno grooves with lots of energy on one side,
backed with a more tribal approach on the flip. Especially good
for me sounded the odd offbeat cut B2, which stands out to be
the most interesting one on this EP.=20
VARIOUS - IF YOU STAND FOR NOTHING YOU'LL FALL FOR ANYTHING - =
DOWNWARDS - 2xLP (DWN01)
This is a fantastic retrospective of some of the finest moments
from the Downwards back catalogue. Tracks from Surgeon, Regis
and Portion Reform show you just how advanced these guys were
on the minimal Techno front. Timeless, in a lot of ways and an
essential for fans of the genre. If only all the people who listen
to crunchy Cologne-style minimal Techno would give this a listen...
they'd be amazed. Recommended.
VARIOUS - WE COME FROM DA EAST V1.0 - MIDITONAL - 12" (MIDI006)
Miditonal on a one label rampage to do your ears in here with
this 5 track EP from the likes of Bill Youngman, Py Mortisher,
NDK and more. Heavy, almost Drop Bass Network-ish at times with
mental beats and furious sounds, you'll need a strong will to
listen to this one... unless, of course, you're into wonky Techno
a la Subhead or Vogel or Landstrumm. Banging.
VARIOUS - IF YOU STAND FOR NOTHING YOU'LL FALL FOR ANYTHING - =
DOWNWARDS - 2xLP (DWN01LTD)
This limited edtion package comes in a white 12" mailer and contains
the clear vinyl version of this cracking double album plus a couple
of badges. Essentially it's a retrospective of some of the finest
moments from the Downwards back catalogue. Tracks from Surgeon,
Regis and Portion Reform show you just how advanced these guys
were on the minimal Techno front. Timeless, in a lot of ways and
an essential for fans of the genre. If only all the people who
listen to crunchy Cologne-style minimal Techno would give this
a listen... they'd be amazed. Recommended.
Restocks (Vinyl): Techno / Electro
DIPLOMAT - ZX COMPLEX - ELECTRO LAB - 12" (ELECTROLAB003)
Now, that's what I'm talking about. An electro record, that doesn't
shy away from being an absolute rocker of an Ep, without resorting
to current trends. Admittingly, it is heavily based on the 80
sound aestethic, but hey, we are talking badass b-boy 80's and
notbad hair and shoulderpads scenario. Ready to rock...?
FEMALE - AVON REMIXES - SANDWELL DISTRICT - 12" (SD4)
A superb remix 12" with three reliable and consistent names on
duty. James Ruskin delivers a wonderfully deep version with layers
of chords and just the right combination of tribal beats to make
you move. 65D Mavericks opt for an off-beat tribal style that
's very much in line with the Blueprint sort of style... generally
a top track. Female gives us probably the best mix... a reduced
version of the original with a mid-paced, not-too-heavy, but =
incredibly
deep sound that could easily fit into a Kopakt / Contexterrior
set. A brilliant selection of tracks that comes recommended.
MODESELEKTOR - HELLO MOM! - B PITCH CONTROL - 2xLP (BPC115)
Modeselektor's album has been eagerly anticipated because of their
knack for putting out dancefloor tracks that are anything but
ordinary. Weirdo sounds and chopped up vocals meet Electro, Techno
and Electronica on this eleven track selection that will confound
as well as delight. There's some serious programming going on
on here and these guys clearly like the occasional rave sound...
which makes for a very fun album indeed. Mutant!
SCANONE - EVERY SEVENTH BULLET EP - COMBAT - 12" (COMBAT01)
Combat's first release (which came out a little while ago, =
admittedly)
comes from Scanone and it's an absolute monster! If you don't
know it you'll seriously need to check out this blistering Electro
/ Breaks / Sublow sound with massive beats and some speaker-breaking
bass work. Warped, twisted, dark and mutant... this is one that's
sure to get the Electronica-heads in a lather. A killer release
and highly recommended.
SHED - SOLOACTION EP - DELSIN - 12" (49DSR/SHD1)
I DON'T WANT TO SOUND LIKE I'M OVERDOING IT WITH THIS ONE BUT,
MY GOD, IT'S ABSOLUTE UNBELIEVABLE. YOU COULD ALMOST IMAGINE THAT
DETROIT TECHNO IS ABOUT TO HAVE A HUGE RESURGENCE WITH THIS =
WONDERFUL
EP. DEEP, LUSH, PACEY, SLOW, MID-TEMPO, DANCEFLOOR, HOMELISTENING...
JUST STAGGERINGLY PROPER TECHNO SOUNDS WITH WARMTH AND SOUL BY
THE ARMLOAD. KILLER RECORD AND EAN EASY CONTENDER FOR MY TOP TEN
OF THE YEAR. BUY IT!
VARIOUS - KATAPULT 2 - KARAT - 12" (KARAT020)
Funked-up, deep glitchy techno a-plenty on this five-tracker.
Chloe, Cabanne, David Rockmore, Mikael Weill and Skat provide
the Akufen-esque soundtrack, the latter two being particularly
strong and musical. If you're into the label and/or this sound
in general, you're not gonna wanna miss this.=20
Restocks (Vinyl): US Techno / Electro
LOCUTUS - RAMA - POLARIZED - 12" (POLARIZED008)
Now, that's just fierce. A heavy, heavy Techno sound from Locutus
with dark strings and blistering beats that will just pummel you.
The flip has mixes from Steve Nails and Mark Broom and, as you
can probably imagine, they're equally as banging. Good Techno
sounds.
NOMADIC - METRO-MOVER - DOPAMINE - 12" (DOP02)
THIS REALLY IS TURNING OUT OT BE A TOP LITTLE LABEL. FLORIDA BASED
DOPAMINE RECORDS DELIVERS ITS SECOND BOMB IN THE SHAPE OF A KILLER
FOUR TRACK ELECTRO EP OF PURE, BOOTY SHAKING GROOVES WITH AWESOME
REMIXES FROM THE ONE AND ONLY ANDREA PARKER AND STARS OF THE FIRST
RELEASE, ALPHA 606. IF YOU LIKE ELECTRO, YOU'RE GOING TO LOVE
THIS. WICKED STUFF.
New Releases (Vinyl): House
EDITIONS DISCO - DANCE ACROSS THE FLOOR / RUBBER BAND - EDITIONS =
DISCO - 12" (ED1970)
More hot hot disco re-edits here with the huge 'Dance across the
floor'. A big record in both the House, Disco & Hip Hop scenes.
Ripe for heavy dancefloor action me thinks....
EDITIONS DISCO - CHICAGO / COWBOYS & GANGSTERS - EDITIONS DISCO - 12" =
(ED1971)
2 top of the range edits here with 'Chicago' winning hands down.
Nice to see that these have been re-edited with a bit of thought
and not just thrown together on the hurry up. It's been National
Disco Re-edit week this week with the amount of them that seem
to be coming in.....
VARIOUS - THE DARK SIDE OF DISCO VOL 2 - N/A - 2xLP (DD002LP)
Does exactly what it says on the tin. Well, almost. Not everything
here is really that dark to be honest, but it's all quality it
has to be said. cuts from talking heads, Visage, Q, Harlequin
4, Rinder & Lewis, Men without hats, Human League and more. very
much on the Disco not Disco tip, New wave Disco would be fair.
so i put it in the house section! You work it out......
Restocks (Vinyl): House
TONY ANDERSON - CHALKFARM DADDY - SERENITY - 12" (SER004)
Serenity are back with a 3 track Ep of varied house grooves, =
courtesy
of labelmanager Tony Anderson. While the A-side is very straight
forward with big basslines and shimmery strings, the flip goes
a bit deeper and especially B2 is worth mentioning, as for me
it easily is the best one. Fender meets dico percussion, meets
tambourine....what more do you want....nice...more of that please...
New Releases (Vinyl): Hip Hop
40 WINKS - EXTENDED PLEASURE - ESCAPISM - 12" (ESC005)
Wicked EP of mostly instrumental Hip Hop tracks on the excellent
Japanese label Escapism. Deep vibes and a jazzy flava made me
think of Spinna or Jaydee. 7 tracks in total, each of them very,
very nice. Good stuff.
FATLIP - THE LONELIEST PUNK - DELICIOUS VINYL - 2xLP (DV9025LP)
nice LP of solid beats and rhymes here with guests that include
Chali 2na (Jurassic 5) - 45 king - Volume 10 - Humpty Hump and
more. well worthy of your attention.....
KID SUBLIME - BASEMENT SOUL INSTRUMENTALS - KINDRED SPIRITS - 12" =
(KS010-1)
This is a wicked collection of instrumental versions of tracks
from Kid Sublime's excellent Basement Soul album. Funky, deep
and definitely on the Premier / Jaydee sort of tip with acres
of Jazz references and tight, tight beats. Solid and a bargain
at this price.
LORD FINESSE - RETURN OF THE FUNKY MAN - TRAFFIC - 2xLP (TEG755081LP)
Double vinyl repress of this super classic lp from one of the
DITC massive. So many top cuts, Yes you may, Party over here,
Fat for the 90's as well as the title cut. Productions from Finesse
himself, Diamond D, Showbiz. Most of this fine LP was recorded
at the legendry Jazzy jay studios in the Bronx. Real Hip Hop from
it's birthplace.........
PHARCYDE, THE - SOLD MY SOUL - THE REMIX & RARITY COLLECTION - TRAFFIC =
- 3xLP (TR1600LP)
Nice selection of rare bits & bobs from the eccentric west coasters.
All the bands hits in varying forms are here. Remixes from the
likes of Jay - Dee, Beatminerz, Rae & Christian, Kenny Dope and
many more............
RICH MEDINA - CONNECTING THE DOTS - KINDRED SPIRITS - 2xLP (KS014LP)
Full length Rich Medina album from Kindred Spirits and it's about
as funky, souful and smooth as you'd imagine. His vocals really
cut through though and there's a nicely rough and ready flava
to them. Muscially it's varied and takes on old-school Hip Hop
Funk, Jazz and Soul with a great deal of skill. Quality stuff.
=20
VARIOUS - THE ORIGINAL JAZZY JAY - STRONG CITY - 12" (ST18088)
Great to see this extremely rare 12" get a repress. Originally
a promo only 12" from the 'Cold chillin in the studio' LP and
it has arguably the best track from the lp in the form of 'Do
what you gotta do'. Just Jay, what sounds like a Linn drum & a
copy of the original Hip Hop classic known as 'Collage' being
cut up over the top. The 3 other cuts are quality as well, Back
to the lab by Tony D, Keep hushin by Ice Cream Tee & I'm the king
by Raheem. The fact that all these cuts were produced by Jazzy
and that Strong city is his label is the reson for the title!
Highly recommended.....
WRECKITNIZE - STREETPARADE EP - REDRUM RECORDZ - CD (RED017)
A straight-up collection of Hip Hop tracks featuring a wide range
of vocalists that I've never actually heard of before. Mostly
vocals with a couple of intstrumental bits and with a nice mixture
of heavy beats and more subtle, Jazz influenced moments.
Restocks (Vinyl): Hip Hop
J.V.C. FORCE - STRONG ISLAND - BLUE MIX - B-BOY - 12" (BB20/200)
Nice to see this ultra rare promo only mix of the classic Stron
island get a repress. i only learned of this records existance
last week! on the flip is Take it away. great 12", have a =
listen......
ROB SWIFT - SOULFUL FRUIT - FAT BEATS - 2xLP (STH2007)
ROB SWIFT, RAHZEL, BABU, MISTA SINISTA AND A WHOLE BUNCH OF =
RECORDS.
A WONDERFULLY RANDOM SESSION WITH LOTS OF NICE JUGGLES, BEATBOX
VS DJ, SERIOUS BREAKS AND A LOT OF FUN. SO NICE TO JUST PUT ON,
KICK OFF THE SHOES AND SOAK UP.=20
New Releases (Vinyl): Eclectic Beats
HEAVY - REMIXES (DJ SPINNA / JAZZANOVA / YAM WHO?) - KINDRED SPIRITS - =
12" (KS007-2)
Cracking selection of soulfully deep remixes of tracks taken from
Heavy's album. The main protagonists are Spinna, Jazzanove and
Yam Who? and they turn in trademark versions which concentrate
on the original vocal line very nicely. Downbeat, eclectic, funky
and smooth vibes all round.
HERBALISER, THE - NAH' MEAN NAH'M SAYIN' - NINJA TUNE - 12" (ZEN12169)
The Herbaliser have become pretty much a straight-up Hip Hop act
these days. Two tracks from the last album, alongside relevant
instrumentals and accapellas, not to mention a Dagenham Girl,
sorry, Platinum Pied Pipers remix.=20
OWUSU & HANNIBAL - DELIRIUM - MORGAN GEIST & UP HYGH REMIXES - =
UBIQUITY - 12" (UR12183)
Soulful crunchy beats with some nice warm vocals here on ubiquity.
The main mix is on that jittery Jay-Dilla tip and is certainly
my favourite. There is also a mix from Morgan Geist that has some
nice clattery 808's in the mix, quite down beat for him. Have
a listen.............
VARIOUS - IMPEACH THE PRESIDENT - KAJMERE - 2xLP (KAJ014LP)
A nice mix of styles here with the emohasis on Hip Hop. People
under the stairs, DJ Shortkut, Antibalas,=20
New Releases (Vinyl): Guitar Based
DEVENDRA BANHART - HEARD SOMEBODY SAY - XL - 7" (XLS222)
One of the more obvious singles from "Cripple Crow" comes backed
with a new track sung in Spanish (something Devendra's very good
at to these ears). Some suitably flamenco-y guitar playing sets
it off perfectly, making this an essential purchase for Banhart
heads everywhere (especially for under a pound). Numbered limited
edition and everything!=20
FIERY FURNACES, THE / TED LEO - NORWEGIAN WOOD / I'M LOOKING THROUGH =
YOU - RAZOR & TIE - 7" (BMG80858)
Highly limited sampler 7" for this U.S. only "Rubber Soul" covers
album. The Fiery Furnaces cover "Norwegian Wood" in their own
inimitable, cut-up style, making it barely recognisable from the
original - you'll either love it or hate it. Ted Leo (minus The
Pharmacists?) version of "I'm Looking Through You" is equally
odd, adding a slightly cod reggae feel to proceedings. Snap one
up now, highly collectable!=20
HUGGY BEAR / BIKINI KILL - OUR TROUBLED YOUTH / YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH - =
KILL ROCK STARS - LP (KRS206)
Landmark split LP originally released in 1992 that spearheaded
the 'Riot Grrrl' movement. Kathleen Hanna (many years before Le
Tigre) was responsible for some of the most incendiary, politically
charged / pro-feminist music ever committed to vinyl and never
sounded better than on this LP. Likewise Huggy Bear, who would
be too controversial to feature in the NME these days. A real
favourite of John Peel at the time, you have to wonder whatever
happened to records like this....=20
MAX OCHS - IMAGINATIONAL ANTHEMS - FONOTONE - 7" (NM0531)
Wonderful, skilful acoustic guitar picking by a player who has
certainly put in his hours of practice. 2 beautiful instrumentals
of timeless music, have a listen.....
MOONDOG - THE VIKING OF SIXTH AVENUE - HONEST JONS - 2xLP (HJRLP18)
An absolutely fascinating and utterly captivating compilation
of the works of avant-folk / leftfield jazz artist Moondog. =
Considering
much of this work dates from the fifties, it's incredible how
ahead of his time he was. His other-worldly take on American and
European jazz puts Sun Ra to shame, predating him by many years.
Hypnotic and enchanting music that has to be heard to be believed!
=20
QUINTRON & MISS PUSSYCAT - SWAMP TECH - TRANSSOLAR - LP (SOL032LP)
The sleazy, slightly bizarre world of Quintron and his ever-able
assistant Miss Pussycat. Falling somewhere between Jamie Lidell
and the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, exotica stalwart Quintron
returns with his drum buddies and Posh Paws look-a-like cover
star. As strange as it is entertaining.=20
SLEATER-KINNEY - YOU'RE NO ROCK 'N' ROLL FUN - KILL ROCK STARS - 7" =
(KRS364)
The fabulous Sleater-Kinney, enough said. This 7", dating from
2000, includes a track from the "All Hands On The One" album,
with (i believe) an exclusive new track ("Maraca") on the B-side.
Top notch US indie rock, a lot less distorted than their current
album!=20
SUNNI MCGRATH - SEVEN STARS - NEAR MINT - 7" (TSQ0531)
2 beautiful, skillfully executed acoustic guitar compositions
that touch on many genres. there's not much more to add to that
really, except that they are stunning!! you must have a listen......
TEENAGE FANCLUB - IT'S ALL IN MY MIND - PEMA - 7" (PEMA006S)
What a brilliant song this is. Better known as the first track
on this year's 'Man Made' LP, this tremendous piece of indie guitar
pop shows why Teenage Fanclub are such a beloved institution.
The new track on the B-side ("Please Stay") is a bit of a winner,
too - infact, it's so good you wonder how it didn't get on the
album. Makes you wish it was summer again!=20
New Releases (Vinyl): Funk / Jazz / Soul
LIGHTMEN PLUS ONE, THE - ENERGY CONTROL CENTER - LIGHTIN - LP =
(LP2001LP)
Another seriously rare LP gets an official (!) repress here. Big
band funk that really kicks some bottom. Produced by Bubba Thomas
who put out an LP under his own name with the Lightmen. Highly
recommended for those who love that Jazzfunk sound of the early
70's.....
REBIRTH, THE - THIS JOURNEY IN - KAJMERE - 2xLP (KAJ013LP)
Fine LP of super soulful funk flavours from this super tight outfit.
Could have been lifted straight out of the 70's, which is either
a good or bad thing depending on your view point. If you like
the Mizell's production sound (Donald Byrd, Bobbi Humphrey, 70's
Blue Note basically) then this will probably do it for you. There's
even a tribute to the Mizell brothers on here (Walk talkin Mizell).
all in all a very slick sounding slice of soul for the noughties.
Enjoy.......
VARIOUS - LAGOS ALL ROUTES - HONEST JONS - 2xLP (HJRLP17)
The bulk of the music here is known as "Highlife", a pan-ethnic
style of dance music native to Anglophone West Africa, and i believe
dates from the seventies and eighties. Your best bet for a fuller
flavour is to a) give this a listen, and b) read the extensive,
extremely well-researched sleevenotes like wot i just did (well,
about a paragraph of it anyway). Honest Jons unearth another fine
selection of lost world gems (basically).
VARIOUS - LAGOS CHOP UP - HONEST JONS - 2xLP (HJRLP15)
The bulk of the music here is known as "Highlife", a pan-ethnic
style of dance music native to Anglophone West Africa, and i believe
dates from the seventies and eighties. Your best bet for a fuller
flavour is to a) give this a listen, and b) read the extensive,
extremely well-researched sleevenotes like wot i just did (well,
about a paragraph of it anyway). Honest Jons unearth another fine
selection of lost world gems (basically).
VARIOUS - GILLES PETERSON DIGS AMERICA - UBIQUITY - 3xLP (LHLP047)
I'm not to sure what the siginificance of 'Brownswood USA' is
to be honest. The picture on the back is off Brownswood road from
somewhere in London? where he does one of his radio shows perhaps?
Still, all this is by the by as the music here is of supreme =
importance.
And i'm glad to say quality. A selection of obscure & rare cuts
from Jazz, Funk, Soul, reggae & beyond. So many high points. Moses
Dillard, John Lucien, The Ensemble Al salaam and more. pretty
stunning selection of music here, a real treat......
Restocks (Vinyl): Funk / Jazz / Soul
BETTEY SWANN - BETTEY SWANN - HONEST JONS - 2xLP (HJRLP8)
GREAT DOUBLE ALBUM OF SWEET AND OFTEN GROOVABLE SOUL MUSIC COVER
VERSIONS. NOTHING AT ALL WRITTEN ON THE SLEEVE, BUT I AM ASSUMING
THIS DATES FROM THE EARLY 1970S. NICE.
CANDI STATON - S/T - HONEST JONS - 2xLP (HJRLP6)
DEEP DEEP SOUL FROM THE WONDERFUL MS STATON HERE. RAW EMOTION
HERE IN THE VOCAL DEPT AND SOME WONDERFULLY TIGHT FUNK/SOUL PLAYING
FROM THE BAND. RECOMMENDED....
VARIOUS - LONDON IS THE PLACE FOR ME 2 - HONEST JONS - 2xLP (HJRLP16)
Another superb selection of rare & obscure calypso kwela, highlife
and jazz from young black london of the 50's & early 60's. Such
unsung heroes as lord kitchiner, russ henderson, king timothy,
young tiger, shake keane and many more. 20 tracks in all, have
a damn good listen.......
VARIOUS - G.I. FUNK - PAYBACK - LP (PR001)
AHH GOING FOR THE VIETNAM ANGLE EH. 14 CUTS, SOME OF WHICH HAVE
VAGUE REFERENCES TO THE VIETNAM WAR. SOME TOUGH TOUGH BREAKS AMONGST
THE RAW FUNK HERE, HAVE A LISTEN.......
XINGU, EL COMBO - XINGU, EL COMBO - PAYBACK - LP (PR002LP)
ULTRA RARE LP THAT IS A BIT OF A LEGEND IN THE HARDCORE FUNK DIGGERS
WORLD. A SUPERBLY TIGHT FUNK LP HAILING FROM PERU BELIEVE IT OR
NOT! WITH THE ORIGINAL COMMANDING UPWARDS OF =A3500 ON THE VERY
RARE OCCASION ONE COMES UP FOR SALE, ITS NICE THAT THIS QUALITY
LP CAN NOW BE HEARD AT A REALISTIC PRICE. SOMETIMES THESE ULTRA
RARE LPS CAN BE A BIT OF A LET DOWN WHEN YOU ACTUALLY GET TO HEAR5
THEM, THANKFULLY THIS IS NOT THE CASE HERE. SUPER TIGHT RHYTHMS
WITH A MELTING POT OF INFLUENCES, ROCK, FUNK, SOUL & MORE. =
RECOMMENDED......
New Releases (Vinyl): Reggae / Dub
ASHER & TREMBLE - HUMBLE YOURSELF - ROCKERS - 7" (RP450011)
Classic Rockers (M. Taylor) production reissued courtesy of Honest
Jons. Don't know an awful lot about its origins, but it's a =
seriously
deep, heavy slab of vintage reggae. The dub is just awesome. Very
nice.=20
AUGUSTUS PABLO - KEEP ON KNOCKING / BOOK OF LIFE - ROCKERS - 10" =
(RP001)
Two variations on a theme here. Essentially the same rhythm track
only with slight variants, one with a Hugh Mundell vocal. The
"Book of Dub" is simply classic Augustus Pablo, and as good as
dub gets. A must.=20
BLACK ACES, THE - CLOSE THE GATE DREAD / VERSION - PRESSURE SOUNDS - =
7" (PSS010)
Another beautiful 7" release from Pressure Sounds with delicious
conscious lyrics and heavy, rootsy production. Both tracks are
written and produced by The Travellers and the dub just edges
it for me. Pure class and highly recommended.
CARL BRADNEY / BIG YOUTH / LEROY SMART - SLIPPING INTO DARKNESS / =
STREETS OF AFRICA / LOVE - PK - 10" (PK4)
Another wicked 3-way split 10" from PK. Awesome early seventies
(i think) reggae with the best production imaginable. Can't give
you much more info, i'm afraid, but this is quality gear, even
i know that.=20
FAMILY MAN BARRETT / ANSELL COLLINS / LYNN TAITT - SOUL CONSTITUTION / =
PORTOBELLO / WILLIAMSBURG - PK - 10" (PK10)
Legendary reggae sounds from these artists who will need no =
introduction
to those in the know. Deeply inspired and conscious sounds with
more than their fair share of tip top bass and drums. Classic
stuff.=20
RHYTHM & SOUND / THE WAILERS BAND - NO PARTIAL / HIGHER FIELD MARSHALL =
- PK - 10" (PK6)
What a pairing. A Rhythm & Sound classic backed with a wonderful
slice of early Wailers. Infact, the Wailers track is even deeper
and heavier than the Basic Channel boys effort! Some great harmonica
and bass playing all round although by the sounds of it the original
masters are long gone! Great stuff.=20
SUGAR MINOTT / JUNIOR DAN - LET'S REASON - HI-TRY - 7" (JLM009)
This appears to be a new Sugar Minott single, produced and arranged
by Junior Dan, brought to you in association with Honest Jons.
The production is surprisingly good and deep for a new track.
Complete with a version of the flip.=20
TRAVELLERS, THE - BLACK BLACK MIND - PRESSURE SOUNDS - 2xLP (PSLP49)
With an all-star cast of musicians comes this superb selection
of tracks. Sly & Robbie, Tommy McCook, Ansel Collins and more
back up some wonderful vocals from The Travellers to create som
beautiful Roots Reggae. Recorded at Channel One and King Tubby's
so you know you're getting absolutely the finest sounds. Pure
class. Highly recommended.
TRAVELLERS, THE / KING TUBBY - SOUTH AFRICA / FROM CAPE TO CAIRO - =
PRESSURE SOUNDS - 7" (PSS009)
So, so good! An absolute classic of a track here in the shape
of The Traveller's 'South Africa'. Deep, beautifully produced
and conscious Roots sounds that are utterly timeless. King Tubby's
version is ultra-fine and has that '70's echo in bucketloads.
Pure class and completely essential.
WARD 21 / KUNLEY - THIS IS HOW WE ROLL - HONEST JONS - 7" (HJP712)
A presumably limited 7" featuring a Baby G remix of Ward 21 /
Kunley's "This Is How We Roll", from an original by Terry Hall
& Mushtaq (released on Honest Jons in Spring 2004). Well-produced
digital ragga (yes, there apparently is such a thing) with quite
a poppy sound.=20
Restocks (Vinyl): Reggae / Dub
CEDRIC IM BROOKS & THE LIGHT OF SABA - S/T - HONEST JONS - 2xLP =
(HJRLP4)
PROPS TO HONEST JONS FOR SUCH A BEAUTIFUL LP! DEEP SPIRITUAL
ROOTSY DUB WITH TONS OF PERCUSSION AND A SOUND TO DIE FOR. A HEAVY
HEAVY SOUND THAT IS SELDOM HEARD IN THIS DAY OF DIGITAL EVERYTHING.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED........
HERMAN CHIN-LOY - AQUARIUS ROCK - PRESSURE SOUNDS - 2xLP (PSLP45)
ACTUALLY TITLED "THE HIP REGGAE WORLD OF HERMAN CHIN-LOY" - AND
INDEED IT IS A HIP REGGAE ALBUM. HERMAN STARTED OFF AS THE CO-OWNER
OF THE ONE-STOP RECORD SHOP, AND BECAME REKNOWNED AS THE MAN WHO
COULD DIG OUT THE BEST OF THE RECORDS - HE WENT FROM ONE STOP
TO HIS OWN AQUARUIS SHOP. FROM THERE HE WENT INTO PRODUCING IN
THIS TIME OFF FROM THE SHOP, AND HIS AQUARIUS SOUND WAS FAMOUS
FOR IT'S INNOVATION AND EXPERIMENTATION. HE ORIGINALLY RELEASED
RECORDS UNDER THE ENIGMATIC NAME OF AUGUSTUS PABLO, BUT THEN GAVE
THE NAME TO HORACE SWABY (THE MAN WE ALL KNOW AS AUGUSTUS PABLO).
