[Smallfish-releases-text] Smallfish Mailout 25/11/05
mike oliver
mike@smallfish.co.uk
Fri, 25 Nov 2005 12:53:41 -0000
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Smallfish Mailout 25/11/05
Welcome one and all to this weeks mailout.
Now that we have our system working again we're back up to full speed =
and, my word, the releases just keep on coming and there's still no sign =
of them slowing down.
Things to note:
Claro Intelecto - Patience - 12" - =A35.99 - In stock
Yes, there's a general air of excitement around as it's time for a new =
Claro EP on Modern Love. Simply put this is yet another massive record =
with a delicately balanced and totally fresh Techno / House / Detroit =
crossover sound. Get in there because even though it's not as limited as =
the last one it's still going to fly out.
Antti Rannisto + Sawako CDs on 12k - In stock
Both of these fabulous CDs are in stock and available and, true to form, =
12k have delivered another couple gems on the minimal Electronica front. =
Antti Rannisto's '=C4=E4niesineit=E4' [12k1034] is a sublime piece of =
true minimalism. Icy cold, ultra-deep tones, amazingly pure sinewave =
sounds and heavy, strict rhythmic elements all collide to make a worthy =
successor to the throne previously occupied by the likes of Pansonic and =
=D8. Sawako's 'Hum' [12k1035] is a different ball-game altogether. Warm, =
friendly and atmospheric, it's a classic slice of perky, yet extremely =
refined Japanese Electronica that uses field recordings (including a =
lovely recording of the artist's cat!) and drone based textures to imbue =
the whole thing with lots of soul. A nice counterpoint to Rannisto's =
isolationist style. Both are available for =A310.99 each.
Cubic Music + Cubic Fabric CDs - In stock
Once again we're pleased to announce that we've secured some more lovely =
CDs from Japan, this time from Keiichi Sugimoto's Cubic Music and Cubic =
Fabric labels. Anyone familiar with his own musical output as part of =
Minamo and on his own as Fourcolor and Fonica will know to expect some =
superb quality, melodic, experimental Electronica and organic sounds and =
that's exactly what you get. With releases from Mokira, Z_E_L_L_E, =
Toshimaru Nakamura, No.9, Gnu, World's End Girlfriend and more you can =
imagine how good these releases are. Beautiful packaging as well - nice =
cardboard slipcovers with lovely designs. Well worth checking out and =
available at =A311.99 each.
Powershovel Audio CDs - In stock
'Yet another Japanese label?' I hear you cry. Yup, you bet. When the =
quality is as good as this and no one else is representing we always =
want to get involved. The first three releases are available and are as =
follows:=20
'Various - Memories of Sasaki San - PSA-001' A gorgeous selection of =
version of tracks by Mika Sasaki by the likes of Steve Roden, Alejandra =
& Aeron, Patrik Torsson, Harald 'Sack' Ziegler and more. From deep and =
intense drone based electronics to a more friendly and playful sound =
with lots of ground covered in-between.=20
'Kath Bloom - Come Here - PSA-002' Folk music of the highest standard =
with a feel that's not a million miles away from Vashti Bunyan or Judee =
Sill. Heartfelt and emotional songs that are authentic and beautiful =
without being over-sweet.
'Patrik Torsson - Statements Of Facts - PSA-003' Patrik Torsoon delivers =
a beautifully mature album of carefully constructed songs that use live =
instrumentation and electronics as a really interesting blend. Lovely =
vocals work nicely over the mellow music and it's really a very likeable =
work indeed. Actually my favourite release so far.
All three come beautifully packaged in cardboard sleeves with delightful =
artwork. =A312.99 each.
So, with that I'll leave you to browse the list and wish you an =
excellent weekend.
Peace.
The Fish.
Smallfish Records | 329 Old Street | London | EC1V 9LE | +44 [0] 20 7739 =
2252 | www.smallfish.co.uk=20
New Releases (Vinyl): Electronica
DIJF SANDERS - TO BE A BOB - DUB - LP (DUBLP012)
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 for the
21st Century and beyond that really should be investigated if
you like Four Tet, Savath & Savalas, Thrill Jockey and so on.
Recommended
ENDUCER & SUBMERGED - APPROPRIATE & DEFACE - AD NOISEAM - 12" (ADN54)
Split 12" here between Enducer and Submerged. The Enducer side
is very intense, heavily programmed dark drum & bass like cut
ups whilst Submereged, although similar in tone to Enducer with
his second track, actually impresses the hell out of me with his
first track. Well produced mid-tempo electro with a destinctly
Detroit feel. Check it out!
GOLDLIX - ATOLL MOAO - GOLDLIX - 12" (GDX01)
An absolutely lovely 12" here that must rank amongst the most
friendly and approachable music ever sold in this shop (much like
the two gentlemen that we bought it from over the counter!). Mellow
beats with quirky speeded-up crooning vocals (there's a lush =
instrumental
if you'd rather) that remind one of Mr Scruff, Bent or Lemon Jelly
at their very peak a few years ago. File under: Easy-tronica.
Niiiiiiiice.=20
HAIR POLICE - CONSTANTLY TERRIFIED - TROUBLEMAN UNLIMITED - 12" =
(TMUI148)
Think Black Dice, organised hizz, childhood nightmares, deeply
experimental sound manipulation and a night alone with Carol =
Thatcher...............
Forget the bit about 'Thatch', it's not THAT sinister. Just very
dark soundscapes for fans of the genre......
HELIOGABALUS / VAW - KINGSLAND WASTE / VAW - DIFFICULT FUN - LP =
(DF004)
Split album between Heliogabalus and VAW. Deeply experimental
electronics that appears to use the most analogue of techniques.
To some both sides sound like, have a little go of it yourself
and see what you think.
KARSTEN PFLUM / PUZZLEWEASEL - SPLIT EP - JENKA - 12" (JENKAEP02)
Both artists have produced excellent EPs in the past so it's no
surprise to find that this is a great little slab of Electronica
from Danish label Jenka. One side is delightfully melodic and
pretty with the kind of synthy sounds that once made Skam such
a force to be reckoned with. It turns into a nice and choppy breaky
affair on the second track which is reminiscent of Squarepusher.
The flip is an edgier beast but still fits easily into the kind
of category that some people still insist on calling 'IDM'. Great
stuff.
LUCKY PIERRE - I HATE T-SHIRTS THAT SAY 1977 - MELODIC - 12" (MELO032)
I dunno, i just can't get used to calling him L. Pierre, it just
doesn't work for me. What we have here is a rather expensive but
apparently astoundingly limited 3-track picture disc 12", showcasing
a rather different side to Mr. Moffatt. The first track is a foray
into hip hop which actually works surprisingly well. The following
two pieces amount to his most uptempo, beat driven record to date
- has he been on the E or something? The trademark string samples
are in place but this is altogether a less melancholy affair -
see what you think. Heaven only knows what the next album will
sound like!=20
MOTHBOY - EXONIAN - AD NOISEAM - 12" (ADN52)
Nice variety of electronica here from Mothboy. Strong club feel
to some cuts and even a bass heavy, electronica hip hop track
with a definate crossover appeal. All this and a fair dash of
sound-tronica landscapes on this six track wonder. Check !!!=20
SIRCONICAL - WAVING AT PLANES - TWISTED NERVE - LP (TN057)
One of Twisted Nerve's consistently better artists comes up trumps
here. If you're an admirer of Static Caravan, Morr Music, City
Centre Offices, Wobblyhead and co, you'd be well advised to give
this fine LP of pure melodic electronica a go. Warm and atmospheric,
this is almost along the lines of the Toytronic and Expanding,
only more organic. Recommended.=20
SOFUS FORSBERG - UDEFRA - JENKA - LP (JENKALP03)
Jenka's a good little label and it seems to be progressing very
nicely. I only listened to a couple of tracks on this album but
I've got to say I was really impressed. It's got that lovely,
downbeat Electronica sound that lots of labels try but all too
often it gets a bit sickly or a bit obvious. This is just fabulously
melodic electronic music with a gorgeous attention to detail and
some super sounds. Well worth checking out if you're a fan of
Expanding or Toytronic. Recommended.
VANITY PROJECT, THE - THE BEAUTY ROOM / DON'T YOU KNOW - NEW RELIGION =
- 10" (REG119)
Kirk Degiorgio's band project gets into its flow here with another
nice release. The Vanity Project has a lovely psychy, folky sound
with a contemporary downbeat breaky flava. Kind of like the Beta
Band at times but with a Hefner remix which ups the tempo to a
more House speed and grooves it out nicely. Possibly a bit of
an aquired taste but one that I rather like.
VARIOUS - BMORE GUTTER MUSIC EP - MILKCRATE - LP (ECR1017)
Rough & ready mix of breaks, electronics, singing & rhymes in
a really lo-fi style. I really am at odds as where to put this
in the shop? a little of everything certainly makes my job harder!
sort of like a b asic Shockout, you have a listen and see what
you think..
Restocks (Vinyl): Electronica
154 - STRIKE - DELSIN - 2xLP (27DSR/NWA-LP1)
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 SOMETHING
REALLY SPECIAL. DON'T MISS OUT!
ACIDWOLF - LEGACY 1995 - 2005 - DIRTYDANCING RECORDING - 12" (DRD003)
Seven tracks spanning ten years of the Acidwolf. From light =
livingroom
acid, grungy breakbeat acid, proper acid house to downtempo 303
twiddlings, this EP's got it all. Another stormer from Dirty =
Dancing.
AFX - ANALORD 04 - REPHLEX - 12" (ANALORD04)
PART 4 IN THIS AMAZINGLY SUCCESSFUL SERIES THUS FAR, THEN. I WONDER
HOW OLD THESE TRACKS REALLY ARE? THE OPENING TUNE ALMOST HAS A
BIT OF A SELECTED AMBIENT WORKS FEEL ABOUT IT, DESPITE THE VINTAGE
ELECTRO BEATS. YOU NEVER KNOW WITH DICKIE BOY. THE FINAL TRACK
IS POSSIBLY THE DARKEST IN THE SERIES THUS FAR, WITH SOME SUPERBLY
EERIE CHORDS. WORTHY OF THE HYPE, YOU HAVE TO SAY.
AFX - ANALORD 01 - REPHLEX - 12" (ANALORD01)
I APPROACHED THESE RELEASES WITH A LARGE DEGREE OF TREPIDATION
BECAUSE, AS MUCH AS I LOVE THE OLD SCHOOL APHEX TWIN STUFF, I'VE
BEEN LET DOWN ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION IN RECENT YEARS. HAPPILY,
HOWEVER, THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE GEM OF A RECORD (AS IS PART 2). SIX
TRACKS OF PURE ACID AND ELECTRO ALL MIXED UP TOGETHER IN A SLIGHTLY
OFF-KILTER STYLE. FOR THE MOST PART THOUGH, THIS GROOVES AND GROOVES
AND DOESN'T LET UP UNTIL THE VERY LAST SECOND. QUALITY STUFF THAT
YOU DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES WANT TO MISS.
HRDVSION - SICK MEMORY - WAGON REPAIR - 12" (WAG007)
A lot of people are going to be a bit taken aback by this one
as it's predominantly Electronica based. Crunchy, heavy beats
and beautifully manipulated sounds make for a melodic, yet abstract
flava to most of the tracks. For all the Tech heads there's also
a superb 4/4 cut which really comes on in a Jay Haze / Robag Wruhme
style and has a kicking dancefloor sound. No matter what anyone
says, this is a wicked EP and you have to at least check it out.
Quality.=20
LXC - RAVE IS BACK - PHANTOM NOISE RECORDS - 12" (PNR010)
Rib shaking bass, furiously chopped up beats and the euphoria
of a time gone by...until now. LXC have brought rave back, minus
cheese, just proper warehouse / early drum & bass. Two mixes on
gorgeous green vinyl. Just leave your whistle at home,,,
TOXEDO - REMOTE CLOSENESS E.P. - SLEEPY CITY - 12" (SLC002)
Very lush electronica with subtle electro influences from Toxedo.
This classic piece of Sleepy City electronica was originally =
released
in 2004. At last it's been repressed and we're over the moon to
have it. Check it out!!!!
UNKNOWN - ANGER / QUSA - SKAM - 12" (SKA027)
YES, I KNOW WE SAID WE'D RUN OUT THE OTHER DAY, BUT WE'VE GOT
SOME AGAIN NOW SO HURRAH FOR THAT! A MYSTERY ARTIST? ON THE =
MYSTERIOUS
SKAM LABEL? SURELY NOT. YOU'LL BE PLEASED TO HEAR, THOUGH, THAT
IT'S A REALLY SOLID RELEASE. THE A-SIDE (WHOEVER IT MAY BE DONE
BY) HAS A VERY CURRENT, YET VERY 'SKAM' SOUND ALL THE WAY THROUGH
WITH CRUNCHY, PROCESSED BEATS THAT VEER VERY MUCH TOWARD THE ELECTRO
SIDE OF THINGS. COUPLE THAT WITH A WICKEDLY ACIDIDC SOUNDING =
BASSLINE
AND YOU'VE GOT A WINNER. THE FLIPSIDE IS SLIGHTLY MORE 'GRIME'
SOUNDING WITH A WHOPPING GREAT BIG BASSLINE AND YET MORE FUNKY
ELECTRO BEATS WITH SOME CRACKING PROCESSING. FRESH STUFF AND,
OBVIOUSLY, VERY COLLECTABLE. BIZARRELY, IT COMES COMPLETE WITH
A FREE PIECE OF TRACING PAPER.
New Releases (Vinyl): Techno / Electro
ALIX - CLUBBANGER - TROPISM - 12" (TR07)
3 tracks of crisply produced Electro-House (still don't really
know what that is, but hey...). Vocals, solid beats and even a
little punky track at the end make this a good value EP.
BUCKLEY - BLOCK PARTY / THE JAM - MADE TO PLAY - 12" (MTP002)
London's Made To Play label comes up with a potentially big track
here. A hybrid of House, Breaks and Electro that's accessible,
groovy and features just the right level of solid production to
get the crowd moving.
CATWASH - PERVERSIONS PART 1 - CRACK & SPEED - 12" (C&S015)
Chris Carrier and DJ Wild deliver some lowdown and dirty House
/ Techno grooves here with some seriously raw basslines and top
notch beats. Add to that the occasional snatch of vocals and some
Acidic sounds and you've got a surefire dancefloor hit on your
hands. The busiest man in his field? Apart from John Tejada, =
probably
so!
CHROMATICS - WITNESS / HEALER - TROUBLEMAN UNLIMITED - 12" (TMUI16O)
Two tracks here (with relevant instrumentals and acappelas) in
a nu wave / house style. Not your average though. Imagine a stripped
down LCD Soundsystem with female vocals and some dry drum-machine
programming. Kinda neat and very original, well worth a listen.
CLARO INTELECTO - PATIENCE - MODERN LOVE - 12" (LOVE018)
The mere words 'Claro Intelecto' are enough to get pretty much
everyone frothing at the mouth, and this release is certainly
not going to change that! Two more absolutely superb tracks which
surf the line between depth and clubiness and Techno and House
with such skill and such aplomb that it's hardto resist. Simply,
this is another massive record and I would recommend you get in
there to secure your copy (although it's not completely limited
like the last release). Essential and highly recommended.
DUPLEX - P.O.M. REMIXED - CLONE - 12" (CX20)
P.O.M. gets a good hard remixing from Heinrich Muller of =
Dopplereffekt
fame here. I actually can't remember the original but these mixes
are on the technical, dark side of Electro with retro synth sounds
and fabulous beats. Reminded me of Drexciya at times, so that's
obviously a good thing. Massive tracks and a notheer great limited
Clone release.
FRANCISCO - MUSIC BUSINESS - NATURE - 2xLP (NAT2130LP)
Electro / Techno / Disco from Italy here. Francisco has put together
an immaculate album of tasty dancefloor grooves that owes as much
to Detroit and labels like Delsin as it does to old Italo House
and Disco Records. Stunning arrangements and amazingly funky sounds
and beats combine to make one wicked album. Definitely recommended.
FREAK ELECTRIQUE - SYMPHONY ELECTRIQUE - VIEWLEXX - 12" (V-018)
Those people at Viewlexx really do love their retro sounds and
this epic slice of work from Freak Electrique is about as retro
as it gets. A massive, long and very hypnotic track that sounds
like Moroder in a big way... huge, over-the-top bassline a la
Donna Summer and mega chord progressions all done with a tasty
selection of vintage synth sounds and even a smattering of Acid...
truly excellent. The flip houses a condensed version with a more
dancefloor feel for those who are scared to play the full version.
Quality, at a price, admittedly, but quality nonetheless. Snap
it up as it won't hang around!
KENNY LARKIN PRESENTS POD - THE VAGUARD EP - RUSHHOUR - 12" (RH104-12)
Rushhour provide us with a wonderful reminder of how good Kenny
Larkin really was. This is a classic and hard to get hold of EP
from back in the day that was originally released on Buzz and
it features four of the most lush Detroit Techno tracks that are
absolutely vintage in sound and style. Upbeat, clattery rhythms
and fabulous pads with that old Motor City sound shining through.
This is how it should be... Essential.
LEROSA - LOSS - D1 - 12" (DONE33)
Seriously well produced, heavily Detroit-Inspired Electro Sounds
on one side, with a very dubby Minimal-techno feel on the flip.
I gues it's the diversity of the label that I quite like. you
never really now where it's gonna go, apart from that they are
usually consistent in their quality.=20
MARTINEZ - VERTICAL MOVEMENT / ANOTHER SPACE ROCKER - GALAKTIKA - 12" =
(GLK001)
Martinez delivers two very different tracks here. The main cut
is a solid, trentemoller-esque groover with minimal sounds but
a full production style that crisps it up to the max. The flip
is dangerously close to being 'Trendy Trance' which everyone seems
to be saying is the next logical step for 'Electro-House'. What
happened to the days of just having House and Techno without all
these sub-genres? Whatever, this is pure dancefloor music from
beginning to end.
NEW WORLD AQUARIUM - THE GAMES THAT WE PLAY / ENERGY - NEW RELIGION - =
12" (REG116)
Big props for this one! New World Aqurium delivers two long, =
hypnotic
and very punchy Techno tracks with a mid-tempo pace and lush =
strings.
Detroit gets a big nod with this one and there's something =
immaculately
deep about the production. Both cuts rock and you'll be hearing
a lot about this one in the weeks to come, I'll warrant. Essential.
PAN-POT - OBSCENITY EP - MOBILEE - 12" (MOBILEE005)
This is a cool little record. Very much in the crunchy minimal
vein of people like Jay Haze etc, but with a slightly more =
accessible
feel. Tough beats and well realised sounds combine to make two
tracks of minimal dancefloor fun for everyone. Check.
POLARTE MEETS MOHNSAME - THINKING DEEP EP - ANORAK TONTRAGER - 12" =
(ANO005)
Two very different tracks here. One side is fairly standard sounding
House / Techno crossover cut with a nice style and groovy beats
whilst the flip is more on the Electro-House tip. Very playable,
very current... just check it out I suppose.
PRINS THOMAS - GOETTSCHING - FULL PUPP - 12" (FP03)
Everyone's talking about Prins Thomas at the moment and here's
another example of why. He blends Disco and House so well it's
hard to resist. Funky, mid-tempos sounds with big hi-hats, groovy
sounds and a nicely arranged style. Comes complete with a slightly
more upbeat 4/4 House-ish version on the flip for those who like
it with a bit more pace.
PRUDO & SUPERJUNO - GROOVY BEAT / I WANT MY MONEY BACK - DIRT CREW =
RECORDINGS - 12" (DIRT008)
Dirt Crew's label is certainly solid and as one of the main =
purveyors
of so-called Electro-House, it can do no wrong.. Solid 4/4 beats,
dirty analogue basslines and a range of samples and sounds that
keep it all moving very nicely. Similar to the My Best Friend
stuff, essentially... should do it on the floor in a big way (main
room at Fabric style).
REX THE DOG - PROTOTYPE - HUNDEHAUS - 12" (HUND001T)
This was a massive track for us here at Smallfish back in January
last year when it came out on Kompakt, and here it is reissued
on Rex's own label complete with a M.A.N.D.Y. remix. Slamming
cologne techno with trancey elements (trust me, this will be next
year's Minimal Techno). Big drops, classic vintage synth sounds,
and a rolling set of hard 4/4 beats guarantee a lot of bum shaking.
One for fans of the tougher end of Kompakt. Who is Rex The Dog?
We still don't know, but i bet it's someone!
REX THE DOG - PROTOTYPE - HUNDEHAUS - 7" (HUND001S)
Seven inch edit of this massive track previously released on Kompakt
last year, backed with a nice lo-fi Casio keyboard remix. Apparently
Rex is someone very well known, the only clue (maybe) being he/she
is published by Mute Song. So is it a) Michael Mayer up to his
old tricks, b) Moby, c) Martin Gore, d) Jonny Trunk or e) None
of the above and stop wasting my time? We shall see. 99p, though.
Bargain!=20
SPIRIT CATCHER - KEY GENERATOR / CODE BREAKER - MOOD MUSIC - 12" =
(MOODMUSIC037)
As ever, Mood Music give us the cream of the crop when it comes
to this style of Electro / Techno / House music. Wicked production
and accessible, synthy sounds along with those trademark solid
beats. Another winner, then.
VARIOUS - THE APPLIANCE OF SCIENCE VOLUME 1 - UNLOCKED GROOVE - 12" =
(UG001)
Springy minimalism on the first release from Unlocked Groove.
Four artists (Gys vs. Localfields / Rainbow Bright / 6 Million
Dollar Man / Scorchio) all provide tip-top grooves with plenty
of fun and funk going on. A very promising start for fans of Jay
Haze etc.
Restocks (Vinyl): Techno / Electro
ABSTRACT THOUGHT - HYPOTHETICAL SITUATIONS - KOMBINATION RESEARCH - =
2xLP (KRE02LP / ELP33026LP)
Restock on this forgotten classic! One of the 'Seven Storms' =
rumoured
to be coming out of the Drexciya camp before James's sad death.
This is totally vintage Drexciya with harsh anaolgues that mix
with sweet, melodic moments plus the customary tough Electro and
Techno beats. You really only need to know who it is to work out
that it's completely essential. Buy with confidence.
