Every once in a while, I get an album which then becomes my propaganda for the month. After a stream of buying CDs and 12"s that have been close but not hit the mark, I finally got the CD which most closely approximates exactly the vibe I'm looking for in today's amorphous electronic musical environment. Aside from the 4 minutes on the album that are spoiled by speech on top of the tracks, and the fact that the album hits its peak a bit too early, this album is so incredibly right on target that I literally couldn't keep myself inside my skin. People into slower, heavy deep tr*p h*p will thoroughly enjoy this. I'm surprised it hasn't been mentioned much. Think Wagon Christ - Throbbing Pouch without the quirky electronic cold feel. This shit starts furiously and moves like a juggernaut even in its quiet and fragile moments. I am very happy now.
Fila Brazilia - Mess
Great production, I really like this one because the beats are so organic and because it covers a lot of ground. Somebody posted that this was disappointing, but I really hesitate to go that far, I haven't heard the first two so I don't have a basis of comparison but it really is some fine work.
Next Stop - Delancey Street
Been discussed, my only comment is that I decided yesterday that I was sick of buying 12" vinyl, because the tracks on those albums are designed to go in somebody's mixes, so I really hope they release more continuously mixed CDs, even though that's not necessarily good for the artists. The way I look at it, even though there is such a diverse set of sounds being produced these days, they are all utilizing simple song forms and I am getting really bored with it unless it's in a mix. I wish they would index the tracks, or if they don't want to index the tracks, just put some minute markers so if I have to stop the mix and go somewhere I can pick up where I left off! Some great tracks on this disc, I have many but it's a good vibe.
Mixmag live - LTJ Bukem
I haven't even listened to this in its entirety, I just bought it because it was continuously mixed (see above) and because I liked the DJ's own work, having listened to a bit of Logical Progression in the store. I really wanted to buy Logical Progression but they didn't have a CD, and as of yesterday, I'm a vinyl convert turned CD convert when possible.
Ronny Jordon - forget the title.
Bought this on a whim as I spotted it as I left the store, and BOY WAS I DISAPPOINTED. Ronny was one of the first artists that got me interested in acid jazz, and now his album (which I just stopped after a while) was heavy on the R&B and the playing was less inspired. His shows will probably still be amazing but I'm going to try and return this to the record store.
Orbital - In Sides
Not really related to this list, but there is a bit of stuff that may appeal to some people here, especially those open to electronic sounds. Furthermore, this might be exactly the album for someone to buy that can open them to electronic sounds. I think this is quite similar in style to Orbital's brown album, it has less of an edge than some of the tracks on Snivilization. Listening to this made me remember Orbital at Glastonbury last year, which, probably with the other 40,000 people on that field that day, I felt was one of the best musical experiences I've ever had.....
Londoners into techno should also check Carl Cox's Ultimate BASE, got to see him DJ with another dude and a guest performance by Josh Wink last Thursday....incredible.......
Pissed I missed Nickodeums' thing on the boat, if anyone was at the party please post a review!
Finally, picked up the most recent On The One....props for another outstanding issue!
Jay B