HERMAN RELEASED THE FIRST TUNE WITH PABLO'S NOW FAMOUS MELODICA
IN 1971 (TRACK NINE) - AND THE SOUND THAT THE TWO PRODUCED ADDED
A NEW DIMENSION TO JAMAICAN MUSIC. ENOUGH HISTORY - THIS IS A
SUPERB ALBUM WITH HERMAN COLLABORATING WITH AND PRODUCING; DENNIS
BROWN, ALTON ELLIS, SOUNDS UNLIMITED, THE AQUARIANS, DENNIS =
ALCAPONE,
AUSGUSTUS PABLO AND OTHERS. I'VE HAD A PROMO OF THIS AT HOME
FOR A FEW WEEKS NOW AND I LOVE IT - AND ME AND MY DAUGHTER SKANK
AROUND TO ONE TRACK IN PARTICULAR - BOTH GRINNING INANELY! CLASS...
ISRAEL VIBRATION - THE SAME SONG - PRESSURE SOUNDS - LP (PSLP03)
THIS IS AN EXCELLENT COMPILATION OF THE TALENTED ISRAEL VIBRATION
TAKEN FROM THE LATE SEVENTIES. WITH COMPARISONS TO THE LEGENDARY
BURNING SPEAR, WAILERS, HEPTONES AND OTHERS - IT IS NO SUPRISE
THAT THIS IS GREAT PIECE OF SPIRITUAL REGGAE. CHECK.
JACKIE MITTOO - DISCO JACK - PRESSURE SOUNDS - 7" (PSS002)
SUPER 7". YOU ARE BOUND TO RECOGNISE THE RHYTHM - WELL, I DID.
ORGAN PLAYING A BIT MORE TONED DOWN THAN ALOT OF OTHER JACKIE
MITTOO TRACKS, BUT THAT ADDS TO IT REALLY - GIVING A REAL SOULFUL
FEEL. NICE.
LEE PERRY - VOODOOISM - PRESSURE SOUNDS - LP (PSLP09)
LEE PERRY ON PRODUCTION AND STUDIO DUTY FROM THE 70s - AND IT
DON'T GET MNUCH BETTER THAN THAT. ARTISTS FEATURED OTHER THAN
THE UPSETTER HIMSELF ARE: JAMES BOOMS, EARL SIXTEEN, ZAP POW,
LEE AND JIMMY AND OTHERS. TYPICAL SLICKNESS MEETS MADNESS FROM
THIS MOST ECCENTRIC AND AWESOME PRODUCER. =20
OVERNIGHT PLAYERS - SHAKE THE GREAT - PRESSURE SOUNDS - 7" (PSS006)
SUPER DEEP AND SUPER HEAVY DUB PRODUCTIONS FROM THE OVERNIGHT
PLAYERS - PRODUCED BY J. HOOKIM AT THE CHANNEL ONE STUDIOS. PART
1 ON THE A-SIDE, PART 2 ON THE FLIP. DUB-TASTIC!
VARIOUS - RED SEA - PRESSURE SOUNDS - 10" (PST1003)
KILLER EP THAT'S FULL OF THE BEST, MOST ORIGINAL REEGGAE SOUNDS.
THE A-SIDE IS A CLASSIC RHYTHM WITH THREE DIFFERENT VOCALS FROM
AUGUSTUS PABLO AND JAMES EASTWOOD. THE FLIP HAS TRACKS FROM THE
SAME TWO ARTISTS PLUS SOUND UNLIMITED. PROPER '70'S STYLE ALL
ROUND. RECOMMENDED.
VARIOUS - HALF MOON - PK - LP (PK9LP)
WONDERFUL LP/CD RECORDED RECENTLY FEATURING A SELECTION OF =
VAOCALISTS
BACKED BY THE GROUP SUPER 8 CORPORATION. SOME WICKED INSTRUMENTATION
HERE, GREAT KEYBOARDS, HORN SECTIONS AND LOTS OF STUDIO EFFECTS
(SOME OF THE TRACKS ARE DUBS OF THE VOCAL VERSIONS). AFTER THE
SUPERB CEDRIC BROOKS LP/CD IT SEEMS THAT THE GUYS AT PK ARE =
RELEASING
SOME OF THE BEST CURRENT REGGAE/DUB SOUNDS AROUND. HIGHLY =
RECOMMENDED.....
New Releases (CD): Electronica
AMNON WOLMAN - SUSTAINS - INTERVAL RECORDINGS - CD (IL00)
This is the first release from Interval Recordings, set up by
one of the guys from Faction (notable for their release on Neo
Ouija, which was marvellous). Amnon Wolman delivers an absolutely
divine series of sculptural soundscapes a la Richard Chartier
with intense, noise-based sounds and drones coupled with some
absolutely lovely melodic moments. Fans of textural and striking
experimental Electronica are going to absolutely love this as
it strikes the delicate balance between challenging and ambient.
Superb and I can't wait to hear more. Recommended.
ANTONELLI - THE BLACKOUT QUINTET - ITALIC - CD (ITALIC054CD)
This, to me, is what minimal techno is really all about, although
i'm filing it under electronica as generally speaking it is very
chilled, and on the whole not at all dancefloor orientated but
it is certainly deep, musical, warm, well produced and very good
indeed. If you're a fan of Lawrence, Meanwhile, New World Aquarium,
Triola / the more relaxed end of Kompakt etc, this comes highly
recommended. Lovely.=20
ANTTI RANNISTO - AANIESINEITA - 12K - CD (12K1034)
I've been waiting for this one for what seems like months now
after having one heard one sample MP3 and now it's finally here
I'm blown away by the full album. Whilst it's something of a =
departure
for 12k in a lot of respects it's still very much in line with
the general minimalist nature of the label. Antti's previous 12"
for Audio.nl was clearly a good signifier for what was to develop
and its stripped down, quite blatantly Finnish style Techno was
very refreshing indeed and this wonderful 11 track work is heavy,
deep, ultimately reduced and really quite superb. Imagine a blend
of Frank Bretschneider, Mika Vainio, Pansonic and general early
Sahko releases and you're getting close to how this sounds. =
Ultra-minimal
tones and bass sounds with immaculately heavy production and =
mastering
coupled with some crisp, yet subtle 4/4 beats make for a devastating
and incredibly intense experience. When he concnetrates on just
the tones there's a resonance that vibrates through your whole
body and leaves a residual impression long after the track has
finished. Simply an incredibly good album that really gets into
your head and an essential for fans of the aforementioned labels
and artists. Props to 12k for going out on a limb and massive
respect to Antti for representing in a big way. Highly recommended.
AZ-ROTATOR - SCIENCE OF CHANCE - AD NOISEAM - CD (ADN50CD)
Bit of an Aphex / Squarepusher / u-Ziq / Autechre feel to this
one, and again, surprisingly approachable and enjoyable for Ad
Noiseam. Broken, manipulated but not too excessive beats and effects
over melancholy chords and drones. If you're into any of the above,
check this.=20
BRETSCHNEIDER + STEINBRUCHEL - STATUS - 12K - CD (12K1033)
Restock. This, my friends, is the good stuff. Such an incredibly
potent combination of minimal, experimental electronica minds
is something to be enjoyed and savoured and, believe me, theres
not a wasted moment on this entire CD. Moving effortlessly between
deep and unbelievably intricate glitch sounds, ambient moments
of pure textural exuberance and some of the phattest, flattest
micro-rhythms, this CD is a staggering piece of work from beginning
to end. Bretschneider and Steinbruchel worked on this together
by sending each other files and then manipulating them and so
in-sync are they with each other that it's difficult to tell who
influenced who the most. Layers of sound, awesome production,
surprisingly funky beats... this is truly a classic album in the
making. Fans of Raster, 12k, L-ne and other labels along these
lines are just going to go wild for this. Hats off to Taylor Deupree
and 12k, and massive props to both of the artists. Essential!
CLUSTER & ENO - CLUSTER & ENO - WATER - CD (WATER156CD)
Recorded in 1977 with Brian Eno, Hans-Joachim Roedelius and Dieter
Moebius (aka Cluster) all at the peak of their powers this superb
blend of ambient Krautrock, analogue synth drones and Cage / =
Neu-style
experimentalism is a must for anyone into classic Eno. Great to
see this being reissued - it's a must for anyone's collection.
=20
CORDELL KLIER - WINTER - AD NOISEAM - CD (ADN31CD)
Ad Noiseam are really on the case at the moment - this slight
change in direction has done them a lot of favours. This could
be the soundtrack to a particularly harsh arctic winter, i suppose
- this is the more stark, eerie, intense end of the ambient genre.
Definitely comparable to 0 (Mika Vainio) or (to a lesser extent)
Raster Noton or maybe even Mille Plateaux, this is a chilling
but curiously addictive listen.=20
DETRITUS - ORIGIN - AD NOISEAM - CD (ADN51CD)
I was expecting something a bit more abrasive than this, but i'm
quite glad i didn't get it (it is Sunday morning after all). =
Actually,
this is about the musical and approachable thing i've heard on
this label. This could easily come out on AI, Seed or any number
of labels - think perhaps Phonem meets Digitonal. Although the
beats are a bit too upfront for the likes of Expanding, this is
still treading similar territory. A really pleasant surprise.
=20
DISINVECTANT - DISINVECTANT - THREE PIN RECORDINGS - CD (VHF-002)
Three Pin Recordings provide a very eclectic selection of sounds
with this mini album from Disinvectant. Initially it comes across
as a chaotic style taken influences from multiple sources but
not sticking around one particular flava for too long. From haevy
and dark soundscape tracks using a massive variety of samples
and found sounds through to touches of amazingly authentic folky
moments and then into tracks that give away the more contemporary
influence of labels such as Skam and Warp. Intrigiungly blended
together to make a satisfyingly challenging whole that will =
definitely
keep you on your toes. Well worth checking out.
DJIF SANDERS - TO BE A BOB - DUB - CD (DUBCD012)
Wonderfully warm and playful electronica with some lovely guitar
work / live instrumentation that although slightly manipulated
retains a real musicality and depth. Laptop jazz folk the 21st
Century and beyond that really should be investigated if you like
Four Tet, Savath & Savalas, Thrill Jockey and so on.=20
DOUBLEVENDS VERT - CISTERN - L-NE - CD (LINE_024)
Doublevends Vert provide Line's first acoustic-based album. And
what a splendid piece of work it. They are a four piece act that
use violin, accordion, clarinets and timbales to create dense,
musical textures and soundscapes and 'Cistern' was recorded in
a two million gallon underground reservoir in Fort Worden, =
Washington.
The sonic acoustics of the environment add a striking quality
to an already amazing sound and the processed nature of the music
is heady, intense and incredibly hypnotic. The instruments used
create a semi-classical feel to the music and this theme recurs
throughout. Melodic, for the most part, and arranged (albeit in
an improvised fashion) to perfection, there's a cohesive sound
to everything that keeps it flowing. At times it soars and uplifts
and at others it haunts you... surely the sign of a good album.
Possibly one of the most accessible releases so far on Line and
there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. Recommended? You bet.
With knobs on.
ENDUSER - CALLING ALL VULTURES - SUBLIGHT - CD (SLR901CD)
Dark, edgey mish mash of breaks, electronica, up & down tempo
& some nice edits in there, a little of everything (well, almost
everything!). The Emphasis though has to be on the darkness, it's
not to be listened to in a darkened room when your feeling a bit
down......
GASMAN - MULTIPLEX - SUBLIGHT - CD (SLR801CD)
A fairly dark, heavy on the rhythm as opposed to the melody, CD
of tricky laptop electronica with some drum & bass style editing
on the breaks. An abundance of glitchy, clicky tracks that have
some very interesting moments......
JANE - COCONUTS - PSYCH-O-PATH - CD (PSP012CD)
Reissue of the much sought after first collaboration between Noah
Lennox aka Panda Bear of Animal Collective and DJ Scott Mou aka
Queens. An electronics / turntables / vocal "space jam" (apparently)
that's as addictive as it is other-worldly. The right balance
between improvisation and still remain listenable!=20
LAPSED - TWILIGHT - AD NOISEAM - CD (ADN34CD)
More Ad Noiseam releases that you can shake a stick at this week.
Minimal electronics here, going for the low key approach. Again,
if you're into Expanding, U-Cover, Cactus Island, maybe even Static
Caravan's more mellow forays into electronica. I detected a hint
of Obliq, if anyone remember's Multicast's label. Excellent =
semi-ambient
gear.=20
MAGWHEELS / STONE GLASS STEEL - PANE - AD NOISEAM - CD (ADN30CD)
This is impressive. Magwheels gives us another set of epic ambient
/ dronescapes a la Stars Of The Lid, Kranky, Labradford, Rothko,
Eno. The final two (extended) tracks come courtesy of Stone Glass
Steel, who i'm not familiar with but they add a real intensity
to the set. Moody and doomy at times but uplifting at others,
this is not one to just be overlooked.=20
OBFUSC - WROUGHT FROM THE WALLS - OBFUSC - CDR (UNKNOWN)
Nice to get hold of some copies of this limited little CDR release.
Obfusc has had several tracks on several compilations and this
is a very pleasant 5 track EP made up of chilled out, mellow classic
Electronica sounds. Simple but very effective melodies and rock
solid downtempo beats make for an engaging selection and fans
of Expanding, Toytronic, Boltfish or Clickclickdrone should =
seriously
investigate this. Excellent stuff.
PULSE PROGRAMMING - TULSA FOR ONE SECOND REMIX PROJECT - AESTHETICS - =
CD (AST40)
Kicking off with a beautiful piano and strings-led reworking by
Sylvain Chauveau, this radical Pulse Programming remix project
also features Hood, Nudge, Static, Laub, Schneider TM, Other =
People's
Children, Ghislain Poirier, Barbara Morgenstern, Kohn and B. =
Fleischmann.
Keeping the integrity of the originals intact yet at the same
time as adding a whole new dimension and depth to the originals,
this is one of those remix project that really works (and so it
should with artists of this calibre involved). Actually, i think
i prefer this to the original album (which wasn't bad to start
with). Highly recommended.=20
SAWAKO - HUM - 12K - CD (12K1035)
Japanese artist Sawako's work is concerned with the manipulation
and processing of organic and electronic sounds and the creation
of delicate yet full sounding tracks that fully expoit the range
of her talents. 'Hum' is a delicious cocktail of flavours that
is friendly, charming and engaging right from the outset. Magical
tones and textures are conjured from the most everyday of scenarios
and the incidental recordings of found sounds adds a personal
level to the recordings. Always warm, but with the occasional
challenging moment, this CD is similar at times to the work of
Keiichi Sugimoto (Minamo / Fourcolor) or Greg Davis, but has less
of a strict feel and with musical contributions from both Taylor
Deupree and Kenneth Kirschner, you're absolutey guaranteed to
be getting pure quality. Beautiful, heartwarming and an absolute
must for fans of ambient, atmospheric music everywhere. Highly
recommended.
SINEBAG - PRES DE LA LISIERE - AHORNFELDER - CD (AH02D)
If you're a fan of Hapna, 12k, Line etc, give this a whirl. Veering
from extremely minimal birdcall soundscapes to beautifully =
melancholic
and relaxed guitar and piano pieces, this is almost like an =
incredibly
relaxed Mum (that's the Icelandic band, not yer mother) 'jamming'
(for want of a better word) with Richard Chartier or Taylor Deupree
(or any of those other minimal blokes Mike likes). Absolutely
lovely, actually, unlike this description which is probably a
bit pants.=20
SONS OF SAMUEL VOLCANO - TWO BROTHERS - THREE PIN RECORDINGS - CD =
(VHF-003)
The second release for us from Three Pin Recordings this week
sees Sons of Samuel Volcano creating an unearthly noise that uses
a vast array of sounds, styles and samples to create a mindbending
collection of tracks. From Avant Garde experimentalism through
to some intense and exceedingly dark spoken-word pieces it =
absolutely
packs the tracks full of interesting things to get your ears around.
At times it's haunting and at others it gets into some heavy Hip
Hop-esque Electronica beats in a Skam-ish sort of way. Solid,
entertaining and challenging... worth getting your ears around
I'd say!=20
TARMVRED - VIVA 6581 - AD NOISEAM - CD (ADN32CD)
A four-track EP by J. (Johann?) Johansson and J. Hedberg that
frankly kicks arse. Distorted beats and bleeps blended with cute
SID chip melodies; think a particularly nightmarish computer game
soundtrack that's actually still quite chirpy and upbeat. Very
lively stuff with a tremendously gritty feel to it that's equally
great fun. Reminds me a bit of Jega, actually, only rougher.=20
TAYLOR DEUPREE + KENNETH KIRSCHNER - POST_PIANO 2 - 12K - CD (12K1032)
Restock. This, the thirty-second release from 12k is a very potent
combination indeed. Anyone familiar with Kenneth Kirschner's =
previous
work on 12k, net.label Autoplate or his own website will know
just how startlingly deep and multi-layered his sound pieces prove
to be. Mainly based around the manipulation of pianos, the tracks
morph and progress, spiralling into textural / found-sound beauty
with only hints and fragments of ghostly refrains left in the
mix. Add to this the re-manipulations performed by 12k boss Taylor
Deupree and you end up with four etheral sounding pieces that
will lull your subconcious into a truly hypnotic state. White
noise, glitches and background sounds that border on the disturbing
and, of course, the subtle piano phrasing all combine to make
a beautiful and important album for the minimalist electronic
scene. Highly recommended.
TERRESTRIAL TONES - BLASTED - PSYCH-O-PATH - CD (CDPSP11)
Terrestrial tones is Eric Copeland (of Black Dice) and Dave Portner
(aka Avey Tare of Animal Collective). "For fans of early Faust,
Throbbing Gristle and Dat Politics", it says here, which sounds
fair enough. It's a fairly experimental melee of reverb, noise,
deep rumbling effects, and sinister tones. Whilst not exactly
overpowering, this is pushing the envelope when it comes to ambient.
If you like the result of their day jobs, give this a spin.=20
THOMAS BRINKMANN - LUCKY HANDS - MAX ERNST - CD (MAXERNSTCD9)
Generally speaking too downbeat and introverted to be filed under
Techno/Electro, this combines moody vocals, subtle musicianship,
songwriting and deep production to strong effect. Reminiscent
of Tarwater, To Rococo Rot, Static and that whole Stefan Schneider
stable of artists, this contains a barely recognisable, ultra
post-modern cover of Morrissey's "The More You Ignore Me, The
Closer I Get" (oh, Schneider TM, so much to answer for)....=20
VARIOUS - POP AMBIENT 2006 - KOMPAKT - CD (KOMCD47)
As another year draws to a close, why not indulge yourself in
that most luxurious and comforting of winter releases, the annual
Pop Ambient compilation from Kompakt? In all honesty this is another
beautiful selection of tracks by Uli Teichmann, Pass Into Silence,
Markus Guentner, Dirk Leyers, The Orb, Klimek, Andrew Thomas,
Ulf Lohmann, Kohncke & Heimermann, Triola, Popnoname and Mikkel
Metal. These albums have pretty much become the benchmark of =
contemporary
ambient electronica by which all others must be judged, and =
considering
this (to me) sounds like the best volume in two or three years,
this trend looks set to continue. Simply tremendous stuff.=20
VARIOUS - THE SEVEN SEALS OF SUBURBAN CITY - SLEEPY CITY - CD =
(SLC004CD)
A joint venture between two fledgling labels; Sleepy City and
Suburban Trash. Overall this is a very accessible electronica
album, with influences ranging from early-mid Warp to u-Ziq to
the more contemporary sounds on labels such as Expanding, AI,
Seed, Uncharted Audio, Highpoint Lowlife etc. Features Mr Incognito,
Toxedo and many unknowns but is certainly worth a listen. =20
VORPAL - AN INCOMPLETE GUIDE TO VORPAL MUSIC - COCK ROCK DISCO - CD =
(CROCK004)
Super random, low attention span music which has some wonderful
moments, interspersed with some comedy bonkers ones. in summary;
laptop......
Restocks (CD): Electronica
154 - STRIKE - DELSIN - CD (27DSR/NWA-CD1)
STUNNING LONG PLAYER FROM ROSS 154 AKA NEW WORLD AQUARIUM WHICH
IS A MISSING CATALOGUE NUMBER FROM THE DELSIN BACK CATALOGUE.
KICKING OFF WITH SOME TRADEMARK DRIFTING ELECTRONICA SOUNDS WITH
THAT N.W.A. FLOATING SOUND IT SOON DEVELOPS INTO A SLIGHTLY MORE
BEAT ORIENTATED BEAST WITH LUSH INSTRUMENTATION, DETROIT INSPIRED
STRINGS AND PADS AND WONDERFULLY DENSE BEATS. THIS ONE IS SOMTHING
REALLY SPECIAL. DON'T MISS OUT!
CASSETTEBOY - THE PARKER TAPES - BARRY'S BOOTLEGS - CD (BAZ004CD)
Cut & paste fun and games from Cassetteboy here. Snipping samples
from just about every source you can imagine and spreading them
liberally across 98 tracks, this has every kind of music you can
imagine plus loads of amusing spoken word bits.=20
FAULTLINE - CLOSER COLDER - LEAF - CD (BAY12CD)
Extremely underrated debut album from David Kosten, with a whole
host of additional players (strings, guitars, vocals etc). Stark,
confrontational, chilling modern electronic classical, as beautiful
as it is disturbing. The closing track ("Partyline Honey") is
perhaps the most memorable (for reasons i'll let you discover).
Peerless stuff from this now rather forgotten artist.=20
FLORENCE / EAST ISLAND - ASSEMBLED 019/020 - EEVO LUTE - 12" (EEVOCD6)
A classic CD that takes a collection of tracks from these two
artists from Eevo Lute and puts them together on one CD. This
Dutch Electronica sound still comes across as fresh and timeless
and with such quality artists you're guaranteed to be getting
the best sound. Wonderful stuff and, I believe, these are actually
original copies!
LUKE VIBERT - LOVER'S ACID - PLANET MU - CD (ZIQ098CD)
THIS STOPGAP NEW LUKE VIBERT ALBUM COMPILES HIS THREE PLANET MU
12"S RELEASED OVER THE YEARS - AND THEY COULDN'T SOUND ANY MORE
CURRENT (ONE OF THEM IS CURRENT, OF COURSE!). A TOTAL OF TWELVE
TRACKS, INCLUDING ONE ENTITLED "ANALORD" FROM YEARS BACK, WHICH
IS INTERESTING CONSIDERING HOW MUCH SOME OF THESE TRACKS SOUND
LIKE THE RECENT AFX 12"S, ALBEIT WITH THAT UNMISTAKABLE VIBERT
FLAVA. A WICKED CD, ESSENTIAL TO FANS WHO DIDN'T BUY THE 12"S.
PIANO MAGIC - SEASONALLY AFFECTIVE - ROCKET GIRL - 2xCD (RGIRL31)
Excellent double CD from Piano Magic - a retrospective of 1996
to 2000. The first thing you'll notice is how diverse the tracks
are, equally being at ease with glitch, melody, experimentalism
and traditional song structures. An abundance of instruments =
feature,
as well as many voices. Tremendous.=20
PIANO MAGIC - SON DE MAR - 4AD - CD (MAD2105CD)
This is superb, capturing Piano Magic at the most expansive and
dreamy. This soundtrack to Bigas Luna's film 'Son De Mar' blends
haunting strings, mournful melodies and subtle beats in a sort
of combination of electronics and post rock. Absolutely beautiful.
=20
PREFUSE 73 - VOCAL STUDIES + UPROCK NARRATIVES - WARP - CD (WARPCD83)
Here it is then! The debut album from Savath & Savalas main man
Scott Herren. Phat as you like broken hip hop beats with that
electronic touch and a melodic feel. This material is really,
really fresh - remember how much you used to like DJ Shadow? =
Cracking
stuff.=20
RYOJI IKEDA - OoC - TOUCH - CD (TO:38)
Classic Touch releases are always of interest, and with Ryoji
Ikeda on board, you're always in for an eventful ride particularly
with this timely and long awaited reissue of 1998's OoC. Blasts
of static, white noise, ultra crisp glitch effects a la Raster
Noton, microsamples, cut-up percussion, distant hums and bleeps
combine across this intricately constructed, often challenging
but still accessible soundscape. Those into the slightly more
experimental end of Raster Noton will enjoy this. Imagine every
12k / Line release played at once....=20
SECEDE - TRYSHASIA - SENDING ORBS - CD (SO002CD)
You may remember Secede from their very well received album (at
least as far Smallfish is concerned) from 2003 on Merck. This
is an even more ambient affair, often very blissed out and floaty,
a la The Orb, Eno etc with that Seventies analogue sound in full
effect. Think a much more approachable, twinklier, sweeter 0 (aka
Mika Vainio) and you're getting there. Delightful.=20
SHADOW HUNTAZ - VALLEY OF THE SHADOW - SKAM - CD (SKACD018)
Raw, grimey, electronic hip hop is the order of the day here,
a sound that the shadow huntaz have mastered. skittering, nervous
beats that underpin edgey, world weary rhymes (in there delivery
more so than there content). Frentic hip hop that is never an
easy listen, to these ears at least.......
TAPE - RIDEAU - HAPNA - CD (H.25)
I'm ashamed to admit that I'm still a relative newcomer to Tape's
gorgeous music, but with that in mind it's a genuine pleasure
to find yet another reason to love his sounds in the shape of
this delightful CD on Hapna. 5 tracks of beautifully organic tunes
with a post-rock influence as well as what sounds like a traditional
Scandinavian feel as well. Mix this with a series of ultra-gentle
electronic elements and manipulations and you've got yourself
a low-key, yet absolutely enchanting piece of work. Highly, highly
recommended.
TO ROCOCO ROT - .CD - KITTY YO - CD (EFA5512012)
To my knowledge this is To Rococo Rot's debut album, featuring
the classic line-up of the Lippok brothers on keyboards and drums,
and Stefan Schneider on bass, organ and turntables. The birth
of the nu-Krautrock sound of which they became associated with,
you might argue. Great stuff.=20
VARIOUS - EVERYTHING IS GREEN - TOYTRONIC - CD (TOY18)
WELL, THESE ARE GONNA ABSOLUTELY ZIP OUT THE DOOR. THIS =
BUDGET-PRICED
SAMPLER SHOWCASES TO PERFECTION ONE OF BRITAIN'S LEADING ELECTRONICA
LABELS. FEATURED ARE THE LIKES OF ABFAHRT HINWILL, NUM NUM, GIMMIK,
MAPS & DIAGRAMS, CULTEK, BOC SCADET, LOW PROFILE SOCIETY, PHASE
MOJO, OCHRE AND OTHERS. UNMISSABLE.
New Releases (CD): Techno / Electro
CARL CRAIG - THE ALBUM FORMERLY KNOWN AS... - RUSHHOUR - CD (RH102CD)
So, Rushhour have picked up the rights to release the CD of this
album, eh? Interesting... It's fundamentally the same as the vinyl
version which is fundamentally the same as the original Landcruising
but with alternate edits and a few new tracks. I must admit though
that it really does sound better now than when it originally came
out. A pure selection of Detroit Techno as only a few people can
do it. Soulful, warm, but very technical. A classic release.
JAKEONE - ONE YEAR OF FLAMEBOY - FLAMEBOY - CD (FLAMECD01)
Flameboy Records after their first year with a retrospective of
the labels output, mixed by Jakeone. To their own description,
bastatrdised off-kilter club music from different genres. Certainly
focusing on the stranger side of electro and weirder techno =
griooves,
this is a very entertaining mix, sure to get the weekend started...