BATTANT - JUMP UP - FIREWIRE - 12" (fire005)
They are new, they are soundwise on the pulse of things, their
(to my knowledge) debut release is on an established label, and
I still think it's nothing exceptionally new. However, in all
fairness, the lead singer's (female) vocals really cut through
the mix, and her sometimes angry, punkesque tone has a certain
catchiness, which means, that we will probably hear a lot more
from them / her. Underpinned by slamming electro tracks amongst
others provided by the mighty Tenniswood and Weatherall.
GUI BORATTO - ARQUIPELAGO - K2 - 12" (K2/04)
K2 really is a fabulous little offshoot of Kompakt and here we
have probably the strongest release to date. A slow-burning builder
on each side with a bumping, almost Chico-esque feel on the B-side.
Minimal, funky and oh-so-playable, this is Techno at it's very
finest. Bravo Kompakt for another great release.
GUSTAVO LAMAS - SALIDAS EP - SAFARI ELECTRONIQUE - 12" (SAF-004)
Nice to see Gustavo away from Oni.Tor for a release. He delivers
a splendid 5 tracker which has all the trademark depth and warmth
of his usual superb Techno sounds but with a slightly tougher,
Housier edge at times that really suits his style. Couple that
with a definite nod to Detroit and one absolutely sublime Pop
Ambient style track and you've got a top notch EP. Recommended.
ORB, THE - OKIE DOKIE IT'S THE ORB ON KOMPAKT - KOMPAKT - 2xLP =
(KOM128)
Finally, the Orb's album arrives on the lovely Kompakt label and,
no surprises, it's really, really strong. A deft balance between
grooving, typically Cologne style Techno, ultra-deep and minimal
tracks (spot the Thomas Fehlmann sound!) and some delightful Pop
Ambient moments. Gorgeous, well produced and full of cheeky and
surprisingly quirky sounds and samples... this one comes highly
recommended.
PARADROID - GEMSTONE INDEX - BOOGIZM - 12" (BOOGIZM009)
ONE OF THOSE JERKY, QUIRKY DANCEFLOOR RECORDS THAT'S SO LIVELY
AND WELL-PRODUCED THAT IT HAS DEFINITE CROSSOVER POTENTIAL. VERY
CRISP PRODUCTION, PHAT RHYTHMS / BEATS, ALL MANNER OF OFF-THE-WALL
FX AND SOME SURPRISINGLY WARM CHORDS WILL SEE ROBAG WRUHME / BOXER
SPORT / TUNING SPORK / AKUFEN FANS GETTING INTO A LATHER. INCLUDES
REMIXES BY S-MAX AND FYM.
ROBERT BABICZ - MISTER HEAD - K2 - 12" (K2/03)
Big one for Kompakt's new K2 imprint. I was under the impression
that this was a more minimal offshoot but this release completely
dispels that theory. A slamming slab of Acid-tinged Electro /
Techno with a big bottom end and a pure dancefloor flava. This
is one that you'll be hearing an awful lot of. Quality.
New Releases (Vinyl): US Techno / Electro
2 AM/FM - PT. 1 - SPECTRAL - 12" (SPC-34)
This really is an awesome record. 5 tracks of old-school tinged
Techno and House sounds. Massively produced vintage beats that
bring to mind early Chicago sounds coupled with insanely dark
analogue sounds that get right into your head with their insistent
grooves. Tight, deep, rough and ready... another winner fro the
superb Spectral label.=20
AARON HEDGES - SWEET SORROW EP - DISTRICT OF CORRUPTION - 12" (DOC005)
Aaron Hedges provides a nicely tight hybrid of Techno and House
with this slightly twee EP of pure dancefloor grooves. Not too
heavy and with an Electro-ish feel to the basslines... this is
potential crossover material in a big way. Solid stuff... Check!
AFTERNOON COFFEE BOYS - DARK BLEND - CLINK - 12" (CLINK001)
The Afternoon Coffee Boys are Tony Rohr and Tim Xavier and, as
you'd probably imagine, it's a tasty slab of minimalistic Techno
par excellence. Tight and heavy grooves with pounding kicks and
phat bass sounds coupled with some challengingly high-end =
frequencies
over the top. Three cuts, all excellent...l top EP, particularly
if you're into Xavier's recent material.
BUTANE AND FRIENDS - A BIG BUS WITH WINGS (HEARTTHROB / RUN STOP =
RESTOR - ALPHA HOUSE - 12" (ALPHA01)
Wicked second release for the excellent Alpha House imprint which
sees Butane giving us some of the finest clicked-out Tech around.
Deep, funky, exceptionally well produced sounds that will get
people a-jiggling all over the place. Add to that two remixes
from Minus bods Heartthrob and Run Stop Restore and you've got
an immaculate workout. Superb and definitely recommended.
E.O.X. - REPRODUCTION - AD LIMITED - 12" (ADLTD04)
The AD Limited series really is an old-school blast from the past.
With a reputation for delivering quality Acid grooves, this EP
comes with some seriously stripped down funkiness and a =
Chicago-esque
feel to the bumpy beats. Phat, very clubby and great fun all round.
Nice one Alexi!
EXZAKT - SECOND WAVE REMIX'D - SATAMILE - 12" (SATRX04)
Monster EP from Satamile which takes Exzakt's already immense
'Second Wave' and remixes it up in fine style. Versions come from
Imatran Voima, Tipper, EMS and Uprokk. To say that these tracks
are devastating is undrestating it somewhat! Absolutely essential
for Electro-Heads everywhere. HUGE!
JAMBI - UNANSWERED Q'S EP - DISTRICT OF CORRUPTION - 12" (DOC006)
I remember Jamibi doing a net.label release on Jay Haze's Textone
website. It was rather a jolly little minimal Techno number with
some splendid production going on. This EP for District Of =
Corruption
is a nice continuation of that stripped-down sound with a slightly
more bouncy, traditional Techno feel, a wiggly groove and tight
production. Main point for most people will be the absolutely
superb remix from Someone Else which drops a serious groove and
some immaculately deep sounds. Fresh.
New Releases (Vinyl): House
KELLI HAND - MOODYLIFE EP - THIRD EAR - 12" (3EEP-022)
Subtitled "The Producer Series #1" and therefore fairly obviously
the first in an occasional series celebrating influential house
and techno producers, and giving them a chance to "push the envelope
a little, to maybe try out something which they've been thinking
about, but haven't had the opportunity to work through to their
satisfaction". Certainly different to her material of K-Hand on
Tresor years ago, this is melodic deep house a bit like a cross
between Theo Parrish and/or Moodymann and Neurhythmics, perhaps.
Nice work.=20
PASTRAMI MAN - PASTRAMI MACHINE - FREESTYLE - 12" (FST-005)
Two solid re-edits here from Pastrami Man. The A-side is a Disco
cut with a long, extended feel to it whilst the flip appears to
be a Tina Turner track (at least it sounded like it to me)...
one of the old and very funky ones as opposed to 'Simply the Best'
era. For you re-edit fans, this is no doubt indispensible.
New Releases (Vinyl): Hip Hop
CANIBUS - ITS NO OTHER THAN... - BABYGRANDE - 12" (BBGS1220)
Dark brooding rhymes from the man with matching beats from Nottz.
one for those who like it a bit clubby, but with the aforementioned
darkness....
New Releases (Vinyl): Eclectic Beats
SUPER NUMERI - THE WELCOME TABLE - NINJA TUNE - CD (ZEN97)
Super Numeri is really one of the more interesting artists on
Ninja Tune these days. This is a thoroughly enjoyable blend of
live psyche, jazz, funk and post rock incorporating up to fourteen
musicians in total (including harp, flute, strings, sax etc).
If you're a Thrill Jockey / Tortoise fan, this may surprise you.
Very tasty.=20
New Releases (Vinyl): Guitar Based
CABARET VOLTAIRE - LIVE AT THE HACIENDA 11.08.83 - GET BACK - LP =
(GET41LP)
Live session from this ground breaking band recorded in 1983 at
the Hacienda. 9 tracks in all here from arguably the bands most
creative period...
ELYSE - S/T - ISOTA - LP (SODY032LP)
singer songwriter LP here with a country / folk sound that is
timeless.Originally released in 1968 this really is quite beautiful.
Her voice has a world weary flavour thatsuites the songs perfectly.
A real gem of a reissue here, recommended....
FLAMING LIPS, THE - HEAR IT IS - PLAIN - LP (PLAIN111LP)
Reissue of the bands first LP here hailing from 1986.=20
FLAMING LIPS, THE - OH MY GAWD!!! - PLAIN - LP (PLAIN112LP)
Reissue of the bands famed 2nd LP from 1987.=20
JEFF MANGUM - LIVE AT JITTERY JOES - ISOTA - LP (SODY030LP)
Another obscure reissue from Isota here. No info here as to when
it was originally released, where, who was envolved etc. its
a live recording from some type of hippie gathering (there is
a baby crying at the beginning). The recording is a bit rough
but the guy sings & delivers with some passion. have a listen.....
Restocks (Vinyl): Guitar Based
KINKS, THE - ARE THE VILLAGE GREEN PRESERVATION SOCIETY - EARMARK - LP =
(42006)
WHO'D HAVE THOUGHT THAT AN ALBUM SO IGNORED IN ITS DAY (TOTALLY
AT ODDS WITH PSYCHEDELIA & FREE LOVE IN 1968) WOULD GO ON TO BECOME
SUCH A LANDMARK IN BRITISH GUITAR POP? THIS REALLY WAS THE BLUEPRINT
OF SO MUCH TO COME IN TERMS OF SARCASTIC, CRITICAL, IRONIC LYRICS
MARRIED WITH EDGY TUNES (CERTAINLY THE LIKES OF BLUR OWE THIS
LP A DEBT OR TWO). WITHOUT A DOUBT ONE OF THE FINEST ALBUMS OF
THE 60'S, IF NOT EVER.
TALKING HEADS - RARE 12" MIXES - N/A - 2xLP (TLK001)
Collection of rare mixes from the huge Talking heads. Such cuts
as Once in a lifetime, This must be the place, Making flippy floppy,
Psycho killer and more........
New Releases (Vinyl): Funk / Jazz / Soul
CLYDE ALEXANDER - GOT TO GET YOUR LOVE - HEAVENLY STAR - 12" (HS905)
Super classic disco that has been sampled by many. Its the =
instrumental
that is doing it here, if your into house in a big way your going
to recognize this straight away. Keep these fine reissues coming
mr brown, we love 'em....
VARIOUS - TIMELESS' FINEST JAZZ - DOPENESS GALORE - 12" (DG2002)
A splendid EP of predominantly Latin flavoured Jazz tracks from
the likes of Pharoah Sanders, Batida, Samba Trio and Rodney Jones.
All hand picked by the Kindred Spirits crew and extremely pleasing
to the ear all round. Mellow and a bit loungey... nice.
VARIOUS - THE KANYE COLLECTION - STRICTLY BREAK - 2xLP (SB9818LP)
30 tracks as used by the superstar Kanye West. A real treat with
cuts that he has used for himself mixed with beats he has laced
for Beanie Segal, Scarface, Common, Royce, Mobb deep and many
more. No artist info here but at least it has the track titles...
New Releases (CD): Electronica
AB OVO - EMPREINTES - ANT-ZEN - CD (ACT176CD)
Although dark and occasionsally very intense, this lp is at times
crisp and lush. A brave mixture of light and dark with very good
production all round. Well worth a listen...
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.
ARCHITECT - THE ANALYSIS OF NOISE TRADING - HYMEN - CD (Y746CD)
Hard, aggressive noisey industrial techno in that vein that is
synonimous with the Hymen label. with added aggression.....
CRISTAL - CRISTAL EP - ALL IS NUMBER - CD (AIN001)
A two track EP serving as a taster for the full album and what
a beauty. Starting off as a gently manipulated piece with a melodic
texture it weaves and wends its way through distortion and noise
and back again through a series of processes which left me =
transfixed.
Yes, it's heavy-going at times, but it's so powerful you tend
to just get drawn in. A superb debut for this label.
CRISTAL - CRISTAL - ALL IS NUMBER - CD (AIN003)
Cristal is a new project from Jimmy Anthony, Greg Darden and Bobby
Donne (of Labradford) and if this is anything to go by you have
every reason to be excited. Four wonderfully dense and experimental
tracks that are challenging yet incredibly engaging. Noise, =
processed
sounds, guitars and lots of layers of texture combine to create
swathes of music that's as A-tonal as it is sublime. Consider
this a recommendation! Just try it.
DJ OLIVE VS JP DESSY - MUSIQUES NOUVELLES - SUB ROSA - CD (SR235)
Superb slice of experimentalism from Dj Olive and JP Dessy. =
Initially
conceived as a live performance the pair went on to perform togethe
a number of times. After that it seemed only prudent to capture
some of the vibes in a studio setting andm hence, this CD was
born. Collaborating in an intriguing fashion and both bringing
different feels to the music you have Olive's earthy electronics
and jazz influences and Dessy's Cello based musical adveturism.
Together they create a series of wonderful pieces that are as
spacious as they are deep. A superb work. Recommended.
EZEKIEL HONIG AND MORGAN PACKARD - EARLY MORNING MIGRATION - MICROCOSM =
- CD (MCOSM1009)
Restock. Microcosm is a label that we've been following very closely
here at Smallfish and this, for me, fulfills all the promise that
we've thus far seen. Label boss Ezekiel Honig has consistently
been putting out fabulous Techno and Electronica releases on a
number of labels and the sheer depth, simplicity and warmth of
his sound is simply a joy to listen to. Subtle 4/4's have been
his trademark so far so it's interesting to see him put his sound
into a more ambient and textural persepctive. With help from Morgan
Packard (weho actually provides half of the tracks on the CD)
he's created a dense, lovingly crafted and gentle selection that
is melodic without ever being obvious. Muted soundscapes and =
rhythmic
pulses sit underneath the tracks and the luscious layers that
lie on top of everything are quite divine. Everything you would
or could want from a piece of ambient Electronica. Highly, highly
recommended.
GENETIC SELECTION - DARWIN'S VOYAGE - ANT-ZEN - CD (ACT185CD)
Dark electronica here from Genetic Selection. Based on the work
of Charles Darwin, the music here is set into a prologue and three
chapters. It's quite heavy and sinister at times with strong beats
and occasional soundscape interludes but, as a whole piece, it
certainly holds my interest. One to check...
JUDITH JUILLERAT - SOLILOQUY - SHITKATAPULT - CD (STRIKE67CD)
A complete surprise from Shitkatapult here. A heartfelt and very
chilled out selection of electronic singer-songwriter music with
an amazingly deep feel and a couple of genuinely beautiful moments.
Things get a little more uptempo from time to time, but generally
this is a well realised slice of 'proper' music from the 'katapult
krew. Well done!
MAMAN - ALIKE JOSEPH - RECTANGLE - CD (RECAN)
Sale. Four pieces of experimental Electro-Acoustic souding music
that are challenging and deep yet very satisfying. Starts off
fairly musically but soon delves into the deeper end of sound
manipulation.
MOKIRA - FFT POP - CUBIC FABRIC - CD (CUBICF04)
It's been a while getting to these shores (at least for us) but
Andreas Tilliander's wonderful Mokira CD for Tokyo-based Cubic
Fabric has finally made it. And it's extremely good indeed. Using
a lovely palette of electronic sounds and a healthy dose of =
processing,
Tilliander creates a flowing, crunchy, yet always strangely melodic
selection of tracks that have quite a bit in common with his work
on Raster Noton, but a less obviously rhythmic feel than the 'Plee'
album for Mille Plateaux. Deep, musical sounds that are soulful
yet have enough of an abstract edge to keep you on your toes.
Fans of the work of labels like 12k and Mille Plateaux should
seek this out immediately. Superb and highly recommended.
NO.9 - MUSHI-NO-NE - CUBIC MUSIC - CD (CUBICMUSIC07)
I love getting Japanese CDs in and this is on Cubic Music which
makes it doubly exciting. No.9 has created a wonderful selection
of tracks that bend the rules of Electronica to their own purpose
with a great deal of aplomb. Playful and abstract but warm and
friendly with a nice line in manipulation and some gentle =
processing.
This one will warm your cockles on a cold, cold winters night
and, as ever with this superb label, it comes highly recommended.
QUIO - LIKE OOOH! - AGF PRODUKTION - CD (MDM55042)
AGF Produktions deliver the full album from Quio which has a =
pseudo-Ragga
style to her vocals (doesn't sit happily with me I'm afraid) and
a whole host of electronic shenanigans, musically speaking. From
trendy Electro-House to a more downbeat style there are a fair
few bases covered here. Clever, but ultimately one you'll need
to check to make up your own mind about.
SAMURAI JAZZ - MEME? - CUBIC MUSIC - 12" (CUBICMUSIC11)
Samurai Jazz offer up a quirky, infintely intersting collection
of tracks that are in many wasy quintessentially Japanese-sounding.
Everything you can imagine about music from that eclectic country
seems to be represented here - Jazz, beats, guitars, electronics
- and it perfectly echoes the diverse nature of the country itself.
At times chaotic and choppy like the centre of Tokyo or Osaka,
at others calm and soothing like being way out in the country
far away from the madness of Pachinko halls and the neon lights.
There's a mutant funkiness to the breaks and beats here that keeps
everything moving, but there are so many interesting interludes
as well that it's hard to resist. Fabulous stuff.
SAWAKO - OMNIBUS - COMMUNITY LIBRARY - CD (CL2)
Made by Sawako and friends from musical and non musical =
perspectives.
10 tracks of simple electronica meets field recordings - the
tracks hold the sampled sounds and music together really well,
with them feeling like complete (if very minimal and fragile)
tracks whilst still evoking actual places and situations. Charming
and simple. 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.
SIRCONICAL - WAVING AT PLANES - TWISTED NERVE - CD (TN057CD)
One of Twisted Nerve's consistently better artists comes up trumps
here. If you're an admirer of Static Caravan, Morr Music, City
Centre Offices, Wobblyhead and co, you'd be well advised to give
this fine LP of pure melodic electronica a go. Warm and atmospheric,
this is almost along the lines of the Toytronic and Expanding,
only more organic. Recommended.=20
TOD DOCKSTADER - AERIAL #2 - SUB ROSA - CD (SR228)
Tod Dockstader really is out there on the fringes. And thank God
for people like him. This can't really be described without =
referencing
the work of William Basinski which is ironic as I suspect Basinski
was influenced by Dockstader. This is an incredibly dense series
of short tracks that are masterful. Deep, spacious, dense snatches
of sound lengthened and looped to provide absolute hypnotism.
An essential purchase for fans and necomers alike. Simply superb.
TOSHIMARU NAKAMURA - VEHICLE - CUBIC MUSIC - CD (CUBICMUSIC08)
Toshimaru Nakamura's 'Vehicle' is an intriguing set of experimental
Electronica tracks that are predominantly created using the internal
feedback of his mixing desk. No over-dubs, no programming... just
pure sound creation. Which makes the end result all the more =
amazing.
Moving from hypnotic piece to hypnotic piece there's a variety
here that goes well beyond the realms of the original source.
From dense feedback loops to rhythmic, almost Pansonic-esque,
tracks via low-key drones and textures. A deeply fascinating and
involving piece of work that grows in stature the more you listen
to it. Highly recommended.=20
VARIOUS - FEEL MY CHINA VOL 1 - COMPONENT - CD (CHINA1)
Excellent compilation here from the Component label. twisted,
complex electronica from the likes of Exillion, Geroyche, Drop
the lime, Devnull, Duran Duran Duran and more. Also has a secret
track at the end. Ssshhhh.. Its a secret.....
VARIOUS - MEMORIES OF SASAKI SAN - POWERSHOVEL AUDIO - CD (PSA-001)
First release from Japanese label Powershovel Audio is a wonderful
and diverse collection of tracks from a wide range of artists.
Taking Mika Sasaki's original tracks and reworking them into a
series of different flavours and textures you get pieces from
Steve Roden, Alejandra & Aeron, Greg Davis, Hans Appelqvist, =
Yuichiro
Fujimoto (who runs the label, incidentally), Harald 'Sack' Ziegler,
Patrik Torsson and several of Mika's original works. From =
ultra-reduced
minimalism to delightfully melodic and playful tracks this is
the perfect sound for a Japanese label. It also features absolutely
lush packaging which has been very carefully crafted and has a
lovely booklet of photography by the artists involved. Superb
sounds and definitely recommended.
VARIOUS - LIB. FABRIC COMPILATION - CUBIC FABRIC - CD (FABRIC01)
The debut release from Cubic Music's Fabric offshoot (run out
of Tokyo by Keiichi Sugimoto aka Minamo and Fourcolor) is something
we had before, but in different packaging. As such I feel that
it's worth drawing your attention to this wonderful compilation
again as it's still an absolute beauty. With tracks from Z_E_L_L_E,
Motion, Minamo, Alejandra & Aeron, Aero, Toshimaru Nakamura, =
Masahiko
Okura, Tu m', Amorfon's Yoshio Machida and Zazumi Namba you can
instantly tell that this is a CD of quality and the music really
backs that up. Warm, fragile minimal Electronica that's delicate
yet, at times, challenging with its high frequencies and textural
layers. Seriously good stuff from a fantastic label. Highly =
recommended.
VARIOUS - SOUTHERN WINTER, NORTHERN SUMMER - FERAL MEDIA - CD (FM15CD)
Very reasonably priced label sampler from Australia's Feral Media.
A great variety of styles here, from subtle electronica led rap,
sparse solo vocal and piano to soundscapes and Aphex like mash
ups. A superb selection from the label that provides an excellent
platform for quality underground Australian artists.
VARIOUS - SMALL MELODIES - SPEKK - CD (KK:005)
Restock. Nao Sugimoto (aka Mondii and co boss of Plop) runs his
own Spekk label with a great degree of love and attention and,
once again, he shows that with some careful consideration and
the right contacts you can put together - seemingly effortlessly
- a compilation of contemporary digital minimalism that is a true
showcase of this wonderfully diverse style of music. Merely glancing
at the tracklisting should confirm to most people the breadth
of talent involved with this release... Taylor Deupree, Sogar,
Fenton, Oren Ambarchi, Herve Boghossian, Ultra Milkmaids, Anderegg,
Stephan Mathieu and more all contribute with their own unique
takes on the idea of small melodies. There's a stark beauty on
show here from the beginning to the end and whether it's Deupree's
ultra-refined click textures and gentle tones or the Ultra Milkmaids
slightly more in-your-face manipulated approach, it's all there
for a very good reason. Sublime, for the most part and occasionally
challenging, this is an absolutely delightful project that is
as immaculate in conception as it is in presentation. An unmissable
gem and highly, highly recommended.