=20
TERRACE - INTERESTING TIMES - EEVO LUTE - CD (EEVOCD8)
Terrace finally puts out a new album and it's a goodie. Pulling
together the kind of vintage Detroit sounds that he's become well
respected for over the years you end up with an album that's =
old-school,
new-school, surprisingly pacey and full of just brilliant Techno
tracks. A super release that'll really put Stefan Robbers' name
back on the map (as if it ever disappeared of it!). Class.
Restocks (CD): Techno / Electro
JUAN ATKINS - THE BERLIN SESSIONS - TRESOR - CD (TRESOR215CD)
YES, THIS REALLY IS A NEW JUAN ATKINS LP ON TRESOR - AND I'M =
PERSONALLY
QUITE SURPRISED HOW STRONG IT IS. IT'S ALMOST A RETURN TO HIS
OLD SKOOL SOUND. SIX TRACKS OF SERIOUS DANCEFLOOR TECHNO FROM
THE OLD MASTER THAT WILL DEFINITELY GET PEOPLE MOVING AND SHAKING.
BEST TRESOR IN AGES!
TERRACE - KONNEKT - EEVO LUTE - CD (EEVOCD7)
Classic selection of tracks from the Terrace back catalogue. Mostly
made up of the 'Konnekt' and 'Konnekt Remix' 12" EPs along with
a couple of bonus tracks, this really is the finest in Detroit
tinged Dutch Techno / Electronica from the incredibly fertile
period of the mid '90's. Timeless and still sounding great today.
Essential.
VARIOUS - ELEKTRONISCHE MUSIK - INTERKONTINENTAL 4 - TRAUM - CD =
(TRAUMCD17)
HUGELY IMPRESSIVE FOURTH INSTALLMENT OF THIS FIRMLY ESTABLISHED
SERIES THAT SEES THE LIKES OF OLIVER HACKE, PETER SCHUMANN, =
SWAT-SQUAD,
NATHAN FAKE, TERRAE, DOMINK EULBERG, JESSE SOMFAY, STEVE BARNES
& RILEY REINHOLD, OFF POP AND POPNEBO ALL DELIVERING SUPERBLY
WICKED TECHNO TRACKS. TAKE MY WORD FOR IT... THIS IS BRILLIANT
STUFF AND COMES HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
New Releases (CD): House
VARIOUS - BOOGIE WONDERLAND - UNKNOWN - CD (BW001)
One whole hour of classic (and, at times, quite rare) Funk, Soul,
Boogie and Disco mixed by Alex Attias. Absolutely spot on for
popping on if you've got some people round and fancy a bit of
a groove!
New Releases (CD): Hip Hop
BIGG JUS - POOR PEOLPLES DAY - MUSH - CD (MH239CD)
Hard hitting concious rhymes from this one time member of Company
Flo. Slow, fairly heavy beats with rhymes that certainly match
that mood in flow & delivery. If you like your hip hop independent
and with a grimey kind of soul, then look no further.....
New Releases (CD): Guitar Based
BRENDON ANDEREGG - FALLING AIR - PSYCH-O-PATH - CD (CDPSP11)
Although kicking off with a fairly epic ambient drone marathon,
this soon heads into downtempo folk singer/songwriter territory
maybe comparable to David Grubbs, Alasdair Roberts, Kepler or
(at a push) Xiu Xiu. The arrangements are subtle and intricate,
the vocals very nice, the songs warm and memorable. What more
does one need?=20
CIRCLE - GUILLOTINE - EKTRO - CD (EKTRO024)
Dark, moody, droney doom rock (thanks to mike for that!). One
for fans of sunn O))), Earth and some other bands who i've yet
to hear or have confirmation of their existence........
CIRCLE - TULIKOIRA - EKTRO - CD (EKTR033)
Very dark thrashy rock with a prog feel, mainly due to the elongated
compositions. Just 4 tracks here, of which the shortest is 8 =
minutes.
For fans of Sunn O))), earth etc...
CLIENTELE, THE - THE VIOLET HOUR - MERGE - CD (MRG217)
Great debut album proper (if you don't count the "Suburban Light"
compilation) from The Clientele, a British band doing well in
the States but remaining (somewhat bafflingly) overlooked in their
homeland. Their trademark compressed sixties pop production sound
draws comparisons with Joe Meek, although there are none of his
eccentricities, just uncomplicated, beautiful songs full of emotion.
If you've never heard of them, this is a perfect place to start.
=20
COCTEAU TWINS - LULLABIES TO VIOLAINE - 4AD - 4xCD (CTBOX2)
For those perhaps not initiated enough to decode the title, this
4xCD collection compiles every Cocteau Twins single and EP track
from beginning to end, from the debut EP "Lullabies" on 4AD, to
non-album singles such as "Pearly Dewdrops' Drops" and "Aikea
Guinea" to the "Tiny Dynamine" and "Echoes In A Shallow Bay" EPs
to all the post-4AD Fontana/Mercury material (including those
rare Christmas covers and the stunning "Otherness" EP featuring
the four remixes by Seefeel's Mark Clifford, surely the highlight
of that period). Very attractively packaged (as you can imagine),
this is the sort of item that's impossible to resist even if you
already own every track that's on here (sadly there are no =
unreleased
gems - a DVD with all the videos on, for example, would have been
a nice extra too). What more can i say? Regular readers of these
descriptions will know of my undying love for Les Cocteaus, easily
one of my favourite bands of all time, so it just leaves me to
reiterate that at least the first two discs contain some of the
greatest music ever recorded. Will we ever see their like again?
=20
DUTCH HARBOR - WHERE THE SEA BREAKS IT'S BACK - ATAVISTIC - CD =
(ALP85CD)
Great to see this repressed. The original film soundtrack on one
(albeit very underplayed) epic CD. Performed with the Boxhead
Ensemble with (among others) Jim O'Rourke, David Grubbs, Will
Oldham, Douglas McCombs (Tortoise), Rick Rizzo (Eleventh Dream
Day) and Ken Vandermark, this is quite simply beautiful. If you
like your music shallow and superficial, don't bother. For the
rest of you - this is superb.=20
F*CK-OFF MACHETE - IF GOLD WAS SILVER AND SILVER WAS GOLD - HIGHPOINT =
LOWLIFE - CD (HPLL016)
Highpoint Lowlife surprise once again with a release that will
shake you by the collar and them lob you around with its punky
indie sensibilities. I can't stress enough how good it is to have
a reliable label that's absolutely not afraid to do what they
want, when they want and although this may scare away some of
the Electronica fans, you'll find that it's such a lively bit
of guitar thrunge that it's hard to resist. Includes an excellent
bonus video as well. Give it a whirl.
FUTURE BIBLE HEROES - I'M LONELY (AND I LOVE IT) - MERGE - CD (MRG178)
Future Bible Heroes is the synth pop alter ego of Stephin Merritt
and Claudia Gonson of The Magnetic Fields (in collaboration with
Christopher Ewen). This never-released-in-the-UK 5-track EP /
mini-album from 2000 sees them on ever fine form. As well as an
alternate version of "Hopeless" (from the "Memories Of Love" album)
come four tracks not available anywhere else. Also included is
a recipe for sponge cake (honestly!). If you're a Merritt fan,
fill the gap in your collection forthwith.=20
GALAXIE 500 - PEEL SESSIONS - BBC - CD (20202002CD)
Finally, these two Peel Sessions (from 1989 and 1990) get freed
from the BBC vaults. Too haunting to be twee pop yet too gentle
to be shoegazing, it's interesting to hear Damon, Naomi and Dean
without their usual producer Kramer - the sound is a lot more
like one would hear live. Some interesting choices of cover on
here (Sex Pistols, Young Marble Giants, Buffy Sainte Marie, Jonathan
Richman). This band invented Low - fact! Terrific stuff.=20
GROWING - HIS RETURN - TROUBLEMAN UNLIMITED - CD (TMU157CD)
Growing you will of course remember from their very fine albums
on Kranky. Coming across a bit like a Prog Fennesz, these three
minor epics are really quite impressive in their stature. Think
Labradford at their peak (ie, the first two albums), Stars Of
The Lid gone a bit psychedelic / Tangerine Dream. Yes, this really
does work a treat (should my comparisons be putting you off!).
Sonic Cathedrals Of Sound....=20
HUNTERS LOAF - SOLOMANS RADIO - UNLABEL - CD (UN031)
A fairly mellow instrumental rock CD is what we have here. It
does have a few heavier moments but nothing that gets to get too
carried away with. This only has a limited run of 300! get in
there......
JAMES COOPER - SECOND SEASON - WHITEWASH - CD (WWSSCD001)
Local talent James Cooper releases his impressively-produced,
nicely-priced debut album. With the current vogue for =
singer/songwriters
in this vein, it wouldn't surprise me if we heard a lot more from
James in the near future. Hell, James Blunt made it with a lot
less talent than this guy. I'd happily put a fiver on one of his
songs appearing on a future episode of The OC, you mark my words!
=20
JESUS WITH ME - S/T - PSYCH-O-PATH - CD (CDPSP010)
Psych freakout material from the band that features some of the
founding members of the Psych-o-path label. One to check me =
thinks....
LEGENDARY PINK DOTS, THE - 9 LIVES TO WONDER - SOLEILMOON - CD =
(SOL30CD)
A reissue here of the bands 1995 CD with the bands prog/folk/punk
sound stamped all over it. is it home time yet????
MA RAINEY - HUSTLIN BLUES - BLUE ORCHID - CD (BLUE203CD)
2 cd's with 53 of big Ma's bustling blues. Recorded between 1923
-28 this comes with some great sleeve notes and is a nice price!
have a listen....
MARA CARLYLE - BABY BLOODHEART - ACCIDENTAL - CD (AC23CDS)
The sultry jazz stylings of female crooner Mara Carlyle remind
one of an unlikely melding of Jeff Buckley, Bjork, Francois Breut,
Dido and Psapp. Sorry, but these descriptions don't write =
themselves,
you know! The girl can certainly sing, and the arrangements are
pleasant enough, i just wish it had a bit more bite to it. I mean,
there's actually a Robert Palmer cover on here!=20
MOONDOG - THE VIKING OF SIXTH AVENUE - HONEST JONS - CD (HJRCD18)
An absolutely fascinating and utterly captivating compilation
of the works of avant-folk / leftfield jazz artist Moondog. =
Considering
much of this work dates from the fifties, it's incredible how
ahead of his time he was. His other-worldly take on American and
European jazz puts Sun Ra to shame, predating him by many years.
Hypnotic and enchanting music that has to be heard to be believed!
=20
MUSIC AND MOVEMENT - THIS IS... - NEWTOWN - CD (CENTRE001CD)
This is a new name to me, but they sound influenced by Yo La Tengo,
The Pastels and Beat Happening. Male and female vocals gently
brushing up against each other over a gently lo-fi, uncomplicated
backing. There's also a bit of a Sarah / twee-pop ethic thing
going on. I rather enjoyed this and so should you.=20
QUINTRON & MISS PUSSYCAT - SWAMP TECH - TRANSSOLAR - CD + DVD =
(SOL032CD)
The sleazy, slightly bizarre world of Quintron and his ever-able
assistant Miss Pussycat. Falling somewhere between Jamie Lidell
and the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, exotica stalwart Quintron
returns with his drum buddies and Posh Paws look-a-like cover
star. As strange as it is entertaining.=20
SAMARA LUBELSKI - SPECTACULAR OF PASSAGES - THE SOCIAL REGISTRY - CD =
(TSR022CD)
A wonderful collection of 10 soft & fragile songs with some lovely
instrumentation & arrangements.Trumpets, cellos, flutes, fender
rhodes, violas, are all woven into the songs, and all are used
tastfully. Recommended.....
SIGHTINGS - MICHIGAN HATERS - PSYCH-O-PATH - CD (CDPSP4)
I could'nt have put it better myself "This is how i would have
imaged groups that followed in the footsteps of Throbbing Gristle
& Coil to have sounded twenty years after the fact" - I couldnt
have put it more succinctly myself. Mainly due to the fact that
it's been a very busy day and i havent got time to give everything
a good listen and the box'es of records are pilling up behind
me. I hope they dont topple over....
SYLVAIN CHAUVEAU & ENSEMBLE NOCTURNE - DOWN TO THE BONE - LES DISQUES =
DU SOLEIL - CD (DSA54093CD)
Well now, what do we make of this? Respected contemporary composer
Sylvain Chauveau deconstructs eleven Depeche Mode songs, reworking
them into piano-led ballads. The arrangements are quite beautiful,
adding cello, viola, guitars and (inaudible to these ears) =
electronics.
Sylvain himself takes the role of Dave Gahan (no, it's not =
instrumental,
which may divide people), and fair play to him, he doesn't have
a bad voice. Whether you're a DM fan, a Chauveau fan, or a Max
Richter fan (he'd maybe do it something like this), you're gonna
at least want to hear this in order to form a true opinion on
it.=20
TOMMY PELTIER FEAT. JUDEE SILL - CHARIOT OF ASTRAL LIGHT - BLACK =
BEAUTY - CD (BB72008CD)
With a similar sound to Tom Rapp / Pearls Before Swine, Tommy
Peltier's unreleased early seventies psychedelic folk album includes
Judee Sill on vocals, guitar and keyboards. Have a listen.=20
VARIOUS - NEVER THE SAME - HONEST JONS - CD (HJRCD19)
Another compelling historical document unearthed by Honest Jons.
Subtitled "Leave-taking from the British folk revival 1970-77",
this is gritty, extremely authentic and staunchly traditional
stuff compiled from the vaults of Bill Leader's Trailer label.
Obscure but highly recommended to hardcore folkies everywhere.
=20
VARIOUS - 1980 FORWARD - 4AD - CD (TAD2525CD)
This could well be the greatest ever bargain-priced label sampler
ever! Commemorating 25 years of 4AD, this brings together old
names and new; Cocteau Twins, The Birthday Party, His Name Is
Alive, Pale Saints (what a band!), The Breeders, Throwing Muses,
Pixies, Belly, Dead Can Dance, The Wolfgang Press, Red House =
Painters,
TV On The Radio, The Mountain Goats, Tarnation, Mojave 3, Blonde
Redhead. You see what i mean? All that's missing is a new Scott
Walker track (yeah, right)!=20
WINDY & CARL - THE DREAM HOUSE / DEDICATIONS TO FLEA - KRANKY - 2xCD =
(KRANK090)
New double-album from those masters of the ambient drone, Windy
& Carl. Beautiful, hypnotic, dreamy blissed-out music for those
in need of some serious relaxation. "The Dream House" contains
two extended pieces that subtly build into something =
all-encompassing
but never overwhelming. "Dedications To Flea" is a deeply moving
tribute to their recently departed dog. Imagine Pop Ambient with
guitars - that's W&C. Sheer heaven.=20
WOODEN WAND AND THE VANISHING VOICE - THE FLOOD - TROUBLEMAN UNLIMITED =
- CD (TMU168CD)
Experimental acid campfire folk - imagine an extremely monged
Devendra Banhart backed by Gang Gang Dance Unplugged with hints
of early Animal Collective and/or Six Organs Of Admittance. I'm
sure we'll be hearing a lot more from this artist in due course.
=20
WOODEN WAND AND THE VANISHING VOICE - XIAO - TROUBLEMAN UNLIMITED - CD =
(TMU156CD)
Hmmm, i wonder what this is going to be like, given the name of
the artist and the cover. Yep, you've guessed it - oddness in
double helping. Very simple and childlike folk with a smattering
of electronics and some strangely twisted vocals. File under =
nightmarish
though i must admit this is occasionally dreamy. Bizarre stuff...
think Catsup Plate and associated strange folk!=20
Restocks (CD): Guitar Based
VARIOUS - CHANNEL ONE - MAXFIELD AVENUE BREAKDOWN - PRESSURE SOUNDS - =
CD (PSCD31)
QUITE SIMPLY AN ESSENTIAL ALBUM FEATURING CLASSIC DUBS AND =
INSTRUMENTALS
BY THE LIKES OF SLY DUNBAR, TOMMY MCCOOK, BERTRAM MCCLEAN AND
MORE. HEAVY, BASSY AND JUST FANTASTIC MATERIAL. I DEFY YOU NOT
TO NOD YOUR HEAD TO THIS!
New Releases (CD): Funk / Jazz / Soul
BETTYE SWANN - BETTYE SWANN - HONEST JONS - CD (HJRCD8)
Great CD of sweet and often highly groovable soul standards. These
tracks were recorded between 1968 and 1970 - surely the golden
era. Superb sleevenotes as always with Honest Jons. No =
self-respecting
soul fan should be without one.=20
GROUNDTRUTHER - LONGITUDE - THIRSTY EAR - CD (THI571602)
Groundtruther are Charlie Hunter and Bobby Previte plus DJ Logic.
Hard to categorise, this combines jazz structures with lively
beats and cut and paste experimentalism. If you're into DJ Food,
DJ Spooky, Spring Heel Jack etc, check this out.=20
VARIOUS - GILLES PETERSON DIGS AMERICA - UBIQUITY - CD (LHCD047)
I'm not to sure what the siginificance of 'Brownswood USA' is
to be honest. The picture on the back is off Brownswood road from
somewhere in London? where he does one of his radio shows perhaps?
Still, all this is by the by as the music here is of supreme =
importance.
And i'm glad to say quality. A selection of obscure & rare cuts
from Jazz, Funk, Soul, reggae & beyond. So many high points. Moses
Dillard, John Lucien, The Ensemble Al salaam and more. pretty
stunning selection of music here, a real treat......
WILLIE HIGHTOWER - WILLIE HIGHTOWER - HONEST JONS - CD (HJRCD11)
Excellent compilation of this massively underrated, clearly talented
soul singer. This is what R&B is really about! I'm no expert (check
the sleevenotes, there's an expert for you), but i believe the
bulk of this material dates from the late sixties. Not a duff
moment, soul music doesn't get much better.=20
Restocks (CD): Funk / Jazz / Soul
CANDI STATON - S/T - HONEST JONS - CD (HJRCD6)
DEEP DEEP SOUL FROM THE WONDERFUL MS STATON HERE. RAW EMOTION
HERE IN THE VOCAL DEPT AND SOME WONDERFULLY TIGHT FUNK/SOUL PLAYING
FROM THE BAND. RECOMMENDED....
VARIOUS - LONDON IS THE PLACE FOR ME 2 - HONEST JONS - CD (HJRCD16)
Another superb selection of rare & obscure calypso kwela, highlife
and jazz from young black london of the 50's & early 60's. such
unsung heroes as lord kitchiner, russ henderson, king timothy,
young tiger, shake keane and many more. 20 tracks in all, have
a damn good listen.......
VARIOUS - LAGOS CHOP UP - HONEST JONS - CD (HJRCD15)
The bulk of the music here is known as "Highlife", a pan-ethnic
style of dance music native to Anglophone West Africa, and i believe
dates from the seventies and eighties. Your best bet for a fuller
flavour is to a) give this a listen, and b) read the extensive,
extremely well-researched sleevenotes like wot i just did (well,
about a paragraph of it anyway). Honest Jons unearth another fine
selection of lost world gems (basically).
VARIOUS - LAGOS ALL ROUTES - HONEST JONS - CD (HJRCD17)
The bulk of the music here is known as "Highlife", a pan-ethnic
style of dance music native to Anglophone West Africa, and i believe
dates from the seventies and eighties. Your best bet for a fuller
flavour is to a) give this a listen, and b) read the extensive,
extremely well-researched sleevenotes like wot i just did (well,
about a paragraph of it anyway). Honest Jons unearth another fine
selection of lost world gems (basically).
New Releases (CD): Reggae / Dub
BURNING SPEAR - SPEAR BURNING - PRESSURE SOUNDS - CD (PSCD33)
A truly magnificent selection of tracks from the mighty Burning
Spear. All produced in their heyday from 1975 to 1979 this features
vocals and dubs of all the tracks. Beautiful Roots Reggae of an
exceptionally high quality. Highly recommended.
EARTH & STONE - KOOL ROOTS - PRESSURE SOUNDS - CD (PSCD11)
Wicked album of Roots Reggae by Earth & Stone - Which comprises
Sly & Robbie on rhythm section, Albert Barry and Clifton Howell
on vocals, some great percussion by Sticky and Scully and some
superb horns. Top quality Reggae from the Channel One studio from
the early 1970's. Includes vocal and dub versions of the tracks.
Definitely one to check.
JUNIOR DAN - JUNIOR DAN - HONEST JONS - CD (HJRCD105)
Deep roots reggae from the 1970s. With rhythms by The Upsetters,
and King Tubby on production / mixing duties, you know you're
onto a winner. Conscious, politically aware lyrics backed by some
deep music. Mastered by Moritz Von Oswald (aka Maurizio).=20
KING JAMMY - THE RHYTHM KING - MAXIMUM PRESSURE - CD (MPCD003)
'18 Dancehall Classics' is what it says on the sleeve - and that's
exactly what you get! King Jammy took things into the more =
mainstream
Ragga end of things but he also kept it true to where it had all
come from. Booty-shaking, up-beat rhythms to get a-dancin' to.
Nicely...
PRINCE FAR I AND THE ARABS - CRY TUFF DUB ENCOUNTER - PRESSURE SOUNDS =
- CD (PSCD13)
Originally released on Daddy Kool's imprint, this album has Far
I's voice of thunder, with distinct deep and heavy dubs. With
strange noises coming from David Toop and Steve Beresford this
album is described as the album that signified the handing on
of the baton from Far I to Sherwood - who launched On-U-Sound
shortly afterwards. Check.
TRAVELLERS, THE - BLACK BLACK MINDS - PRESSURE SOUNDS - CD (PSCD49)
With an all-star cast of musicians comes this superb selection
of tracks. Sly & Robbie, Tommy McCook, Ansel Collins and more
back up some wonderful vocals from The Travellers to create som
beautiful Roots Reggae. Recorded at Channel One and King Tubby's
so you know you're getting absolutely the finest sounds. Pure
class. Highly recommended.
VARIOUS - THE CROWNING OF PRINCE JAMMY - PRESSURE SOUNDS - CD (PSCD25)
A phenomenal collection of tracks produced by the legendary Prince
Jammy. You get vocals from Black Uhuru, Augustus Pablo, Johnny
Osbourne, Sugar Minott, Wayne Smith, Earl Zero and more plus some
amazingly deep 1970's production from the Prince. Truly awesome
stuff. Recommended.
VARIOUS - WELL CHARGED - PRESSURE SOUNDS - CD (PSCD14)
An absolutely cracking selection of proper Roots sounds from the
ever immaculate pressure Sounds. Tracks from Leroy Smart, Earth
& Stone, Wailling Souls, The Revolutionaries, Trinity and more
all combine to make an essential collection.
VARIOUS - DANCEHALL TECHNIQUES - MAXIMUM PRESSURE - CD (MPCD004)
All produced by Winston Riley between 1986 and 1991, this is a
selection of Dancehall from the rough and ready to the much more
polished end of things. Contributions from Michael Prophet, Pliers,
Tenor Saw, Buju Banton, Courtney Melody, Cutty Ranks, Red Dragon
and more. Top selection from before the days of 'Bo'.
VARIOUS - FLAG FLOWN HIGH - MAXIMUM PRESSURE - CD (MPCD001)
First release for this Pressure Sounds offshoot label - =
concentrating
on modern Reggae, rather than reissue. Some of it is great, and
some of it ain't! Featuring Sizzla, Garnett Silk, Shabba, Coco
Tea and others, but in a more rootsy style than their usual fare.
Give it a whirl and (in my opinion) ignore the occasional foray
into pop Reggae.
VARIOUS - PHILL PRATT THING - PRESSURE SOUNDS - CD (PSCD27)
Superb collection of tracks produced and played (at times) by
Phil Pratt. Delightful sounds from Big Youth, Al Campbell, Dennis
Brown, Ken Boothe, Heptones and more with an all-star cast of
players including Sly & Robbie. Lovely liner notes as well, as
usual from Pressure Sounds.
VARIOUS - DOWN SANTIC WAY - SANTIC JAMACIAN PRODUCTIONS 1973 - =
PRESSURE SOUNDS - CD (PSCD46)
Santic is always a name you can rely on and this selection of
tracks produced by them is absolutely spot on. Pure mid '70's
vibes with a host of top names involved including Augustus Pablo,
King Tubby, Jah Lloyd, Freddie McKay, Leonard Santic All Stars,
I Roy and more means that this is the cream of the crop. Truly
a superb album. Recommended.
Restocks (CD): Reggae / Dub
DENNIS BOVELL - DECIBEL - MORE CUTS AND DUBS 1976 - 1983 - PRESSURE =
SOUNDS - CD (PSCD39)
THE LATEST IN SUCH AN ESTEEMED LINE UP ON PRESSURE SOUNDS SEES
HUGH MUNDELL INJECT A GOODLY DOSE OF HUMOUR AND FUNK INTO HIS
SUBLIME ROOTS RHYTHMS. BOVELL WAS INSPIRED BY EVERYTHING FROM
POP TO CALYPSO, SKE TO JAZZ - ALL OF THESE UNDERPINNED WITH DEEP
BASS AND SWEET RHYTHMS. HEYDAY REGGAE - SUPERB.
HERMAN CHIN-LOY - AQUARIUS ROCK - PRESSURE SOUNDS - CD (PSCD45)
ACTUALLY TITLED "THE HIP REGGAE WORLD OF HERMAN CHIN-LOY" - AND
INDEED IT IS A HIP REGGAE ALBUM. HERMAN STARTED OFF AS THE CO-OWNER
OF THE ONE-STOP RECORD SHOP, AND BECAME REKNOWNED AS THE MAN WHO
COULD DIG OUT THE BEST OF THE RECORDS - HE WENT FROM ONE STOP
TO HIS OWN AQUARUIS SHOP. FROM THERE HE WENT INTO PRODUCING IN
THIS TIME OFF FROM THE SHOP, AND HIS AQUARIUS SOUND WAS FAMOUS
FOR IT'S INNOVATION AND EXPERIMENTATION. HE ORIGINALLY RELEASED
RECORDS UNDER THE ENIGMATIC NAME OF AUGUSTUS PABLO, BUT THEN GAVE
THE NAME TO HORACE SWABY (THE MAN WE ALL KNOW AS AUGUSTUS PABLO).
HERMAN RELEASED THE FIRST TUNE WITH PABLO'S NOW FAMOUS MELODICA
IN 1971 (TRACK NINE) - AND THE SOUND THAT THE TWO PRODUCED ADDED
A NEW DIMENSION TO JAMAICAN MUSIC. ENOUGH HISTORY - THIS IS A
SUPERB ALBUM WITH HERMAN COLLABORATING WITH AND PRODUCING; DENNIS
BROWN, ALTON ELLIS, SOUNDS UNLIMITED, THE AQUARIANS, DENNIS =
ALCAPONE,
AUSGUSTUS PABLO AND OTHERS. I'VE HAD A PROMO OF THIS AT HOME
FOR A FEW WEEKS NOW AND I LOVE IT - AND ME AND MY DAUGHTER SKANK
AROUND TO ONE TRACK IN PARTICULAR - BOTH GRINNING INANELY! CLASS...
JOE GIBBS & THE PROFESSIONALS - NO BONES FOR THE DOGS - PRESSURE =
SOUNDS - CD (PSCD37)
WICKED SELECTION OF DUBS FROM 1974 TO 1979. THERE ARE SOME =
INCREDIBLY
HEAVY TRACKS ON HERE DRENCHED IN REVERB AND ECHO BOX PLUS SOME
MEGA PHASE AND FLANGE. IT ALL ADDS TO THE ATMOSPHERE MIND YOU
AND THIS IS AN UNMISSABLE COLLECTION.
LEE PERRY - VOODOOISM - PRESSURE SOUNDS - CD (PSCD009)
LEE PERRY ON PRODUCTION AND STUDIO DUTY FROM THE 70s - AND IT
DON'T GET MNUCH BETTER THAN THAT. ARTISTS FEATURED OTHER THAN
THE UPSETTER HIMSELF ARE: JAMES BOOMS, EARL SIXTEEN, ZAP POW,
LEE AND JIMMY AND OTHERS. TYPICAL SLICKNESS MEETS MADNESS FROM
THIS MOST ECCENTRIC AND AWESOME PRODUCER. =20
VARIOUS - RED BUMB BALL - PRESSURE SOUNDS - CD (PSCD40)
SUBTITLED "RARE AND UNRELEASED ROCKSTEADY 1966-1968" - AND THAT
IS EXACTLY WHAT IT IS! PROPS TO PRESSURE SOUNDS FOR DIGGING OUT
SOME LOVELY REGGAE THAT WILL GET YOU DANCING CLOSE WITH YOUR LOVER,
SMILING AND HARKING BACK TO THE GOOD OLD DAYS. FEATURES DERRICK
MORGAN, THE VICEROYS, ROLAND ALPHONSO, THE CONSUMMATES, LLOYD
AND DEVON, ERIC AND THE LOVELETTS AND MORE. RECOMMENDED.
VARIOUS - ROUGH INNA TOWN - THE EXTERMINATOR SOUND - MAXIMUM PRESSURE =
- CD (MP002CD)
RUDE SOUNDS FROM THIS PRESSURE SOUNDS OFFSHOOT. INCLUDES HARD
CUTS FROM LUCIANO, SIZZLA, MIKEY GENERAL, THE XTERMINATOR CREW,
INI KAMOZE AND MORE. PHAT.
New Releases (CD): Experimental
BRAD LUBMAN - INSOMNIAC - TZADIK - CD (TZA8017)
Brad Lubman has worked closely with some of the greatest composers
of contemporary concert music, and has appeared with some of the
world's most illustrious ensembles. Here he steps out with a varied
CD that includes a new composition for string quartet and =
electronica
and several radical electronic compositions.=20
DAMO SUZUKI - 3 DEAD PEOPLE AFTER THE PERFORMANCE - EKTRO - CD =
(EKTRO026CD)
Right, O.K. I have had a long day of discrbing CD's that are =
completely
beyond me and have left me out of my depth somewhat. so, the only
way i can describe this is as following: =
"HUYR@UKbferdK!!Lnyutvu//mn768cvB465cB9"
This CD has just one long 50 minute track. I feel that i have
too state that this fellow was in some german band called Can.
Never heard of'em myself but i'm going to ask juergen about them
tomorrow...
EYAL MAOZ - EDOM - TZADIK - CD (TZA8105)
A breakthrough release from this young Israeli guitarist living
in New York. Rock/jazz fusion touching upon John Zorn's Masada,
Marc Ribot's Shrek and even Medeski, Martin and Wood. Another
release in the Radical Jewish Culture series.=20
GERRY MILES - MILES / LICHT / HAINO - ATAVISTIC - CD (ALP71CD)
Recorded at St Peter's Church, Palm Sunday 1995, this performance
(art?) based piece combines church organ with piano and bass =
clarinet,
not to mention the occasion bit of distant shouting. The overall
effect is quite haunting, unsettling and challenging. I'm reminded
of Jessica Stevenson on stage shouting "Rabbits Rabbits Rabbits
Rabbits Rabbits Rabbits" but then maybe i've just watched too
much TV.=20
HOTOTOGISU - GHOST OF THE SUN - IMPORTANT - 2xCD (6227)
2 hours of experimental noise based soundscapes here split into
7 movements. An intense affair that slowly shifts from subtle
to full on noise throughout the 2 hours. For those with a strong
constitution...
ROB MAZUREK - MUSIC FOR SHATTERED LIGHT BOX & 7 POSTERS - BOTTROP-BOY =
- CD (B-BOY022)
Complete & utter noise fest from this member of the Chicago =
Underground
Duo, Isotope 217 etc. this reminds me of the background noise
to a traffic report on the radio, with added distortion and volume.
I'm sorry but i never have managed to get my head around this
art instilation music thing......
TOBY DRIVER - IN THE L..L..LIBRARY LOFT - TZADIK - CD (TZA8019)
A cutting edge collection of modern compositions combining a =
classical
ear for structure and orchestration with the power and immediacy
of heavy and black metal. Four moody masterpieces of magic and
horror full of great detail and searing passion.=20
VARIOUS - CIA VIA UFO TO MERCURY - ATAVISTIC - CD (ALP84CD)
A reissue from 1996, and a pretty darn full-on one. Improvised
free-jazz (well, free-anything-and-everything really) and live
discordant lunacy from the likes of The Scissor Girls, The Flying
Luttenbachers, Trenchmouth, Quintron and a whole host of others.
Not entirely sure what the concept is/was but it sounds like =
everyone
involved enjoyed themselves!=20
VOLCANO THE BEAR - CATONAPOTATO - DIGITALIS - CD (DIGI14CD)
Volcano The Bear, live in Leicester, Paris, Sheffield and =
Norrkoping,
and sounding very relaxed. If you like Faust, Black Dice, =
Jackie-O-Motherf**ker,
Gang Gang Dance, maybe this lot should be your next port of call.
Mastered by Kev Reverb, apparently.=20
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<DIV><STRONG><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2><! Aplogies if you've =
received this=20
twice !></FONT></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><U><FONT face=3DVerdana =
size=3D2></FONT></U></STRONG> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><U><FONT face=3DVerdana =
size=3D2></FONT></U></STRONG> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><U><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>Smallfish Release Mailout=20
18/11/05</FONT></U></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><U><FONT face=3DVerdana =
size=3D2></FONT></U></STRONG> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>Hi there.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>Sorry to bother you with 2 mailouts =
in 2 days but=20
thanks to a little help from someone with a great deal of technical =
knowledge,=20
we can now offer you the proper mailout in its proper format!=20
Hallelujah!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>So, this weeks list is fairly =
brimming with=20
lovely new bits and tons of restocks. Go check!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>Anther point for us to make is that =
we are aware=20
that there seems to have been a problem with our sound samples over =
the=20
last fortnight or so. We can only apologise for this and hope you'll =
bear with=20
us whilst we rectify the error. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>Don't let that put you off though as =
there are=20
some serious releases at the moment...</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>As of next week we'll be back to the =
proper=20
format but we figured you'd like to see a complete list as a priority =
this=20
week.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>With that, we'll leave you and =
wish you a=20
great weekend.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>Peace.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>The Fish.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana><FONT size=3D1>Smallfish Records | 329 Old =
Street | London=20
| EC1V 9LE | +44 [0] 20 7739 2252 | </FONT><A=20
href=3D"http://www.smallfish.co.uk"><FONT=20
size=3D1>www.smallfish.co.uk</FONT></A></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D1></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D1></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D1></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>New Releases (Vinyl): Electronica</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> ANTONELLI - THE BLACKOUT QUINTET - ITALIC - =
LP + 12"=20
(ITALIC054)<BR> This, to me, is what minimal techno is =
really=20
all about, although<BR> i'm filing it under =
electronica as=20
generally speaking it is very<BR> chilled, and on the =
whole=20
not at all dancefloor orientated but<BR> it is =
certainly deep,=20
musical, warm, well produced and very good<BR> indeed. =
If=20
you're a fan of Lawrence, Meanwhile, New World =
Aquarium,<BR> =20
Triola / the more relaxed end of Kompakt etc, this comes=20
highly<BR> recommended. There is actually a remix from =
Lawrence on the bonus<BR> 12" (which also contains =
reworkings=20
by Oliver Hacke and Error<BR> Error). Lovely. =
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> ENDUSER - CALLING ALL VULTURES - SUBLIGHT - =
LP=20
(C12)<BR> Dark, edgey mish mash of breaks, =
electronica, up=20
& down tempo<BR> & some nice edits in there, a =
little=20
of everything (well, almost<BR> everything!). The =
Emphasis=20
though has to be on the darkness, it's<BR> not to be =
listened=20
to in a darkened room when your feeling a bit<BR> =20
down......</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> GEROYCHE - VOXXX SERIES A.1 - VENTILATOR =
TONTRAGER -=20
12" (VT003)<BR> Intersting, off the wall crunchy =
electronica=20
with more than a<BR> hint of the random about it. Has =
some=20
melodic elements but the<BR> emphasis is on the beats. =
5=20
tracks in all for you to investigate....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> MAT & KELLY - HIROSHIMA - BULLY - 12"=20
(FU20)<BR> Beautiful tonal electronica which has very =
little=20
hip hop influence,<BR> which has played a part in all =
previous=20
bully releases. Both cuts<BR> are subtle rhythmically =
and=20
melodicly and have a fragile sound<BR> to them. superb =
stuff i=20
have to say.......</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> PULSE PROGRAMMING - TULSA FOR ONE SECOND =
REMIX PROJECT=20
- AESTHETICS - 12" (AST37)<BR> This three-track 12" =
sampler=20
for the full album includes the brilliant<BR> complete =
re-recording of "Blooms Eventually" by Hood, as =
well<BR> as=20
Barbara Morgenstern's short and sweet minimal electro=20
synth<BR> remix, and Kohn's Isan/Morr Music-esque take =
on=20
"Within Orderly<BR> Long-Distance Life". Great stuff.=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> THOMAS BRINKMANN - LUCKY HANDS - MAX ERNST - =
3xLP=20
(MAXERNST19)<BR> Generally speaking too downbeat and=20
introverted to be filed under<BR> Techno/Electro, this =
combines moody vocals, subtle musicianship,<BR> =
songwriting=20
and deep production to strong effect. Reminiscent<BR> =
of=20
Tarwater, To Rococo Rot, Static and that whole Stefan=20
Schneider<BR> stable of artists, this contains a =
barely=20
recognisable, ultra<BR> post-modern cover of =
Morrissey's "The=20
More You Ignore Me, The<BR> Closer I Get" (oh, =
Schneider TM,=20
so much to answer for).... </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - POP AMBIENT 2006 - KOMPAKT - LP=20
(KOM130)<BR> As another year draws to a close, why not =
indulge=20
yourself in<BR> that most luxurious and comforting of =
winter=20
releases, the annual<BR> Pop Ambient compilation from =
Kompakt?=20
In all honesty this is another<BR> beautiful selection =
of=20
tracks by Uli Teichmann, Pass Into Silence,<BR> Markus =
Guentner, The Orb, Klimek, Andrew Thomas, Ulf =
Lohmann,<BR> =20
Triola, Popnoname and Mikkel Metal. These albums have pretty=20
much<BR> become the benchmark of contemporary ambient=20
electronica by which<BR> all others must be judged, =
and=20
considering this (to me) sounds<BR> like the best =
volume in=20
two or three years, this trend looks set<BR> to =
continue.=20
Simply tremendous stuff. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>Restocks (Vinyl): Electronica</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> AFX - ANALORD 11 - REPHLEX - 12"=20
(ANALORD11)<BR> WITH ANALORD 10 EXCLUSIVE TO THE =
BINDER, IT'S=20
STRAIGHT ON EPISODE<BR> 11 WE GO. ARE YOU READY TO GO =
ANOTHER=20
TEN ROUNDS? MORE IMPORTANTLY,<BR> ARE YOUR WALLETS?! =
SIDE ONE=20
IS TAKEN UP BY AN EXTENDED, SLIGHTLY<BR> EERIE, =
OFF-KILTER=20
PIECE OF HIGH END, SUPER COMPRESSED RELECTRO<BR> (AS =
I'M NOW=20
CALLING IT) THAT COULD EASILY DATE FROM 1981, AND<BR> =
FOR ALL=20
I KNOW DOES. SIDE TWO IS A MOST SCHIZOPHRENIC AFFAIR =
-<BR> =20
DISTORTED, ENERGETIC DISCO, FOLLOWED BY DOOMY, BROKEN,=20
HYPNOTIC<BR> EXPERIMENTALISM. CLASSY STUFF, YOU HAVE =
TO ADMIT=20
AND JUSTIFYING<BR> THE HYPE ONCE AGAIN.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> BOLA - GNAYSE - SKAM - 2xLP=20
(SKALP015)<BR> AT LONG LAST THE THIRD BOLA ALBUM LANDS =
UPON=20
THE DREAMY SHORES<BR> OF MOUNT SMALLFISH. THIS MARKS =
MORE OF=20
AN EVOLUTION THAN A REVOLUTION<BR> IN HIS SOUND BUT =
MANAGES TO=20
REMAIN A DELECTABLE SLICE OF CONTEMPORARY<BR> =
ELECTRONICA PAR=20
EXCELLENCE. HARKING BACK TO THE DAYS OF EARLY<BR> =
AUTECHRE,=20
MID PERIOD BLACK DOG AND HIS OWN UNIQUE BOLA =
SOUND,<BR> =20
DARRELL CONSTRUCTS INTRICATE SOUNDSCAPES OF QUITE BEAUTIFUL=20
NOISE<BR> COMPLETE WITH LUSH SOUNDS AND MELODIC =
TOUCHES=20
ALONGSIDE A VARIED<BR> ARRAY OF RHYTHMIC PROGRAMMING. =
YOU MAY=20
WELL HAVE GUESSED THAT<BR> I RATHER LIKE IT.=20
RECOMMENDED.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> SIGNALDRIFT - SET DESIGN - CONSUMERS RESEARCH =
AND... -=20
LP (CRL008LP)<BR> Fabulous LP from Signaldrift. =
Gorgeous=20
electronica that occasionally<BR> drifts into house =
but always=20
returns to soundscapes and textural<BR> compositions =
of the=20
highest order. Fans of either the artist or<BR> the =
label will=20
adore this. Recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>New Releases (Vinyl): Techno / Electro</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> ALTER EGO - GATE 23 (LOST ON ARRIVAL) - KLANG =
- 12"=20
(KLANG99)<BR> Yes folks, it's another Alter Ego 12" on =
Klang.=20
It's seriously<BR> funky gear, mind. Two remixes of =
the title=20
track on the A-side,<BR> from Alter Ego themselves and =
nom-du-jour Isolee - what a treat.<BR> A new reworking =
of=20
"Daktari" on side two from rising Perlon star<BR> Matt =
John=20
tops the set off just nice. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> BEN KLOCK - MEMO 02 - MEMO - 12"=20
(MEMO02)<BR> The wonderfully named Ben Klock releases =
his=20
second EP on this<BR> (supposed) B Pitch Control =
offshoot=20
label. Straight-up minimal<BR> techno with a nice =
sci-fi, dark=20
glitch edge to it. Uncomplicated,<BR> but the simplest =
ideas=20
are often the best, i find. The tracks<BR> on side two =
have=20
lovely melody lines that add a whole new dimension<BR> =
to=20
things. Check it. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> EDUCUTION - MAN VERSUS MAN BEAST - MINIMISE - =
12"=20
(MINIMISE21)<BR> The label responsible for all those =
Donnacha=20
Costello releases<BR> returns. I do enjoy a nice game =
of=20
"Guess The Speed" on a Saturday<BR> afternoon (why is =
this=20
information so often kept from us?). Presuming<BR> it =
is 45,=20
this is a fairly lively, minimal rave (??) beast =
(!).<BR> No=20
confusion with side two, however - it's swinging,=20
perfunctory<BR> techno followed by a sinister, =
possibly Chain=20
Reaction / Basic<BR> Channel inspired piece. Minimise =
- it=20
sounds a bit like minimal.<BR> </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> GOLDEN DAYS - KEEP IT DRY - TELEVISION - 12"=20
(TELEVISION026)<BR> The Electro Atomu remix is =
Schaffel-y=20
electro house that could<BR> easily have appeared on a =
Kompakt=20
'Total' compilation, for example.<BR> Tough stuff with =
plenty=20
of bottom end for that extra Kompakt flava.<BR> Nice. =
The=20
original is Hoxton electro pop that's part =
Goldfrapp,<BR> part=20
Cobra Killer (make of that what you will). Golden Days =
own<BR> =20
remix pumps the whole thing up a la Tiefschwarz, Alter Ego=20
etc<BR> so that's most bases covered i reckon! =
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> KAMELION - CRYING HANDS - ULTRAMENTALS - 12"=20
(EVR001)<BR> Every now and again you're confronted =
with a=20
record that does<BR> something rare... it confuses =
you! This=20
Ep comes from so many<BR> different angles, all of =
them=20
excellent, that it's hard to know<BR> where to begin. =
The=20
overriding flava is that of Techno-soul and<BR> it has =
numerous references to the Motor City throughout. =
Deep<BR> =20
string sounds, lush pads and these melodic lines that are at=20
once<BR> at odds with the chords but work in a similar =
way to=20
Dan Curtins<BR> old work. Electro and Techno beats =
underpin=20
everything and there<BR> are at least two tracks that =
it =20
would be easy to play at either<BR> speed. Essentially =
this is=20
a fabulously off-kilter Ep that should<BR> easily =
appeal to=20
fans of Delsin, Future Beat Alliance and the<BR> old =
Archive=20
records. Recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> LCD SOUNDSYSTEM - TRIBULATIONS - DFA - 12"=20
(DFA2151)<BR> Anyone that seen LCD live will know what =
a crowd=20
pleaser "Tribulations"<BR> is. Possibly the most =
obvious=20
single on the album, this killer<BR> electro pop track =
is=20
chock-full of hooks - it's also James Murphy's<BR> =
best vocal=20
performance yet, in my opinion. Remixes come =
courtesy<BR> of=20
Tiga (not a bad one for him, to be fair) and Lindstrom=20
(Playhouse,<BR> Feedelity), whose take almost sounds =
like a=20
tribute to the DFA!<BR> Be nice to see this in the =
charts.=20
This is the US pressing!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> LUDOVIC VENDI - DEBUT EP - DIALECT - 12"=20
(DIAL005)<BR> Excellent three track Ep on this Battle =
offshoot=20
label. Ludovic<BR> gives us a selection of extremely =
funky=20
Techno / House / Acid<BR> crossover tracks that are =
full of=20
perky sounds and a stripped,<BR> yet full sounding set =
of=20
arrangements. Pure dancefloor music and,<BR> by gum, =
there's=20
nothing wrong with that. Solid.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> MARK BROOM/SIR LOIN/CJ BAKER - =
KLICK/VOID/BLINDED BY=20
COD - PURE PLASTIC - 12" (PP061)<BR> Yes, this is the =
moment I=20
have been waiting for: Pure Plastic<BR> are absolutely =
back on=20
form with this 12". Truly classic tracks<BR> with a =
distinct=20
80's boogie feel, courtesy of the keyboard skills<BR> =
of CJ=20
Baker, and with Broom on the controls, you can rest=20
assured,<BR> that the mix is tight and punchy in all =
the right=20
places. Listen<BR> to this! You will not be=20
dissapointed...</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> MIKAEL WEILL - HOUMOUS - KARAT - 12"=20
(KARAT21)<BR> Another stormingly good release from =
Karat who=20
seem to have their<BR> finger on thepulse at the =
moment.=20
Mikael Weill delivers four solid<BR> tracks of the =
kind of=20
bass-heavy, minimalistic Techno that really<BR> is =
doing it at=20
the present time. File next to Jay Haze, Luciano<BR> =
etc and,=20
fear not... you can;t go wrong with this gem. Quality.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> NOZE - KITCHEN - TRAPEZ - 12"=20
(TRAPEZ57)<BR> A slightly comedic release from Trapez. =
Musically it's business<BR> as usual although someone =
seems to=20
be doing a bizarre impersonation<BR> of a German Tom =
Waits=20
over the top of it (possibly?). Interesting.<BR> This =
theme=20
continues on the flip, the end result sounding a =
bit<BR> like=20
Mu with a very sore throat. Very silly but will =
probably<BR> =20
be huge! </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> QUENUM - RIO GRANDE EP - NUM - 12"=20
(NUM04)<BR> Quite a bit of interest in this one. The =
deeper=20
end of shuffly<BR> minimal techno, with some great =
melody=20
lines, this will definitely<BR> get folk moving. The =
B-side=20
(not sure how a two track single can<BR> be an EP, =
guys) is=20
the stronger one for me, with a nice phat rhythm<BR> =
track.=20
Everything else by Quenum has shot out the door, and =
this<BR> =20
is bound to do the same. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> SEBASTIAN - SMOKING KILLS - ED BANGER - 12"=20
(ED006)<BR> Heavy Ep of (dare I say it) Electro-House =
which=20
utilises some<BR> particularly gnarly beats and dense =
sound=20
construction to get<BR> its point across. I'd go so =
far as to=20
say this is one of the better<BR> examples I've heard =
of this=20
sort of music as it makes you sit<BR> up and listen. =
Rough,=20
tough and dangerous to know... well, not<BR> quite =
dangerous,=20
but jolly good nonetheless.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> SENDER BERLIN - UNEQUAL ARTS - UNGLEICH - 12" =
(MDM23696)<BR> A six-track EP that covers a variety of =
techno=20
bases. "Theory's<BR> Dead" features Jay Haze, plus =
there's a=20
collaboration with DJ<BR> Luke. A bit of a departure =
from the=20
seriously banging stuff they<BR> used to put out on =
Tresor.=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> SOMEONE ELSE - FRESH AIR - NUMMER =
SCHALLPLATTEN - 12"=20
(NUMMER013)<BR> A big tune here from the hotly-tipped =
Someone=20
Else. Combining<BR> majorly infectious grooves with =
gnarly=20
basslines and clangy percussion,<BR> this should go =
down well=20
with the usual minimal crowd. The B-side<BR> is =
perhaps a=20
little glitchier but on a very similar tip. Coming<BR> =
in a=20
suitably bright magenta sleeve, this will do the =
business.<BR> =20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> SURGEON - KLONK - DYNAMIC TENSION - 12"=20
(DTR007)<BR> A new record from Surgeon is always =
something to=20
get excited about<BR> and this is no exception. The =
kind of=20
gritty Techno grooves that<BR> we've come to expect =
from this=20
master of the genre. Add to that<BR> a slightly =
two-steppy=20
feel, some intense basslines and a fair<BR> amount of=20
processing and manipulation and you've got =
yourself<BR> an=20
absolutely fabulous EP. Recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> SYNTAX ERROR - COWBOY'S WORLD OF BUBBLES EP - =
FEINWERK=20
- 12" (FEINWERK4)<BR> Wonky Techno sounds of the =
finest kind=20
here spread over 5 tracks.<BR> Manic sounds and truly =
bizarre=20
arrangements coupled with the sort<BR> of beats that =
Neil=20
Landstrumm and Cristian Vogel made their own.<BR> A =
splendid=20
bit of fun that'll batter your ears and, =
conceivably,<BR> make=20
you dance.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> TEMPLEDOG - MAGNETIZE - TEMPLE DOG - 12"=20
(FUDOG006)<BR> Varied 4 track Electro EP with very =
strong=20
Drexcyian leanings<BR> in the production. Relentless=20
dancefloor action with that mercyless<BR> driving =
feel, that=20
lovers of serious electro sounds will surely<BR> know =
how to=20
appreciate. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> TERRY BROOKES AND AARON SOUL - CITY LIFE PART =
1 (CARL=20
CRAIG REMIX) - RUSHHOUR - 12" (RH019-1)<BR> Massive =
new single=20
from Rushhour which sees Terry Brookes teaming<BR> up =
with=20
Aaron Soul on vocals to create a solid hybrid of =
Detroit<BR> =20
Techno and House with a lovely soulful edge. Notably there's=20
a<BR> Carl Craig remix which takes the prize for =
winning=20
version...<BR> a long, hypnotic slab of goodness which =
has=20
dancefloor stamped<BR> all over it. The original is =
nice as=20
well and there's a stripped-down<BR> Chicago-esque mix =
from=20
Deepart.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> TERRY BROOKES AND AARON SOUL - CITY LIFE PART =
2 (CARL=20
CRAIG DUB) - RUSHHOUR - 12" (RH019-2)<BR> Here's the =
second=20
part of the splendid new Rushhour release. Carl<BR> =
Craig=20
turns in a stripped-down dub version which, strangely,=20
keeps<BR> some of the vocals but tribals-up the beats=20
considerably. The<BR> flip sees two deep and funked =
out broken=20
beat versions from Terry<BR> himself that have plenty =
of=20
groove. This one slips neatly into<BR> the part 1 =
cover as=20
well.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> TOMBOY - TOMBOY 3 - GOMMA - 12"=20
(GOMMA063)<BR> Not bad at all, and actually one of the =
best=20
Gommas in quite a<BR> while, i reckon. Infectious =
minimal=20
electro house grooves with<BR> some nice retro =
percussion and=20
effects. Lo-fi and proud, this<BR> could almost be a =
Clone or=20
Bunker release (or even Rephlex). Worthy<BR> of =
investigation.=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> TRIO EXKLUSIV - INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS EP 2 =
- KLEIN -=20
12" (KL0722)<BR> Set of five Optimo remixes, including =
two JD=20
Twitch mixes, and<BR> a guest appearance by Louis =
Austen (yes,=20
he's still knocking about).<BR> Produced by Patrick =
Pulsinger,=20
this is dancefloor electro techno<BR> trash sleaze for =
the=20
generation that irony forgot. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> TRIXIE STALKER - CONTROL / RETREAT / RESIGN - =
TONGUT -=20
12" (TONGUT020)<BR> The opening number is pumping, =
twisted=20
electro house that's the<BR> sort of thing you wish =
Gigolo=20
would start releasing again. Things<BR> get crunchier =
and=20
glitchier on the flip, veering into minimal<BR> =
territory,=20
with the set closing with a wicked slice of edgy=20
electronic<BR> house that's a bit B Pitch Control. =
Clear vinyl=20
and all! </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> UHU - CONSTELLATION MIXES - GIGOLO - 12"=20
(GIGOLO183)<BR> If you think i'm gonna turn off "Sight =
Of You"=20
by Pale Saints<BR> in order to listen to the new =
Gigolo,=20
you've got another thing<BR> coming. So i'll just wait =
for it=20
to finish. There we go. Is it<BR> gonna be half as =
good, i ask=20
myself? Well, no, obviously not but<BR> it is a cut =
above the=20
usual Gigolo nonsense, being straight-up<BR> Ectomorph =
/=20
Doppereffekt, proper retro electro a la Viewlexx,<BR> =
Clone,=20
Bunker etc. Well produced gear that works on 33 or =