WILL MONTGOMERY - WATER BLINKS - SELVAGE FLAME - CD (SELVAGEFLAME001)
Veteran journalist Will Montgomery provides us with the debut
release for Selvage Flame and it's an intricately woven set of
pieces that offers more and more with each listen. On the face
of it it has similarities to the work of Richard Chartier with
its use of environmental sound and abstract tones, yet this CD
is more condensed as the tracks are generally shorter. Each track
is focused on a sound: improv, contemporary composition, fractured
minimalism. It works in a spacious way and involves the listener
at all times, challenging yet bringing a beautiful sort of clarity.
This isn't going to be for everyone, but for those looking for
something a little more cerebral, yet striking, this is an absolute
recommendation. Superb - as is the gatefold packaging.
WONDERLAND FALLING YESTERDAY (WORLD'S END GIRLFRIE - ENCHANTED =
LANDSCAPE ESCAPE - CUBIC MUSIC - CD (CUBICMUSIC10)
Anything that comes from the mind of World's End Girlfriend is
worth listening to and this is definitely no exception. He's always
got the ability to surprise and enchant with his amazingly complex
arrangements and fascinating sounds and this CD is eminent proof
of that. Providing 14 tracks of ever changing sounds you get deep,
emotive piano pieces, dense and warm organic Electronica and the
trademark, slightly more chatic and rhythmic tracks he's best
known for. Exciting, beautiful, heart warming and engaging...
simply a lovely album. Recommended.
Z_E_L_L_E - RJCTD::NW - CUBIC FABRIC - CD (CUBICF02)
The duo of Z_E_L_L_E conjure up some distinctly minimal sounds
for Japan's Cubi Fabric label. Working in a similar way to their
previous album, 'Nth' on Line and sharing a similar philosphy
with Richard Chartier, they use ultra-reduced and processed tones
to create a serious sense of isolation and dislocation. Long periods
of near-silence are puctuated by static bursts and drones that
fill your head and leave you with a lasting impression. Music
for headphones, definitely. And amazingly atmospheric to boot.
Recommended.
ZAMMUTO - SOLUTIORE OF STAREAU: DISC ONE - INFRACTION - CD (INFX002)
Sale. Nice minimal pulsing sounds from Zammuto. Deep noises and
textures offset with a healthy dose of Glitch and tone. Fits in
with the Raster Noton and Line / 12k releases very nicely and
is definitely worthy of your attention.
Restocks (CD): Electronica
CASSETTEBOY - DEAD HORSE - BARRY'S BOOTLEGS - CD (BAZ010)
Cassetteboy's second album is more of the same painfully constructed
sonic terrorism containing thousands of audio snippets plundered
from TV, radio, film and popular music. Veering from fierce =
political
satire (attacking The War On Terror with cut-up Bush and Blair
speeches) to blatant, puerile filth (the Harry Potter stories!),
this is part sheer hilarity, part editing masterclass!=20
JAN JELINEK - LOOP FINDING JAZZ RECORDS - SCAPE - CD (SCAPE007CD)
STUNNING NEW LONG PLAYER FROM JELINEK (AKA FARBEN, AKA GRAMM).
THIS SURPASSES ALL EXPECTATIONS WITH IT'S SUBTLE MIXTURE OF CLICKS,
GLITCHES, DEEP DUBBY BASSLINES AND SUBLIME STRINGS & STABS. BASED
ON A COLLECTION OF JAZZ LOOPS THAT HE'S TWISTED BEYOND ALL =
RECOGNITION.
AWESOME.
KEYPROCESSOR, THE / TV-99-AD - ASSEMBLED 014/015 - EEVO LUTE - CD =
(EEVOCD3)
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!
MURCOF - MARTES - LEAF - CD (BAY23CD)
ASTONISHING DEBUT ALBUM FROM THIS VERY, VERY TALENTED MEXICAN
PRODUCER. NINE TRACKS OF, QUITE SIMPLY, SOME OF THE MOST =
IMAGINATIVE,
ATMOSPHERIC, BEAUTIFUL ELECTRONICA YOU'RE LIKELY TO HEAR THIS
YEAR. INTRICATE RHYTHM STRUCTURES, CLASSICAL OVERTONES, HEART
WRENCHING STRINGS AND MELODIES AND UNBELIEVABLY ACCOMPLISHED =
PRODUCTION.
ALBUM OF THE YEAR, WITHOUT A DOUBT.
VARIOUS - CHECK THE WATER - LEAF - 2xCD (BAY50CD)
What better way to commemorate the tenth anniversary of Leaf than
a bargain-priced, 29-track double CD best-of? They're all on here;
Susumu Yokota, Four Tet, Faultline, Rob Ellis, Gorodisch, Caribou,
Murcof, Boom Bip and Dose One, Clue To Kalo, Colleen, Icarus,
Wells / Schneider / Morgenstern, Efterklang, Triosk, Hanne =
Hukkelberg,
Sutekh, Psapp and plenty others. Here's to another decade of melodic
electronica, quirky leftfield pop and the occasional jazz noodle!
=20
VARIOUS - POP AMBIENT 2005 - KOMPAKT - CD (KOMCD37)
THIS YEARS INSTALLMENT OF THE WONDEROUS POP AMBIENT SERIES IS
AN ABSOLUTE WHIRLPOOL OF BLISS. 12 TRACKS OF THE MOST DELIGHTFULLY
ATMOSPHERIC AMBIENT ELECTRONICA FROM SUCH HOUSEHOLD NAMES AS (WELL,
THEY'RE HOUSEHOLD NAMES AROUND MY HOUSEHOLD ANYWAY!) THE ORB,
GAS, TRIOLA, KLIMEK, ANDREW THOMAS, ULF LOHMANN, THOMAS FEHLMANN,
DJ KOZE, PETER GRUMMICH, POPNONAME AND PASS INTO SILENCE. TEXTURAL
HEAVEN. ESSENTIAL.
VARIOUS - POP AMBIENT 2002 - KOMPAKT - CD (KOMCD14)
STUNNING COMPILATION OF THE MORE MELODIC, AMBIENT MOMENTS FROM
KOMPAKTS RECENT OUTPUT (PLUS A COUPLE OF BITS LICENSED BECAUSE
THEY'RE SO GOOD). MIKE INK IN SEVERAL GUISES, DONNACHA COSTELLO,
ULF LOHMANN, MARKUS GUENTNER AND MORE FEATURE ON THIS UTTERLY
SUBLIME ALBUM. HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
VARIOUS - KOLN KOMPAKT - KOMPAKT - CD (KOMCD01)
Aah, the very first compilation from our friends at Kompakt. =
Something
of a classic now which features some of Cologne's finest including
Studio 1, The Modernist, Michael Mayer, Dr. Walker, Pentax, Thomas
Brinkmann and more. From ultra-minimal Techno grooves to more
bouncy, 'Schaffel' styled tracks this is an essential selection
that sounds possibly even better today than it did at the time.
Class.
VENETIAN SNARES - MEATHOLE - PLANET MU - CD (ZIQ099CD)
Oooh, heck, it's the Snares! I have to say i do prefer Venetian
Snares when he's on Planet Mu - generally speaking his material
is a little more varied and interesting when he's on Mr Paradinas's
label. Yes, this is pretty brutal (obviously), with lots of frantic,
amphetamine-fuelled drill 'n' bass beats, sci-fi effects and =
distortion
a-plenty, but with more of a Squarepusher / Aphex feel than his
Peaceoff releases (for example). Wow, wot a rush, etc!
New Releases (CD): Techno / Electro
DAPAYK & PADBERG - CLOSE UP - MO'S FERRY - CD (MFP016CD)
Now, I've heard people moaning about the vocals on this album,
but to my mind, that's totally missing the point of what it's
all about. Dapayk & Padberg have constructed an amazingly dense
collection of ultra-minimal Techno tracks with some of the weirdest
sounds and crispiest programming around... to call it oddball
is understating it somewhat! Incredibly deep sounds with immaculate
production and twsited rhythms to get everyone in a right tizzy.
For me the vocals work like a dream and add a superb depth to
the music and, quite frankly, I normally hate vocals. So, give
it a listen and make up your own mind as I think it's brill! =
Recommended.
VARIOUS - THE BOX COLLECTION NO. 1 - GIGOLO - 5xCD (GIGOLO184)
How much Gigolo can you handle? This literally huge 5xCD box brings
together the previously deleted first four Gigolo compilations
under one roof. They're all on here - Miss Kittin & The Hacker,
Zombie Nation, Hell, Jeff Mills, Christopher Just, David Caretta,
Anthony 'Shake' Shakir, Der Zyklus, Foremost Poets, Terence Fixmer,
Valium, Tuxedomoon etc etc. A massive slab of Electroclash years
before the term was invented (ie, whilst it was still fresh).
=20
Restocks (CD): Techno / Electro
ORB, THE - OKIE DOKIE IT'S THE ORB ON KOMPAKT - KOMPAKT - CD (KOMCD45)
Finally, the Orb's album arrives on the lovely Kompakt label and,
no surprises, it's really, really strong. A deft balance between
grooving, typically Cologne style Techno, ultra-deep and minimal
tracks (spot the Thomas Fehlmann sound!) and some delightful Pop
Ambient moments. Gorgeous, well produced and full of cheeky and
surprisingly quirky sounds and samples... this one comes highly
recommended.
STRAND - MESSAGES - DELSIN - CD (40DSR/STR-CD1)
FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO DON'T BUY VINYL, HERE'S YOUR OPPORTUNITY
TO GET BOTH STRAND SINGLES FROM DELSIN PLUS THE BONUS OF THE EP
THEY DID ON SHAKE'S FRICTIONAL LABEL. EVEN BETTER, THERE ARE TWO
UNRELEASED TRACKS AS WELL. AS DETROIT TECHNO GOES, THESE GUYS
ARE AT THE TOP OF THE LEAGUE AND MANAGE TO MAKE IT SOULFUL AND
MELODIC AS WELL AS GROOVY AND MECHANICAL. A HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
RELEASE.
VARIOUS - TOTAL 6 - KOMPAKT - CD (KOMCD42)
Kompakt. Purveyors of quality throughout their back catalogue
and increasingly essential thanks to a diverse range of Techno,
Electro and House releases. This sixth Total compilation is =
absolutely
on the money and features a broad and very comprehensive collection
of tracks that have been released recently and even includes a
few unreleased tracks for good measure. Tracks from DJ Koze, =
Tocotronic,
Michael Mayer, Ferenc, Heib, Mikkel Metal, Justus Kohncke, Jurgen
Paape, Reinhard Voigt, Rex The Dog, Thomas Fehlmann and many,
many more exude class from beginning to end making this yet another
indespensible release from our favourite Cologne label. Top stuff.
VARIOUS - TOTAL 3 - KOMPAKT - CD (KOMCD10)
Another super collection of Kompakt release here on the third
volume. As you'd expect, the quality is as high as ever and features
a tracklisting that includes Sascha Funke, Michael Mayer, The
Modernist, T.Raumschmiere, Lawrence, Superpitcher, Dettinger,
Jurgen Paape, Ulf Lohmann and more. The classiest minimal Techno
sounds around with a fair smattering of thoughtful electronics
to boot. Pure quality.
VARIOUS - TOTAL 2 - KOMPAKT - CD (KOMCD06)
KOMPAKT COMPILATION, AND NO REAL SUPRISES HERE..... FEATURING
THE LIKES OF SASCHA FUNKE, LAWRENCE, CLOSER MUSIK, DUBSTAR, =
DETTINGER
AND A FEW MORE, THIS IS A SELECTION OF TECHNO - DIFFERENT SOUNDS
AND FEELINGS, BUT ALL WITH THAT KOMPAKT DRIVE AND FUNK....
Restocks (CD): US Techno / Electro
CONNECTION MACHINE, THE - PAINLESS - DOWNLOW - CD (DLCMLP)
THIS COMES TO US AT A TIME WHEN THERE REALLY ISN'T A GREAT DEAL
OF BEAUTIFULLY WARM AUTHENTIC SOUNDING DETROIT STYLE TECHNO AROUND.
IT COMPILES A WHOLE ALBUMS WORTH OF WONDERFULLY DEEP, YET QUITE
PACEY AND DANCEY TRACKS (FROM THIS ACT WHO PREVIOUSLY APPEARED
ON PLANET E AMONGST OTHER LABELS), WITH MELODY, A HYPNOTIC FEEL
AND A TRULY MID '90'S FEEL. THAT'S NOT TO SAY THAT IT SOUNDS DATED,
BECAUSE IT DOESN'T. IT JUST BRINGS BACK VERY PLEASANT MEMORIES
OF THAT PARTICULAR ERA. THIS ONE IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
New Releases (CD): Eclectic Beats
SUPER NUMERI - THE WELCOME TABLE - NINJA TUNE - CD (ZENCD97)
Super Numeri is really one of the more interesting artists on
Ninja Tune these days. This is a thoroughly enjoyable blend of
live psyche, jazz, funk and post rock incorporating up to fourteen
musicians in total (including harp, flute, strings, sax etc).
If you're a Thrill Jockey / Tortoise fan, this may surprise you.
Very tasty.=20
New Releases (CD): Guitar Based
ACID MOTHERS TEMPLE & THE COSMIC INFERNO - IAO CHANT FROM THE COSMIC =
INFERNO - ACE FU - CD (ACE034CD)
An absolutely primeval cacophany of guitar noise and blood-curdling
sound from the Acid Mothers. And surely that's exactly what you
expect and want from them? Oh yes! Monster.
JOY DIVISION - LET THE MOVIE BEGIN - INTERSOUND RECORDINGS - CD =
(INTERSTATE10795CD)
Live, rare and alternate takes of classic Joy Division tracks
interspersed with brief snippets of an interview conducted with
the band in 1978. There is a forward written by the interviewer,
a transcript, and although the sound quality on the interview
may be a little poor the unmistakeable voices of Curtis, Hannet,
Sumner et al add to the mistique of the package. A wonderful =
document
and some great versions of some of their classic tracks.........
JUDEE SILL - HEART FOOD - WATER - CD (WATER159CD)
Another wonderfully timely reissue of the much talked about Judee
Sill's music. Again, it's not hard to see why she's mentioned
by a wealth of contemporary musicians. Beautifully written and
realised songs that are intricate, beautiful and have an amazing
sexualness throughout. A lot of people consider her to border
on the religious experience side of things and on this evidence,
you can see why. Simply a sublime piece of work.
JUDEE SILL - INTRODUCING JUDEE SILL - WATER - CD (WATER158CD)
Judee Sill's debut album gets a timely reissue here and it's not
hard to see why people like Jim O'Rourke consistently name-check
here as an influence. Delightfully earthy and beautifully written
songs that are heartfelt without being sickly. Comes from the
'70's but has an amazing resonance, even now. Highly recommended.
KATH BLOOM - COME HERE - POWERSHOVEL AUDIO - CD (PSA-002)
This second release from Tokyo's Powershovel Audio label is an
absolute beauty and features Kath Bloom singing her heart out
over a series of gorgeous folk tracks. Really soulful sounds which
bring to mind Vashti Bunyan or Judee Sill with their unpretentious
style and lyrical feel. For fans of singer-songwriter music, this
is an absolute must.
NORTHERN SONG DYNASTY - NORTHERN SONG DYNASTY - ALL IS NUMBER - CD =
(AIN002)
Northern Song Dynasty is Jessica Bailiff and Jesse Edwards...
that should tell you enough about this sublime album to go on!
Essentially it's a drfiting, beautifully realised set of guitar
tracks with Bailiff's divine vocals providing a fitting layer
of beauty over the top of some geniunely lush music. Post-Rock?
Shoe-Gazing? Either or, really. Just phenomenally lovely sounds.
Recommended.
PATRIK TORSSON - STATEMENTS OF FACTS - POWERSHOVEL AUDIO - CD =
(PSA-003)
Possibly my favourite release so far on Powershovel Audio. Patrik
Torsson provides a lovely selection of songs using predominantly
guitar based sounds. He blends that with an element of electronica,
though, to give it a contemporary songwriter feel. Lovingly =
structured
songs and heartfelt, beautifully delivered vocals all combine
to mke a pleasingly warm album that I've been going to back to
for weeks now. Absolutely superb and highly recommended.
TWO GALLANTS - THE THROES - ALIVE RECORDS - CD (ALIVE0054-2)
Singer songwriter material with some top production values. the
guys voice is what steals the show for me here. A nice edge to
it that sits nicely over the high quality production and playing.
Have a listen.....
VARIOUS - SPACE IS NO PLACE NYC; NOISE FROM THE UNDERGROUND - =
PSYCH-O-PATH - CD (CDPSP7)
Selection of noisey, attitudey, punk rock tracks from, you guessed
it, N.Y.C. Music from the likes of Spaceman, Aero & Anderegg,
Jah division and more.....
Restocks (CD): Guitar Based
2 BY BUKOWSKI - SOME CRAZY SHIT HAS HAPPENED SINCE THE CONJURING - =
VERY FRIENDLY - CD (VF011CD)
Five new, extended tracks from 2BB which acts as a great side-dish
to the new Earth album, dontcha know. Although not quite as doom
laden as Dylan Carlson, this is that mid-ground between post-rock
and seventies/eighties metal, and one the better releases i've
heard of its kind recently. Guaranteed to cause outbreaks of air
guitar or your money back (disclamer: not really).=20
VARIOUS - AMERICAN PRIMITIVE VOLUME 1 - REVENANT - CD (REV206CD)
COMPILED BY GAYLE DEAN WARDLOW AND JOHN FAHEY, THIS IS A FABULOUS
SELECTION OF RAW PRE-WAR GOSPEL MUSIC. FEATURING THE KNOWN AND
UNKNOWN ALIKE, THIS IS "77 MINUTES OF GUT-BUCKET GOSPEL". HIGHLY
RECOMMENDED (AS IS EVERYTHING ON THIS FANTASTIC LABEL).=20
VASHTI BUNYAN - JUST ANOTHER DIAMOND DAY - SPINNEY - CD (SPINNEY001CD)
It's nice to be able to write that this is no longer Vashti's
only album, with the follow-up to this 1970 album finally just
around the corner! This pretty much became the Holy Grail of British
Folk a few years ago before finally being reissued. Featuring
contributions from members of Fairport Convention and the Incredible
String Band, as well as string arrangements by Robert Kirby (who
worked with Nick Drake) and production by Joe Boyd (ditto), this
cast iron classic album has seen Vashti credited by the likes
of Devendra Banhart and Joanna Newsom as a major source of =
inspiration.
Not as reclusive as she once was, that elusive new album is merely
weeks away but in the meantime, treat yourself to this timely
reissue.
New Releases (CD): Funk / Jazz / Soul
BUDOS BAND, THE - THE BUDOS BAND - DAPTONE - CD (DAP-005CD)
Tasty new outfit on the kings of the new funk sound Daptone here.
After just the one 7" release (to our knowledge at least) comes
this tight, brassy affair that features Neal Sugarman (from the
Sugarman 3 of course!) amongst a big group of musicians playing
a very funky Afro-Soul sound. 11 tracks in all to get your teeth
into.......
GNU - SURO - CUBIC MUSIC - CD (CUBICMUSIC13)
Gnu are a five-piece band that offer up a psyched out, Post-Rock
fuelled selection of tracks that hae more in common with Tortoise
and Soft Machine than any Electronica acts you care to mention.
There's is an initially complex sounding style but the more you
listen the easier it flows until you find yourself being absolutely
absorbed by the pure jazz-ness of it all. A funky CD, but not
in the traditional sense. Quite excellent.
GNU - MIDNIGHT BREAKFAST - CUBIC MUSIC - CD (CUBICMUSIC06)
Gnu's debut album for Cubic Music is a massively impressive blend
of Jazz and Post-Rock that comes across in such a pleasing and,
it has to said, British style that it's hard not to get really
caught up in it. Fabulous musicianship and wonderfully complex,
yet absolutely coherent arrangements give it a uniquely funky
sound with acres of room for the players to improvise. A super
bit of psych-Jazz from a brilliant label. Recommended.
New Releases (CD): Experimental
46000 FIBRES - CYTE PACIFIC - TRI - 2xCD (TRI X)
Sale. 2 CDs with 28 tracks celebrating this experimental act's
output between 1994 and 1999. Soundscpaes, some of which are =
harmonious,
some noise based are mixed with spoken word, live instrumentation
and whatever else these guys see fit to use. Defies description
really. Have a listen...
AMIR BAGHIRI - YALDA - VIVO - CD (VIVO007CD)
Sale. An incredibly wide range of African / Middle Eastern / Asian
instrumentation has been used on this highly musical and vibrant
CD. A lovely touch is the addition of 'Eastern Desert Ambience
and Nature Atmos' into the mix. Really good stuff.
A-SOMA & THE UNLIGHTENED - NOTHING COMES TO MIND - ORGANON - CD =
(ORG1953)
Sale. Acoustic sound experiments here with live elements in the
shape of some wonderfully dark strings. I'm glad to see a sense
of humour at work here amongst the serious art. Mostly very short
tracks of about 2 minutes a piece with a total of 28. Have a =
listen...
BILL LASWELL - CITY OF LIGHT / HASHISHEEN - SUB ROSA - 2xCD (SRSECD2)
Sale. Very attractive box set compiling two classic Bill Laswell
albums on Sub Rosa from a few years back. A host of special guests
feature including Coil, Jah Wobble, Techno Animal (The Bug), Iggy
pop, William S. Burroughs, Gensis P. Orridge, Patti Smith etc.
Fascinating music all round and well worth investigating.
DIMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH - THE MISSING SYMPHONY - V/VM TEST - CD =
(VVMTCD10)
Sale. Take every Shostakovich symphony (15 in total), take the
average duration of each (2842 seconds), then time-stretch them
or compress them so that they all last the same amount of time,
then play them all over the top of each other. Yup, you've guessed
it, it's been V/VM'ed! It's the pigging Shostakovich megamix -
very dramatic, very entertaining and I reckon if you didn't know
how it was produced you'd think it was a contemporary classical
epic!