45!<BR> =20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - THE DATA EP - TESTIN OUT - 12"=20
(TO001)<BR> Skillfully produced Detroit-inspired =
techno with=20
distinct forward<BR> drive. Keith Tenniswood provides =
one of=20
his more disturbed and<BR> darker remixes, to give =
those=20
electroheads their badly needed<BR> fix. =
Nice!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - BINARY OPERATIONS - ELECTRO LAB - =
12"=20
(ELECTROLAB002)<BR> SECOND RELEASE ON ELECTRO =
LAB. FIVE=20
TRACKS BY FIVE DIFFERENT<BR> ARTISTS: DIPLOMAT & =
SKUNK,=20
LAITE, DATEC, AMR AND GOB.GOTO - NEVER<BR> HEARD OF =
THEM=20
(OTHER THAN DIPLOMAT), TILL NOW... VERY MUCH IN<BR> =
THE=20
DREXCIYAN MOULD OF ELECTRO - PACEY, SCI-FI, DARK AND =
CLUB<BR> =20
FRIENDLY MATERIAL THAT WILL UNDOUBTEDLY GRACE MANY A =
DANCEFLOOR.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - FRAGMENT EP - NATIVE - 12"=20
(NATCOL006)<BR> Twisted Minimal Techno grooves with =
lots of=20
energy on one side,<BR> backed with a more tribal =
approach on=20
the flip. Especially good<BR> for me sounded the odd =
offbeat=20
cut B2, which stands out to be<BR> the most =
interesting one on=20
this EP. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - IF YOU STAND FOR NOTHING YOU'LL =
FALL FOR=20
ANYTHING - DOWNWARDS - 2xLP (DWN01)<BR> This is a =
fantastic=20
retrospective of some of the finest moments<BR> from =
the=20
Downwards back catalogue. Tracks from Surgeon, =
Regis<BR> and=20
Portion Reform show you just how advanced these guys =
were<BR> =20
on the minimal Techno front. Timeless, in a lot of ways and=20
an<BR> essential for fans of the genre. If only all =
the people=20
who listen<BR> to crunchy Cologne-style minimal Techno =
would=20
give this a listen...<BR> they'd be amazed.=20
Recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - WE COME FROM DA EAST V1.0 - =
MIDITONAL - 12"=20
(MIDI006)<BR> Miditonal on a one label rampage to do =
your ears=20
in here with<BR> this 5 track EP from the likes of =
Bill=20
Youngman, Py Mortisher,<BR> NDK and more. Heavy, =
almost Drop=20
Bass Network-ish at times with<BR> mental beats and =
furious=20
sounds, you'll need a strong will to<BR> listen to =
this one...=20
unless, of course, you're into wonky Techno<BR> a la =
Subhead=20
or Vogel or Landstrumm. Banging.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - IF YOU STAND FOR NOTHING YOU'LL =
FALL FOR=20
ANYTHING - DOWNWARDS - 2xLP (DWN01LTD)<BR> This =
limited=20
edtion package comes in a white 12" mailer and =
contains<BR> =20
the clear vinyl version of this cracking double album plus a=20
couple<BR> of badges. Essentially it's a retrospective =
of some=20
of the finest<BR> moments from the Downwards back =
catalogue.=20
Tracks from Surgeon,<BR> Regis and Portion Reform show =
you=20
just how advanced these guys<BR> were on the minimal =
Techno=20
front. Timeless, in a lot of ways and<BR> an essential =
for=20
fans of the genre. If only all the people who<BR> =
listen to=20
crunchy Cologne-style minimal Techno would give =
this<BR> a=20
listen... they'd be amazed. Recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>Restocks (Vinyl): Techno / Electro</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> DIPLOMAT - ZX COMPLEX - ELECTRO LAB - 12"=20
(ELECTROLAB003)<BR> Now, that's what I'm talking =
about. An=20
electro record, that doesn't<BR> shy away from being =
an=20
absolute rocker of an Ep, without resorting<BR> to =
current=20
trends. Admittingly, it is heavily based on the 80<BR> =
sound=20
aestethic, but hey, we are talking badass b-boy 80's =
and<BR> =20
notbad hair and shoulderpads scenario. Ready to rock...?</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> FEMALE - AVON REMIXES - SANDWELL DISTRICT - =
12"=20
(SD4)<BR> A superb remix 12" with three reliable and=20
consistent names on<BR> duty. James Ruskin delivers a=20
wonderfully deep version with layers<BR> of chords and =
just=20
the right combination of tribal beats to make<BR> you =
move.=20
65D Mavericks opt for an off-beat tribal style =
that<BR> 's=20
very much in line with the Blueprint sort of style...=20
generally<BR> a top track. Female gives us probably =
the best=20
mix... a reduced<BR> version of the original with a =
mid-paced,=20
not-too-heavy, but incredibly<BR> deep sound that =
could easily=20
fit into a Kopakt / Contexterrior<BR> set. A brilliant =
selection of tracks that comes recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> MODESELEKTOR - HELLO MOM! - B PITCH CONTROL - =
2xLP=20
(BPC115)<BR> Modeselektor's album has been eagerly =
anticipated=20
because of their<BR> knack for putting out dancefloor =
tracks=20
that are anything but<BR> ordinary. Weirdo sounds and =
chopped=20
up vocals meet Electro, Techno<BR> and Electronica on =
this=20
eleven track selection that will confound<BR> as well =
as=20
delight. There's some serious programming going on<BR> =
on here=20
and these guys clearly like the occasional rave =
sound...<BR> =20
which makes for a very fun album indeed. Mutant!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> SCANONE - EVERY SEVENTH BULLET EP - COMBAT - =
12"=20
(COMBAT01)<BR> Combat's first release (which came out =
a little=20
while ago, admittedly)<BR> comes from Scanone and it's =
an=20
absolute monster! If you don't<BR> know it you'll =
seriously=20
need to check out this blistering Electro<BR> / Breaks =
/=20
Sublow sound with massive beats and some =
speaker-breaking<BR> =20
bass work. Warped, twisted, dark and mutant... this is one=20
that's<BR> sure to get the Electronica-heads in a =
lather. A=20
killer release<BR> and highly =
recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> SHED - SOLOACTION EP - DELSIN - 12"=20
(49DSR/SHD1)<BR> I DON'T WANT TO SOUND LIKE I'M =
OVERDOING IT=20
WITH THIS ONE BUT,<BR> MY GOD, IT'S ABSOLUTE =
UNBELIEVABLE. YOU=20
COULD ALMOST IMAGINE THAT<BR> DETROIT TECHNO IS ABOUT =
TO HAVE=20
A HUGE RESURGENCE WITH THIS WONDERFUL<BR> EP. DEEP, =
LUSH,=20
PACEY, SLOW, MID-TEMPO, DANCEFLOOR, =
HOMELISTENING...<BR> JUST=20
STAGGERINGLY PROPER TECHNO SOUNDS WITH WARMTH AND SOUL =
BY<BR> =20
THE ARMLOAD. KILLER RECORD AND EAN EASY CONTENDER FOR MY TOP=20
TEN<BR> OF THE YEAR. BUY IT!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - KATAPULT 2 - KARAT - 12"=20
(KARAT020)<BR> Funked-up, deep glitchy techno a-plenty =
on this=20
five-tracker.<BR> Chloe, Cabanne, David Rockmore, =
Mikael Weill=20
and Skat provide<BR> the Akufen-esque soundtrack, the =
latter=20
two being particularly<BR> strong and musical. If =
you're into=20
the label and/or this sound<BR> in general, you're not =
gonna=20
wanna miss this. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>Restocks (Vinyl): US Techno / Electro</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> LOCUTUS - RAMA - POLARIZED - 12"=20
(POLARIZED008)<BR> Now, that's just fierce. A heavy, =
heavy=20
Techno sound from Locutus<BR> with dark strings and =
blistering=20
beats that will just pummel you.<BR> The flip has =
mixes from=20
Steve Nails and Mark Broom and, as you<BR> can =
probably=20
imagine, they're equally as banging. Good Techno<BR> =20
sounds.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> NOMADIC - METRO-MOVER - DOPAMINE - 12"=20
(DOP02)<BR> THIS REALLY IS TURNING OUT OT BE A TOP =
LITTLE=20
LABEL. FLORIDA BASED<BR> DOPAMINE RECORDS DELIVERS ITS =
SECOND=20
BOMB IN THE SHAPE OF A KILLER<BR> FOUR TRACK ELECTRO =
EP OF=20
PURE, BOOTY SHAKING GROOVES WITH AWESOME<BR> REMIXES =
FROM THE=20
ONE AND ONLY ANDREA PARKER AND STARS OF THE FIRST<BR> =
RELEASE,=20
ALPHA 606. IF YOU LIKE ELECTRO, YOU'RE GOING TO =
LOVE<BR> THIS.=20
WICKED STUFF.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>New Releases (Vinyl): House</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> EDITIONS DISCO - DANCE ACROSS THE FLOOR =
/ RUBBER=20
BAND - EDITIONS DISCO - 12" (ED1970)<BR> More hot hot =
disco=20
re-edits here with the huge 'Dance across the<BR> =
floor'. A=20
big record in both the House, Disco & Hip Hop =
scenes.<BR> =20
Ripe for heavy dancefloor action me thinks....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> EDITIONS DISCO - CHICAGO / COWBOYS & =
GANGSTERS -=20
EDITIONS DISCO - 12" (ED1971)<BR> 2 top of the range =
edits=20
here with 'Chicago' winning hands down.<BR> Nice to =
see that=20
these have been re-edited with a bit of thought<BR> =
and not=20
just thrown together on the hurry up. It's been =
National<BR> =20
Disco Re-edit week this week with the amount of them that=20
seem<BR> to be coming in.....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - THE DARK SIDE OF DISCO VOL 2 - N/A =
- 2xLP=20
(DD002LP)<BR> Does exactly what it says on the tin. =
Well,=20
almost. Not everything<BR> here is really that dark to =
be=20
honest, but it's all quality it<BR> has to be said. =
cuts from=20
talking heads, Visage, Q, Harlequin<BR> 4, Rinder =
& Lewis,=20
Men without hats, Human League and more. very<BR> much =
on the=20
Disco not Disco tip, New wave Disco would be fair.<BR> =
so i=20
put it in the house section! You work it out......</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>Restocks (Vinyl): House</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> TONY ANDERSON - CHALKFARM DADDY - SERENITY - =
12"=20
(SER004)<BR> Serenity are back with a 3 track Ep of =
varied=20
house grooves, courtesy<BR> of labelmanager Tony =
Anderson.=20
While the A-side is very straight<BR> forward with big =
basslines and shimmery strings, the flip goes<BR> a =
bit deeper=20
and especially B2 is worth mentioning, as for me<BR> =
it easily=20
is the best one. Fender meets dico percussion, =
meets<BR> =20
tambourine....what more do you want....nice...more of that=20
please...</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>New Releases (Vinyl): Hip Hop</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> 40 WINKS - EXTENDED PLEASURE - ESCAPISM - 12" =
(ESC005)<BR> Wicked EP of mostly instrumental Hip Hop =
tracks=20
on the excellent<BR> Japanese label Escapism. Deep =
vibes and a=20
jazzy flava made me<BR> think of Spinna or =
Jaydee. 7=20
tracks in total, each of them very,<BR> very nice. =
Good=20
stuff.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> FATLIP - THE LONELIEST PUNK - DELICIOUS VINYL =
- 2xLP=20
(DV9025LP)<BR> nice LP of solid beats and rhymes here =
with=20
guests that include<BR> Chali 2na (Jurassic 5) - 45 =
king -=20
Volume 10 - Humpty Hump and<BR> more. well worthy of =
your=20
attention.....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> KID SUBLIME - BASEMENT SOUL INSTRUMENTALS - =
KINDRED=20
SPIRITS - 12" (KS010-1)<BR> This is a wicked =
collection of=20
instrumental versions of tracks<BR> from Kid Sublime's =
excellent Basement Soul album. Funky, deep<BR> and =
definitely=20
on the Premier / Jaydee sort of tip with acres<BR> of =
Jazz=20
references and tight, tight beats. Solid and a =
bargain<BR> at=20
this price.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> LORD FINESSE - RETURN OF THE FUNKY MAN - =
TRAFFIC - 2xLP=20
(TEG755081LP)<BR> Double vinyl repress of this super =
classic=20
lp from one of the<BR> DITC massive. So many top cuts, =
Yes you=20
may, Party over here,<BR> Fat for the 90's as well as =
the=20
title cut. Productions from Finesse<BR> himself, =
Diamond D,=20
Showbiz. Most of this fine LP was recorded<BR> at the =
legendry=20
Jazzy jay studios in the Bronx. Real Hip Hop from<BR> =
it's=20
birthplace.........</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> PHARCYDE, THE - SOLD MY SOUL - THE REMIX =
& RARITY=20
COLLECTION - TRAFFIC - 3xLP (TR1600LP)<BR> Nice =
selection of=20
rare bits & bobs from the eccentric west =
coasters.<BR> All=20
the bands hits in varying forms are here. Remixes from =
the<BR> =20
likes of Jay - Dee, Beatminerz, Rae & Christian, Kenny Dope=20
and<BR> many more............</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> RICH MEDINA - CONNECTING THE DOTS - KINDRED =
SPIRITS -=20
2xLP (KS014LP)<BR> Full length Rich Medina album from =
Kindred=20
Spirits and it's about<BR> as funky, souful and smooth =
as=20
you'd imagine. His vocals really<BR> cut through =
though and=20
there's a nicely rough and ready flava<BR> to them. =
Muscially=20
it's varied and takes on old-school Hip Hop<BR> Funk, =
Jazz and=20
Soul with a great deal of skill. Quality stuff.<BR> =20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - THE ORIGINAL JAZZY JAY - STRONG =
CITY - 12"=20
(ST18088)<BR> Great to see this extremely rare 12" get =
a=20
repress. Originally<BR> a promo only 12" from the =
'Cold=20
chillin in the studio' LP and<BR> it has arguably the =
best=20
track from the lp in the form of 'Do<BR> what you =
gotta do'.=20
Just Jay, what sounds like a Linn drum & a<BR> =
copy of the=20
original Hip Hop classic known as 'Collage' being<BR> =
cut up=20
over the top. The 3 other cuts are quality as well, =
Back<BR> =20
to the lab by Tony D, Keep hushin by Ice Cream Tee & I'm the=20
king<BR> by Raheem. The fact that all these cuts were =
produced=20
by Jazzy<BR> and that Strong city is his label is the =
reson=20
for the title!<BR> Highly =
recommended.....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> WRECKITNIZE - STREETPARADE EP - REDRUM =
RECORDZ - CD=20
(RED017)<BR> A straight-up collection of Hip Hop =
tracks=20
featuring a wide range<BR> of vocalists that I've =
never=20
actually heard of before. Mostly<BR> vocals with a =
couple of=20
intstrumental bits and with a nice mixture<BR> of =
heavy beats=20
and more subtle, Jazz influenced moments.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>Restocks (Vinyl): Hip Hop</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> J.V.C. FORCE - STRONG ISLAND - BLUE MIX - =
B-BOY - 12"=20
(BB20/200)<BR> Nice to see this ultra rare promo only =
mix of=20
the classic Stron<BR> island get a repress. i only =
learned of=20
this records existance<BR> last week! on the flip is =
Take it=20
away. great 12", have a listen......</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> ROB SWIFT - SOULFUL FRUIT - FAT BEATS - 2xLP=20
(STH2007)<BR> ROB SWIFT, RAHZEL, BABU, MISTA SINISTA =
AND =20
A WHOLE BUNCH OF RECORDS.<BR> A WONDERFULLY RANDOM =
SESSION=20
WITH LOTS OF NICE JUGGLES, BEATBOX<BR> VS DJ, SERIOUS =
BREAKS=20
AND A LOT OF FUN. SO NICE TO JUST PUT ON,<BR> KICK OFF =
THE=20
SHOES AND SOAK UP. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>New Releases (Vinyl): Eclectic Beats</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> HEAVY - REMIXES (DJ SPINNA / JAZZANOVA / YAM =
WHO?) -=20
KINDRED SPIRITS - 12" (KS007-2)<BR> Cracking selection =
of=20
soulfully deep remixes of tracks taken from<BR> =
Heavy's album.=20
The main protagonists are Spinna, Jazzanove and<BR> =
Yam Who?=20
and they turn in trademark versions which =
concentrate<BR> on=20
the original vocal line very nicely. Downbeat, eclectic,=20
funky<BR> and smooth vibes all round.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> HERBALISER, THE - NAH' MEAN NAH'M SAYIN' - =
NINJA TUNE -=20
12" (ZEN12169)<BR> The Herbaliser have become pretty =
much a=20
straight-up Hip Hop act<BR> these days. Two tracks =
from the=20
last album, alongside relevant<BR> instrumentals and=20
accapellas, not to mention a Dagenham Girl,<BR> sorry, =
Platinum Pied Pipers remix. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> OWUSU & HANNIBAL - DELIRIUM - MORGAN =
GEIST & UP=20
HYGH REMIXES - UBIQUITY - 12" (UR12183)<BR> Soulful =
crunchy=20
beats with some nice warm vocals here on ubiquity.<BR> =
The=20
main mix is on that jittery Jay-Dilla tip and is =
certainly<BR> =20
my favourite. There is also a mix from Morgan Geist that has=20
some<BR> nice clattery 808's in the mix, quite down =
beat for=20
him. Have<BR> a listen.............</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - IMPEACH THE PRESIDENT - KAJMERE - =
2xLP=20
(KAJ014LP)<BR> A nice mix of styles here with the =
emohasis on=20
Hip Hop. People<BR> under the stairs, DJ Shortkut, =
Antibalas,=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>New Releases (Vinyl): Guitar Based</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> DEVENDRA BANHART - HEARD SOMEBODY SAY - XL - =
7"=20
(XLS222)<BR> One of the more obvious singles from =
"Cripple=20
Crow" comes backed<BR> with a new track sung in =
Spanish=20
(something Devendra's very good<BR> at to these ears). =
Some=20
suitably flamenco-y guitar playing sets<BR> it off =
perfectly,=20
making this an essential purchase for Banhart<BR> =
heads=20
everywhere (especially for under a pound). Numbered=20
limited<BR> edition and everything! </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> FIERY FURNACES, THE / TED LEO - NORWEGIAN =
WOOD / I'M=20
LOOKING THROUGH YOU - RAZOR & TIE - 7" =
(BMG80858)<BR> =20
Highly limited sampler 7" for this U.S. only "Rubber Soul"=20
covers<BR> album. The Fiery Furnaces cover "Norwegian =
Wood" in=20
their own<BR> inimitable, cut-up style, making it =
barely=20
recognisable from the<BR> original - you'll either =
love it or=20
hate it. Ted Leo (minus The<BR> Pharmacists?) version =
of "I'm=20
Looking Through You" is equally<BR> odd, adding a =
slightly cod=20
reggae feel to proceedings. Snap one<BR> up now, =
highly=20
collectable! </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> HUGGY BEAR / BIKINI KILL - OUR TROUBLED YOUTH =
/ YEAH=20
YEAH YEAH YEAH - KILL ROCK STARS - LP (KRS206)<BR> =
Landmark=20
split LP originally released in 1992 that =
spearheaded<BR> the=20
'Riot Grrrl' movement. Kathleen Hanna (many years before=20
Le<BR> Tigre) was responsible for some of the most =
incendiary,=20
politically<BR> charged / pro-feminist music ever =
committed to=20
vinyl and never<BR> sounded better than on this LP. =
Likewise=20
Huggy Bear, who would<BR> be too controversial to =
feature in=20
the NME these days. A real<BR> favourite of John Peel =
at the=20
time, you have to wonder whatever<BR> happened to =
records like=20
this.... </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> MAX OCHS - IMAGINATIONAL ANTHEMS - FONOTONE - =
7"=20
(NM0531)<BR> Wonderful, skilful acoustic guitar =
picking by a=20
player who has<BR> certainly put in his hours of =
practice. 2=20
beautiful instrumentals<BR> of timeless music, have a=20
listen.....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> MOONDOG - THE VIKING OF SIXTH AVENUE - HONEST =
JONS -=20
2xLP (HJRLP18)<BR> An absolutely fascinating and =
utterly=20
captivating compilation<BR> of the works of avant-folk =
/=20
leftfield jazz artist Moondog. Considering<BR> much of =
this=20
work dates from the fifties, it's incredible how<BR> =
ahead of=20
his time he was. His other-worldly take on American =
and<BR> =20
European jazz puts Sun Ra to shame, predating him by many=20
years.<BR> Hypnotic and enchanting music that has to =
be heard=20
to be believed!<BR> </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> QUINTRON & MISS PUSSYCAT - SWAMP TECH - =
TRANSSOLAR=20
- LP (SOL032LP)<BR> The sleazy, slightly bizarre world =
of=20
Quintron and his ever-able<BR> assistant Miss =
Pussycat.=20
Falling somewhere between Jamie Lidell<BR> and the Jon =
Spencer=20
Blues Explosion, exotica stalwart Quintron<BR> returns =
with=20
his drum buddies and Posh Paws look-a-like cover<BR> =
star. As=20
strange as it is entertaining. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> SLEATER-KINNEY - YOU'RE NO ROCK 'N' ROLL FUN =
- KILL=20
ROCK STARS - 7" (KRS364)<BR> The fabulous =
Sleater-Kinney,=20
enough said. This 7", dating from<BR> 2000, includes a =
track=20
from the "All Hands On The One" album,<BR> with (i =
believe) an=20
exclusive new track ("Maraca") on the B-side.<BR> Top =
notch US=20
indie rock, a lot less distorted than their =
current<BR> album!=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> SUNNI MCGRATH - SEVEN STARS - NEAR MINT - 7"=20
(TSQ0531)<BR> 2 beautiful, skillfully executed =
acoustic guitar=20
compositions<BR> that touch on many genres. there's =
not much=20
more to add to that<BR> really, except that they are=20
stunning!! you must have a listen......</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> TEENAGE FANCLUB - IT'S ALL IN MY MIND - PEMA =
- 7"=20
(PEMA006S)<BR> What a brilliant song this is. Better =
known as=20
the first track<BR> on this year's 'Man Made' LP, this =
tremendous piece of indie guitar<BR> pop shows why =
Teenage=20
Fanclub are such a beloved institution.<BR> The new =
track on=20
the B-side ("Please Stay") is a bit of a winner,<BR> =
too -=20
infact, it's so good you wonder how it didn't get on =
the<BR> =20
album. Makes you wish it was summer again! </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>New Releases (Vinyl): Funk / Jazz / =
Soul</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> LIGHTMEN PLUS ONE, THE - ENERGY CONTROL =
CENTER -=20
LIGHTIN - LP (LP2001LP)<BR> Another seriously rare LP =
gets an=20
official (!) repress here. Big<BR> band funk that =
really kicks=20
some bottom. Produced by Bubba Thomas<BR> who put out =
an LP=20
under his own name with the Lightmen. Highly<BR> =
recommended=20
for those who love that Jazzfunk sound of the =
early<BR> =20
70's.....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> REBIRTH, THE - THIS JOURNEY IN - KAJMERE - =
2xLP=20
(KAJ013LP)<BR> Fine LP of super soulful funk flavours =
from=20
this super tight outfit.<BR> Could have been lifted =
straight=20
out of the 70's, which is either<BR> a good or bad =
thing=20
depending on your view point. If you like<BR> the =
Mizell's=20
production sound (Donald Byrd, Bobbi Humphrey, =
70's<BR> Blue=20
Note basically) then this will probably do it for you.=20
There's<BR> even a tribute to the Mizell brothers on =
here=20
(Walk talkin Mizell).<BR> all in all a very slick =
sounding=20
slice of soul for the noughties.<BR> =
Enjoy.......</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - LAGOS ALL ROUTES - HONEST JONS - =
2xLP=20
(HJRLP17)<BR> The bulk of the music here is known as=20
"Highlife", a pan-ethnic<BR> style of dance music =
native to=20
Anglophone West Africa, and i believe<BR> dates from =
the=20
seventies and eighties. Your best bet for a fuller<BR> =
flavour=20
is to a) give this a listen, and b) read the =
extensive,<BR> =20
extremely well-researched sleevenotes like wot i just did=20
(well,<BR> about a paragraph of it anyway). Honest =
Jons=20
unearth another fine<BR> selection of lost world gems=20
(basically).</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - LAGOS CHOP UP - HONEST JONS - 2xLP=20
(HJRLP15)<BR> The bulk of the music here is known as=20
"Highlife", a pan-ethnic<BR> style of dance music =
native to=20
Anglophone West Africa, and i believe<BR> dates from =
the=20
seventies and eighties. Your best bet for a fuller<BR> =
flavour=20
is to a) give this a listen, and b) read the =
extensive,<BR> =20
extremely well-researched sleevenotes like wot i just did=20
(well,<BR> about a paragraph of it anyway). Honest =
Jons=20
unearth another fine<BR> selection of lost world gems=20
(basically).</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - GILLES PETERSON DIGS AMERICA - =
UBIQUITY -=20
3xLP (LHLP047)<BR> I'm not to sure what the =
siginificance of=20
'Brownswood USA' is<BR> to be honest. The picture on =
the back=20
is off Brownswood road from<BR> somewhere in London? =
where he=20
does one of his radio shows perhaps?<BR> Still, all =
this is by=20
the by as the music here is of supreme importance.<BR> =
And i'm=20
glad to say quality. A selection of obscure & rare=20
cuts<BR> from Jazz, Funk, Soul, reggae & beyond. =
So many=20
high points. Moses<BR> Dillard, John Lucien, The =
Ensemble Al=20
salaam and more. pretty<BR> stunning selection of =
music here,=20
a real treat......</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>Restocks (Vinyl): Funk / Jazz / Soul</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> BETTEY SWANN - BETTEY SWANN - HONEST JONS - =
2xLP=20
(HJRLP8)<BR> GREAT DOUBLE ALBUM OF SWEET AND OFTEN =
GROOVABLE=20
SOUL MUSIC COVER<BR> VERSIONS. NOTHING AT ALL =
WRITTEN ON=20
THE SLEEVE, BUT I AM ASSUMING<BR> THIS DATES FROM THE =
EARLY=20
1970S. NICE.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> CANDI STATON - S/T - HONEST JONS - 2xLP=20
(HJRLP6)<BR> DEEP DEEP SOUL FROM THE WONDERFUL MS =
STATON HERE.=20
RAW EMOTION<BR> HERE IN THE VOCAL DEPT AND SOME =
WONDERFULLY=20
TIGHT FUNK/SOUL PLAYING<BR> FROM THE BAND.=20
RECOMMENDED....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - LONDON IS THE PLACE FOR ME 2 - =
HONEST JONS -=20
2xLP (HJRLP16)<BR> Another superb selection of rare =
&=20
obscure calypso kwela, highlife<BR> and jazz from =
young black=20
london of the 50's & early 60's. Such<BR> unsung =
heroes as=20
lord kitchiner, russ henderson, king timothy,<BR> =
young tiger,=20
shake keane and many more. 20 tracks in all, have<BR> =
a damn=20
good listen.......</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - G.I. FUNK - PAYBACK - LP=20