FETISCH PARK - ALLUVIAL - EXTREME - CD (XCD042)
Sale. Australia's Extreme label provides a heavy selection of
soundscapes, experimental jazz samples, noises and beats from
the combo of Fetisch Park. Extremely noisy and hard-going, but
worthy of your attention nonetheless.
HAIR POLICE - DRAWN DEAD - HANSON - CD (HN124)
Sale. Industrial soundscapes and somewhat reminiscent of a factory
florr in someones twisted imagination. Comparisons with Pansonic
are slightly inevitable although it does sound like they've stuck
through a big distortion pedal.
ILITCH - PERIODIKMINDTROUBLE - FRACTAL - 2xCD (FR012CD)
Sale. Tchaikovsky's middle name, wasn't it? I suppose there is
a neo-classical thing going on here. Think Tangerine Dream meets
Brian Eno meets Frank Zappa maybe? Very soundtracky. As intense
as it is relaxing and certainly unusual. Sorry it's a bit pricey
but it cost us a bit as well!
JAZZKAMMER - PANCAKES - SMALLTOWN SUPERSOUND - CD (STS064CD)
Sale. Obtuse electronic tracks with a heavy experimental leaning
from these Norwegian artists. Having recorded with Merzbow you'll
probably get an idea of just how heavy this can be, but, it's
tempered by some moments of dark, atmospheric sounds which drift
beautifully, almost sounding like arctic winds blowing over the
glaciers. Stunning.
LAUREN WEINGER - SILO - ReR MEGACORP - CD (RERLW1)
Sale. This is quite literally the sounds of a mic'd up silo. Don't
know what sort but it was obviously a dark, large and scary =
building.
Really powerful sounds of wind, metallic clangings and incidental
noise make for compulsive (if you're into it like I am) listening.
Superb.
LMY - VOL 1? - UNKNOWN - 2xCD (DW01/2?)
Sale (down from =A329.99).The front cover is purple, the back cover
is purple, both CDs (even the playing surface!) are purple so
if this is not a Prince album (perish the thought) what is it,
I ask myself? Well, a quick play and look at the track listing
(the only info I have) reveals this to be a collection of =
experimental
drones and abrasive industrial sounds from the 1950's and 1960's.
For further details ask Sean 'Dagenham' Archer at Cargo Vending
Inc. - you can also ask him why it's so bafflingly expensive.
My special message - purple.
LOW RESISTANCE GROUP - LOW RESISTANCE GROUP - PARA DISC - CD (PACD012)
Sale. A really nice album of electronic and live manipulations
from the Low Resistance Group - aka Anthony Guerra, Paul Hood
and Joel Stern. Experimental sounds presented in both challenging
and melodic and beautiful ways - with plenty of weaving between
the two styles. Plenty of depth and texture. A lot to be had from
this album - well worth perservering with.
MAJU - MAJU 2 - EXTREME - CD (XCD049)
Sale. Recorded in Tokyo, this is a surprisingly accessible and
enjoyable release for Extreme (best known for being as avant garde
as they can get away with). Densely layered, ambient musical =
atmospheres
swirling together to create a very pretentious description! Erm,
have a listen...
MATMOS - RAT RELOCATION PROGRAM - LOCUST - CD (LOCUST54CD)
Sale. Only Matmos could do this and get away with it. our heroes
have been troubled by a rat but as they already have a pet rat,
feel that killing it is a little hypocritical. A trap is set,
the rat is eventually caught, then transported to a nice =
middle-class
neighbourhood and released. Track one is the soundtrack to some
of this, track two is Matmos' own reinterpretation. If you don't
believe me, listen / read the sleevenotes for yourself - you =
couldn't
make this stuff up!
MAURIZIO BIANCHI - ENDOMETRIO - EES'T - CD (ARCHEOMB7)
Sale. Clearly I'm quoting from the liner notes... 'Bionic music
manipulation and transformation are all part of Bianchi's work.
This CD is as dynamic in sound as it is violent in its discharge'.
I'm not sure what that actually means, but it seems somehow apt
when listening to the music contained within. Heavy stuff!
MAURIZIO BIANCHI - REGEL - EES'T - CD (ARCHEOMB4)
Sale. Originally recorded in 1982, Maurizio Bianchi shows us just
how far ahead he was at the time. The work was remastered in 1998
and is an amazingly dynamic and coherent selection of =
noise-mongering
par excellence. Experimentalism for the purists.
MAURIZIO BIANCHI - NEURO HABITAT - EES'T - CD (ARCHEOMB3)
Sale. A skeletal extremist project that transformed into a movie
soundtrack. Murderous sounds and textures from this legendary
purveyor of extreme noise. Heavy-going, but extremely worthy.
MAURIZIO BIANCHI - MENSES - EES'T - CD (ARCHEOMB2)
Sale. Maurizioo Bianchi, from Milan, states that 'technical =
development
is doomed to fail and the prehistoric revolution will favour'.
A fair point, but I'm still not 100% sure what that's got to do
with this CD. Heavy-going stuff, as always from MB.
MAURIZIO BIANCHI - MECTPYO BAKTERIUM - EES'T - CD (ARCHEOMB5)
Sale. 'The protonic equipment used for this piece delivered a
crude, shivering, wan & flamed sound that erased every mark of
degression... a vision of the aftermath of technological society
driven to it's own destruction - a vivid expression of a world
heading for extinction'. How's about that then! Quoting from the
liner notes has never been such fun! It's actually a brooding
soundscape that whilst bleak is also very engaging. Worthy of
a long listen!
MAURIZIO BIANCHI - THE PLAIN TRUTH - EES'T - CD (ARCHEOMB9)
Sale. Second to last in this first series of 10 mind bolggling
CDs from this absolute guru of sound and mental theory. We don't
get most of what he's saying a lot of the time, but listening
to his amazing sounds of calm or utter intensity is certainly
an experience!
MAURIZIO BIANCHI - DAS TESTAMENT - EES'T - CD (ARCHEOMB6)
Sale. 'After the Branchial contemporary 'Das-Testament' there
was knowledge culminating in a deconsecration of germinative =
interrelation
- to remember reddish scientific thaw. External cyclotron frequency
is washing the miniaturization of wavemeter pestilence'. That's
a quote from the liner notes... make of it what you will but suffice
to say that it's an experimental beast of epic proportions.
MAURIZIO BIANCHI - ARMAGHEDON - EES'T - CD (ARCHEOMB10)
Sale. A soundtrack to the film of the same name. 'Then sharp =
armageddon
turn some hearing in good faith for reconciliation of diagenesis
filter-press'. This is an excerpt from some of Maurizio Bianchi's
statement regarding this album. Essentially it's a heavy going
collection of extreme sound manipulations from an undisputed master.
=20
MAURIZIO BIANCHI - CARCINOSI - EES'T - CD (ARCHEOMB8)
Sale. Maurizio Bianchi calls it 'Lymphatic Perpetuation'.. And
who are we to argue? similar to 'Endemetrio', Maurizio took the
distances from the movement of the industrial bruitists, presenting
a 'biologic music' that refuses both the cold logic of the fetish
electronic computer-man-of-the-year and the sterile exasperation
of the negative. Microscopic sounds and formations of noise with
an intensity that still resonates.
MICHAEL PRIME - MICOPLAZMA - DIGITAL NARCIS - CD (DNCD004)
Sale. Your mission should you choose to accept it is: You will
be flown by helicopter to the arctic, deposited and, armed only
with a mini-disc recorder and a few warm jumpers, make your way
back home to Shoreditch where you will visit those rotters at
Smallfish Records Inc and sell them your field recording. They
will then leave said document in a box in something resembling
an office for 3 years in order for it mature, then suddenly realise
they never databased and hurriedly make up an amusing description.
This is actually a very atmospheric piece of work from the highly
respected Mr. Prime and is definitely worthy of further =
investigation.
=20
MOONSANTO - FRAUD - HELL - DOPE - HUSHHUSH - CD (HSH09CD)
Sale. Interesting project using the idea of pesticide companies
(naming no particular names, obviously!). Very dark and quite
gloomy actually but with sonic textures that have been lovingly
created. All in a good cause so give it a listen!
POLAR - SOMETHING HAD TO GIVE - TRADEMARKED INDUSTRIES - CD (MARKED8)
Sale. Twelve tracks of sonic terrorism covering a variety of intense
and wholly aggressive sound manipulation and white-noise styles.
Once you get past the initial a-tonal quality of it the tracks
start to make a great deal of sense. Well worth spending a bit
of time with.
SIMON VINCENT - REALM - VISION OF SOUND - CD (VSCD6)
Sale. Swaying, wave-like, 18-minute sonic construction of a gently
hypnotic intensity. Starts off loud, goes fairly quiet then gets
louder again. If the sea was made of aluminium, it would sound
like this... Pretentious? Moi? Come up with a better description
youself and we'll gladly use it instead! Home made CDR etc, etc,
by the way.
V/VM - SOMETIMES, GOOD THINGS HAPPEN (BLUE) - V/VM TEST - CD =
(VVMTCD09BLUE)
Sale. The blue CD that makes up the pair is a vastly challenging
piece of work. Dark, white noise, dissonance, morphing sounds,
just devastating at times. This is where V/VM is at his best in
my opinion. Brilliant.
VARIOUS - TWENTY3 TWENTY4 TWENTY5 - N/A - CD (232425CD)
Sale. What would you send someone if you had to send them a sound
of some description? Well, this CD demonstrates 25 people being
asked just that. An interesting concept that begs to be answered.
VARIOUS - THE INSIDE-OUT ISSUE - VIBRO - CD (NO.1/SPRING 2004)
Sale. A cross between an art piece and a specialised magazine,
Vibro is a chronicle of Electro-Acoustic and Lo-Fi experimentation,
published four times a year by a team of artists and journalists
based in Paris. Expertly packaged in a cardboard outer box, with
a large number of inlays inside forming the magazine element and
contributions on the CD from the likes of Project Dark, Mika Vainio,
David Toop, Trio Cutty Sark and Alex Hamburger (amongst others).
I'd expect this to become quite successful in its own niche market.
An excellent first issue.
VARIOUS - THE BROKEN TALES ISSUE - VIBRO - CD (NO. 2, WINTER 2004)
Sale. Issue two of this supremely packaged experimental CD / book
/ magazine / not sure what it is really! Tracks by Scanner, =
Alejandra
& Aeron, Michel Guillet, Aki Onda, Globi, Ryoji Ikeda and others,
with an artistic insert / print devoted to each artist. Compiled
by a group of Parisien artists and journalists, this is =
Elctro-Acoustic,
Lo-Fi experimentation at its finest. Wire readers - you are a
target market!
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<DIV><FONT size=3D2>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2><STRONG><U>Smallfish Mailout=20
25/11/05</U></STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><U><FONT face=3DVerdana =
size=3D2></FONT></U></STRONG> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>Welcome one and all to this weeks=20
mailout.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>Now that we have our system working =
again we're=20
back up to full speed and, my word, the releases just keep on coming and =
there's=20
still no sign of them slowing down.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>Things to note:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT face=3DVerdana =
size=3D2><U></U></FONT></STRONG> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2><U>Claro Intelecto - Patience =
- 12" -=20
=A35.99 - In stock</U></FONT></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>Yes, there's a general air of =
excitement around=20
as it's time for a new Claro EP on Modern Love. Simply put this is yet =
another=20
massive record with a delicately balanced and totally fresh Techno / =
House /=20
Detroit crossover sound. Get in there because even though it's not as =
limited as=20
the last one it's still going to fly out.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT face=3DVerdana =
size=3D2><U></U></FONT></STRONG> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2><U>Antti Rannisto + Sawako =
CDs on 12k -=20
In stock</U></FONT></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT></STRONG> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>Both of these fabulous CDs are in =
stock and=20
available and, true to form, 12k have delivered another couple gems on =
the=20
minimal Electronica front. Antti Rannisto's '=C4=E4niesineit=E4' =
[12k1034] is a=20
sublime piece of true minimalism. Icy cold, ultra-deep tones, amazingly =
pure=20
sinewave sounds and heavy, strict rhythmic elements all collide to make =
a worthy=20
successor to the throne previously occupied by the likes of Pansonic =
and<FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman" size=3D3> <FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>=D8. =
Sawako's 'Hum'=20
[12k1035] is a different ball-game altogether. Warm, friendly and =
atmospheric,=20
it's a classic slice of perky, yet extremely refined Japanese =
Electronica=20
that uses field recordings (including a lovely recording of the =
artist's=20
cat!) and drone based textures to imbue the whole thing with lots of =
soul. A=20
nice counterpoint to Rannisto's isolationist style. Both are available =
for=20
=A310.99 each.</FONT></FONT></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><U><STRONG><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>Cubic Music + Cubic Fabric =
CDs</FONT></STRONG> <STRONG><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>- In=20
stock</FONT></STRONG></U></DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><U></U></STRONG> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>Once again we're pleased to announce =
that we've=20
secured some more lovely CDs from Japan, this time from Keiichi =
Sugimoto's=20
Cubic Music and Cubic Fabric labels. Anyone familiar with his own =
musical output=20
as part of Minamo and on his own as Fourcolor and Fonica will know to =
expect=20
some superb quality, melodic, experimental Electronica and organic =
sounds and=20
that's exactly what you get. With releases from Mokira, Z_E_L_L_E, =
Toshimaru=20
Nakamura, No.9, Gnu, World's End Girlfriend and more you can imagine how =
good=20
these releases are. Beautiful packaging as well - nice cardboard =
slipcovers with=20
lovely designs. Well worth checking out and available at =A311.99=20
each.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2><U>Powershovel Audio CDs - In =
stock</U></FONT></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT></STRONG> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>'Yet another Japanese label?' I hear =
you cry.=20
Yup, you bet. When the quality is as good as this and no one else is=20
representing we always want to get involved. The first three releases =
are=20
available and are as follows: </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2><STRONG>'Various - Memories of Sasaki =
San -=20
PSA-001'</STRONG> A gorgeous selection of version of tracks by Mika =
Sasaki by=20
the likes of Steve Roden, Alejandra & Aeron, Patrik Torsson, Harald =
'Sack'=20
Ziegler and more. From deep and intense drone =
based electronics to a=20
more friendly and playful sound with lots of ground covered=20
in-between. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2><STRONG>'Kath Bloom - Come Here - =
PSA-002'=20
</STRONG>Folk music of the highest standard with a feel that's not a =
million=20
miles away from Vashti Bunyan or Judee Sill. Heartfelt and emotional =
songs that=20
are authentic and beautiful without being over-sweet.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2><STRONG>'Patrik Torsson - Statements =
Of Facts -=20
PSA-003' </STRONG>Patrik Torsoon delivers a beautifully mature album of=20
carefully constructed songs that use live instrumentation and =
electronics as a=20
really interesting blend. Lovely vocals work nicely over the mellow =
music and=20
it's really a very likeable work indeed. Actually my favourite release =
so=20
far.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>All three come beautifully packaged =
in cardboard=20
sleeves with delightful artwork. =A312.99 each.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>So, with that I'll leave you to =
browse the list=20
and wish you an excellent 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 size=3D2><FONT size=3D1>Smallfish Records | =
329 Old Street |=20
London | EC1V 9LE | +44 [0] 20 7739 2252 | </FONT><A=20
href=3D"http://www.smallfish.co.uk"><FONT =
size=3D1>www.smallfish.co.uk</FONT></A>=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D1></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D1></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D1></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT size=3D4></FONT></STRONG> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT size=3D4>New Releases (Vinyl):=20
Electronica</FONT></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> DIJF SANDERS - TO BE A BOB - DUB - LP=20
(DUBLP012)<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 for the<BR> 21st Century =
and=20
beyond that really should be investigated if<BR> you =
like Four=20
Tet, Savath & Savalas, Thrill Jockey and so =
on.<BR> =20
Recommended</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> ENDUCER & SUBMERGED - APPROPRIATE & DEFACE - AD =
NOISEAM -=20
12" (ADN54)<BR> Split 12" here between Enducer and =
Submerged.=20
The Enducer side<BR> is very intense, heavily =
programmed dark=20
drum & bass like cut<BR> ups whilst Submereged, =
although=20
similar in tone to Enducer with<BR> his second track, =
actually=20
impresses the hell out of me with his<BR> first track. =
Well=20
produced mid-tempo electro with a destinctly<BR> =
Detroit feel.=20
Check it out!</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> GOLDLIX - ATOLL MOAO - GOLDLIX - 12" =
(GDX01)<BR> =20
An absolutely lovely 12" here that must rank amongst the=20
most<BR> friendly and approachable music ever sold in =
this=20
shop (much like<BR> the two gentlemen that we bought =
it from=20
over the counter!). Mellow<BR> beats with quirky =
speeded-up=20
crooning vocals (there's a lush instrumental<BR> if =
you'd=20
rather) that remind one of Mr Scruff, Bent or Lemon =
Jelly<BR> =20
at their very peak a few years ago. File under:=20
Easy-tronica.<BR> Niiiiiiiice. </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> HAIR POLICE - CONSTANTLY TERRIFIED - TROUBLEMAN UNLIMITED - =
12"=20
(TMUI148)<BR> Think Black Dice, organised hizz, =
childhood=20
nightmares, deeply<BR> experimental sound manipulation =
and a=20
night alone with Carol Thatcher...............<BR> =
Forget the=20
bit about 'Thatch', it's not THAT sinister. Just =
very<BR> dark=20
soundscapes for fans of the genre......</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> HELIOGABALUS / VAW - KINGSLAND WASTE / VAW - DIFFICULT FUN - =
LP=20
(DF004)<BR> Split album between Heliogabalus and VAW. =
Deeply=20
experimental<BR> electronics that appears to use the =
most=20
analogue of techniques.<BR> To some both sides sound =
like,=20
have a little go of it yourself<BR> and see what you=20
think.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> KARSTEN PFLUM / PUZZLEWEASEL - SPLIT EP - JENKA - 12"=20
(JENKAEP02)<BR> Both artists have produced excellent =
EPs in=20
the past so it's no<BR> surprise to find that this is =
a great=20
little slab of Electronica<BR> from Danish label =
Jenka. One=20
side is delightfully melodic and<BR> pretty with the =
kind of=20
synthy sounds that once made Skam such<BR> a force to =
be=20
reckoned with. It turns into a nice and choppy =
breaky<BR> =20
affair on the second track which is reminiscent of=20
Squarepusher.<BR> The flip is an edgier beast but =
still fits=20
easily into the kind<BR> of category that some people =
still=20
insist on calling 'IDM'. Great<BR> stuff.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> LUCKY PIERRE - I HATE T-SHIRTS THAT SAY 1977 - MELODIC - 12" =
(MELO032)<BR> I dunno, i just can't get used to =
calling him L.=20
Pierre, it just<BR> doesn't work for me. What we have =
here is=20
a rather expensive but<BR> apparently astoundingly =
limited=20
3-track picture disc 12", showcasing<BR> a rather =
different=20
side to Mr. Moffatt. The first track is a foray<BR> =
into hip=20
hop which actually works surprisingly well. The =
following<BR> =20
two pieces amount to his most uptempo, beat driven record to=20
date<BR> - has he been on the E or something? The =
trademark=20
string samples<BR> are in place but this is altogether =
a less=20
melancholy affair -<BR> see what you think. Heaven =
only knows=20
what the next album will<BR> sound like! </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> MOTHBOY - EXONIAN - AD NOISEAM - 12" =
(ADN52)<BR> =20
Nice variety of electronica here from Mothboy. Strong club=20
feel<BR> to some cuts and even a bass heavy, =
electronica hip=20
hop track<BR> with a definate crossover appeal. All =
this and a=20
fair dash of<BR> sound-tronica landscapes on this six =
track=20
wonder. Check !!! </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> SIRCONICAL - WAVING AT PLANES - TWISTED NERVE - LP=20
(TN057)<BR> One of Twisted Nerve's consistently better =
artists=20
comes up trumps<BR> here. If you're an admirer of =
Static=20
Caravan, Morr Music, City<BR> Centre Offices, =
Wobblyhead and=20
co, you'd be well advised to give<BR> this fine LP of =
pure=20
melodic electronica a go. Warm and atmospheric,<BR> =