(PR001)<BR> AHH GOING FOR THE VIETNAM ANGLE EH. 14 =
CUTS, SOME=20
OF WHICH HAVE<BR> VAGUE REFERENCES TO THE VIETNAM WAR. =
SOME=20
TOUGH TOUGH BREAKS AMONGST<BR> THE RAW FUNK HERE, HAVE =
A=20
LISTEN.......</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> XINGU, EL COMBO - XINGU, EL COMBO - PAYBACK - =
LP=20
(PR002LP)<BR> ULTRA RARE LP THAT IS A BIT OF A LEGEND =
IN THE=20
HARDCORE FUNK DIGGERS<BR> WORLD. A SUPERBLY TIGHT FUNK =
LP=20
HAILING FROM PERU BELIEVE IT OR<BR> NOT! WITH THE =
ORIGINAL=20
COMMANDING UPWARDS OF =A3500 ON THE VERY<BR> RARE =
OCCASION ONE=20
COMES UP FOR SALE, ITS NICE THAT THIS QUALITY<BR> LP =
CAN NOW=20
BE HEARD AT A REALISTIC PRICE. SOMETIMES THESE =
ULTRA<BR> RARE=20
LPS CAN BE A BIT OF A LET DOWN WHEN YOU ACTUALLY GET TO=20
HEAR5<BR> THEM, THANKFULLY THIS IS NOT THE CASE HERE. =
SUPER=20
TIGHT RHYTHMS<BR> WITH A MELTING POT OF INFLUENCES, =
ROCK,=20
FUNK, SOUL & MORE. RECOMMENDED......</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>New Releases (Vinyl): Reggae / Dub</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> ASHER & TREMBLE - HUMBLE YOURSELF - =
ROCKERS - 7"=20
(RP450011)<BR> Classic Rockers (M. Taylor) production =
reissued=20
courtesy of Honest<BR> Jons. Don't know an awful lot =
about its=20
origins, but it's a seriously<BR> deep, heavy slab of =
vintage=20
reggae. The dub is just awesome. Very<BR> nice. =
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> AUGUSTUS PABLO - KEEP ON KNOCKING / BOOK OF =
LIFE -=20
ROCKERS - 10" (RP001)<BR> Two variations on a theme =
here.=20
Essentially the same rhythm track<BR> only with slight =
variants, one with a Hugh Mundell vocal. The<BR> "Book =
of Dub"=20
is simply classic Augustus Pablo, and as good as<BR> =
dub gets.=20
A must. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> BLACK ACES, THE - CLOSE THE GATE DREAD / =
VERSION -=20
PRESSURE SOUNDS - 7" (PSS010)<BR> Another beautiful 7" =
release=20
from Pressure Sounds with delicious<BR> conscious =
lyrics and=20
heavy, rootsy production. Both tracks are<BR> written =
and=20
produced by The Travellers and the dub just edges<BR> =
it for=20
me. Pure class and highly recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> CARL BRADNEY / BIG YOUTH / LEROY SMART - =
SLIPPING INTO=20
DARKNESS / STREETS OF AFRICA / LOVE - PK - 10" =
(PK4)<BR> =20
Another wicked 3-way split 10" from PK. Awesome early=20
seventies<BR> (i think) reggae with the best =
production=20
imaginable. Can't give<BR> you much more info, i'm =
afraid, but=20
this is quality gear, even<BR> i know that. =
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> FAMILY MAN BARRETT / ANSELL COLLINS / LYNN =
TAITT - SOUL=20
CONSTITUTION / PORTOBELLO / WILLIAMSBURG - PK - 10" =
(PK10)<BR> =20
Legendary reggae sounds from these artists who will need no=20
introduction<BR> to those in the know. Deeply inspired =
and=20
conscious sounds with<BR> more than their fair share =
of tip=20
top bass and drums. Classic<BR> stuff. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> RHYTHM & SOUND / THE WAILERS BAND - NO =
PARTIAL /=20
HIGHER FIELD MARSHALL - PK - 10" (PK6)<BR> What a =
pairing. A=20
Rhythm & Sound classic backed with a wonderful<BR> =
slice=20
of early Wailers. Infact, the Wailers track is even =
deeper<BR> =20
and heavier than the Basic Channel boys effort! Some great=20
harmonica<BR> and bass playing all round although by =
the=20
sounds of it the original<BR> masters are long gone! =
Great=20
stuff. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> SUGAR MINOTT / JUNIOR DAN - LET'S REASON - =
HI-TRY - 7"=20
(JLM009)<BR> This appears to be a new Sugar Minott =
single,=20
produced and arranged<BR> by Junior Dan, brought to =
you in=20
association with Honest Jons.<BR> The production is=20
surprisingly good and deep for a new track.<BR> =
Complete with=20
a version of the flip. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> TRAVELLERS, THE - BLACK BLACK MIND - PRESSURE =
SOUNDS -=20
2xLP (PSLP49)<BR> With an all-star cast of musicians =
comes=20
this superb selection<BR> of tracks. Sly & Robbie, =
Tommy=20
McCook, Ansel Collins and more<BR> back up some =
wonderful=20
vocals from The Travellers to create som<BR> beautiful =
Roots=20
Reggae. Recorded at Channel One and King Tubby's<BR> =
so you=20
know you're getting absolutely the finest sounds. =
Pure<BR> =20
class. Highly recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> TRAVELLERS, THE / KING TUBBY - SOUTH AFRICA / =
FROM CAPE=20
TO CAIRO - PRESSURE SOUNDS - 7" (PSS009)<BR> So, so =
good! An=20
absolute classic of a track here in the shape<BR> of =
The=20
Traveller's 'South Africa'. Deep, beautifully =
produced<BR> and=20
conscious Roots sounds that are utterly timeless. King=20
Tubby's<BR> version is ultra-fine and has that '70's =
echo in=20
bucketloads.<BR> Pure class and completely=20
essential.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> WARD 21 / KUNLEY - THIS IS HOW WE ROLL - =
HONEST JONS -=20
7" (HJP712)<BR> A presumably limited 7" featuring a =
Baby G=20
remix of Ward 21 /<BR> Kunley's "This Is How We Roll", =
from an=20
original by Terry Hall<BR> & Mushtaq (released on =
Honest=20
Jons in Spring 2004). Well-produced<BR> digital ragga =
(yes,=20
there apparently is such a thing) with quite<BR> a =
poppy=20
sound. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>Restocks (Vinyl): Reggae / Dub</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> CEDRIC IM BROOKS & THE LIGHT OF SABA - =
S/T - HONEST=20
JONS - 2xLP (HJRLP4)<BR> PROPS TO HONEST JONS FOR SUCH =
A=20
BEAUTIFUL LP! DEEP SPIRITUAL<BR> ROOTSY DUB WITH =
TONS OF=20
PERCUSSION AND A SOUND TO DIE FOR. A HEAVY<BR> HEAVY =
SOUND=20
THAT IS SELDOM HEARD IN THIS DAY OF DIGITAL =
EVERYTHING.<BR> =20
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED........</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> HERMAN CHIN-LOY - AQUARIUS ROCK - PRESSURE =
SOUNDS -=20
2xLP (PSLP45)<BR> ACTUALLY TITLED "THE HIP REGGAE =
WORLD OF=20
HERMAN CHIN-LOY" - AND<BR> INDEED IT IS A HIP REGGAE=20
ALBUM. HERMAN STARTED OFF AS THE CO-OWNER<BR> OF =
THE=20
ONE-STOP RECORD SHOP, AND BECAME REKNOWNED AS THE MAN =
WHO<BR> =20
COULD DIG OUT THE BEST OF THE RECORDS - HE WENT FROM ONE=20
STOP<BR> TO HIS OWN AQUARUIS SHOP. FROM THERE HE =
WENT=20
INTO PRODUCING IN<BR> THIS TIME OFF FROM THE SHOP, AND =
HIS=20
AQUARIUS SOUND WAS FAMOUS<BR> FOR IT'S INNOVATION AND=20
EXPERIMENTATION. HE ORIGINALLY RELEASED<BR> =
RECORDS=20
UNDER THE ENIGMATIC NAME OF AUGUSTUS PABLO, BUT THEN =
GAVE<BR> =20
THE NAME TO HORACE SWABY (THE MAN WE ALL KNOW AS AUGUSTUS=20
PABLO).<BR> HERMAN RELEASED THE FIRST TUNE WITH =
PABLO'S=20
NOW FAMOUS MELODICA<BR> IN 1971 (TRACK NINE) - AND THE =
SOUND=20
THAT THE TWO PRODUCED ADDED<BR> A NEW DIMENSION TO =
JAMAICAN=20
MUSIC. ENOUGH HISTORY - THIS IS A<BR> SUPERB =
ALBUM WITH=20
HERMAN COLLABORATING WITH AND PRODUCING; DENNIS<BR> =
BROWN,=20
ALTON ELLIS, SOUNDS UNLIMITED, THE AQUARIANS, DENNIS=20
ALCAPONE,<BR> AUSGUSTUS PABLO AND OTHERS. I'VE =
HAD A=20
PROMO OF THIS AT HOME<BR> FOR A FEW WEEKS NOW AND I =
LOVE IT -=20
AND ME AND MY DAUGHTER SKANK<BR> AROUND TO ONE TRACK =
IN=20
PARTICULAR - BOTH GRINNING INANELY! CLASS...</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> ISRAEL VIBRATION - THE SAME SONG - PRESSURE =
SOUNDS - LP=20
(PSLP03)<BR> THIS IS AN EXCELLENT COMPILATION OF =
THE=20
TALENTED ISRAEL VIBRATION<BR> TAKEN FROM THE LATE =
SEVENTIES.=20
WITH COMPARISONS TO THE LEGENDARY<BR> BURNING SPEAR, =
WAILERS,=20
HEPTONES AND OTHERS - IT IS NO SUPRISE<BR> THAT THIS =
IS GREAT=20
PIECE OF SPIRITUAL REGGAE. CHECK.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> JACKIE MITTOO - DISCO JACK - PRESSURE SOUNDS =
- 7"=20
(PSS002)<BR> SUPER 7". YOU ARE BOUND TO =
RECOGNISE THE=20
RHYTHM - WELL, I DID.<BR> ORGAN PLAYING A BIT =
MORE TONED=20
DOWN THAN ALOT OF OTHER JACKIE<BR> MITTOO TRACKS, BUT =
THAT=20
ADDS TO IT REALLY - GIVING A REAL SOULFUL<BR> =
FEEL. =20
NICE.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> LEE PERRY - VOODOOISM - PRESSURE SOUNDS - LP=20
(PSLP09)<BR> LEE PERRY ON PRODUCTION AND STUDIO DUTY =
FROM THE=20
70s - AND IT<BR> DON'T GET MNUCH BETTER THAN =
THAT. =20
ARTISTS FEATURED OTHER THAN<BR> THE UPSETTER HIMSELF =
ARE:=20
JAMES BOOMS, EARL SIXTEEN, ZAP POW,<BR> LEE AND JIMMY =
AND=20
OTHERS. TYPICAL SLICKNESS MEETS MADNESS FROM<BR> =
THIS=20
MOST ECCENTRIC AND AWESOME PRODUCER. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> OVERNIGHT PLAYERS - SHAKE THE GREAT - =
PRESSURE SOUNDS -=20
7" (PSS006)<BR> SUPER DEEP AND SUPER HEAVY DUB =
PRODUCTIONS=20
FROM THE OVERNIGHT<BR> PLAYERS - PRODUCED BY J. HOOKIM =
AT THE=20
CHANNEL ONE STUDIOS. PART<BR> 1 ON THE A-SIDE, =
PART 2 ON=20
THE FLIP. DUB-TASTIC!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - RED SEA - PRESSURE SOUNDS - 10"=20
(PST1003)<BR> KILLER EP THAT'S FULL OF THE BEST, MOST =
ORIGINAL=20
REEGGAE SOUNDS.<BR> THE A-SIDE IS A CLASSIC RHYTHM =
WITH THREE=20
DIFFERENT VOCALS FROM<BR> AUGUSTUS PABLO AND JAMES =
EASTWOOD.=20
THE FLIP HAS TRACKS FROM THE<BR> SAME TWO ARTISTS PLUS =
SOUND=20
UNLIMITED. PROPER '70'S STYLE ALL<BR> ROUND.=20
RECOMMENDED.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - HALF MOON - PK - LP=20
(PK9LP)<BR> WONDERFUL LP/CD RECORDED RECENTLY =
FEATURING A=20
SELECTION OF VAOCALISTS<BR> BACKED BY THE GROUP SUPER =
8=20
CORPORATION. SOME WICKED INSTRUMENTATION<BR> HERE, =
GREAT=20
KEYBOARDS, HORN SECTIONS AND LOTS OF STUDIO =
EFFECTS<BR> (SOME=20
OF THE TRACKS ARE DUBS OF THE VOCAL VERSIONS). AFTER =
THE<BR> =20
SUPERB CEDRIC BROOKS LP/CD IT SEEMS THAT THE GUYS AT PK ARE=20
RELEASING<BR> SOME OF THE BEST CURRENT REGGAE/DUB =
SOUNDS=20
AROUND. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>New Releases (CD): Electronica</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> AMNON WOLMAN - SUSTAINS - INTERVAL RECORDINGS =
- CD=20
(IL00)<BR> This is the first release from Interval =
Recordings,=20
set up by<BR> one of the guys from Faction (notable =
for their=20
release on Neo<BR> Ouija, which was marvellous). Amnon =
Wolman=20
delivers an absolutely<BR> divine series of sculptural =
soundscapes a la Richard Chartier<BR> with intense,=20
noise-based sounds and drones coupled with some<BR> =
absolutely=20
lovely melodic moments. Fans of textural and =
striking<BR> =20
experimental Electronica are going to absolutely love this=20
as<BR> it strikes the delicate balance between =
challenging and=20
ambient.<BR> Superb and I can't wait to hear more.=20
Recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> ANTONELLI - THE BLACKOUT QUINTET - ITALIC - =
CD=20
(ITALIC054CD)<BR> This, to me, is what minimal techno =
is=20
really all about, although<BR> i'm filing it under =
electronica=20
as generally speaking it is very<BR> chilled, and on =
the whole=20
not at all dancefloor orientated but<BR> it is =
certainly deep,=20
musical, warm, well produced and very good<BR> indeed. =
If=20
you're a fan of Lawrence, Meanwhile, New World =
Aquarium,<BR> =20
Triola / the more relaxed end of Kompakt etc, this comes=20
highly<BR> recommended. Lovely. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> ANTTI RANNISTO - AANIESINEITA - 12K - CD=20
(12K1034)<BR> I've been waiting for this one for what =
seems=20
like months now<BR> after having one heard one sample =
MP3 and=20
now it's finally here<BR> I'm blown away by the full =
album.=20
Whilst it's something of a departure<BR> for 12k in a =
lot of=20
respects it's still very much in line with<BR> the =
general=20
minimalist nature of the label. Antti's previous =
12"<BR> for=20
Audio.nl was clearly a good signifier for what was to=20
develop<BR> and its stripped down, quite blatantly =
Finnish=20
style Techno was<BR> very refreshing indeed and this =
wonderful=20
11 track work is heavy,<BR> deep, ultimately reduced =
and=20
really quite superb. Imagine a blend<BR> of Frank=20
Bretschneider, Mika Vainio, Pansonic and general =
early<BR> =20
Sahko releases and you're getting close to how this sounds.=20
Ultra-minimal<BR> tones and bass sounds with =
immaculately=20
heavy production and mastering<BR> coupled with some =
crisp,=20
yet subtle 4/4 beats make for a devastating<BR> and =
incredibly=20
intense experience. When he concnetrates on just<BR> =
the tones=20
there's a resonance that vibrates through your =
whole<BR> body=20
and leaves a residual impression long after the track =
has<BR> =20
finished. Simply an incredibly good album that really gets=20
into<BR> your head and an essential for fans of the=20
aforementioned labels<BR> and artists. Props to 12k =
for going=20
out on a limb and massive<BR> respect to Antti for=20
representing in a big way. Highly recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> AZ-ROTATOR - SCIENCE OF CHANCE - AD NOISEAM - =
CD=20
(ADN50CD)<BR> Bit of an Aphex / Squarepusher / u-Ziq / =
Autechre feel to this<BR> one, and again, surprisingly =
approachable and enjoyable for Ad<BR> Noiseam. Broken, =
manipulated but not too excessive beats and =
effects<BR> over=20
melancholy chords and drones. If you're into any of the=20
above,<BR> check this. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> BRETSCHNEIDER + STEINBRUCHEL - STATUS - 12K - =
CD=20
(12K1033)<BR> Restock. This, my friends, is the good =
stuff.=20
Such an incredibly<BR> potent combination of minimal,=20
experimental electronica minds<BR> is something to be =
enjoyed=20
and savoured and, believe me, theres<BR> not a wasted =
moment=20
on this entire CD. Moving effortlessly between<BR> =
deep and=20
unbelievably intricate glitch sounds, ambient =
moments<BR> of=20
pure textural exuberance and some of the phattest,=20
flattest<BR> micro-rhythms, this CD is a staggering =
piece of=20
work from beginning<BR> to end. Bretschneider and =
Steinbruchel=20
worked on this together<BR> by sending each other =
files and=20
then manipulating them and so<BR> in-sync are they =
with each=20
other that it's difficult to tell who<BR> influenced =
who the=20
most. Layers of sound, awesome production,<BR> =
surprisingly=20
funky beats... this is truly a classic album in =
the<BR> =20
making. Fans of Raster, 12k, L-ne and other labels along=20
these<BR> lines are just going to go wild for this. =
Hats off=20
to Taylor Deupree<BR> and 12k, and massive props to =
both of=20
the artists. Essential!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> CLUSTER & ENO - CLUSTER & ENO - WATER =
- CD=20
(WATER156CD)<BR> Recorded in 1977 with Brian Eno, =
Hans-Joachim=20
Roedelius and Dieter<BR> Moebius (aka Cluster) all at =
the peak=20
of their powers this superb<BR> blend of ambient =
Krautrock,=20
analogue synth drones and Cage / Neu-style<BR> =
experimentalism=20
is a must for anyone into classic Eno. Great to<BR> =
see this=20
being reissued - it's a must for anyone's=20
collection.<BR> </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> CORDELL KLIER - WINTER - AD NOISEAM - CD=20
(ADN31CD)<BR> Ad Noiseam are really on the case at the =
moment=20
- this slight<BR> change in direction has done them a =
lot of=20
favours. This could<BR> be the soundtrack to a =
particularly=20
harsh arctic winter, i suppose<BR> - this is the more =
stark,=20
eerie, intense end of the ambient genre.<BR> =
Definitely=20
comparable to 0 (Mika Vainio) or (to a lesser =
extent)<BR> =20
Raster Noton or maybe even Mille Plateaux, this is a=20
chilling<BR> but curiously addictive listen. =
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> DETRITUS - ORIGIN - AD NOISEAM - CD=20
(ADN51CD)<BR> I was expecting something a bit more =
abrasive=20
than this, but i'm<BR> quite glad i didn't get it (it =
is=20
Sunday morning after all). Actually,<BR> this is about =
the=20
musical and approachable thing i've heard on<BR> this =
label.=20
This could easily come out on AI, Seed or any =
number<BR> of=20
labels - think perhaps Phonem meets Digitonal. Although=20
the<BR> beats are a bit too upfront for the likes of=20
Expanding, this is<BR> still treading similar =
territory. A=20
really pleasant surprise.<BR> </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> DISINVECTANT - DISINVECTANT - THREE PIN =
RECORDINGS - CD=20
(VHF-002)<BR> Three Pin Recordings provide a very =
eclectic=20
selection of sounds<BR> with this mini album from=20
Disinvectant. Initially it comes across<BR> as a =
chaotic style=20
taken influences from multiple sources but<BR> not =
sticking=20
around one particular flava for too long. From =
haevy<BR> and=20
dark soundscape tracks using a massive variety of =
samples<BR> =20
and found sounds through to touches of amazingly authentic=20
folky<BR> moments and then into tracks that give away =
the more=20
contemporary<BR> influence of labels such as Skam and =
Warp.=20
Intrigiungly blended<BR> together to make a =
satisfyingly=20
challenging whole that will definitely<BR> keep you on =
your=20
toes. Well worth checking out.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> DJIF SANDERS - TO BE A BOB - DUB - CD=20
(DUBCD012)<BR> Wonderfully warm and playful =
electronica with=20
some lovely guitar<BR> work / live instrumentation =
that=20
although slightly manipulated<BR> retains a real =
musicality=20
and depth. Laptop jazz folk the 21st<BR> Century and =
beyond=20
that really should be investigated if you like<BR> =
Four Tet,=20
Savath & Savalas, Thrill Jockey and so on. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> DOUBLEVENDS VERT - CISTERN - L-NE - CD=20
(LINE_024)<BR> Doublevends Vert provide Line's first=20
acoustic-based album. And<BR> what a splendid piece of =
work=20
it. They are a four piece act that<BR> use violin, =
accordion,=20
clarinets and timbales to create dense,<BR> musical =
textures=20
and soundscapes and 'Cistern' was recorded in<BR> a =
two=20
million gallon underground reservoir in Fort Worden,=20
Washington.<BR> The sonic acoustics of the environment =
add a=20
striking quality<BR> to an already amazing sound and =
the=20
processed nature of the music<BR> is heady, intense =
and=20
incredibly hypnotic. The instruments used<BR> create a =
semi-classical feel to the music and this theme =
recurs<BR> =20
throughout. Melodic, for the most part, and arranged (albeit=20
in<BR> an improvised fashion) to perfection, there's a =
cohesive sound<BR> to everything that keeps it =
flowing. At=20
times it soars and uplifts<BR> and at others it haunts =
you...=20
surely the sign of a good album.<BR> Possibly one of =
the most=20
accessible releases so far on Line and<BR> there's =
absolutely=20
nothing wrong with that. Recommended? You bet.<BR> =
With knobs=20
on.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> ENDUSER - CALLING ALL VULTURES - SUBLIGHT - =
CD=20
(SLR901CD)<BR> Dark, edgey mish mash of breaks, =
electronica,=20
up & down tempo<BR> & some nice edits in =
there, a=20
little of everything (well, almost<BR> everything!). =
The=20
Emphasis though has to be on the darkness, it's<BR> =
not to be=20
listened to in a darkened room when your feeling a =
bit<BR> =20
down......</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> GASMAN - MULTIPLEX - SUBLIGHT - CD=20
(SLR801CD)<BR> A fairly dark, heavy on the rhythm as =
opposed=20
to the melody, CD<BR> of tricky laptop electronica =
with some=20
drum & bass style editing<BR> on the breaks. An =
abundance=20
of glitchy, clicky tracks that have<BR> some very =
interesting=20
moments......</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> JANE - COCONUTS - PSYCH-O-PATH - CD=20
(PSP012CD)<BR> Reissue of the much sought after first=20
collaboration between Noah<BR> Lennox aka Panda Bear =
of Animal=20
Collective and DJ Scott Mou aka<BR> Queens. An =
electronics /=20
turntables / vocal "space jam" (apparently)<BR> that's =
as=20
addictive as it is other-worldly. The right =
balance<BR> =20
between improvisation and still remain listenable! </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> LAPSED - TWILIGHT - AD NOISEAM - CD=20
(ADN34CD)<BR> More Ad Noiseam releases that you can =
shake a=20
stick at this week.<BR> Minimal electronics here, =
going for=20
the low key approach. Again,<BR> if you're into =
Expanding,=20
U-Cover, Cactus Island, maybe even Static<BR> =
Caravan's more=20
mellow forays into electronica. I detected a hint<BR> =
of=20
Obliq, if anyone remember's Multicast's label. Excellent=20
semi-ambient<BR> gear. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> MAGWHEELS / STONE GLASS STEEL - PANE - AD =
NOISEAM - CD=20
(ADN30CD)<BR> This is impressive. Magwheels gives us =
another=20
set of epic ambient<BR> / dronescapes a la Stars Of =
The Lid,=20
Kranky, Labradford, Rothko,<BR> Eno. The final two =
(extended)=20
tracks come courtesy of Stone Glass<BR> Steel, who i'm =
not=20
familiar with but they add a real intensity<BR> to the =
set.=20
Moody and doomy at times but uplifting at others,<BR> =
this is=20
not one to just be overlooked. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> OBFUSC - WROUGHT FROM THE WALLS - OBFUSC - =
CDR=20
(UNKNOWN)<BR> Nice to get hold of some copies of this =
limited=20
little CDR release.<BR> Obfusc has had several tracks =
on=20
several compilations and this<BR> is a very pleasant 5 =
track=20
EP made up of chilled out, mellow classic<BR> =20
Electronica sounds. Simple but very effective melodies and=20
rock<BR> solid downtempo beats make for an engaging =
selection=20
and fans<BR> of Expanding, Toytronic, Boltfish or=20
Clickclickdrone should seriously<BR> investigate this. =
Excellent stuff.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> PULSE PROGRAMMING - TULSA FOR ONE SECOND =
REMIX PROJECT=20
- AESTHETICS - CD (AST40)<BR> Kicking off with a =
beautiful=20
piano and strings-led reworking by<BR> Sylvain =
Chauveau, this=20
radical Pulse Programming remix project<BR> also =
features=20
Hood, Nudge, Static, Laub, Schneider TM, Other =
People's<BR> =20
Children, Ghislain Poirier, Barbara Morgenstern, Kohn and B.=20
Fleischmann.<BR> Keeping the integrity of the =
originals intact=20
yet at the same<BR> time as adding a whole new =
dimension and=20
depth to the originals,<BR> this is one of those remix =
project=20
that really works (and so it<BR> should with artists =
of this=20
calibre involved). Actually, i think<BR> i prefer this =
to the=20
original album (which wasn't bad to start<BR> with). =
Highly=20
recommended. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> SAWAKO - HUM - 12K - CD =
(12K1035)<BR> =20
Japanese artist Sawako's work is concerned with the=20
manipulation<BR> and processing of organic and =
electronic=20
sounds and the creation<BR> of delicate yet full =
sounding=20
tracks that fully expoit the range<BR> of her talents. =
'Hum'=20
is a delicious cocktail of flavours that<BR> is =
friendly,=20
charming and engaging right from the outset. =
Magical<BR> tones=20
and textures are conjured from the most everyday of=20
scenarios<BR> and the incidental recordings of found =
sounds=20
adds a personal<BR> level to the recordings. Always=20
warm, but with the occasional<BR> challenging =
moment,=20
this CD is similar at times to the work of<BR> Keiichi =
Sugimoto (Minamo / Fourcolor) or Greg Davis, but has =
less<BR> =20
of a strict feel and with musical contributions from both=20
Taylor<BR> Deupree and Kenneth Kirschner, you're =
absolutey=20
guaranteed to<BR> be getting pure quality. Beautiful,=20
heartwarming and an absolute<BR> must for fans of =
ambient,=20
atmospheric music everywhere. Highly<BR> =20
recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> SINEBAG - PRES DE LA LISIERE - AHORNFELDER - =
CD=20
(AH02D)<BR> If you're a fan of Hapna, 12k, Line etc, =
give this=20
a whirl. Veering<BR> from extremely minimal birdcall=20
soundscapes to beautifully melancholic<BR> and relaxed =
guitar=20
and piano pieces, this is almost like an =
incredibly<BR> =20
relaxed Mum (that's the Icelandic band, not yer mother)=20
'jamming'<BR> (for want of a better word) with Richard =
Chartier or Taylor Deupree<BR> (or any of those other =
minimal=20
blokes Mike likes). Absolutely<BR> lovely, actually, =
unlike=20
this description which is probably a<BR> bit pants.=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> SONS OF SAMUEL VOLCANO - TWO BROTHERS - THREE =
PIN=20
RECORDINGS - CD (VHF-003)<BR> The second release for =
us from=20
Three Pin Recordings this week<BR> sees Sons of Samuel =
Volcano=20
creating an unearthly noise that uses<BR> a vast array =
of=20
sounds, styles and samples to create a mindbending<BR> =
collection of tracks. From Avant Garde experimentalism=20
through<BR> to some intense and exceedingly dark =
spoken-word=20
pieces it absolutely<BR> packs the tracks full of =
interesting=20
things to get your ears around.<BR> At times it's =
haunting and=20
at others it gets into some heavy Hip<BR> Hop-esque=20
Electronica beats in a Skam-ish sort of way. =
Solid,<BR> =20