this is=20
almost along the lines of the Toytronic and =
Expanding,<BR> =20
only more organic. Recommended. </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> SOFUS FORSBERG - UDEFRA - JENKA - LP=20
(JENKALP03)<BR> Jenka's a good little label and it =
seems to be=20
progressing very<BR> nicely. I only listened to a =
couple of=20
tracks on this album but<BR> I've got to say I was =
really=20
impressed. It's got that lovely,<BR> downbeat =
Electronica=20
sound that lots of labels try but all too<BR> often it =
gets a=20
bit sickly or a bit obvious. This is just =
fabulously<BR> =20
melodic electronic music with a gorgeous attention to detail=20
and<BR> some super sounds. Well worth checking out if =
you're a=20
fan of<BR> Expanding or Toytronic. Recommended.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> VANITY PROJECT, THE - THE BEAUTY ROOM / DON'T YOU KNOW - NEW =
RELIGION - 10" (REG119)<BR> Kirk Degiorgio's band =
project gets=20
into its flow here with another<BR> nice release. The =
Vanity=20
Project has a lovely psychy, folky sound<BR> with a=20
contemporary downbeat breaky flava. Kind of like the =
Beta<BR> =20
Band at times but with a Hefner remix which ups the tempo to=20
a<BR> more House speed and grooves it out nicely. =
Possibly a=20
bit of<BR> an aquired taste but one that I rather =
like.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> VARIOUS - BMORE GUTTER MUSIC EP - MILKCRATE - LP=20
(ECR1017)<BR> Rough & ready mix of breaks, =
electronics,=20
singing & rhymes in<BR> a really lo-fi style. I =
really am=20
at odds as where to put this<BR> in the shop? a little =
of=20
everything certainly makes my job harder!<BR> sort of =
like a b=20
asic Shockout, you have a listen and see what<BR> you=20
think..</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D4><STRONG>Restocks (Vinyl): =
Electronica</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> 154 - STRIKE - DELSIN - 2xLP =
(27DSR/NWA-LP1)<BR> =20
STUNNING LONG PLAYER FROM ROSS 154 AKA NEW WORLD AQUARIUM=20
WHICH<BR> IS A MISSING CATALOGUE NUMBER FROM THE =
DELSIN BACK=20
CATALOGUE.<BR> KICKING OFF WITH SOME TRADEMARK =
DRIFTING=20
ELECTRONICA SOUNDS WITH<BR> THAT N.W.A. FLOATING SOUND =
IT SOON=20
DEVELOPS INTO A SLIGHTLY MORE<BR> BEAT ORIENTATED =
BEAST WITH=20
LUSH INSTRUMENTATION, DETROIT INSPIRED<BR> STRINGS AND =
PADS=20
AND WONDERFULLY DENSE BEATS. THIS ONE IS SOMETHING<BR> =
REALLY=20
SPECIAL. DON'T MISS OUT!</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> ACIDWOLF - LEGACY 1995 - 2005 - DIRTYDANCING RECORDING - 12" =
(DRD003)<BR> Seven tracks spanning ten years of the =
Acidwolf.=20
>From light livingroom<BR> acid, grungy breakbeat acid, =
proper=20
acid house to downtempo 303<BR> twiddlings, this EP's =
got it=20
all. Another stormer from Dirty Dancing.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> AFX - ANALORD 04 - REPHLEX - 12" =
(ANALORD04)<BR> =20
PART 4 IN THIS AMAZINGLY SUCCESSFUL SERIES THUS FAR, THEN. I=20
WONDER<BR> HOW OLD THESE TRACKS REALLY ARE? THE =
OPENING TUNE=20
ALMOST HAS A<BR> BIT OF A SELECTED AMBIENT WORKS FEEL =
ABOUT=20
IT, DESPITE THE VINTAGE<BR> ELECTRO BEATS. YOU NEVER =
KNOW WITH=20
DICKIE BOY. THE FINAL TRACK<BR> IS POSSIBLY THE =
DARKEST IN THE=20
SERIES THUS FAR, WITH SOME SUPERBLY<BR> EERIE CHORDS. =
WORTHY=20
OF THE HYPE, YOU HAVE TO SAY.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> AFX - ANALORD 01 - REPHLEX - 12" =
(ANALORD01)<BR> I=20
APPROACHED THESE RELEASES WITH A LARGE DEGREE OF=20
TREPIDATION<BR> BECAUSE, AS MUCH AS I LOVE THE OLD =
SCHOOL=20
APHEX TWIN STUFF, I'VE<BR> BEEN LET DOWN ON MORE THAN =
ONE=20
OCCASION IN RECENT YEARS. HAPPILY,<BR> HOWEVER, THIS =
IS AN=20
ABSOLUTE GEM OF A RECORD (AS IS PART 2). SIX<BR> =
TRACKS OF=20
PURE ACID AND ELECTRO ALL MIXED UP TOGETHER IN A =
SLIGHTLY<BR> =20
OFF-KILTER STYLE. FOR THE MOST PART THOUGH, THIS GROOVES AND=20
GROOVES<BR> AND DOESN'T LET UP UNTIL THE VERY LAST =
SECOND.=20
QUALITY STUFF THAT<BR> YOU DO NOT UNDER ANY =
CIRCUMSTANCES WANT=20
TO MISS.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> HRDVSION - SICK MEMORY - WAGON REPAIR - 12"=20
(WAG007)<BR> A lot of people are going to be a bit =
taken aback=20
by this one<BR> as it's predominantly Electronica =
based.=20
Crunchy, heavy beats<BR> and beautifully manipulated =
sounds=20
make for a melodic, yet abstract<BR> flava to most of =
the=20
tracks. For all the Tech heads there's also<BR> a =
superb 4/4=20
cut which really comes on in a Jay Haze / Robag =
Wruhme<BR> =20
style and has a kicking dancefloor sound. No matter what=20
anyone<BR> says, this is a wicked EP and you have to =
at least=20
check it out.<BR> Quality. </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> LXC - RAVE IS BACK - PHANTOM NOISE RECORDS - 12"=20
(PNR010)<BR> Rib shaking bass, furiously chopped up =
beats and=20
the euphoria<BR> of a time gone by...until now. LXC =
have=20
brought rave back, minus<BR> cheese, just proper =
warehouse /=20
early drum & bass. Two mixes on<BR> gorgeous green =
vinyl.=20
Just leave your whistle at home,,,</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> TOXEDO - REMOTE CLOSENESS E.P. - SLEEPY CITY - 12"=20
(SLC002)<BR> Very lush electronica with subtle electro =
influences from Toxedo.<BR> This classic piece of =
Sleepy City=20
electronica was originally released<BR> in 2004. At =
last it's=20
been repressed and we're over the moon to<BR> have it. =
Check=20
it out!!!!</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> UNKNOWN - ANGER / QUSA - SKAM - 12" =
(SKA027)<BR> =20
YES, I KNOW WE SAID WE'D RUN OUT THE OTHER DAY, BUT WE'VE=20
GOT<BR> SOME AGAIN NOW SO HURRAH FOR THAT! A MYSTERY =
ARTIST?=20
ON THE MYSTERIOUS<BR> SKAM LABEL? SURELY NOT. YOU'LL =
BE=20
PLEASED TO HEAR, THOUGH, THAT<BR> IT'S A REALLY SOLID =
RELEASE.=20
THE A-SIDE (WHOEVER IT MAY BE DONE<BR> BY) HAS A VERY =
CURRENT,=20
YET VERY 'SKAM' SOUND ALL THE WAY THROUGH<BR> WITH =
CRUNCHY,=20
PROCESSED BEATS THAT VEER VERY MUCH TOWARD THE =
ELECTRO<BR> =20
SIDE OF THINGS. COUPLE THAT WITH A WICKEDLY ACIDIDC SOUNDING=20
BASSLINE<BR> AND YOU'VE GOT A WINNER. THE FLIPSIDE IS =
SLIGHTLY=20
MORE 'GRIME'<BR> SOUNDING WITH A WHOPPING GREAT BIG =
BASSLINE=20
AND YET MORE FUNKY<BR> ELECTRO BEATS WITH SOME =
CRACKING=20
PROCESSING. FRESH STUFF AND,<BR> OBVIOUSLY, VERY =
COLLECTABLE.=20
BIZARRELY, IT COMES COMPLETE WITH<BR> A FREE PIECE OF =
TRACING=20
PAPER.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT size=3D4>New Releases (Vinyl): Techno /=20
Electro</FONT></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> ALIX - CLUBBANGER - TROPISM - 12" =
(TR07)<BR> 3=20
tracks of crisply produced Electro-House (still don't=20
really<BR> know what that is, but hey...). Vocals, =
solid beats=20
and even a<BR> little punky track at the end make this =
a good=20
value EP.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> BUCKLEY - BLOCK PARTY / THE JAM - MADE TO PLAY - 12"=20
(MTP002)<BR> London's Made To Play label comes up with =
a=20
potentially big track<BR> here. A hybrid of House, =
Breaks and=20
Electro that's accessible,<BR> groovy and features =
just the=20
right level of solid production to<BR> get the crowd=20
moving.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> CATWASH - PERVERSIONS PART 1 - CRACK & SPEED - 12"=20
(C&S015)<BR> Chris Carrier and DJ Wild deliver =
some=20
lowdown and dirty House<BR> / Techno grooves here with =
some=20
seriously raw basslines and top<BR> notch beats. Add =
to that=20
the occasional snatch of vocals and some<BR> Acidic =
sounds and=20
you've got a surefire dancefloor hit on your<BR> =
hands. The=20
busiest man in his field? Apart from John Tejada, =
probably<BR> =20
so!</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> CHROMATICS - WITNESS / HEALER - TROUBLEMAN UNLIMITED - 12"=20
(TMUI16O)<BR> Two tracks here (with relevant =
instrumentals and=20
acappelas) in<BR> a nu wave / house style. Not your =
average=20
though. Imagine a stripped<BR> down LCD Soundsystem =
with=20
female vocals and some dry drum-machine<BR> =
programming. Kinda=20
neat and very original, well worth a listen.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> CLARO INTELECTO - PATIENCE - MODERN LOVE - 12"=20
(LOVE018)<BR> The mere words 'Claro Intelecto' are =
enough to=20
get pretty much<BR> everyone frothing at the mouth, =
and this=20
release is certainly<BR> not going to change that! Two =
more=20
absolutely superb tracks which<BR> surf the line =
between depth=20
and clubiness and Techno and House<BR> with such skill =
and=20
such aplomb that it's hardto resist. Simply,<BR> this =
is=20
another massive record and I would recommend you get =
in<BR> =20
there to secure your copy (although it's not completely=20
limited<BR> like the last release). Essential and =
highly=20
recommended.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> DUPLEX - P.O.M. REMIXED - CLONE - 12" =
(CX20)<BR> =20
P.O.M. gets a good hard remixing from Heinrich Muller of=20
Dopplereffekt<BR> fame here. I actually can't remember =
the=20
original but these mixes<BR> are on the technical, =
dark side=20
of Electro with retro synth sounds<BR> and fabulous =
beats.=20
Reminded me of Drexciya at times, so that's<BR> =
obviously a=20
good thing. Massive tracks and a notheer great =
limited<BR> =20
Clone release.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> FRANCISCO - MUSIC BUSINESS - NATURE - 2xLP=20
(NAT2130LP)<BR> Electro / Techno / Disco from Italy =
here.=20
Francisco has put together<BR> an immaculate album of =
tasty=20
dancefloor grooves that owes as much<BR> to Detroit =
and labels=20
like Delsin as it does to old Italo House<BR> and =
Disco=20
Records. Stunning arrangements and amazingly funky =
sounds<BR> =20
and beats combine to make one wicked album. Definitely =
recommended.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> FREAK ELECTRIQUE - SYMPHONY ELECTRIQUE - VIEWLEXX - 12"=20
(V-018)<BR> Those people at Viewlexx really do love =
their=20
retro sounds and<BR> this epic slice of work from =
Freak=20
Electrique is about as retro<BR> as it gets. A =
massive, long=20
and very hypnotic track that sounds<BR> like Moroder =
in a big=20
way... huge, over-the-top bassline a la<BR> Donna =
Summer and=20
mega chord progressions all done with a tasty<BR> =
selection of=20
vintage synth sounds and even a smattering of =
Acid...<BR> =20
truly excellent. The flip houses a condensed version with a=20
more<BR> dancefloor feel for those who are scared to =
play the=20
full version.<BR> Quality, at a price, admittedly, but =
quality=20
nonetheless. Snap<BR> it up as it won't hang =
around!</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> KENNY LARKIN PRESENTS POD - THE VAGUARD EP - RUSHHOUR - 12"=20
(RH104-12)<BR> Rushhour provide us with a wonderful =
reminder=20
of how good Kenny<BR> Larkin really was. This is a =
classic and=20
hard to get hold of EP<BR> from back in the day that =
was=20
originally released on Buzz and<BR> it features four =
of the=20
most lush Detroit Techno tracks that are<BR> =
absolutely=20
vintage in sound and style. Upbeat, clattery =
rhythms<BR> and=20
fabulous pads with that old Motor City sound shining=20
through.<BR> This is how it should be... =
Essential.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> LEROSA - LOSS - D1 - 12" (DONE33)<BR> =
Seriously=20
well produced, heavily Detroit-Inspired Electro =
Sounds<BR> on=20
one side, with a very dubby Minimal-techno feel on the=20
flip.<BR> I gues it's the diversity of the label that =
I quite=20
like. you<BR> never really now where it's gonna go, =
apart from=20
that they are<BR> usually consistent in their quality. =
</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> MARTINEZ - VERTICAL MOVEMENT / ANOTHER SPACE ROCKER - =
GALAKTIKA -=20
12" (GLK001)<BR> Martinez delivers two very different =
tracks=20
here. The main cut<BR> is a solid, trentemoller-esque =
groover=20
with minimal sounds but<BR> a full production style =
that=20
crisps it up to the max. The flip<BR> is dangerously =
close to=20
being 'Trendy Trance' which everyone seems<BR> to be =
saying is=20
the next logical step for 'Electro-House'. What<BR> =
happened=20
to the days of just having House and Techno without =
all<BR> =20
these sub-genres? Whatever, this is pure dancefloor music=20
from<BR> beginning to end.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> NEW WORLD AQUARIUM - THE GAMES THAT WE PLAY / ENERGY - NEW =
RELIGION=20
- 12" (REG116)<BR> Big props for this one! New World =
Aqurium=20
delivers two long, hypnotic<BR> and very punchy Techno =
tracks=20
with a mid-tempo pace and lush strings.<BR> Detroit =
gets a big=20
nod with this one and there's something =
immaculately<BR> deep=20
about the production. Both cuts rock and you'll be =
hearing<BR> =20
a lot about this one in the weeks to come, I'll warrant. =
Essential.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> PAN-POT - OBSCENITY EP - MOBILEE - 12"=20
(MOBILEE005)<BR> This is a cool little record. Very =
much in=20
the crunchy minimal<BR> vein of people like Jay Haze =
etc, but=20
with a slightly more accessible<BR> feel. Tough beats =
and well=20
realised sounds combine to make two<BR> tracks of =
minimal=20
dancefloor fun for everyone. Check.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> POLARTE MEETS MOHNSAME - THINKING DEEP EP - ANORAK TONTRAGER =
- 12"=20
(ANO005)<BR> Two very different tracks here. One side =
is=20
fairly standard sounding<BR> House / Techno crossover =
cut with=20
a nice style and groovy beats<BR> whilst the flip is =
more on=20
the Electro-House tip. Very playable,<BR> very =
current... just=20
check it out I suppose.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> PRINS THOMAS - GOETTSCHING - FULL PUPP - 12"=20
(FP03)<BR> Everyone's talking about Prins Thomas at =
the moment=20
and here's<BR> another example of why. He blends Disco =
and=20
House so well it's<BR> hard to resist. Funky, =
mid-tempos=20
sounds with big hi-hats, groovy<BR> sounds and a =
nicely=20
arranged style. Comes complete with a slightly<BR> =
more upbeat=20
4/4 House-ish version on the flip for those who =
like<BR> it=20
with a bit more pace.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> PRUDO & SUPERJUNO - GROOVY BEAT / I WANT MY MONEY BACK - =
DIRT=20
CREW RECORDINGS - 12" (DIRT008)<BR> Dirt Crew's label =
is=20
certainly solid and as one of the main purveyors<BR> =
of=20
so-called Electro-House, it can do no wrong.. Solid 4/4=20
beats,<BR> dirty analogue basslines and a range of =
samples and=20
sounds that<BR> keep it all moving very nicely. =
Similar to the=20
My Best Friend<BR> stuff, essentially... should do it =
on the=20
floor in a big way (main<BR> room at Fabric =
style).</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> REX THE DOG - PROTOTYPE - HUNDEHAUS - 12"=20
(HUND001T)<BR> This was a massive track for us here at =
Smallfish back in January<BR> last year when it came =
out on=20
Kompakt, and here it is reissued<BR> on Rex's own =
label=20
complete with a M.A.N.D.Y. remix. Slamming<BR> cologne =
techno=20
with trancey elements (trust me, this will be next<BR> =
year's=20
Minimal Techno). Big drops, classic vintage synth =
sounds,<BR> =20
and a rolling set of hard 4/4 beats guarantee a lot of bum=20
shaking.<BR> One for fans of the tougher end of =
Kompakt. Who=20
is Rex The Dog?<BR> We still don't know, but i bet =
it's=20
someone!</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> REX THE DOG - PROTOTYPE - HUNDEHAUS - 7"=20
(HUND001S)<BR> Seven inch edit of this massive track=20
previously released on Kompakt<BR> last year, backed =
with a=20
nice lo-fi Casio keyboard remix. Apparently<BR> Rex is =
someone=20
very well known, the only clue (maybe) being =
he/she<BR> is=20
published by Mute Song. So is it a) Michael Mayer up to=20
his<BR> old tricks, b) Moby, c) Martin Gore, d) Jonny =
Trunk or=20
e) None<BR> of the above and stop wasting my time? We =
shall=20
see. 99p, though.<BR> Bargain! </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> SPIRIT CATCHER - KEY GENERATOR / CODE BREAKER - MOOD MUSIC - =
12"=20
(MOODMUSIC037)<BR> As ever, Mood Music give us the =
cream of=20
the crop when it comes<BR> to this style of Electro / =
Techno /=20
House music. Wicked production<BR> and accessible, =
synthy=20
sounds along with those trademark solid<BR> beats. =
Another=20
winner, then.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> VARIOUS - THE APPLIANCE OF SCIENCE VOLUME 1 - UNLOCKED =
GROOVE - 12"=20
(UG001)<BR> Springy minimalism on the first release =
from=20
Unlocked Groove.<BR> Four artists (Gys vs. Localfields =
/=20
Rainbow Bright / 6 Million<BR> Dollar Man / Scorchio) =
all=20
provide tip-top grooves with plenty<BR> of fun and =
funk going=20
on. A very promising start for fans of Jay<BR> Haze =
etc.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D4><STRONG>Restocks (Vinyl): Techno /=20
Electro</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> ABSTRACT THOUGHT - HYPOTHETICAL SITUATIONS - KOMBINATION =
RESEARCH -=20
2xLP (KRE02LP / ELP33026LP)<BR> Restock on this =
forgotten=20
classic! One of the 'Seven Storms' rumoured<BR> to be =
coming=20
out of the Drexciya camp before James's sad death.<BR> =
This is=20
totally vintage Drexciya with harsh anaolgues that =
mix<BR> =20
with sweet, melodic moments plus the customary tough Electro=20
and<BR> Techno beats. You really only need to know who =
it is=20
to work out<BR> that it's completely essential. Buy =
with=20
confidence.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> BATTANT - JUMP UP - FIREWIRE - 12" =
(fire005)<BR> =20
They are new, they are soundwise on the pulse of things,=20
their<BR> (to my knowledge) debut release is on an =
established=20
label, and<BR> I still think it's nothing =
exceptionally new.=20
However, in all<BR> fairness, the lead singer's =
(female)=20
vocals really cut through<BR> the mix, and her =
sometimes=20
angry, punkesque tone has a certain<BR> catchiness, =
which=20
means, that we will probably hear a lot more<BR> from =
them /=20
her. Underpinned by slamming electro tracks =
amongst<BR> others=20
provided by the mighty Tenniswood and Weatherall.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> GUI BORATTO - ARQUIPELAGO - K2 - 12" =
(K2/04)<BR> =20
K2 really is a fabulous little offshoot of Kompakt and here=20
we<BR> have probably the strongest release to date. A=20
slow-burning builder<BR> on each side with a bumping, =
almost=20
Chico-esque feel on the B-side.<BR> Minimal, funky and =
oh-so-playable, this is Techno at it's very<BR> =
finest. Bravo=20
Kompakt for another great release.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> GUSTAVO LAMAS - SALIDAS EP - SAFARI ELECTRONIQUE - 12"=20
(SAF-004)<BR> Nice to see Gustavo away from Oni.Tor =
for a=20
release. He delivers<BR> a splendid 5 tracker which =
has all=20
the trademark depth and warmth<BR> of his usual superb =
Techno=20
sounds but with a slightly tougher,<BR> Housier edge =
at times=20
that really suits his style. Couple that<BR> with a =
definite=20
nod to Detroit and one absolutely sublime Pop<BR> =
Ambient=20
style track and you've got a top notch EP. Recommended.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> ORB, THE - OKIE DOKIE IT'S THE ORB ON KOMPAKT - KOMPAKT - =
2xLP=20
(KOM128)<BR> Finally, the Orb's album arrives on the =
lovely=20
Kompakt label and,<BR> no surprises, it's really, =
really=20
strong. A deft balance between<BR> grooving, typically =
Cologne=20
style Techno, ultra-deep and minimal<BR> tracks (spot =
the=20
Thomas Fehlmann sound!) and some delightful Pop<BR> =
Ambient=20
moments. Gorgeous, well produced and full of cheeky =
and<BR> =20
surprisingly quirky sounds and samples... this one comes=20
highly<BR> recommended.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> PARADROID - GEMSTONE INDEX - BOOGIZM - 12"=20
(BOOGIZM009)<BR> ONE OF THOSE JERKY, QUIRKY DANCEFLOOR =
RECORDS=20
THAT'S SO LIVELY<BR> AND WELL-PRODUCED THAT IT HAS =
DEFINITE=20
CROSSOVER POTENTIAL. VERY<BR> CRISP PRODUCTION, PHAT =
RHYTHMS /=20
BEATS, ALL MANNER OF OFF-THE-WALL<BR> FX AND SOME =
SURPRISINGLY=20
WARM CHORDS WILL SEE ROBAG WRUHME / BOXER<BR> SPORT / =
TUNING=20
SPORK / AKUFEN FANS GETTING INTO A LATHER. =
INCLUDES<BR> =20
REMIXES BY S-MAX AND FYM.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> ROBERT BABICZ - MISTER HEAD - K2 - 12" =
(K2/03)<BR> =20
Big one for Kompakt's new K2 imprint. I was under the=20
impression<BR> that this was a more minimal offshoot =
but this=20
release completely<BR> dispels that theory. A slamming =
slab of=20
Acid-tinged Electro /<BR> Techno with a big bottom end =
and a=20
pure dancefloor flava. This<BR> is one that you'll be =
hearing=20
an awful lot of. Quality.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D4><STRONG>New Releases (Vinyl): US Techno /=20
Electro</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> 2 AM/FM - PT. 1 - SPECTRAL - 12" =
(SPC-34)<BR> This=20
really is an awesome record. 5 tracks of old-school =
tinged<BR> =20
Techno and House sounds. Massively produced vintage beats=20
that<BR> bring to mind early Chicago sounds coupled =
with=20