entertaining and challenging... worth getting your ears=20
around<BR> I'd say! </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> TARMVRED - VIVA 6581 - AD NOISEAM - CD=20
(ADN32CD)<BR> A four-track EP by J. (Johann?) =
Johansson and J.=20
Hedberg that<BR> frankly kicks arse. Distorted beats =
and=20
bleeps blended with cute<BR> SID chip melodies; think =
a=20
particularly nightmarish computer game<BR> soundtrack =
that's=20
actually still quite chirpy and upbeat. Very<BR> =
lively stuff=20
with a tremendously gritty feel to it that's =
equally<BR> great=20
fun. Reminds me a bit of Jega, actually, only rougher. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> TAYLOR DEUPREE + KENNETH KIRSCHNER - =
POST_PIANO 2 - 12K=20
- CD (12K1032)<BR> Restock. This, the thirty-second =
release=20
from 12k is a very potent<BR> combination indeed. =
Anyone=20
familiar with Kenneth Kirschner's previous<BR> work on =
12k,=20
net.label Autoplate or his own website will know<BR> =
just how=20
startlingly deep and multi-layered his sound pieces =
prove<BR> =20
to be. Mainly based around the manipulation of pianos, the=20
tracks<BR> morph and progress, spiralling into =
textural /=20
found-sound beauty<BR> with only hints and fragments =
of=20
ghostly refrains left in the<BR> mix. Add to this the=20
re-manipulations performed by 12k boss Taylor<BR> =
Deupree and=20
you end up with four etheral sounding pieces that<BR> =
will=20
lull your subconcious into a truly hypnotic state. =
White<BR> =20
noise, glitches and background sounds that border on the=20
disturbing<BR> and, of course, the subtle piano =
phrasing all=20
combine to make<BR> a beautiful and important album =
for the=20
minimalist electronic<BR> scene. Highly=20
recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> TERRESTRIAL TONES - BLASTED - PSYCH-O-PATH - =
CD=20
(CDPSP11)<BR> Terrestrial tones is Eric Copeland (of =
Black=20
Dice) and Dave Portner<BR> (aka Avey Tare of Animal=20
Collective). "For fans of early Faust,<BR> Throbbing =
Gristle=20
and Dat Politics", it says here, which sounds<BR> fair =
enough.=20
It's a fairly experimental melee of reverb, noise,<BR> =
deep=20
rumbling effects, and sinister tones. Whilst not =
exactly<BR> =20
overpowering, this is pushing the envelope when it comes to=20
ambient.<BR> If you like the result of their day jobs, =
give=20
this a spin. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> THOMAS BRINKMANN - LUCKY HANDS - MAX ERNST - =
CD=20
(MAXERNSTCD9)<BR> Generally speaking too downbeat and=20
introverted to be filed under<BR> Techno/Electro, this =
combines moody vocals, subtle musicianship,<BR> =
songwriting=20
and deep production to strong effect. Reminiscent<BR> =
of=20
Tarwater, To Rococo Rot, Static and that whole Stefan=20
Schneider<BR> stable of artists, this contains a =
barely=20
recognisable, ultra<BR> post-modern cover of =
Morrissey's "The=20
More You Ignore Me, The<BR> Closer I Get" (oh, =
Schneider TM,=20
so much to answer for).... </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - POP AMBIENT 2006 - KOMPAKT - CD=20
(KOMCD47)<BR> As another year draws to a close, why =
not=20
indulge yourself in<BR> that most luxurious and =
comforting of=20
winter releases, the annual<BR> Pop Ambient =
compilation from=20
Kompakt? In all honesty this is another<BR> beautiful=20
selection of tracks by Uli Teichmann, Pass Into =
Silence,<BR> =20
Markus Guentner, Dirk Leyers, The Orb, Klimek, Andrew=20
Thomas,<BR> Ulf Lohmann, Kohncke & Heimermann, =
Triola,=20
Popnoname and Mikkel<BR> Metal. These albums have =
pretty much=20
become the benchmark of contemporary<BR> ambient =
electronica=20
by which all others must be judged, and =
considering<BR> this=20
(to me) sounds like the best volume in two or three =
years,<BR> =20
this trend looks set to continue. Simply tremendous stuff. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - THE SEVEN SEALS OF SUBURBAN CITY - =
SLEEPY=20
CITY - CD (SLC004CD)<BR> A joint venture between two =
fledgling=20
labels; Sleepy City and<BR> Suburban Trash. Overall =
this is a=20
very accessible electronica<BR> album, with influences =
ranging=20
from early-mid Warp to u-Ziq to<BR> the more =
contemporary=20
sounds on labels such as Expanding, AI,<BR> Seed, =
Uncharted=20
Audio, Highpoint Lowlife etc. Features Mr =
Incognito,<BR> =20
Toxedo and many unknowns but is certainly worth a listen. =
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VORPAL - AN INCOMPLETE GUIDE TO VORPAL MUSIC =
- COCK=20
ROCK DISCO - CD (CROCK004)<BR> Super random, low =
attention=20
span music which has some wonderful<BR> moments, =
interspersed=20
with some comedy bonkers ones. in summary;<BR> =20
laptop......</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>Restocks (CD): Electronica</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> 154 - STRIKE - DELSIN - CD=20
(27DSR/NWA-CD1)<BR> STUNNING LONG PLAYER FROM ROSS 154 =
AKA NEW=20
WORLD AQUARIUM WHICH<BR> IS A MISSING CATALOGUE NUMBER =
FROM=20
THE DELSIN BACK CATALOGUE.<BR> KICKING OFF WITH SOME =
TRADEMARK=20
DRIFTING ELECTRONICA SOUNDS WITH<BR> THAT N.W.A. =
FLOATING=20
SOUND IT SOON DEVELOPS INTO A SLIGHTLY MORE<BR> BEAT=20
ORIENTATED BEAST WITH LUSH INSTRUMENTATION, DETROIT=20
INSPIRED<BR> STRINGS AND PADS AND WONDERFULLY DENSE =
BEATS.=20
THIS ONE IS SOMTHING<BR> REALLY SPECIAL. DON'T MISS=20
OUT!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> CASSETTEBOY - THE PARKER TAPES - BARRY'S =
BOOTLEGS - CD=20
(BAZ004CD)<BR> Cut & paste fun and games from =
Cassetteboy=20
here. Snipping samples<BR> from just about every =
source you=20
can imagine and spreading them<BR> liberally across 98 =
tracks,=20
this has every kind of music you can<BR> imagine plus =
loads of=20
amusing spoken word bits. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> FAULTLINE - CLOSER COLDER - LEAF - CD=20
(BAY12CD)<BR> Extremely underrated debut album from =
David=20
Kosten, with a whole<BR> host of additional players =
(strings,=20
guitars, vocals etc). Stark,<BR> confrontational, =
chilling=20
modern electronic classical, as beautiful<BR> as it is =
disturbing. The closing track ("Partyline Honey") =
is<BR> =20
perhaps the most memorable (for reasons i'll let you=20
discover).<BR> Peerless stuff from this now rather =
forgotten=20
artist. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> FLORENCE / EAST ISLAND - ASSEMBLED 019/020 - =
EEVO LUTE=20
- 12" (EEVOCD6)<BR> A classic CD that takes a =
collection of=20
tracks from these two<BR> artists from Eevo Lute and =
puts them=20
together on one CD. This<BR> Dutch Electronica sound =
still=20
comes across as fresh and timeless<BR> and with such =
quality=20
artists you're guaranteed to be getting<BR> the best =
sound.=20
Wonderful stuff and, I believe, these are actually<BR> =
original copies!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> LUKE VIBERT - LOVER'S ACID - PLANET MU - CD=20
(ZIQ098CD)<BR> THIS STOPGAP NEW LUKE VIBERT ALBUM =
COMPILES HIS=20
THREE PLANET MU<BR> 12"S RELEASED OVER THE YEARS - AND =
THEY=20
COULDN'T SOUND ANY MORE<BR> CURRENT (ONE OF THEM IS =
CURRENT,=20
OF COURSE!). A TOTAL OF TWELVE<BR> TRACKS, INCLUDING =
ONE=20
ENTITLED "ANALORD" FROM YEARS BACK, WHICH<BR> IS =
INTERESTING=20
CONSIDERING HOW MUCH SOME OF THESE TRACKS SOUND<BR> =
LIKE THE=20
RECENT AFX 12"S, ALBEIT WITH THAT UNMISTAKABLE =
VIBERT<BR> =20
FLAVA. A WICKED CD, ESSENTIAL TO FANS WHO DIDN'T BUY THE =
12"S.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> PIANO MAGIC - SEASONALLY AFFECTIVE - ROCKET =
GIRL - 2xCD=20
(RGIRL31)<BR> Excellent double CD from Piano Magic - a =
retrospective of 1996<BR> to 2000. The first thing =
you'll=20
notice is how diverse the tracks<BR> are, equally =
being at=20
ease with glitch, melody, experimentalism<BR> and =
traditional=20
song structures. An abundance of instruments =
feature,<BR> as=20
well as many voices. Tremendous. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> PIANO MAGIC - SON DE MAR - 4AD - CD=20
(MAD2105CD)<BR> This is superb, capturing Piano Magic =
at the=20
most expansive and<BR> dreamy. This soundtrack to =
Bigas Luna's=20
film 'Son De Mar' blends<BR> haunting strings, =
mournful=20
melodies and subtle beats in a sort<BR> of combination =
of=20
electronics and post rock. Absolutely beautiful.<BR> =20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> PREFUSE 73 - VOCAL STUDIES + UPROCK =
NARRATIVES - WARP -=20
CD (WARPCD83)<BR> Here it is then! The debut album =
from Savath=20
& Savalas main man<BR> Scott Herren. Phat as you =
like=20
broken hip hop beats with that<BR> electronic touch =
and a=20
melodic feel. This material is really,<BR> really =
fresh -=20
remember how much you used to like DJ Shadow? =
Cracking<BR> =20
stuff. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> RYOJI IKEDA - OoC - TOUCH - CD=20
(TO:38)<BR> Classic Touch releases are always of =
interest, and=20
with Ryoji<BR> Ikeda on board, you're always in for an =
eventful ride particularly<BR> with this timely and =
long=20
awaited reissue of 1998's OoC. Blasts<BR> of static, =
white=20
noise, ultra crisp glitch effects a la Raster<BR> =
Noton,=20
microsamples, cut-up percussion, distant hums and =
bleeps<BR> =20
combine across this intricately constructed, often=20
challenging<BR> but still accessible soundscape. Those =
into=20
the slightly more<BR> experimental end of Raster Noton =
will=20
enjoy this. Imagine every<BR> 12k / Line release =
played at=20
once.... </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> SECEDE - TRYSHASIA - SENDING ORBS - CD=20
(SO002CD)<BR> You may remember Secede from their very =
well=20
received album (at<BR> least as far Smallfish is =
concerned)=20
from 2003 on Merck. This<BR> is an even more ambient =
affair,=20
often very blissed out and floaty,<BR> a la The Orb, =
Eno etc=20
with that Seventies analogue sound in full<BR> effect. =
Think a=20
much more approachable, twinklier, sweeter 0 (aka<BR> =
Mika=20
Vainio) and you're getting there. Delightful. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> SHADOW HUNTAZ - VALLEY OF THE SHADOW - SKAM - =
CD=20
(SKACD018)<BR> Raw, grimey, electronic hip hop is the =
order of=20
the day here,<BR> a sound that the shadow huntaz have=20
mastered. skittering, nervous<BR> beats that underpin =
edgey,=20
world weary rhymes (in there delivery<BR> more so than =
there=20
content). Frentic hip hop that is never an<BR> easy =
listen, to=20
these ears at least.......</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> TAPE - RIDEAU - HAPNA - CD =
(H.25)<BR> =20
I'm ashamed to admit that I'm still a relative newcomer to=20
Tape's<BR> gorgeous music, but with that in mind it's =
a=20
genuine pleasure<BR> to find yet another reason to =
love his=20
sounds in the shape of<BR> this delightful CD on =
Hapna. 5=20
tracks of beautifully organic tunes<BR> with a =
post-rock=20
influence as well as what sounds like a =
traditional<BR> =20
Scandinavian feel as well. Mix this with a series of=20
ultra-gentle<BR> electronic elements and manipulations =
and=20
you've got yourself<BR> a low-key, yet absolutely =
enchanting=20
piece of work. Highly, highly<BR> =
recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> TO ROCOCO ROT - .CD - KITTY YO - CD=20
(EFA5512012)<BR> To my knowledge this is To Rococo =
Rot's debut=20
album, featuring<BR> the classic line-up of the Lippok =
brothers on keyboards and drums,<BR> and Stefan =
Schneider on=20
bass, organ and turntables. The birth<BR> of the =
nu-Krautrock=20
sound of which they became associated with,<BR> you =
might=20
argue. Great stuff. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - EVERYTHING IS GREEN - TOYTRONIC - =
CD=20
(TOY18)<BR> WELL, THESE ARE GONNA ABSOLUTELY ZIP OUT =
THE DOOR.=20
THIS BUDGET-PRICED<BR> SAMPLER SHOWCASES TO PERFECTION =
ONE OF=20
BRITAIN'S LEADING ELECTRONICA<BR> LABELS. FEATURED ARE =
THE=20
LIKES OF ABFAHRT HINWILL, NUM NUM, GIMMIK,<BR> MAPS =
&=20
DIAGRAMS, CULTEK, BOC SCADET, LOW PROFILE SOCIETY, =
PHASE<BR> =20
MOJO, OCHRE AND OTHERS. UNMISSABLE.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>New Releases (CD): Techno / Electro</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> CARL CRAIG - THE ALBUM FORMERLY KNOWN AS... - =
RUSHHOUR=20
- CD (RH102CD)<BR> So, Rushhour have picked up the =
rights to=20
release the CD of this<BR> album, eh? Interesting... =
It's=20
fundamentally the same as the vinyl<BR> version which =
is=20
fundamentally the same as the original =
Landcruising<BR> but=20
with alternate edits and a few new tracks. I must admit=20
though<BR> that it really does sound better now than =
when it=20
originally came<BR> out. A pure selection of Detroit =
Techno as=20
only a few people can<BR> do it. Soulful, warm, but =
very=20
technical. A classic release.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> JAKEONE - ONE YEAR OF FLAMEBOY - FLAMEBOY - =
CD=20
(FLAMECD01)<BR> Flameboy Records after their first =
year with a=20
retrospective of<BR> the labels output, mixed by =
Jakeone. To=20
their own description,<BR> bastatrdised off-kilter =
club music=20
from different genres. Certainly<BR> focusing on the =
stranger=20
side of electro and weirder techno griooves,<BR> this =
is a=20
very entertaining mix, sure to get the weekend =
started...<BR> =20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> TERRACE - INTERESTING TIMES - EEVO LUTE - CD=20
(EEVOCD8)<BR> Terrace finally puts out a new album and =
it's a=20
goodie. Pulling<BR> together the kind of vintage =
Detroit=20
sounds that he's become well<BR> respected for over =
the years=20
you end up with an album that's old-school,<BR> =
new-school,=20
surprisingly pacey and full of just brilliant =
Techno<BR> =20
tracks. A super release that'll really put Stefan Robbers'=20
name<BR> back on the map (as if it ever disappeared of =
it!).=20
Class.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>Restocks (CD): Techno / Electro</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> JUAN ATKINS - THE BERLIN SESSIONS - TRESOR - =
CD=20
(TRESOR215CD)<BR> YES, THIS REALLY IS A NEW JUAN =
ATKINS LP ON=20
TRESOR - AND I'M PERSONALLY<BR> QUITE SURPRISED HOW =
STRONG IT=20
IS. IT'S ALMOST A RETURN TO HIS<BR> OLD SKOOL SOUND. =
SIX=20
TRACKS OF SERIOUS DANCEFLOOR TECHNO FROM<BR> THE OLD =
MASTER=20
THAT WILL DEFINITELY GET PEOPLE MOVING AND =
SHAKING.<BR> BEST=20
TRESOR IN AGES!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> TERRACE - KONNEKT - EEVO LUTE - CD=20
(EEVOCD7)<BR> Classic selection of tracks from the =
Terrace=20
back catalogue. Mostly<BR> made up of the 'Konnekt' =
and=20
'Konnekt Remix' 12" EPs along with<BR> a couple of =
bonus=20
tracks, this really is the finest in Detroit<BR> =
tinged Dutch=20
Techno / Electronica from the incredibly fertile<BR> =
period of=20
the mid '90's. Timeless and still sounding great =
today.<BR> =20
Essential.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - ELEKTRONISCHE MUSIK - =
INTERKONTINENTAL 4 -=20
TRAUM - CD (TRAUMCD17)<BR> HUGELY IMPRESSIVE FOURTH=20
INSTALLMENT OF THIS FIRMLY ESTABLISHED<BR> SERIES THAT =
SEES=20
THE LIKES OF OLIVER HACKE, PETER SCHUMANN, =
SWAT-SQUAD,<BR> =20
NATHAN FAKE, TERRAE, DOMINK EULBERG, JESSE SOMFAY, STEVE=20
BARNES<BR> & RILEY REINHOLD, OFF POP AND POPNEBO =
ALL=20
DELIVERING SUPERBLY<BR> WICKED TECHNO TRACKS. TAKE MY =
WORD FOR=20
IT... THIS IS BRILLIANT<BR> STUFF AND COMES HIGHLY=20
RECOMMENDED.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>New Releases (CD): House</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - BOOGIE WONDERLAND - UNKNOWN - CD=20
(BW001)<BR> One whole hour of classic (and, at times, =
quite=20
rare) Funk, Soul,<BR> Boogie and Disco mixed by Alex =
Attias.=20
Absolutely spot on for<BR> popping on if you've got =
some=20
people round and fancy a bit of<BR> a =
groove!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>New Releases (CD): Hip Hop</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> BIGG JUS - POOR PEOLPLES DAY - MUSH - CD=20
(MH239CD)<BR> Hard hitting concious rhymes from this =
one time=20
member of Company<BR> Flo. Slow, fairly heavy beats =
with=20
rhymes that certainly match<BR> that mood in flow =
&=20
delivery. If you like your hip hop independent<BR> and =
with a=20
grimey kind of soul, then look no further.....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>New Releases (CD): Guitar Based</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> BRENDON ANDEREGG - FALLING AIR - PSYCH-O-PATH =
- CD=20
(CDPSP11)<BR> Although kicking off with a fairly epic =
ambient=20
drone marathon,<BR> this soon heads into downtempo =
folk=20
singer/songwriter territory<BR> maybe comparable to =
David=20
Grubbs, Alasdair Roberts, Kepler or<BR> (at a push) =
Xiu Xiu.=20
The arrangements are subtle and intricate,<BR> the =
vocals very=20
nice, the songs warm and memorable. What more<BR> does =
one=20
need? </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> CIRCLE - GUILLOTINE - EKTRO - CD=20
(EKTRO024)<BR> Dark, moody, droney doom rock (thanks =
to mike=20
for that!). One<BR> for fans of sunn O))), Earth and =
some=20
other bands who i've yet<BR> to hear or have =
confirmation of=20
their existence........</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> CIRCLE - TULIKOIRA - EKTRO - CD=20
(EKTR033)<BR> Very dark thrashy rock with a prog feel, =
mainly=20
due to the elongated<BR> compositions. Just 4 tracks =
here, of=20
which the shortest is 8 minutes.<BR> For fans of Sunn =
O))),=20
earth etc...</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> CLIENTELE, THE - THE VIOLET HOUR - MERGE - CD =
(MRG217)<BR> Great debut album proper (if you don't =
count the=20
"Suburban Light"<BR> compilation) from The Clientele, =
a=20
British band doing well in<BR> the States but =
remaining=20
(somewhat bafflingly) overlooked in their<BR> =
homeland. Their=20
trademark compressed sixties pop production sound<BR> =
draws=20
comparisons with Joe Meek, although there are none of =
his<BR> =20
eccentricities, just uncomplicated, beautiful songs full of=20
emotion.<BR> If you've never heard of them, this is a =
perfect=20
place to start.<BR> </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> COCTEAU TWINS - LULLABIES TO VIOLAINE - 4AD - =
4xCD=20
(CTBOX2)<BR> For those perhaps not initiated enough to =
decode=20
the title, this<BR> 4xCD collection compiles every =
Cocteau=20
Twins single and EP track<BR> from beginning to end, =
from the=20
debut EP "Lullabies" on 4AD, to<BR> non-album singles =
such as=20
"Pearly Dewdrops' Drops" and "Aikea<BR> Guinea" to the =
"Tiny=20
Dynamine" and "Echoes In A Shallow Bay" EPs<BR> to all =
the=20
post-4AD Fontana/Mercury material (including those<BR> =
rare=20
Christmas covers and the stunning "Otherness" EP =
featuring<BR> =20
the four remixes by Seefeel's Mark Clifford, surely the=20
highlight<BR> of that period). Very attractively =
packaged (as=20
you can imagine),<BR> this is the sort of item that's=20
impossible to resist even if you<BR> already own every =
track=20
that's on here (sadly there are no unreleased<BR> gems =
- a DVD=20
with all the videos on, for example, would have =
been<BR> a=20
nice extra too). What more can i say? Regular readers of=20
these<BR> descriptions will know of my undying love =
for Les=20
Cocteaus, easily<BR> one of my favourite bands of all =
time, so=20
it just leaves me to<BR> reiterate that at least the =
first two=20
discs contain some of the<BR> greatest music ever =
recorded.=20
Will we ever see their like again?<BR> </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> DUTCH HARBOR - WHERE THE SEA BREAKS IT'S BACK =
-=20
ATAVISTIC - CD (ALP85CD)<BR> Great to see this =
repressed. The=20
original film soundtrack on one<BR> (albeit very =
underplayed)=20
epic CD. Performed with the Boxhead<BR> Ensemble with =
(among=20
others) Jim O'Rourke, David Grubbs, Will<BR> Oldham, =
Douglas=20
McCombs (Tortoise), Rick Rizzo (Eleventh Dream<BR> =
Day) and=20
Ken Vandermark, this is quite simply beautiful. If =
you<BR> =20
like your music shallow and superficial, don't bother. For=20
the<BR> rest of you - this is superb. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> F*CK-OFF MACHETE - IF GOLD WAS SILVER AND =
SILVER WAS=20
GOLD - HIGHPOINT LOWLIFE - CD (HPLL016)<BR> Highpoint =
Lowlife=20
surprise once again with a release that will<BR> shake =
you by=20
the collar and them lob you around with its punky<BR> =
indie=20
sensibilities. I can't stress enough how good it is to=20
have<BR> a reliable label that's absolutely not afraid =
to do=20
what they<BR> want, when they want and although this =
may scare=20
away some of<BR> the Electronica fans, you'll find =
that it's=20
such a lively bit<BR> of guitar thrunge that it's hard =
to=20
resist. Includes an excellent<BR> bonus video as well. =
Give it=20
a whirl.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> FUTURE BIBLE HEROES - I'M LONELY (AND I LOVE =
IT) -=20
MERGE - CD (MRG178)<BR> Future Bible Heroes is the =
synth pop=20
alter ego of Stephin Merritt<BR> and Claudia Gonson of =
The=20
Magnetic Fields (in collaboration with<BR> Christopher =
Ewen).=20
This never-released-in-the-UK 5-track EP /<BR> =
mini-album from=20
2000 sees them on ever fine form. As well as an<BR> =
alternate=20
version of "Hopeless" (from the "Memories Of Love" =
album)<BR> =20
come four tracks not available anywhere else. Also included=20
is<BR> a recipe for sponge cake (honestly!). If you're =
a=20
Merritt fan,<BR> fill the gap in your collection =
forthwith.=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> GALAXIE 500 - PEEL SESSIONS - BBC - CD=20
(20202002CD)<BR> Finally, these two Peel Sessions =
(from 1989=20
and 1990) get freed<BR> from the BBC vaults. Too =
haunting to=20
be twee pop yet too gentle<BR> to be shoegazing, it's=20
interesting to hear Damon, Naomi and Dean<BR> without =
their=20
usual producer Kramer - the sound is a lot more<BR> =
like one=20
would hear live. Some interesting choices of cover =
on<BR> here=20
(Sex Pistols, Young Marble Giants, Buffy Sainte Marie,=20
Jonathan<BR> Richman). This band invented Low - fact! =
Terrific=20
stuff. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> GROWING - HIS RETURN - TROUBLEMAN UNLIMITED - =
CD=20
(TMU157CD)<BR> Growing you will of course remember =
from their=20
very fine albums<BR> on Kranky. Coming across a bit =
like a=20
Prog Fennesz, these three<BR> minor epics are really =
quite=20
impressive in their stature. Think<BR> Labradford at =
their=20
peak (ie, the first two albums), Stars Of<BR> The Lid =
gone a=20
bit psychedelic / Tangerine Dream. Yes, this =
really<BR> does=20
work a treat (should my comparisons be putting you =
off!).<BR> =20
Sonic Cathedrals Of Sound.... </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> HUNTERS LOAF - SOLOMANS RADIO - UNLABEL - CD=20
(UN031)<BR> A fairly mellow instrumental rock CD is =
what we=20
have here. It<BR> does have a few heavier moments but =
nothing=20
that gets to get too<BR> carried away with. This only =
has a=20
limited run of 300! get in<BR> =
there......</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> JAMES COOPER - SECOND SEASON - WHITEWASH - CD =
(WWSSCD001)<BR> Local talent James Cooper releases his =
impressively-produced,<BR> nicely-priced debut album. =
With the=20
current vogue for singer/songwriters<BR> in this vein, =
it=20
wouldn't surprise me if we heard a lot more from<BR> =
James in=20
the near future. Hell, James Blunt made it with a =
lot<BR> less=20
talent than this guy. I'd happily put a fiver on one of=20
his<BR> songs appearing on a future episode of The OC, =
you=20
mark my words!<BR> </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> JESUS WITH ME - S/T - PSYCH-O-PATH - CD=20
(CDPSP010)<BR> Psych freakout material from the band =
that=20
features some of the<BR> founding members of the =
Psych-o-path=20
label. One to check me thinks....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> LEGENDARY PINK DOTS, THE - 9 LIVES TO WONDER =
-=20
SOLEILMOON - CD (SOL30CD)<BR> A reissue here of the =
bands 1995=20
CD with the bands prog/folk/punk<BR> sound stamped all =
over=20
it. is it home time yet????</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> MA RAINEY - HUSTLIN BLUES - BLUE ORCHID - CD=20
(BLUE203CD)<BR> 2 cd's with 53 of big Ma's bustling =
blues.=20
Recorded between 1923<BR> -28 this comes with some =
great=20
sleeve notes and is a nice price!<BR> have a=20
listen....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> MARA CARLYLE - BABY BLOODHEART - ACCIDENTAL - =
CD=20
(AC23CDS)<BR> The sultry jazz stylings of female =
crooner Mara=20
Carlyle remind<BR> one of an unlikely melding of Jeff =
Buckley,=20
Bjork, Francois Breut,<BR> Dido and Psapp. Sorry, but =
these=20
descriptions don't write themselves,<BR> you know! The =
girl=20
can certainly sing, and the arrangements are<BR> =
pleasant=20