insanely dark<BR> analogue sounds that get right into =
your=20
head with their insistent<BR> grooves. Tight, deep, =
rough and=20
ready... another winner fro the<BR> superb Spectral =
label.=20
</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> AARON HEDGES - SWEET SORROW EP - DISTRICT OF CORRUPTION - =
12"=20
(DOC005)<BR> Aaron Hedges provides a nicely tight =
hybrid of=20
Techno and House<BR> with this slightly twee EP of =
pure=20
dancefloor grooves. Not too<BR> heavy and with an =
Electro-ish=20
feel to the basslines... this is<BR> potential =
crossover=20
material in a big way. Solid stuff... Check!</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> AFTERNOON COFFEE BOYS - DARK BLEND - CLINK - 12"=20
(CLINK001)<BR> The Afternoon Coffee Boys are Tony Rohr =
and Tim=20
Xavier and, as<BR> you'd probably imagine, it's a =
tasty slab=20
of minimalistic Techno<BR> par excellence. Tight and =
heavy=20
grooves with pounding kicks and<BR> phat bass sounds =
coupled=20
with some challengingly high-end frequencies<BR> over =
the top.=20
Three cuts, all excellent...l top EP, particularly<BR> =
if=20
you're into Xavier's recent material.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> BUTANE AND FRIENDS - A BIG BUS WITH WINGS (HEARTTHROB / RUN =
STOP=20
RESTOR - ALPHA HOUSE - 12" (ALPHA01)<BR> Wicked second =
release=20
for the excellent Alpha House imprint which<BR> sees =
Butane=20
giving us some of the finest clicked-out Tech =
around.<BR> =20
Deep, funky, exceptionally well produced sounds that will=20
get<BR> people a-jiggling all over the place. Add to =
that two=20
remixes<BR> from Minus bods Heartthrob and Run Stop =
Restore=20
and you've got<BR> an immaculate workout. Superb and=20
definitely recommended.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> E.O.X. - REPRODUCTION - AD LIMITED - 12"=20
(ADLTD04)<BR> The AD Limited series really is an =
old-school=20
blast from the past.<BR> With a reputation for =
delivering=20
quality Acid grooves, this EP<BR> comes with some =
seriously=20
stripped down funkiness and a Chicago-esque<BR> feel =
to the=20
bumpy beats. Phat, very clubby and great fun all =
round.<BR> =20
Nice one Alexi!</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> EXZAKT - SECOND WAVE REMIX'D - SATAMILE - 12"=20
(SATRX04)<BR> Monster EP from Satamile which takes =
Exzakt's=20
already immense<BR> 'Second Wave' and remixes it up in =
fine=20
style. Versions come from<BR> Imatran Voima, Tipper, =
EMS and=20
Uprokk. To say that these tracks<BR> are devastating =
is=20
undrestating it somewhat! Absolutely essential<BR> for =
Electro-Heads everywhere. HUGE!</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> JAMBI - UNANSWERED Q'S EP - DISTRICT OF CORRUPTION - 12"=20
(DOC006)<BR> I remember Jamibi doing a net.label =
release on=20
Jay Haze's Textone<BR> website. It was rather a jolly =
little=20
minimal Techno number with<BR> some splendid =
production going=20
on. This EP for District Of Corruption<BR> is a nice=20
continuation of that stripped-down sound with a =
slightly<BR> =20
more bouncy, traditional Techno feel, a wiggly groove and=20
tight<BR> production. Main point for most people will =
be the=20
absolutely<BR> superb remix from Someone Else which =
drops a=20
serious groove and<BR> some immaculately deep sounds.=20
Fresh.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D4><STRONG>New Releases (Vinyl): =
House</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> KELLI HAND - MOODYLIFE EP - THIRD EAR - 12"=20
(3EEP-022)<BR> Subtitled "The Producer Series #1" and=20
therefore fairly obviously<BR> the first in an =
occasional=20
series celebrating influential house<BR> and techno =
producers,=20
and giving them a chance to "push the envelope<BR> a =
little,=20
to maybe try out something which they've been =
thinking<BR> =20
about, but haven't had the opportunity to work through to=20
their<BR> satisfaction". Certainly different to her =
material=20
of K-Hand on<BR> Tresor years ago, this is melodic =
deep house=20
a bit like a cross<BR> between Theo Parrish and/or =
Moodymann=20
and Neurhythmics, perhaps.<BR> Nice work. </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> PASTRAMI MAN - PASTRAMI MACHINE - FREESTYLE - 12"=20
(FST-005)<BR> Two solid re-edits here from Pastrami =
Man. The=20
A-side is a Disco<BR> cut with a long, extended feel =
to it=20
whilst the flip appears to<BR> be a Tina Turner track =
(at=20
least it sounded like it to me)...<BR> one of the old =
and very=20
funky ones as opposed to 'Simply the Best'<BR> era. =
For you=20
re-edit fans, this is no doubt indispensible.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D4><STRONG>New Releases (Vinyl): Hip =
Hop</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> CANIBUS - ITS NO OTHER THAN... - BABYGRANDE - 12"=20
(BBGS1220)<BR> Dark brooding rhymes from the man with =
matching=20
beats from Nottz.<BR> one for those who like it a bit =
clubby,=20
but with the aforementioned<BR> darkness....</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT size=3D4>New Releases (Vinyl): Eclectic=20
Beats</FONT></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> SUPER NUMERI - THE WELCOME TABLE - NINJA TUNE - CD=20
(ZEN97)<BR> Super Numeri is really one of the more =
interesting=20
artists on<BR> Ninja Tune these days. This is a =
thoroughly=20
enjoyable blend of<BR> live psyche, jazz, funk and =
post rock=20
incorporating up to fourteen<BR> musicians in total =
(including=20
harp, flute, strings, sax etc).<BR> If you're a Thrill =
Jockey=20
/ Tortoise fan, this may surprise you.<BR> Very tasty. =
</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D4><STRONG>New Releases (Vinyl): Guitar=20
Based</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> CABARET VOLTAIRE - LIVE AT THE HACIENDA 11.08.83 - GET BACK =
- LP=20
(GET41LP)<BR> Live session from this ground breaking =
band=20
recorded in 1983 at<BR> the Hacienda. 9 tracks in all =
here=20
from arguably the bands most<BR> creative =
period...</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> ELYSE - S/T - ISOTA - LP (SODY032LP)<BR> =
singer=20
songwriter LP here with a country / folk sound that =
is<BR> =20
timeless.Originally released in 1968 this really is quite=20
beautiful.<BR> Her voice has a world weary flavour =
thatsuites=20
the songs perfectly.<BR> A real gem of a reissue here, =
recommended....</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> FLAMING LIPS, THE - HEAR IT IS - PLAIN - LP=20
(PLAIN111LP)<BR> Reissue of the bands first LP here =
hailing=20
from 1986. </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> FLAMING LIPS, THE - OH MY GAWD!!! - PLAIN - LP=20
(PLAIN112LP)<BR> Reissue of the bands famed 2nd LP =
from 1987.=20
</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> JEFF MANGUM - LIVE AT JITTERY JOES - ISOTA - LP=20
(SODY030LP)<BR> Another obscure reissue from Isota =
here. No=20
info here as to when<BR> it was originally released, =
where,=20
who was envolved etc. its<BR> a live recording =
from some=20
type of hippie gathering (there is<BR> a baby crying =
at the=20
beginning). The recording is a bit rough<BR> but the =
guy sings=20
& delivers with some passion. have a listen.....</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D4><STRONG>Restocks (Vinyl): Guitar =
Based</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> KINKS, THE - ARE THE VILLAGE GREEN PRESERVATION SOCIETY - =
EARMARK -=20
LP (42006)<BR> WHO'D HAVE THOUGHT THAT AN ALBUM SO =
IGNORED IN=20
ITS DAY (TOTALLY<BR> AT ODDS WITH PSYCHEDELIA & =
FREE LOVE=20
IN 1968) WOULD GO ON TO BECOME<BR> SUCH A LANDMARK IN =
BRITISH=20
GUITAR POP? THIS REALLY WAS THE BLUEPRINT<BR> OF SO =
MUCH TO=20
COME IN TERMS OF SARCASTIC, CRITICAL, IRONIC =
LYRICS<BR> =20
MARRIED WITH EDGY TUNES (CERTAINLY THE LIKES OF BLUR OWE=20
THIS<BR> LP A DEBT OR TWO). WITHOUT A DOUBT ONE OF THE =
FINEST=20
ALBUMS OF<BR> THE 60'S, IF NOT EVER.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> TALKING HEADS - RARE 12" MIXES - N/A - 2xLP=20
(TLK001)<BR> Collection of rare mixes from the huge =
Talking=20
heads. Such cuts<BR> as Once in a lifetime, This must =
be the=20
place, Making flippy floppy,<BR> Psycho killer and=20
more........</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D4><STRONG>New Releases (Vinyl): Funk / Jazz /=20
Soul</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> CLYDE ALEXANDER - GOT TO GET YOUR LOVE - HEAVENLY STAR - 12" =
(HS905)<BR> Super classic disco that has been sampled =
by many.=20
Its the instrumental<BR> that is doing it here, if =
your into=20
house in a big way your going<BR> to recognize this =
straight=20
away. Keep these fine reissues coming<BR> mr brown, we =
love=20
'em....</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> VARIOUS - TIMELESS' FINEST JAZZ - DOPENESS GALORE - 12"=20
(DG2002)<BR> A splendid EP of predominantly Latin =
flavoured=20
Jazz tracks from<BR> the likes of Pharoah Sanders, =
Batida,=20
Samba Trio and Rodney Jones.<BR> All hand picked by =
the=20
Kindred Spirits crew and extremely pleasing<BR> to the =
ear all=20
round. Mellow and a bit loungey... nice.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> VARIOUS - THE KANYE COLLECTION - STRICTLY BREAK - 2xLP=20
(SB9818LP)<BR> 30 tracks as used by the superstar =
Kanye West.=20
A real treat with<BR> cuts that he has used for =
himself mixed=20
with beats he has laced<BR> for Beanie Segal, =
Scarface,=20
Common, Royce, Mobb deep and many<BR> more. No artist =
info=20
here but at least it has the track titles...</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D4><STRONG>New Releases (CD): =
Electronica</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> AB OVO - EMPREINTES - ANT-ZEN - CD =
(ACT176CD)<BR> =20
Although dark and occasionsally very intense, this lp is at=20
times<BR> crisp and lush. A brave mixture of light and =
dark=20
with very good<BR> production all round. Well worth a=20
listen...</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> 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.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> ARCHITECT - THE ANALYSIS OF NOISE TRADING - HYMEN - CD=20
(Y746CD)<BR> Hard, aggressive noisey industrial techno =
in that=20
vein that is<BR> synonimous with the Hymen label. with =
added=20
aggression.....</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> CRISTAL - CRISTAL EP - ALL IS NUMBER - CD=20
(AIN001)<BR> A two track EP serving as a taster for =
the full=20
album and what<BR> a beauty. Starting off as a gently=20
manipulated piece with a melodic<BR> texture it weaves =
and=20
wends its way through distortion and noise<BR> and =
back again=20
through a series of processes which left me =
transfixed.<BR> =20
Yes, it's heavy-going at times, but it's so powerful you=20
tend<BR> to just get drawn in. A superb debut for this =
label.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> CRISTAL - CRISTAL - ALL IS NUMBER - CD=20
(AIN003)<BR> Cristal is a new project from Jimmy =
Anthony, Greg=20
Darden and Bobby<BR> Donne (of Labradford) and if this =
is=20
anything to go by you have<BR> every reason to be =
excited.=20
Four wonderfully dense and experimental<BR> tracks =
that are=20
challenging yet incredibly engaging. Noise, =
processed<BR> =20
sounds, guitars and lots of layers of texture combine to=20
create<BR> swathes of music that's as A-tonal as it is =
sublime. Consider<BR> this a recommendation! Just try=20
it.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> DJ OLIVE VS JP DESSY - MUSIQUES NOUVELLES - SUB ROSA - CD=20
(SR235)<BR> Superb slice of experimentalism from Dj =
Olive and=20
JP Dessy. Initially<BR> conceived as a live =
performance the=20
pair went on to perform togethe<BR> a number of times. =
After=20
that it seemed only prudent to capture<BR> some of the =
vibes=20
in a studio setting andm hence, this CD was<BR> born.=20
Collaborating in an intriguing fashion and both =
bringing<BR> =20
different feels to the music you have Olive's earthy=20
electronics<BR> and jazz influences and Dessy's Cello =
based=20
musical adveturism.<BR> Together they create a series =
of=20
wonderful pieces that are as<BR> spacious as they are =
deep. A=20
superb work. Recommended.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> EZEKIEL HONIG AND MORGAN PACKARD - EARLY MORNING MIGRATION - =
MICROCOSM - CD (MCOSM1009)<BR> Restock. Microcosm is a =
label=20
that we've been following very closely<BR> here at =
Smallfish=20
and this, for me, fulfills all the promise that<BR> =
we've thus=20
far seen. Label boss Ezekiel Honig has =
consistently<BR> been=20
putting out fabulous Techno and Electronica releases on =
a<BR> =20
number of labels and the sheer depth, simplicity and warmth=20
of<BR> his sound is simply a joy to listen to. Subtle =
4/4's=20
have been<BR> his trademark so far so it's interesting =
to see=20
him put his sound<BR> into a more ambient and textural =
persepctive. With help from Morgan<BR> Packard (weho =
actually=20
provides half of the tracks on the CD)<BR> he's =
created a=20
dense, lovingly crafted and gentle selection that<BR> =
is=20
melodic without ever being obvious. Muted soundscapes and=20
rhythmic<BR> pulses sit underneath the tracks and the =
luscious=20
layers that<BR> lie on top of everything are quite =
divine.=20
Everything you would<BR> or could want from a piece of =
ambient=20
Electronica. Highly, highly<BR> recommended.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> GENETIC SELECTION - DARWIN'S VOYAGE - ANT-ZEN - CD=20
(ACT185CD)<BR> Dark electronica here from Genetic =
Selection.=20
Based on the work<BR> of Charles Darwin, the music =
here is set=20
into a prologue and three<BR> chapters. It's quite =
heavy and=20
sinister at times with strong beats<BR> and occasional =
soundscape interludes but, as a whole piece, it<BR> =
certainly=20
holds my interest. One to check...</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> JUDITH JUILLERAT - SOLILOQUY - SHITKATAPULT - CD=20
(STRIKE67CD)<BR> A complete surprise from Shitkatapult =
here. A=20
heartfelt and very<BR> chilled out selection of =
electronic=20
singer-songwriter music with<BR> an amazingly deep =
feel and a=20
couple of genuinely beautiful moments.<BR> Things get =
a little=20
more uptempo from time to time, but generally<BR> this =
is a=20
well realised slice of 'proper' music from the =
'katapult<BR> =20
krew. Well done!</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> MAMAN - ALIKE JOSEPH - RECTANGLE - CD =
(RECAN)<BR> =20
Sale. Four pieces of experimental Electro-Acoustic souding=20
music<BR> that are challenging and deep yet very =
satisfying.=20
Starts off<BR> fairly musically but soon delves into =
the=20
deeper end of sound<BR> manipulation.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> MOKIRA - FFT POP - CUBIC FABRIC - CD=20
(CUBICF04)<BR> It's been a while getting to these =
shores (at=20
least for us) but<BR> Andreas Tilliander's wonderful =
Mokira CD=20
for Tokyo-based Cubic<BR> Fabric has finally made it. =
And it's=20
extremely good indeed. Using<BR> a lovely palette of=20
electronic sounds and a healthy dose of =
processing,<BR> =20
Tilliander creates a flowing, crunchy, yet always strangely=20
melodic<BR> selection of tracks that have quite a bit =
in=20
common with his work<BR> on Raster Noton, but a less =
obviously=20
rhythmic feel than the 'Plee'<BR> album for Mille =
Plateaux.=20
Deep, musical sounds that are soulful<BR> yet have =
enough of=20
an abstract edge to keep you on your toes.<BR> Fans of =
the=20
work of labels like 12k and Mille Plateaux should<BR> =
seek=20
this out immediately. Superb and highly recommended.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> NO.9 - MUSHI-NO-NE - CUBIC MUSIC - CD=20
(CUBICMUSIC07)<BR> I love getting Japanese CDs in and =
this is=20
on Cubic Music which<BR> makes it doubly exciting. =
No.9 has=20
created a wonderful selection<BR> of tracks that bend =
the=20
rules of Electronica to their own purpose<BR> with a =
great=20
deal of aplomb. Playful and abstract but warm and<BR> =
friendly=20
with a nice line in manipulation and some gentle=20
processing.<BR> This one will warm your cockles on a =
cold,=20
cold winters night<BR> and, as ever with this superb =
label, it=20
comes highly recommended.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> QUIO - LIKE OOOH! - AGF PRODUKTION - CD=20
(MDM55042)<BR> AGF Produktions deliver the full album =
from=20
Quio which has a pseudo-Ragga<BR> style to her vocals =
(doesn't=20
sit happily with me I'm afraid) and<BR> a whole host =
of=20
electronic shenanigans, musically speaking. From<BR> =
trendy=20
Electro-House to a more downbeat style there are a =
fair<BR> =20
few bases covered here. Clever, but ultimately one you'll=20
need<BR> to check to make up your own mind =
about.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> SAMURAI JAZZ - MEME? - CUBIC MUSIC - 12"=20
(CUBICMUSIC11)<BR> Samurai Jazz offer up a quirky, =
infintely=20
intersting collection<BR> of tracks that are in many =
wasy=20
quintessentially Japanese-sounding.<BR> Everything you =
can=20
imagine about music from that eclectic country<BR> =
seems to be=20
represented here - Jazz, beats, guitars, =
electronics<BR> - and=20
it perfectly echoes the diverse nature of the country=20
itself.<BR> At times chaotic and choppy like the =
centre of=20
Tokyo or Osaka,<BR> at others calm and soothing like =
being way=20
out in the country<BR> far away from the madness of =
Pachinko=20
halls and the neon lights.<BR> There's a mutant =
funkiness to=20
the breaks and beats here that keeps<BR> everything =
moving,=20
but there are so many interesting interludes<BR> as =
well that=20
it's hard to resist. Fabulous stuff.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> SAWAKO - OMNIBUS - COMMUNITY LIBRARY - CD=20
(CL2)<BR> Made by Sawako and friends from musical and =
non=20
musical perspectives.<BR> 10 tracks of simple=20
electronica meets field recordings - the<BR> tracks =
hold the=20
sampled sounds and music together really well,<BR> =
with them=20
feeling like complete (if very minimal and =
fragile)<BR> tracks=20
whilst still evoking actual places and situations. =20
Charming<BR> and simple. Recommended. =
</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> SAWAKO - HUM - 12K - CD (12K1035)<BR> =
Japanese=20
artist Sawako's work is concerned with the =
manipulation<BR> =20
and processing of organic and electronic sounds and the=20
creation<BR> of delicate yet full sounding tracks that =
fully=20
expoit the range<BR> of her talents. 'Hum' is a =
delicious=20
cocktail of flavours that<BR> is friendly, charming =
and=20
engaging right from the outset. Magical<BR> tones and =
textures=20
are conjured from the most everyday of scenarios<BR> =
and the=20
incidental recordings of found sounds adds a =
personal<BR> =20
level to the recordings. Always warm, but with the=20
occasional<BR> challenging moment, this CD is similar =
at times=20
to the work of<BR> Keiichi Sugimoto (Minamo / =
Fourcolor) or=20
Greg Davis, but has less<BR> of a strict feel and with =
musical=20
contributions from both Taylor<BR> Deupree and Kenneth =
Kirschner, you're absolutey guaranteed to<BR> be =
getting pure=20
quality. Beautiful, heartwarming and an absolute<BR> =
must for=20
fans of ambient, atmospheric music everywhere. =
Highly<BR> =20
recommended.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> SIRCONICAL - WAVING AT PLANES - TWISTED NERVE - CD=20
(TN057CD)<BR> One of Twisted Nerve's consistently =
better=20
artists comes up trumps<BR> here. If you're an admirer =
of=20
Static Caravan, Morr Music, City<BR> Centre Offices,=20
Wobblyhead and co, you'd be well advised to give<BR> =
this fine=20
LP of pure melodic electronica a go. Warm and =
atmospheric,<BR> =20
this is almost along the lines of the Toytronic and=20
Expanding,<BR> only more organic. Recommended. </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> TOD DOCKSTADER - AERIAL #2 - SUB ROSA - CD=20
(SR228)<BR> Tod Dockstader really is out there on the =
fringes.=20
And thank God<BR> for people like him. This can't =
really be=20
described without referencing<BR> the work of William =
Basinski=20
which is ironic as I suspect Basinski<BR> was =
influenced by=20
Dockstader. This is an incredibly dense series<BR> of =
short=20
tracks that are masterful. Deep, spacious, dense =
snatches<BR> =20
of sound lengthened and looped to provide absolute=20
hypnotism.<BR> An essential purchase for fans and =
necomers=20
alike. Simply superb.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> TOSHIMARU NAKAMURA - VEHICLE - CUBIC MUSIC - CD=20
(CUBICMUSIC08)<BR> Toshimaru Nakamura's 'Vehicle' is =
an=20
intriguing set of experimental<BR> Electronica tracks =
that are=20
predominantly created using the internal<BR> feedback =
of his=20
mixing desk. No over-dubs, no programming... just<BR> =
pure=20
sound creation. Which makes the end result all the more=20
amazing.<BR> Moving from hypnotic piece to hypnotic =
piece=20
there's a variety<BR> here that goes well beyond the =
realms of=20
the original source.<BR> From dense feedback loops to=20
rhythmic, almost Pansonic-esque,<BR> tracks via =
low-key drones=20
and textures. A deeply fascinating and<BR> involving =
piece of=20
work that grows in stature the more you listen<BR> to =
it.=20
Highly recommended. </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> VARIOUS - FEEL MY CHINA VOL 1 - COMPONENT - CD=20
(CHINA1)<BR> Excellent compilation here from the =
Component=20
label. twisted,<BR> complex electronica from the likes =
of=20
Exillion, Geroyche, Drop<BR> the lime, Devnull, Duran =
Duran=20
Duran and more. Also has a secret<BR> track at the =
end.=20
Ssshhhh.. Its a secret.....</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> VARIOUS - MEMORIES OF SASAKI SAN - POWERSHOVEL AUDIO - CD=20
(PSA-001)<BR> First release from Japanese label =
Powershovel=20
Audio is a wonderful<BR> and diverse collection of =
tracks from=20
a wide range of artists.<BR> Taking Mika Sasaki's =
original=20
tracks and reworking them into a<BR> series of =
different=20
flavours and textures you get pieces from<BR> Steve =
Roden,=20
Alejandra & Aeron, Greg Davis, Hans Appelqvist,=20
Yuichiro<BR> Fujimoto (who runs the label, =
incidentally),=20
Harald 'Sack' Ziegler,<BR> Patrik Torsson and several =
of=20
Mika's original works. From ultra-reduced<BR> =
minimalism to=20
delightfully melodic and playful tracks this is<BR> =
the=20
perfect sound for a Japanese label. It also features=20
absolutely<BR> lush packaging which has been very =
carefully=20
crafted and has a<BR> lovely booklet of photography by =
the=20
artists involved. Superb<BR> sounds and definitely=20
recommended.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> VARIOUS - LIB. FABRIC COMPILATION - CUBIC FABRIC - CD=20
(FABRIC01)<BR> The debut release from Cubic Music's =
Fabric=20
offshoot (run out<BR> of Tokyo by Keiichi Sugimoto aka =
Minamo=20
and Fourcolor) is something<BR> we had before, but in=20
different packaging. As such I feel that<BR> it's =
worth=20
drawing your attention to this wonderful =
compilation<BR> again=20
as it's still an absolute beauty. With tracks from=20
Z_E_L_L_E,<BR> Motion, Minamo, Alejandra & Aeron, =
Aero,=20
Toshimaru Nakamura, Masahiko<BR> Okura, Tu m', =
Amorfon's=20
Yoshio Machida and Zazumi Namba you can<BR> instantly =
tell=20
that this is a CD of quality and the music really<BR> =
backs=20
that up. Warm, fragile minimal Electronica that's =
delicate<BR> =20
yet, at times, challenging with its high frequencies and=20
textural<BR> layers. Seriously good stuff from a =
fantastic=20
label. Highly recommended.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> VARIOUS - SOUTHERN WINTER, NORTHERN SUMMER - FERAL MEDIA - =
CD=20
(FM15CD)<BR> Very reasonably priced label sampler from =
Australia's Feral Media.<BR> A great variety of styles =
here,=20
from subtle electronica led rap,<BR> sparse solo vocal =
and=20
piano to soundscapes and Aphex like mash<BR> ups. A =
superb=20
selection from the label that provides an =
excellent<BR> =20
platform for quality underground Australian artists.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> VARIOUS - SMALL MELODIES - SPEKK - CD =
(KK:005)<BR> =20
Restock. Nao Sugimoto (aka Mondii and co boss of Plop) runs=20
his<BR> own Spekk label with a great degree of love =
and=20
attention and,<BR> once again, he shows that with some =
careful=20
consideration and<BR> the right contacts you can put =
together=20
- seemingly effortlessly<BR> - a compilation of =
contemporary=20
digital minimalism that is a true<BR> showcase of this =
wonderfully diverse style of music. Merely =
glancing<BR> at the=20
tracklisting should confirm to most people the =
breadth<BR> of=20
talent involved with this release... Taylor Deupree,=20
Sogar,<BR> Fenton, Oren Ambarchi, Herve Boghossian, =
Ultra=20
Milkmaids, Anderegg,<BR> Stephan Mathieu and more all=20
contribute with their own unique<BR> takes on the idea =
of=20
small melodies. There's a stark beauty on<BR> show =
here from=20
the beginning to the end and whether it's =
Deupree's<BR> =20
ultra-refined click textures and gentle tones or the Ultra=20
Milkmaids<BR> slightly more in-your-face manipulated =
approach,=20
it's all there<BR> for a very good reason. Sublime, =
for the=20
most part and occasionally<BR> challenging, this is an =
absolutely delightful project that is<BR> as =
immaculate in=20
conception as it is in presentation. An unmissable<BR> =
gem and=20
highly, highly recommended.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> WILL MONTGOMERY - WATER BLINKS - SELVAGE FLAME - CD=20
(SELVAGEFLAME001)<BR> Veteran journalist Will =
Montgomery=20
provides us with the debut<BR> release for Selvage =
Flame and=20
it's an intricately woven set of<BR> pieces that =
offers more=20
and more with each listen. On the face<BR> of it it =
has=20
similarities to the work of Richard Chartier with<BR> =
its use=20
of environmental sound and abstract tones, yet this =
CD<BR> is=20
more condensed as the tracks are generally shorter. Each=20
track<BR> is focused on a sound: improv, contemporary=20
composition, fractured<BR> minimalism. It works in a =
spacious=20
way and involves the listener<BR> at all times, =
challenging=20
yet bringing a beautiful sort of clarity.<BR> This =
isn't going=20
to be for everyone, but for those looking for<BR> =
something a=20
little more cerebral, yet striking, this is an =
absolute<BR> =20
recommendation. Superb - as is the gatefold packaging.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> WONDERLAND FALLING YESTERDAY (WORLD'S END GIRLFRIE - =
ENCHANTED=20
LANDSCAPE ESCAPE - CUBIC MUSIC - CD (CUBICMUSIC10)<BR> =
Anything that comes from the mind of World's End Girlfriend=20
is<BR> worth listening to and this is definitely no =
exception.=20
He's always<BR> got the ability to surprise and =
enchant with=20
his amazingly complex<BR> arrangements and fascinating =
sounds=20
and this CD is eminent proof<BR> of that. Providing 14 =
tracks=20
of ever changing sounds you get deep,<BR> emotive =
piano=20
pieces, dense and warm organic Electronica and the<BR> =
trademark, slightly more chatic and rhythmic tracks he's=20
best<BR> known for. Exciting, beautiful, heart warming =
and=20
engaging...<BR> simply a lovely album. =
Recommended.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> Z_E_L_L_E - RJCTD::NW - CUBIC FABRIC - CD=20
(CUBICF02)<BR> The duo of Z_E_L_L_E conjure up some =
distinctly=20
minimal sounds<BR> for Japan's Cubi Fabric =
label. =20
Working in a similar way to their<BR> previous album, =
'Nth' on=20
Line and sharing a similar philosphy<BR> with Richard=20
Chartier, they use ultra-reduced and processed =
tones<BR> to=20
create a serious sense of isolation and dislocation. Long=20
periods<BR> of near-silence are puctuated by static =
bursts and=20
drones that<BR> fill your head and leave you with a =
lasting=20
impression. Music<BR> for headphones, definitely. And=20
amazingly atmospheric to boot.<BR> Recommended.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> ZAMMUTO - SOLUTIORE OF STAREAU: DISC ONE - INFRACTION - CD=20
(INFX002)<BR> Sale. Nice minimal pulsing sounds from =
Zammuto.=20
Deep noises and<BR> textures offset with a healthy =
dose of=20
Glitch and tone. Fits in<BR> with the Raster Noton and =
Line /=20
12k releases very nicely and<BR> is definitely worthy =
of your=20
attention.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT size=3D4>Restocks (CD): =
Electronica</FONT></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> CASSETTEBOY - DEAD HORSE - BARRY'S BOOTLEGS - CD=20
(BAZ010)<BR> Cassetteboy's second album is more of the =
same=20
painfully constructed<BR> sonic terrorism containing =
thousands=20
of audio snippets plundered<BR> from TV, radio, film =
and=20
popular music. Veering from fierce political<BR> =
satire=20
(attacking The War On Terror with cut-up Bush and =
Blair<BR> =20
speeches) to blatant, puerile filth (the Harry Potter=20
stories!),<BR> this is part sheer hilarity, part =
editing=20
masterclass! </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> JAN JELINEK - LOOP FINDING JAZZ RECORDS - SCAPE - CD=20
(SCAPE007CD)<BR> STUNNING NEW LONG PLAYER FROM JELINEK =
(AKA=20
FARBEN, AKA GRAMM).<BR> THIS SURPASSES ALL =
EXPECTATIONS WITH=20
IT'S SUBTLE MIXTURE OF CLICKS,<BR> GLITCHES, DEEP =
DUBBY=20
BASSLINES AND SUBLIME STRINGS & STABS. BASED<BR> =
ON A=20
COLLECTION OF JAZZ LOOPS THAT HE'S TWISTED BEYOND ALL=20
RECOGNITION.<BR> AWESOME.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> KEYPROCESSOR, THE / TV-99-AD - ASSEMBLED 014/015 - EEVO LUTE =
- CD=20
(EEVOCD3)<BR> A classic CD that takes a collection of =
tracks=20
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!</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> MURCOF - MARTES - LEAF - CD (BAY23CD)<BR> =20
ASTONISHING DEBUT ALBUM FROM THIS VERY, VERY TALENTED=20
MEXICAN<BR> PRODUCER. NINE TRACKS OF, QUITE SIMPLY, =
SOME OF=20
THE MOST IMAGINATIVE,<BR> ATMOSPHERIC, BEAUTIFUL =
ELECTRONICA=20
YOU'RE LIKELY TO HEAR THIS<BR> YEAR. INTRICATE RHYTHM=20
STRUCTURES, CLASSICAL OVERTONES, HEART<BR> WRENCHING =
STRINGS=20
AND MELODIES AND UNBELIEVABLY ACCOMPLISHED =
PRODUCTION.<BR> =20
ALBUM OF THE YEAR, WITHOUT A DOUBT.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> VARIOUS - CHECK THE WATER - LEAF - 2xCD=20
(BAY50CD)<BR> What better way to commemorate the tenth =
anniversary of Leaf than<BR> a bargain-priced, =
29-track double=20
CD best-of? They're all on here;<BR> Susumu Yokota, =
Four Tet,=20
Faultline, Rob Ellis, Gorodisch, Caribou,<BR> Murcof, =
Boom Bip=20
and Dose One, Clue To Kalo, Colleen, Icarus,<BR> Wells =
/=20
Schneider / Morgenstern, Efterklang, Triosk, Hanne=20
Hukkelberg,<BR> Sutekh, Psapp and plenty others. =
Here's to=20
another decade of melodic<BR> electronica, quirky =
leftfield=20
pop and the occasional jazz noodle!<BR> </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> VARIOUS - POP AMBIENT 2005 - KOMPAKT - CD=20
(KOMCD37)<BR> THIS YEARS INSTALLMENT OF THE WONDEROUS =
POP=20
AMBIENT SERIES IS<BR> AN ABSOLUTE WHIRLPOOL OF BLISS. =
12=20
TRACKS OF THE MOST DELIGHTFULLY<BR> ATMOSPHERIC =
AMBIENT=20
ELECTRONICA FROM SUCH HOUSEHOLD NAMES AS (WELL,<BR> =20
THEY'RE HOUSEHOLD NAMES AROUND MY HOUSEHOLD ANYWAY!) THE=20
ORB,<BR> GAS, TRIOLA, KLIMEK, ANDREW THOMAS, ULF =
LOHMANN,=20
THOMAS FEHLMANN,<BR> DJ KOZE, PETER GRUMMICH, =
POPNONAME AND=20
PASS INTO SILENCE. TEXTURAL<BR> HEAVEN. =
ESSENTIAL.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> VARIOUS - POP AMBIENT 2002 - KOMPAKT - CD=20
(KOMCD14)<BR> STUNNING COMPILATION OF THE MORE =
MELODIC,=20
AMBIENT MOMENTS FROM<BR> KOMPAKTS RECENT OUTPUT (PLUS =
A COUPLE=20
OF BITS LICENSED BECAUSE<BR> THEY'RE SO GOOD). MIKE =
INK IN=20
SEVERAL GUISES, DONNACHA COSTELLO,<BR> ULF LOHMANN, =
MARKUS=20
GUENTNER AND MORE FEATURE ON THIS UTTERLY<BR> SUBLIME =
ALBUM.=20
HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> VARIOUS - KOLN KOMPAKT - KOMPAKT - CD=20
(KOMCD01)<BR> Aah, the very first compilation from our =
friends=20
at Kompakt. Something<BR> of a classic now which =
features some=20
of Cologne's finest including<BR> Studio 1, The =
Modernist,=20
Michael Mayer, Dr. Walker, Pentax, Thomas<BR> =
Brinkmann and=20
more. From ultra-minimal Techno grooves to more<BR> =
bouncy,=20
'Schaffel' styled tracks this is an essential =
selection<BR> =20
that sounds possibly even better today than it did at the=20
time.<BR> Class.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> VENETIAN SNARES - MEATHOLE - PLANET MU - CD=20
(ZIQ099CD)<BR> Oooh, heck, it's the Snares! I have to =
say i do=20
prefer Venetian<BR> Snares when he's on Planet Mu - =
generally=20
speaking his material<BR> is a little more varied and=20
interesting when he's on Mr Paradinas's<BR> label. =
Yes, this=20
is pretty brutal (obviously), with lots of =
frantic,<BR> =20
amphetamine-fuelled drill 'n' bass beats, sci-fi effects and=20
distortion<BR> a-plenty, but with more of a =
Squarepusher /=20
Aphex feel than his<BR> Peaceoff releases (for =
example). Wow,=20
wot a rush, etc!</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT size=3D4>New Releases (CD): Techno /=20
Electro</FONT></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> DAPAYK & PADBERG - CLOSE UP - MO'S FERRY - CD=20
(MFP016CD)<BR> Now, I've heard people moaning about =
the vocals=20
on this album,<BR> but to my mind, that's totally =
missing the=20
point of what it's<BR> all about. Dapayk & Padberg =
have=20
constructed an amazingly dense<BR> collection of =
ultra-minimal=20
Techno tracks with some of the weirdest<BR> sounds and =
crispiest programming around... to call it oddball<BR> =
is=20
understating it somewhat! Incredibly deep sounds with=20
immaculate<BR> production and twsited rhythms to get =
everyone=20
in a right tizzy.<BR> For me the vocals work like a =
dream and=20
add a superb depth to<BR> the music and, quite =
frankly, I=20
normally hate vocals. So, give<BR> it a listen and =
make up=20
your own mind as I think it's brill! Recommended.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> VARIOUS - THE BOX COLLECTION NO. 1 - GIGOLO - 5xCD=20
(GIGOLO184)<BR> How much Gigolo can you handle? This =
literally=20
huge 5xCD box brings<BR> together the previously =
deleted first=20
four Gigolo compilations<BR> under one roof. They're =
all on=20
here - Miss Kittin & The Hacker,<BR> Zombie =
Nation, Hell,=20
Jeff Mills, Christopher Just, David Caretta,<BR> =
Anthony=20
'Shake' Shakir, Der Zyklus, Foremost Poets, Terence=20
Fixmer,<BR> Valium, Tuxedomoon etc etc. A massive slab =
of=20
Electroclash years<BR> before the term was invented =
(ie,=20
whilst it was still fresh).<BR> </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D4><STRONG>Restocks (CD): Techno / =
Electro</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> ORB, THE - OKIE DOKIE IT'S THE ORB ON KOMPAKT - KOMPAKT - CD =
(KOMCD45)<BR> Finally, the Orb's album arrives on the =
lovely=20
Kompakt label and,<BR> no surprises, it's really, =
really=20
strong. A deft balance between<BR> grooving, typically =
Cologne=20
style Techno, ultra-deep and minimal<BR> tracks (spot =
the=20
Thomas Fehlmann sound!) and some delightful Pop<BR> =
Ambient=20
moments. Gorgeous, well produced and full of cheeky =
and<BR> =20
surprisingly quirky sounds and samples... this one comes=20
highly<BR> recommended.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> STRAND - MESSAGES - DELSIN - CD=20
(40DSR/STR-CD1)<BR> FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO DON'T BUY =
VINYL,=20
HERE'S YOUR OPPORTUNITY<BR> TO GET BOTH STRAND SINGLES =
FROM=20
DELSIN PLUS THE BONUS OF THE EP<BR> THEY DID ON =
SHAKE'S=20
FRICTIONAL LABEL. EVEN BETTER, THERE ARE TWO<BR> =
UNRELEASED=20
TRACKS AS WELL. AS DETROIT TECHNO GOES, THESE GUYS<BR> =
ARE AT=20
THE TOP OF THE LEAGUE AND MANAGE TO MAKE IT SOULFUL =
AND<BR> =20
MELODIC AS WELL AS GROOVY AND MECHANICAL. A HIGHLY=20
RECOMMENDED<BR> RELEASE.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> VARIOUS - TOTAL 6 - KOMPAKT - CD =
(KOMCD42)<BR> =20
Kompakt. Purveyors of quality throughout their back=20
catalogue<BR> and increasingly essential thanks to a =
diverse=20
range of Techno,<BR> Electro and House releases. This =
sixth=20
Total compilation is absolutely<BR> on the money and =
features=20
a broad and very comprehensive collection<BR> of =
tracks that=20
have been released recently and even includes a<BR> =
few=20
unreleased tracks for good measure. Tracks from DJ Koze,=20
Tocotronic,<BR> Michael Mayer, Ferenc, Heib, Mikkel =
Metal,=20
Justus Kohncke, Jurgen<BR> Paape, Reinhard Voigt, Rex =
The Dog,=20
Thomas Fehlmann and many,<BR> many more exude class =
from=20
beginning to end making this yet another<BR> =
indespensible=20
release from our favourite Cologne label. Top stuff.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> VARIOUS - TOTAL 3 - KOMPAKT - CD =
(KOMCD10)<BR> =20
Another super collection of Kompakt release here on the=20
third<BR> volume. As you'd expect, the quality is as =
high as=20
ever and features<BR> a tracklisting that includes =
Sascha=20
Funke, Michael Mayer, The<BR> Modernist, =
T.Raumschmiere,=20
Lawrence, Superpitcher, Dettinger,<BR> Jurgen Paape, =
Ulf=20
Lohmann and more. The classiest minimal Techno<BR> =
sounds=20
around with a fair smattering of thoughtful =
electronics<BR> to=20
boot. Pure quality.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> VARIOUS - TOTAL 2 - KOMPAKT - CD =
(KOMCD06)<BR> =20
KOMPAKT COMPILATION, AND NO REAL SUPRISES HERE..... =20
FEATURING<BR> THE LIKES OF SASCHA FUNKE, LAWRENCE, =
CLOSER=20
MUSIK, DUBSTAR, DETTINGER<BR> AND A FEW MORE, THIS IS =
A=20
SELECTION OF TECHNO - DIFFERENT SOUNDS<BR> AND =
FEELINGS, BUT=20
ALL WITH THAT KOMPAKT DRIVE AND FUNK....</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT size=3D4>Restocks (CD): US Techno /=20
Electro</FONT></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> CONNECTION MACHINE, THE - PAINLESS - DOWNLOW - CD=20
(DLCMLP)<BR> THIS COMES TO US AT A TIME WHEN THERE =
REALLY=20
ISN'T A GREAT DEAL<BR> OF BEAUTIFULLY WARM AUTHENTIC =
SOUNDING=20
DETROIT STYLE TECHNO AROUND.<BR> IT COMPILES A WHOLE =
ALBUMS=20
WORTH OF WONDERFULLY DEEP, YET QUITE<BR> PACEY AND =
DANCEY=20
TRACKS (FROM THIS ACT WHO PREVIOUSLY APPEARED<BR> ON =
PLANET E=20
AMONGST OTHER LABELS), WITH MELODY, A HYPNOTIC =
FEEL<BR> AND A=20
TRULY MID '90'S FEEL. THAT'S NOT TO SAY THAT IT SOUNDS=20
DATED,<BR> BECAUSE IT DOESN'T. IT JUST BRINGS BACK =
VERY=20
PLEASANT MEMORIES<BR> OF THAT PARTICULAR ERA. THIS ONE =
IS=20
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D4><STRONG>New Releases (CD): Eclectic=20
Beats</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> SUPER NUMERI - THE WELCOME TABLE - NINJA TUNE - CD=20
(ZENCD97)<BR> Super Numeri is really one of the more=20
interesting artists on<BR> Ninja Tune these days. This =
is a=20
thoroughly enjoyable blend of<BR> live psyche, jazz, =
funk and=20
post rock incorporating up to fourteen<BR> musicians =
in total=20
(including harp, flute, strings, sax etc).<BR> If =
you're a=20
Thrill Jockey / Tortoise fan, this may surprise =
you.<BR> Very=20
tasty. </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT size=3D4>New Releases (CD): Guitar =
Based</FONT></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> ACID MOTHERS TEMPLE & THE COSMIC INFERNO - IAO CHANT =
FROM THE=20
COSMIC INFERNO - ACE FU - CD (ACE034CD)<BR> An =
absolutely=20
primeval cacophany of guitar noise and =
blood-curdling<BR> =20
sound from the Acid Mothers. And surely that's exactly what=20
you<BR> expect and want from them? Oh yes! =
Monster.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> JOY DIVISION - LET THE MOVIE BEGIN - INTERSOUND RECORDINGS - =
CD=20
(INTERSTATE10795CD)<BR> Live, rare and alternate takes =
of=20
classic Joy Division tracks<BR> interspersed with =
brief=20
snippets of an interview conducted with<BR> the band =
in 1978.=20
There is a forward written by the interviewer,<BR> a=20
transcript, and although the sound quality on the=20
interview<BR> may be a little poor the unmistakeable =
voices of=20
Curtis, Hannet,<BR> Sumner et al add to the mistique =
of the=20
package. A wonderful document<BR> and some great =
versions of=20
some of their classic tracks.........</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> JUDEE SILL - HEART FOOD - WATER - CD=20
(WATER159CD)<BR> Another wonderfully timely reissue of =
the=20
much talked about Judee<BR> Sill's music. Again, it's =
not hard=20
to see why she's mentioned<BR> by a wealth of =
contemporary=20
musicians. Beautifully written and<BR> realised songs =
that are=20
intricate, beautiful and have an amazing<BR> =
sexualness=20
throughout. A lot of people consider her to border<BR> =
on the=20
religious experience side of things and on this =
evidence,<BR> =20
you can see why. Simply a sublime piece of work.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> JUDEE SILL - INTRODUCING JUDEE SILL - WATER - CD=20
(WATER158CD)<BR> Judee Sill's debut album gets a =
timely=20
reissue here and it's not<BR> hard to see why people =
like Jim=20
O'Rourke consistently name-check<BR> here as an =
influence.=20
Delightfully earthy and beautifully written<BR> songs =
that are=20
heartfelt without being sickly. Comes from the<BR> =
'70's but=20
has an amazing resonance, even now. Highly recommended.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> KATH BLOOM - COME HERE - POWERSHOVEL AUDIO - CD=20
(PSA-002)<BR> This second release from Tokyo's =
Powershovel=20
Audio label is an<BR> absolute beauty and features =
Kath Bloom=20
singing her heart out<BR> over a series of gorgeous =
folk=20
tracks. Really soulful sounds which<BR> bring to mind =
Vashti=20
Bunyan or Judee Sill with their unpretentious<BR> =
style and=20
lyrical feel. For fans of singer-songwriter music, =
this<BR> is=20
an absolute must.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> NORTHERN SONG DYNASTY - NORTHERN SONG DYNASTY - ALL IS =
NUMBER - CD=20
(AIN002)<BR> Northern Song Dynasty is Jessica Bailiff =
and=20
Jesse Edwards...<BR> that should tell you enough about =
this=20
sublime album to go on!<BR> Essentially it's a =
drfiting,=20
beautifully realised set of guitar<BR> tracks with =