enough, i just wish it had a bit more bite to it. I =
mean,<BR> =20
there's actually a Robert Palmer cover on here! </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> MOONDOG - THE VIKING OF SIXTH AVENUE - HONEST =
JONS - CD=20
(HJRCD18)<BR> An absolutely fascinating and utterly=20
captivating compilation<BR> of the works of avant-folk =
/=20
leftfield jazz artist Moondog. Considering<BR> much of =
this=20
work dates from the fifties, it's incredible how<BR> =
ahead of=20
his time he was. His other-worldly take on American =
and<BR> =20
European jazz puts Sun Ra to shame, predating him by many=20
years.<BR> Hypnotic and enchanting music that has to =
be heard=20
to be believed!<BR> </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> MUSIC AND MOVEMENT - THIS IS... - NEWTOWN - =
CD=20
(CENTRE001CD)<BR> This is a new name to me, but they =
sound=20
influenced by Yo La Tengo,<BR> The Pastels and Beat =
Happening.=20
Male and female vocals gently<BR> brushing up against =
each=20
other over a gently lo-fi, uncomplicated<BR> backing. =
There's=20
also a bit of a Sarah / twee-pop ethic thing<BR> going =
on. I=20
rather enjoyed this and so should you. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> QUINTRON & MISS PUSSYCAT - SWAMP TECH - =
TRANSSOLAR=20
- CD + DVD (SOL032CD)<BR> The sleazy, slightly bizarre =
world=20
of Quintron and his ever-able<BR> assistant Miss =
Pussycat.=20
Falling somewhere between Jamie Lidell<BR> and the Jon =
Spencer=20
Blues Explosion, exotica stalwart Quintron<BR> returns =
with=20
his drum buddies and Posh Paws look-a-like cover<BR> =
star. As=20
strange as it is entertaining. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> SAMARA LUBELSKI - SPECTACULAR OF PASSAGES - =
THE SOCIAL=20
REGISTRY - CD (TSR022CD)<BR> A wonderful collection of =
10 soft=20
& fragile songs with some lovely<BR> =
instrumentation &=20
arrangements.Trumpets, cellos, flutes, fender<BR> =
rhodes,=20
violas, are all woven into the songs, and all are =
used<BR> =20
tastfully. Recommended.....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> SIGHTINGS - MICHIGAN HATERS - PSYCH-O-PATH - =
CD=20
(CDPSP4)<BR> I could'nt have put it better myself =
"This is how=20
i would have<BR> imaged groups that followed in the =
footsteps=20
of Throbbing Gristle<BR> & Coil to have sounded =
twenty=20
years after the fact" - I couldnt<BR> have put it more =
succinctly myself. Mainly due to the fact that<BR> =
it's been a=20
very busy day and i havent got time to give =
everything<BR> a=20
good listen and the box'es of records are pilling up=20
behind<BR> me. I hope they dont topple =
over....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> SYLVAIN CHAUVEAU & ENSEMBLE NOCTURNE - =
DOWN TO THE=20
BONE - LES DISQUES DU SOLEIL - CD (DSA54093CD)<BR> =
Well now,=20
what do we make of this? Respected contemporary =
composer<BR> =20
Sylvain Chauveau deconstructs eleven Depeche Mode songs,=20
reworking<BR> them into piano-led ballads. The =
arrangements=20
are quite beautiful,<BR> adding cello, viola, guitars =
and=20
(inaudible to these ears) electronics.<BR> Sylvain =
himself=20
takes the role of Dave Gahan (no, it's not =
instrumental,<BR> =20
which may divide people), and fair play to him, he doesn't=20
have<BR> a bad voice. Whether you're a DM fan, a =
Chauveau fan,=20
or a Max<BR> Richter fan (he'd maybe do it something =
like=20
this), you're gonna<BR> at least want to hear this in =
order to=20
form a true opinion on<BR> it. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> TOMMY PELTIER FEAT. JUDEE SILL - CHARIOT OF =
ASTRAL=20
LIGHT - BLACK BEAUTY - CD (BB72008CD)<BR> With a =
similar sound=20
to Tom Rapp / Pearls Before Swine, Tommy<BR> Peltier's =
unreleased early seventies psychedelic folk album =
includes<BR> =20
Judee Sill on vocals, guitar and keyboards. Have a listen. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - NEVER THE SAME - HONEST JONS - CD=20
(HJRCD19)<BR> Another compelling historical document =
unearthed=20
by Honest Jons.<BR> Subtitled "Leave-taking from the =
British=20
folk revival 1970-77",<BR> this is gritty, extremely =
authentic=20
and staunchly traditional<BR> stuff compiled from the =
vaults=20
of Bill Leader's Trailer label.<BR> Obscure but highly =
recommended to hardcore folkies everywhere.<BR> =
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - 1980 FORWARD - 4AD - CD=20
(TAD2525CD)<BR> This could well be the greatest ever=20
bargain-priced label sampler<BR> ever! Commemorating =
25 years=20
of 4AD, this brings together old<BR> names and new; =
Cocteau=20
Twins, The Birthday Party, His Name Is<BR> Alive, Pale =
Saints=20
(what a band!), The Breeders, Throwing Muses,<BR> =
Pixies,=20
Belly, Dead Can Dance, The Wolfgang Press, Red House=20
Painters,<BR> TV On The Radio, The Mountain Goats, =
Tarnation,=20
Mojave 3, Blonde<BR> Redhead. You see what i mean? All =
that's=20
missing is a new Scott<BR> Walker track (yeah, right)! =
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> WINDY & CARL - THE DREAM HOUSE / =
DEDICATIONS TO=20
FLEA - KRANKY - 2xCD (KRANK090)<BR> New double-album =
from=20
those masters of the ambient drone, Windy<BR> & =
Carl.=20
Beautiful, hypnotic, dreamy blissed-out music for =
those<BR> in=20
need of some serious relaxation. "The Dream House"=20
contains<BR> two extended pieces that subtly build =
into=20
something all-encompassing<BR> but never overwhelming. =
"Dedications To Flea" is a deeply moving<BR> tribute =
to their=20
recently departed dog. Imagine Pop Ambient with<BR> =
guitars -=20
that's W&C. Sheer heaven. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> WOODEN WAND AND THE VANISHING VOICE - THE =
FLOOD -=20
TROUBLEMAN UNLIMITED - CD (TMU168CD)<BR> Experimental =
acid=20
campfire folk - imagine an extremely monged<BR> =
Devendra=20
Banhart backed by Gang Gang Dance Unplugged with =
hints<BR> of=20
early Animal Collective and/or Six Organs Of Admittance.=20
I'm<BR> sure we'll be hearing a lot more from this =
artist in=20
due course.<BR> </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> WOODEN WAND AND THE VANISHING VOICE - XIAO - =
TROUBLEMAN=20
UNLIMITED - CD (TMU156CD)<BR> Hmmm, i wonder what this =
is=20
going to be like, given the name of<BR> the artist and =
the=20
cover. Yep, you've guessed it - oddness in<BR> double =
helping.=20
Very simple and childlike folk with a smattering<BR> =
of=20
electronics and some strangely twisted vocals. File under=20
nightmarish<BR> though i must admit this is =
occasionally=20
dreamy. Bizarre stuff...<BR> think Catsup Plate and=20
associated strange folk! </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>Restocks (CD): Guitar Based</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - CHANNEL ONE - MAXFIELD AVENUE =
BREAKDOWN -=20
PRESSURE SOUNDS - CD (PSCD31)<BR> QUITE SIMPLY AN =
ESSENTIAL=20
ALBUM FEATURING CLASSIC DUBS AND INSTRUMENTALS<BR> BY =
THE=20
LIKES OF SLY DUNBAR, TOMMY MCCOOK, BERTRAM MCCLEAN =
AND<BR> =20
MORE. HEAVY, BASSY AND JUST FANTASTIC MATERIAL. I DEFY YOU=20
NOT<BR> TO NOD YOUR HEAD TO THIS!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>New Releases (CD): Funk / Jazz / Soul</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> BETTYE SWANN - BETTYE SWANN - HONEST JONS - =
CD=20
(HJRCD8)<BR> Great CD of sweet and often highly =
groovable soul=20
standards. These<BR> tracks were recorded between 1968 =
and=20
1970 - surely the golden<BR> era. Superb sleevenotes =
as always=20
with Honest Jons. No self-respecting<BR> soul fan =
should be=20
without one. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> GROUNDTRUTHER - LONGITUDE - THIRSTY EAR =
- CD=20
(THI571602)<BR> Groundtruther are Charlie Hunter and =
Bobby=20
Previte plus DJ Logic.<BR> Hard to categorise, this =
combines=20
jazz structures with lively<BR> beats and cut and =
paste=20
experimentalism. If you're into DJ Food,<BR> DJ =
Spooky, Spring=20
Heel Jack etc, check this out. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - GILLES PETERSON DIGS AMERICA - =
UBIQUITY - CD=20
(LHCD047)<BR> I'm not to sure what the siginificance =
of=20
'Brownswood USA' is<BR> to be honest. The picture on =
the back=20
is off Brownswood road from<BR> somewhere in London? =
where he=20
does one of his radio shows perhaps?<BR> Still, all =
this is by=20
the by as the music here is of supreme importance.<BR> =
And i'm=20
glad to say quality. A selection of obscure & rare=20
cuts<BR> from Jazz, Funk, Soul, reggae & beyond. =
So many=20
high points. Moses<BR> Dillard, John Lucien, The =
Ensemble Al=20
salaam and more. pretty<BR> stunning selection of =
music here,=20
a real treat......</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> WILLIE HIGHTOWER - WILLIE HIGHTOWER - HONEST =
JONS - CD=20
(HJRCD11)<BR> Excellent compilation of this massively=20
underrated, clearly talented<BR> soul singer. This is =
what=20
R&B is really about! I'm no expert (check<BR> the=20
sleevenotes, there's an expert for you), but i believe =
the<BR> =20
bulk of this material dates from the late sixties. Not a=20
duff<BR> moment, soul music doesn't get much better.=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>Restocks (CD): Funk / Jazz / Soul</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> CANDI STATON - S/T - HONEST JONS - CD=20
(HJRCD6)<BR> DEEP DEEP SOUL FROM THE WONDERFUL MS =
STATON HERE.=20
RAW EMOTION<BR> HERE IN THE VOCAL DEPT AND SOME =
WONDERFULLY=20
TIGHT FUNK/SOUL PLAYING<BR> FROM THE BAND.=20
RECOMMENDED....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - LONDON IS THE PLACE FOR ME 2 - =
HONEST JONS -=20
CD (HJRCD16)<BR> Another superb selection of rare =
&=20
obscure calypso kwela, highlife<BR> and jazz from =
young black=20
london of the 50's & early 60's. such<BR> unsung =
heroes as=20
lord kitchiner, russ henderson, king timothy,<BR> =
young tiger,=20
shake keane and many more. 20 tracks in all, have<BR> =
a damn=20
good listen.......</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - LAGOS CHOP UP - HONEST JONS - CD=20
(HJRCD15)<BR> The bulk of the music here is known as=20
"Highlife", a pan-ethnic<BR> style of dance music =
native to=20
Anglophone West Africa, and i believe<BR> dates from =
the=20
seventies and eighties. Your best bet for a fuller<BR> =
flavour=20
is to a) give this a listen, and b) read the =
extensive,<BR> =20
extremely well-researched sleevenotes like wot i just did=20
(well,<BR> about a paragraph of it anyway). Honest =
Jons=20
unearth another fine<BR> selection of lost world gems=20
(basically).</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - LAGOS ALL ROUTES - HONEST JONS - CD =
(HJRCD17)<BR> The bulk of the music here is known as=20
"Highlife", a pan-ethnic<BR> style of dance music =
native to=20
Anglophone West Africa, and i believe<BR> dates from =
the=20
seventies and eighties. Your best bet for a fuller<BR> =
flavour=20
is to a) give this a listen, and b) read the =
extensive,<BR> =20
extremely well-researched sleevenotes like wot i just did=20
(well,<BR> about a paragraph of it anyway). Honest =
Jons=20
unearth another fine<BR> selection of lost world gems=20
(basically).</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>New Releases (CD): Reggae / Dub</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> BURNING SPEAR - SPEAR BURNING - PRESSURE =
SOUNDS - CD=20
(PSCD33)<BR> A truly magnificent selection of tracks =
from the=20
mighty Burning<BR> Spear. All produced in their heyday =
from=20
1975 to 1979 this features<BR> vocals and dubs of all =
the=20
tracks. Beautiful Roots Reggae of an<BR> exceptionally =
high=20
quality. Highly recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> EARTH & STONE - KOOL ROOTS - PRESSURE =
SOUNDS - CD=20
(PSCD11)<BR> Wicked album of Roots Reggae by Earth =
& Stone=20
- Which comprises<BR> Sly & Robbie on rhythm =
section,=20
Albert Barry and Clifton Howell<BR> on vocals, some =
great=20
percussion by Sticky and Scully and some<BR> superb =
horns. Top=20
quality Reggae from the Channel One studio from<BR> =
the early=20
1970's. Includes vocal and dub versions of the =
tracks.<BR> =20
Definitely one to check.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> JUNIOR DAN - JUNIOR DAN - HONEST JONS - CD=20
(HJRCD105)<BR> Deep roots reggae from the 1970s. With =
rhythms=20
by The Upsetters,<BR> and King Tubby on production / =
mixing=20
duties, you know you're<BR> onto a winner. Conscious,=20
politically aware lyrics backed by some<BR> deep =
music.=20
Mastered by Moritz Von Oswald (aka Maurizio). </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> KING JAMMY - THE RHYTHM KING - MAXIMUM =
PRESSURE - CD=20
(MPCD003)<BR> '18 Dancehall Classics' is what it says =
on the=20
sleeve - and that's<BR> exactly what you get! King =
Jammy took=20
things into the more mainstream<BR> Ragga end of =
things but he=20
also kept it true to where it had all<BR> come from.=20
Booty-shaking, up-beat rhythms to get a-dancin' =
to.<BR> =20
Nicely...</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> PRINCE FAR I AND THE ARABS - CRY TUFF DUB =
ENCOUNTER -=20
PRESSURE SOUNDS - CD (PSCD13)<BR> Originally released =
on Daddy=20
Kool's imprint, this album has Far<BR> I's voice of =
thunder,=20
with distinct deep and heavy dubs. With<BR> strange =
noises=20
coming from David Toop and Steve Beresford this<BR> =
album is=20
described as the album that signified the handing =
on<BR> of=20
the baton from Far I to Sherwood - who launched =
On-U-Sound<BR> =20
shortly afterwards. Check.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> TRAVELLERS, THE - BLACK BLACK MINDS - =
PRESSURE SOUNDS -=20
CD (PSCD49)<BR> With an all-star cast of musicians =
comes this=20
superb selection<BR> of tracks. Sly & Robbie, =
Tommy=20
McCook, Ansel Collins and more<BR> back up some =
wonderful=20
vocals from The Travellers to create som<BR> beautiful =
Roots=20
Reggae. Recorded at Channel One and King Tubby's<BR> =
so you=20
know you're getting absolutely the finest sounds. =
Pure<BR> =20
class. Highly recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - THE CROWNING OF PRINCE JAMMY - =
PRESSURE=20
SOUNDS - CD (PSCD25)<BR> A phenomenal collection of =
tracks=20
produced by the legendary Prince<BR> Jammy. You get =
vocals=20
from Black Uhuru, Augustus Pablo, Johnny<BR> Osbourne, =
Sugar=20
Minott, Wayne Smith, Earl Zero and more plus some<BR> =20
amazingly deep 1970's production from the Prince. Truly=20
awesome<BR> stuff. Recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - WELL CHARGED - PRESSURE SOUNDS - CD =
(PSCD14)<BR> An absolutely cracking selection of =
proper Roots=20
sounds from the<BR> ever immaculate pressure Sounds. =
Tracks=20
from Leroy Smart, Earth<BR> & Stone, Wailling =
Souls, The=20
Revolutionaries, Trinity and more<BR> all combine to =
make an=20
essential collection.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - DANCEHALL TECHNIQUES - MAXIMUM =
PRESSURE - CD=20
(MPCD004)<BR> All produced by Winston Riley between =
1986 and=20
1991, this is a<BR> selection of Dancehall from the =
rough and=20
ready to the much more<BR> polished end of things.=20
Contributions from Michael Prophet, Pliers,<BR> Tenor =
Saw,=20
Buju Banton, Courtney Melody, Cutty Ranks, Red =
Dragon<BR> and=20
more. Top selection from before the days of 'Bo'.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - FLAG FLOWN HIGH - MAXIMUM PRESSURE =
- CD=20
(MPCD001)<BR> First release for this Pressure Sounds =
offshoot=20
label - concentrating<BR> on modern Reggae, rather =
than=20
reissue. Some of it is great, and<BR> some of it =
ain't!=20
Featuring Sizzla, Garnett Silk, Shabba, Coco<BR> Tea =
and=20
others, but in a more rootsy style than their usual =
fare.<BR> =20
Give it a whirl and (in my opinion) ignore the occasional=20
foray<BR> into pop Reggae.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - PHILL PRATT THING - PRESSURE SOUNDS =
- CD=20
(PSCD27)<BR> Superb collection of tracks produced and =
played=20
(at times) by<BR> Phil Pratt. Delightful sounds from =
Big=20
Youth, Al Campbell, Dennis<BR> Brown, Ken Boothe, =
Heptones and=20
more with an all-star cast of<BR> players including =
Sly &=20
Robbie. Lovely liner notes as well, as<BR> usual from =
Pressure=20
Sounds.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - DOWN SANTIC WAY - SANTIC JAMACIAN =
PRODUCTIONS=20
1973 - PRESSURE SOUNDS - CD (PSCD46)<BR> Santic is =
always a=20
name you can rely on and this selection of<BR> tracks =
produced=20
by them is absolutely spot on. Pure mid '70's<BR> =
vibes with a=20
host of top names involved including Augustus =
Pablo,<BR> King=20
Tubby, Jah Lloyd, Freddie McKay, Leonard Santic All =
Stars,<BR> =20
I Roy and more means that this is the cream of the crop.=20
Truly<BR> a superb album. Recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>Restocks (CD): Reggae / Dub</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> DENNIS BOVELL - DECIBEL - MORE CUTS AND DUBS =
1976 -=20
1983 - PRESSURE SOUNDS - CD (PSCD39)<BR> THE LATEST IN =
SUCH AN=20
ESTEEMED LINE UP ON PRESSURE SOUNDS SEES<BR> HUGH =
MUNDELL=20
INJECT A GOODLY DOSE OF HUMOUR AND FUNK INTO HIS<BR> =
SUBLIME=20
ROOTS RHYTHMS. BOVELL WAS INSPIRED BY EVERYTHING =
FROM<BR> POP=20
TO CALYPSO, SKE TO JAZZ - ALL OF THESE UNDERPINNED WITH=20
DEEP<BR> BASS AND SWEET RHYTHMS. HEYDAY REGGAE -=20
SUPERB.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> HERMAN CHIN-LOY - AQUARIUS ROCK - PRESSURE =
SOUNDS - CD=20
(PSCD45)<BR> ACTUALLY TITLED "THE HIP REGGAE WORLD OF =
HERMAN=20
CHIN-LOY" - AND<BR> INDEED IT IS A HIP REGGAE =
ALBUM. =20
HERMAN STARTED OFF AS THE CO-OWNER<BR> OF THE ONE-STOP =
RECORD=20
SHOP, AND BECAME REKNOWNED AS THE MAN WHO<BR> COULD =
DIG OUT=20
THE BEST OF THE RECORDS - HE WENT FROM ONE STOP<BR> TO =
HIS OWN=20
AQUARUIS SHOP. FROM THERE HE WENT INTO PRODUCING =
IN<BR> =20
THIS TIME OFF FROM THE SHOP, AND HIS AQUARIUS SOUND WAS=20
FAMOUS<BR> FOR IT'S INNOVATION AND =
EXPERIMENTATION. HE=20
ORIGINALLY RELEASED<BR> RECORDS UNDER THE ENIGMATIC =
NAME OF=20
AUGUSTUS PABLO, BUT THEN GAVE<BR> THE NAME TO HORACE =
SWABY=20
(THE MAN WE ALL KNOW AS AUGUSTUS PABLO).<BR> =
HERMAN=20
RELEASED THE FIRST TUNE WITH PABLO'S NOW FAMOUS =
MELODICA<BR> =20
IN 1971 (TRACK NINE) - AND THE SOUND THAT THE TWO PRODUCED=20
ADDED<BR> A NEW DIMENSION TO JAMAICAN MUSIC. =
ENOUGH=20
HISTORY - THIS IS A<BR> SUPERB ALBUM WITH HERMAN =
COLLABORATING=20
WITH AND PRODUCING; DENNIS<BR> BROWN, ALTON ELLIS, =
SOUNDS=20
UNLIMITED, THE AQUARIANS, DENNIS ALCAPONE,<BR> =
AUSGUSTUS PABLO=20
AND OTHERS. I'VE HAD A PROMO OF THIS AT HOME<BR> =
FOR A=20
FEW WEEKS NOW AND I LOVE IT - AND ME AND MY DAUGHTER =
SKANK<BR> =20
AROUND TO ONE TRACK IN PARTICULAR - BOTH GRINNING INANELY! =20
CLASS...</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> JOE GIBBS & THE PROFESSIONALS - NO BONES =
FOR THE=20
DOGS - PRESSURE SOUNDS - CD (PSCD37)<BR> WICKED =
SELECTION OF=20
DUBS FROM 1974 TO 1979. THERE ARE SOME INCREDIBLY<BR> =
HEAVY=20
TRACKS ON HERE DRENCHED IN REVERB AND ECHO BOX PLUS =
SOME<BR> =20
MEGA PHASE AND FLANGE. IT ALL ADDS TO THE ATMOSPHERE MIND=20
YOU<BR> AND THIS IS AN UNMISSABLE =
COLLECTION.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> LEE PERRY - VOODOOISM - PRESSURE SOUNDS - CD=20
(PSCD009)<BR> LEE PERRY ON PRODUCTION AND STUDIO DUTY =
FROM THE=20
70s - AND IT<BR> DON'T GET MNUCH BETTER THAN =
THAT. =20
ARTISTS FEATURED OTHER THAN<BR> THE UPSETTER HIMSELF =
ARE:=20
JAMES BOOMS, EARL SIXTEEN, ZAP POW,<BR> LEE AND JIMMY =
AND=20
OTHERS. TYPICAL SLICKNESS MEETS MADNESS FROM<BR> =
THIS=20
MOST ECCENTRIC AND AWESOME PRODUCER. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - RED BUMB BALL - PRESSURE SOUNDS - =
CD=20
(PSCD40)<BR> SUBTITLED "RARE AND UNRELEASED ROCKSTEADY =
1966-1968" - AND THAT<BR> IS EXACTLY WHAT IT IS! =
PROPS=20
TO PRESSURE SOUNDS FOR DIGGING OUT<BR> SOME LOVELY =
REGGAE THAT=20
WILL GET YOU DANCING CLOSE WITH YOUR LOVER,<BR> =
SMILING AND=20
HARKING BACK TO THE GOOD OLD DAYS. FEATURES =
DERRICK<BR> =20
MORGAN, THE VICEROYS, ROLAND ALPHONSO, THE CONSUMMATES,=20
LLOYD<BR> AND DEVON, ERIC AND THE LOVELETTS AND =
MORE. =20
RECOMMENDED.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - ROUGH INNA TOWN - THE EXTERMINATOR =
SOUND -=20
MAXIMUM PRESSURE - CD (MP002CD)<BR> RUDE SOUNDS FROM =
THIS=20
PRESSURE SOUNDS OFFSHOOT. INCLUDES HARD<BR> CUTS FROM =
LUCIANO,=20
SIZZLA, MIKEY GENERAL, THE XTERMINATOR CREW,<BR> INI =
KAMOZE=20
AND MORE. PHAT.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>New Releases (CD): Experimental</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> BRAD LUBMAN - INSOMNIAC - TZADIK - CD=20
(TZA8017)<BR> Brad Lubman has worked closely with some =
of the=20
greatest composers<BR> of contemporary concert music, =
and has=20
appeared with some of the<BR> world's most illustrious =
ensembles. Here he steps out with a varied<BR> CD that =
includes a new composition for string quartet and=20
electronica<BR> and several radical electronic =
compositions.=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> DAMO SUZUKI - 3 DEAD PEOPLE AFTER THE =
PERFORMANCE -=20
EKTRO - CD (EKTRO026CD)<BR> Right, O.K. I have had a =
long day=20
of discrbing CD's that are completely<BR> beyond me =
and have=20
left me out of my depth somewhat. so, the only<BR> way =
i can=20
describe this is as following: "<A=20
href=3D"mailto:HUYR@UKbferdK!!Lnyutvu//mn768cvB465cB9">HUYR@UKbferdK!!Lny=
utvu//mn768cvB465cB9</A>"<BR> =20
This CD has just one long 50 minute track. I feel that i=20
have<BR> too state that this fellow was in some german =
band=20
called Can.<BR> Never heard of'em myself but i'm going =
to ask=20
juergen about them<BR> tomorrow...</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> EYAL MAOZ - EDOM - TZADIK - CD=20
(TZA8105)<BR> A breakthrough release from this young =
Israeli=20
guitarist living<BR> in New York. Rock/jazz fusion =
touching=20
upon John Zorn's Masada,<BR> Marc Ribot's Shrek and =
even=20
Medeski, Martin and Wood. Another<BR> release in the =
Radical=20
Jewish Culture series. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> GERRY MILES - MILES / LICHT / HAINO - =
ATAVISTIC - CD=20
(ALP71CD)<BR> Recorded at St Peter's Church, Palm =
Sunday 1995,=20
this performance<BR> (art?) based piece combines =
church organ=20
with piano and bass clarinet,<BR> not to mention the =
occasion=20
bit of distant shouting. The overall<BR> effect is =
quite=20
haunting, unsettling and challenging. I'm reminded<BR> =
of=20
Jessica Stevenson on stage shouting "Rabbits Rabbits=20
Rabbits<BR> Rabbits Rabbits Rabbits" but then maybe =
i've just=20
watched too<BR> much TV. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> HOTOTOGISU - GHOST OF THE SUN - IMPORTANT - =
2xCD=20
(6227)<BR> 2 hours of experimental noise based =
soundscapes=20
here split into<BR> 7 movements. An intense affair =
that slowly=20
shifts from subtle<BR> to full on noise throughout the =
2=20
hours. For those with a strong<BR> =20
constitution...</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> ROB MAZUREK - MUSIC FOR SHATTERED LIGHT BOX =
& 7=20
POSTERS - BOTTROP-BOY - CD (B-BOY022)<BR> Complete =
& utter=20
noise fest from this member of the Chicago =
Underground<BR> =20
Duo, Isotope 217 etc. this reminds me of the background=20
noise<BR> to a traffic report on the radio, with added =
distortion and volume.<BR> I'm sorry but i never have =
managed=20
to get my head around this<BR> art instilation music=20
thing......</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> TOBY DRIVER - IN THE L..L..LIBRARY LOFT - =
TZADIK - CD=20
(TZA8019)<BR> A cutting edge collection of modern =
compositions=20
combining a classical<BR> ear for structure and =
orchestration=20
with the power and immediacy<BR> of heavy and black =
metal.=20
Four moody masterpieces of magic and<BR> horror full =
of great=20
detail and searing passion. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - CIA VIA UFO TO MERCURY - ATAVISTIC =
- CD=20
(ALP84CD)<BR> A reissue from 1996, and a pretty darn =
full-on=20
one. Improvised<BR> free-jazz (well,=20
free-anything-and-everything really) and live<BR> =
discordant=20
lunacy from the likes of The Scissor Girls, The =
Flying<BR> =20
Luttenbachers, Trenchmouth, Quintron and a whole host of=20
others.<BR> Not entirely sure what the concept is/was =
but it=20
sounds like everyone<BR> involved enjoyed themselves!=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VOLCANO THE BEAR - CATONAPOTATO - DIGITALIS - =
CD=20
(DIGI14CD)<BR> Volcano The Bear, live in Leicester, =
Paris,=20
Sheffield and Norrkoping,<BR> and sounding very =
relaxed. If=20
you like Faust, Black Dice, Jackie-O-Motherf**ker,<BR> =
Gang=20
Gang Dance, maybe this lot should be your next port of=20
call.<BR> Mastered by Kev Reverb, apparently. =
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2></FONT> </DIV></BODY></HTML>
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