Bailiff's=20
divine vocals providing a fitting layer<BR> of beauty =
over the=20
top of some geniunely lush music. Post-Rock?<BR> =
Shoe-Gazing?=20
Either or, really. Just phenomenally lovely =
sounds.<BR> =20
Recommended.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> PATRIK TORSSON - STATEMENTS OF FACTS - POWERSHOVEL AUDIO - =
CD=20
(PSA-003)<BR> Possibly my favourite release so far on=20
Powershovel Audio. Patrik<BR> Torsson provides a =
lovely=20
selection of songs using predominantly<BR> guitar =
based=20
sounds. He blends that with an element of =
electronica,<BR> =20
though, to give it a contemporary songwriter feel. Lovingly=20
structured<BR> songs and heartfelt, beautifully =
delivered=20
vocals all combine<BR> to mke a pleasingly warm album =
that=20
I've been going to back to<BR> for weeks now. =
Absolutely=20
superb and highly recommended.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> TWO GALLANTS - THE THROES - ALIVE RECORDS - CD=20
(ALIVE0054-2)<BR> Singer songwriter material with some =
top=20
production values. the<BR> guys voice is what steals =
the show=20
for me here. A nice edge to<BR> it that sits nicely =
over the=20
high quality production and playing.<BR> Have a=20
listen.....</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> VARIOUS - SPACE IS NO PLACE NYC; NOISE FROM THE =
UNDERGROUND -=20
PSYCH-O-PATH - CD (CDPSP7)<BR> Selection of noisey, =
attitudey,=20
punk rock tracks from, you guessed<BR> it, N.Y.C. =
Music from=20
the likes of Spaceman, Aero & Anderegg,<BR> Jah =
division=20
and more.....</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT size=3D4>Restocks (CD): Guitar =
Based</FONT></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> 2 BY BUKOWSKI - SOME CRAZY SHIT HAS HAPPENED SINCE THE =
CONJURING -=20
VERY FRIENDLY - CD (VF011CD)<BR> Five new, extended =
tracks=20
from 2BB which acts as a great side-dish<BR> to the =
new Earth=20
album, dontcha know. Although not quite as doom<BR> =
laden as=20
Dylan Carlson, this is that mid-ground between =
post-rock<BR> =20
and seventies/eighties metal, and one the better releases=20
i've<BR> heard of its kind recently. Guaranteed to =
cause=20
outbreaks of air<BR> guitar or your money back =
(disclamer: not=20
really). </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> VARIOUS - AMERICAN PRIMITIVE VOLUME 1 - REVENANT - CD=20
(REV206CD)<BR> COMPILED BY GAYLE DEAN WARDLOW AND JOHN =
FAHEY,=20
THIS IS A FABULOUS<BR> SELECTION OF RAW PRE-WAR GOSPEL =
MUSIC.=20
FEATURING THE KNOWN AND<BR> UNKNOWN ALIKE, THIS IS "77 =
MINUTES=20
OF GUT-BUCKET GOSPEL". HIGHLY<BR> RECOMMENDED (AS IS=20
EVERYTHING ON THIS FANTASTIC LABEL). </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> VASHTI BUNYAN - JUST ANOTHER DIAMOND DAY - SPINNEY - CD=20
(SPINNEY001CD)<BR> It's nice to be able to write that =
this is=20
no longer Vashti's<BR> only album, with the follow-up =
to this=20
1970 album finally just<BR> around the corner! This =
pretty=20
much became the Holy Grail of British<BR> Folk a few =
years ago=20
before finally being reissued. Featuring<BR> =
contributions=20
from members of Fairport Convention and the =
Incredible<BR> =20
String Band, as well as string arrangements by Robert Kirby=20
(who<BR> worked with Nick Drake) and production by Joe =
Boyd=20
(ditto), this<BR> cast iron classic album has seen =
Vashti=20
credited by the likes<BR> of Devendra Banhart and =
Joanna=20
Newsom as a major source of inspiration.<BR> Not as =
reclusive=20
as she once was, that elusive new album is merely<BR> =
weeks=20
away but in the meantime, treat yourself to this =
timely<BR> =20
reissue.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D4><STRONG>New Releases (CD): Funk / Jazz /=20
Soul</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> BUDOS BAND, THE - THE BUDOS BAND - DAPTONE - CD=20
(DAP-005CD)<BR> Tasty new outfit on the kings of the =
new funk=20
sound Daptone here.<BR> After just the one 7" release =
(to our=20
knowledge at least) comes<BR> this tight, brassy =
affair that=20
features Neal Sugarman (from the<BR> Sugarman 3 of =
course!)=20
amongst a big group of musicians playing<BR> a very =
funky=20
Afro-Soul sound. 11 tracks in all to get your =
teeth<BR> =20
into.......</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> GNU - SURO - CUBIC MUSIC - CD =
(CUBICMUSIC13)<BR> =20
Gnu are a five-piece band that offer up a psyched out,=20
Post-Rock<BR> fuelled selection of tracks that hae =
more in=20
common with Tortoise<BR> and Soft Machine than any =
Electronica=20
acts you care to mention.<BR> There's is an initially =
complex=20
sounding style but the more you<BR> listen the easier =
it flows=20
until you find yourself being absolutely<BR> absorbed =
by the=20
pure jazz-ness of it all. A funky CD, but not<BR> in =
the=20
traditional sense. Quite excellent.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> GNU - MIDNIGHT BREAKFAST - CUBIC MUSIC - CD=20
(CUBICMUSIC06)<BR> Gnu's debut album for Cubic Music =
is a=20
massively impressive blend<BR> of Jazz and Post-Rock =
that=20
comes across in such a pleasing and,<BR> it has to =
said,=20
British style that it's hard not to get really<BR> =
caught up=20
in it. Fabulous musicianship and wonderfully =
complex,<BR> yet=20
absolutely coherent arrangements give it a uniquely =
funky<BR> =20
sound with acres of room for the players to improvise. A=20
super<BR> bit of psych-Jazz from a brilliant label.=20
Recommended.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D4><STRONG>New Releases (CD): =
Experimental</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> 46000 FIBRES - CYTE PACIFIC - TRI - 2xCD (TRI=20
X)<BR> Sale. 2 CDs with 28 tracks celebrating this=20
experimental act's<BR> output between 1994 and 1999.=20
Soundscpaes, some of which are harmonious,<BR> some =
noise=20
based are mixed with spoken word, live =
instrumentation<BR> and=20
whatever else these guys see fit to use. Defies=20
description<BR> really. Have a listen...</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> AMIR BAGHIRI - YALDA - VIVO - CD =
(VIVO007CD)<BR> =20
Sale. An incredibly wide range of African / Middle Eastern /=20
Asian<BR> instrumentation has been used on this highly =
musical=20
and vibrant<BR> CD. A lovely touch is the addition of =
'Eastern=20
Desert Ambience<BR> and Nature Atmos' into the mix. =
Really=20
good stuff.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> A-SOMA & THE UNLIGHTENED - NOTHING COMES TO MIND - =
ORGANON - CD=20
(ORG1953)<BR> Sale. Acoustic sound experiments here =
with live=20
elements in the<BR> shape of some wonderfully dark =
strings.=20
I'm glad to see a sense<BR> of humour at work here =
amongst the=20
serious art. Mostly very short<BR> tracks of about 2 =
minutes a=20
piece with a total of 28. Have a listen...</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> BILL LASWELL - CITY OF LIGHT / HASHISHEEN - SUB ROSA - 2xCD=20
(SRSECD2)<BR> Sale. Very attractive box set compiling =
two=20
classic Bill Laswell<BR> albums on Sub Rosa from a few =
years=20
back. A host of special guests<BR> feature including =
Coil, Jah=20
Wobble, Techno Animal (The Bug), Iggy<BR> pop, William =
S.=20
Burroughs, Gensis P. Orridge, Patti Smith etc.<BR> =
Fascinating=20
music all round and well worth investigating.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> DIMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH - THE MISSING SYMPHONY - V/VM TEST - CD =
(VVMTCD10)<BR> Sale. Take every Shostakovich symphony =
(15 in=20
total), take the<BR> average duration of each (2842 =
seconds),=20
then time-stretch them<BR> or compress them so that =
they all=20
last the same amount of time,<BR> then play them all =
over the=20
top of each other. Yup, you've guessed<BR> it, it's =
been=20
V/VM'ed! It's the pigging Shostakovich megamix -<BR> =
very=20
dramatic, very entertaining and I reckon if you didn't=20
know<BR> how it was produced you'd think it was a =
contemporary=20
classical<BR> epic!</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> FETISCH PARK - ALLUVIAL - EXTREME - CD=20
(XCD042)<BR> Sale. Australia's Extreme label provides =
a heavy=20
selection of<BR> soundscapes, experimental jazz =
samples,=20
noises and beats from<BR> the combo of Fetisch Park. =
Extremely=20
noisy and hard-going, but<BR> worthy of your attention =
nonetheless.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> HAIR POLICE - DRAWN DEAD - HANSON - CD =
(HN124)<BR> =20
Sale. Industrial soundscapes and somewhat reminiscent of a=20
factory<BR> florr in someones twisted imagination. =
Comparisons=20
with Pansonic<BR> are slightly inevitable although it =
does=20
sound like they've stuck<BR> through a big distortion=20
pedal.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> ILITCH - PERIODIKMINDTROUBLE - FRACTAL - 2xCD=20
(FR012CD)<BR> Sale. Tchaikovsky's middle name, wasn't =
it? I=20
suppose there is<BR> a neo-classical thing going on =
here.=20
Think Tangerine Dream meets<BR> Brian Eno meets Frank =
Zappa=20
maybe? Very soundtracky. As intense<BR> as it is =
relaxing and=20
certainly unusual. Sorry it's a bit pricey<BR> but it =
cost us=20
a bit as well!</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> JAZZKAMMER - PANCAKES - SMALLTOWN SUPERSOUND - CD=20
(STS064CD)<BR> Sale. Obtuse electronic tracks with a =
heavy=20
experimental leaning<BR> from these Norwegian artists. =
Having=20
recorded with Merzbow you'll<BR> probably get an idea =
of just=20
how heavy this can be, but, it's<BR> tempered by some =
moments=20
of dark, atmospheric sounds which drift<BR> =
beautifully,=20
almost sounding like arctic winds blowing over the<BR> =
glaciers. Stunning.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> LAUREN WEINGER - SILO - ReR MEGACORP - CD=20
(RERLW1)<BR> Sale. This is quite literally the sounds =
of a=20
mic'd up silo. Don't<BR> know what sort but it was =
obviously a=20
dark, large and scary building.<BR> Really powerful =
sounds of=20
wind, metallic clangings and incidental<BR> noise make =
for=20
compulsive (if you're into it like I am) =
listening.<BR> =20
Superb.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> LMY - VOL 1? - UNKNOWN - 2xCD =
(DW01/2?)<BR> Sale=20
(down from =A329.99).The front cover is purple, the back=20
cover<BR> is purple, both CDs (even the playing =
surface!) are=20
purple so<BR> if this is not a Prince album (perish =
the=20
thought) what is it,<BR> I ask myself? Well, a quick =
play and=20
look at the track listing<BR> (the only info I have) =
reveals=20
this to be a collection of experimental<BR> drones and =
abrasive industrial sounds from the 1950's and =
1960's.<BR> For=20
further details ask Sean 'Dagenham' Archer at Cargo=20
Vending<BR> Inc. - you can also ask him why it's so =
bafflingly=20
expensive.<BR> My special message - purple.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> LOW RESISTANCE GROUP - LOW RESISTANCE GROUP - PARA DISC - CD =
(PACD012)<BR> Sale. A really nice album of electronic =
and live=20
manipulations<BR> from the Low Resistance Group - aka =
Anthony=20
Guerra, Paul Hood<BR> and Joel Stern. Experimental =
sounds=20
presented in both challenging<BR> and melodic and =
beautiful=20
ways - with plenty of weaving between<BR> the two =
styles.=20
Plenty of depth and texture. A lot to be had from<BR> =
this=20
album - well worth perservering with.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> MAJU - MAJU 2 - EXTREME - CD (XCD049)<BR> =
Sale.=20
Recorded in Tokyo, this is a surprisingly accessible =
and<BR> =20
enjoyable release for Extreme (best known for being as avant=20
garde<BR> as they can get away with). Densely layered, =
ambient=20
musical atmospheres<BR> swirling together to create a =
very=20
pretentious description! Erm,<BR> have a =
listen...</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> MATMOS - RAT RELOCATION PROGRAM - LOCUST - CD=20
(LOCUST54CD)<BR> Sale. Only Matmos could do this and =
get away=20
with it. our heroes<BR> have been troubled by a rat =
but as=20
they already have a pet rat,<BR> feel that killing it =
is a=20
little hypocritical. A trap is set,<BR> the rat is =
eventually=20
caught, then transported to a nice middle-class<BR> =20
neighbourhood and released. Track one is the soundtrack to=20
some<BR> of this, track two is Matmos' own =
reinterpretation.=20
If you don't<BR> believe me, listen / read the =
sleevenotes for=20
yourself - you couldn't<BR> make this stuff up!</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> MAURIZIO BIANCHI - ENDOMETRIO - EES'T - CD=20
(ARCHEOMB7)<BR> Sale. Clearly I'm quoting from the =
liner=20
notes... 'Bionic music<BR> manipulation and =
transformation are=20
all part of Bianchi's work.<BR> This CD is as dynamic =
in sound=20
as it is violent in its discharge'.<BR> I'm not sure =
what that=20
actually means, but it seems somehow apt<BR> when =
listening to=20
the music contained within. Heavy stuff!</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> MAURIZIO BIANCHI - REGEL - EES'T - CD=20
(ARCHEOMB4)<BR> Sale. Originally recorded in 1982, =
Maurizio=20
Bianchi shows us just<BR> how far ahead he was at the =
time.=20
The work was remastered in 1998<BR> and is an =
amazingly=20
dynamic and coherent selection of noise-mongering<BR> =
par=20
excellence. Experimentalism for the purists.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> MAURIZIO BIANCHI - NEURO HABITAT - EES'T - CD=20
(ARCHEOMB3)<BR> Sale. A skeletal extremist project =
that=20
transformed into a movie<BR> soundtrack. Murderous =
sounds and=20
textures from this legendary<BR> purveyor of extreme =
noise.=20
Heavy-going, but extremely worthy.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> MAURIZIO BIANCHI - MENSES - EES'T - CD=20
(ARCHEOMB2)<BR> Sale. Maurizioo Bianchi, from Milan, =
states=20
that 'technical development<BR> is doomed to fail and =
the=20
prehistoric revolution will favour'.<BR> A fair point, =
but I'm=20
still not 100% sure what that's got to do<BR> with =
this CD.=20
Heavy-going stuff, as always from MB.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> MAURIZIO BIANCHI - MECTPYO BAKTERIUM - EES'T - CD=20
(ARCHEOMB5)<BR> Sale. 'The protonic equipment used for =
this=20
piece delivered a<BR> crude, shivering, wan & =
flamed sound=20
that erased every mark of<BR> degression... a vision =
of the=20
aftermath of technological society<BR> driven to it's =
own=20
destruction - a vivid expression of a world<BR> =
heading for=20
extinction'. How's about that then! Quoting from =
the<BR> liner=20
notes has never been such fun! It's actually a =
brooding<BR> =20
soundscape that whilst bleak is also very engaging. Worthy=20
of<BR> a long listen!</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> MAURIZIO BIANCHI - THE PLAIN TRUTH - EES'T - CD=20
(ARCHEOMB9)<BR> Sale. Second to last in this first =
series of=20
10 mind bolggling<BR> CDs from this absolute guru of =
sound and=20
mental theory. We don't<BR> get most of what he's =
saying a lot=20
of the time, but listening<BR> to his amazing sounds =
of calm=20
or utter intensity is certainly<BR> an =
experience!</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> MAURIZIO BIANCHI - DAS TESTAMENT - EES'T - CD=20
(ARCHEOMB6)<BR> Sale. 'After the Branchial =
contemporary=20
'Das-Testament' there<BR> was knowledge culminating in =
a=20
deconsecration of germinative interrelation<BR> - to =
remember=20
reddish scientific thaw. External cyclotron =
frequency<BR> is=20
washing the miniaturization of wavemeter pestilence'.=20
That's<BR> a quote from the liner notes... make of it =
what you=20
will but suffice<BR> to say that it's an experimental =
beast of=20
epic proportions.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> MAURIZIO BIANCHI - ARMAGHEDON - EES'T - CD=20
(ARCHEOMB10)<BR> Sale. A soundtrack to the film of the =
same=20
name. 'Then sharp armageddon<BR> turn some hearing in =
good=20
faith for reconciliation of diagenesis<BR> =
filter-press'. This=20
is an excerpt from some of Maurizio Bianchi's<BR> =
statement=20
regarding this album. Essentially it's a heavy =
going<BR> =20
collection of extreme sound manipulations from an undisputed=20
master.<BR> </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> MAURIZIO BIANCHI - CARCINOSI - EES'T - CD=20
(ARCHEOMB8)<BR> Sale. Maurizio Bianchi calls it =
'Lymphatic=20
Perpetuation'.. And<BR> who are we to argue? similar =
to=20
'Endemetrio', Maurizio took the<BR> distances from the =
movement of the industrial bruitists, presenting<BR> a =
'biologic music' that refuses both the cold logic of the=20
fetish<BR> electronic computer-man-of-the-year and the =
sterile=20
exasperation<BR> of the negative. Microscopic sounds =
and=20
formations of noise with<BR> an intensity that still=20
resonates.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> MICHAEL PRIME - MICOPLAZMA - DIGITAL NARCIS - CD=20
(DNCD004)<BR> Sale. Your mission should you choose to =
accept=20
it is: You will<BR> be flown by helicopter to the =
arctic,=20
deposited and, armed only<BR> with a mini-disc =
recorder and a=20
few warm jumpers, make your way<BR> back home to =
Shoreditch=20
where you will visit those rotters at<BR> Smallfish =
Records=20
Inc and sell them your field recording. They<BR> will =
then=20
leave said document in a box in something =
resembling<BR> an=20
office for 3 years in order for it mature, then suddenly=20
realise<BR> they never databased and hurriedly make up =
an=20
amusing description.<BR> This is actually a very =
atmospheric=20
piece of work from the highly<BR> respected Mr. Prime =
and is=20
definitely worthy of further investigation.<BR> =
</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> MOONSANTO - FRAUD - HELL - DOPE - HUSHHUSH - CD=20
(HSH09CD)<BR> Sale. Interesting project using the idea =
of=20
pesticide companies<BR> (naming no particular names,=20
obviously!). Very dark and quite<BR> gloomy actually =
but with=20
sonic textures that have been lovingly<BR> created. =
All in a=20
good cause so give it a listen!</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> POLAR - SOMETHING HAD TO GIVE - TRADEMARKED INDUSTRIES - CD=20
(MARKED8)<BR> Sale. Twelve tracks of sonic terrorism =
covering=20
a variety of intense<BR> and wholly aggressive sound=20
manipulation and white-noise styles.<BR> Once you get =
past the=20
initial a-tonal quality of it the tracks<BR> start to =
make a=20
great deal of sense. Well worth spending a bit<BR> of =
time=20
with.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> SIMON VINCENT - REALM - VISION OF SOUND - CD=20
(VSCD6)<BR> Sale. Swaying, wave-like, 18-minute sonic=20
construction of a gently<BR> hypnotic intensity. =
Starts off=20
loud, goes fairly quiet then gets<BR> louder again. If =
the sea=20
was made of aluminium, it would sound<BR> like this... =
Pretentious? Moi? Come up with a better =
description<BR> =20
youself and we'll gladly use it instead! Home made CDR etc,=20
etc,<BR> by the way.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> V/VM - SOMETIMES, GOOD THINGS HAPPEN (BLUE) - V/VM TEST - CD =
(VVMTCD09BLUE)<BR> Sale. The blue CD that makes up the =
pair is=20
a vastly challenging<BR> piece of work. Dark, white =
noise,=20
dissonance, morphing sounds,<BR> just devastating at =
times.=20
This is where V/VM is at his best in<BR> my opinion.=20
Brilliant.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> VARIOUS - TWENTY3 TWENTY4 TWENTY5 - N/A - CD=20
(232425CD)<BR> Sale. What would you send someone if =
you had to=20
send them a sound<BR> of some description? Well, this =
CD=20
demonstrates 25 people being<BR> asked just that. An=20
interesting concept that begs to be answered.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> VARIOUS - THE INSIDE-OUT ISSUE - VIBRO - CD (NO.1/SPRING=20
2004)<BR> Sale. A cross between an art piece and a =
specialised=20
magazine,<BR> Vibro is a chronicle of Electro-Acoustic =
and=20
Lo-Fi experimentation,<BR> published four times a year =
by a=20
team of artists and journalists<BR> based in Paris. =
Expertly=20
packaged in a cardboard outer box, with<BR> a large =
number of=20
inlays inside forming the magazine element and<BR> =20
contributions on the CD from the likes of Project Dark, Mika=20
Vainio,<BR> David Toop, Trio Cutty Sark and Alex =
Hamburger=20
(amongst others).<BR> I'd expect this to become quite=20
successful in its own niche market.<BR> An excellent =
first=20
issue.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> VARIOUS - THE BROKEN TALES ISSUE - VIBRO - CD (NO. 2, WINTER =
2004)<BR> Sale. Issue two of this supremely packaged=20
experimental CD / book<BR> / magazine / not sure what =
it is=20
really! Tracks by Scanner, Alejandra<BR> & Aeron, =
Michel=20
Guillet, Aki Onda, Globi, Ryoji Ikeda and others,<BR> =
with an=20
artistic insert / print devoted to each artist. =
Compiled<BR> =20
by a group of Parisien artists and journalists, this is=20
Elctro-Acoustic,<BR> Lo-Fi experimentation at its =
finest. Wire=20
readers - you are a<BR> target market!</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV></FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>
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