Jonathan Takagi (jtakagi@millennianet.com)
Thu, 19 Aug 1999 20:58:12 -0700
Preface: After a little thinking, I've realized
that the majority of these reviews are tainted
by the fact that they are mainly first impressions
rather than longterm acquaintances. I don't have
the time to really give each release time to age
and shine through. So take each review as you
like, keeping in mind that there's a large
possibility that I'm completely off the mark. I
like the idea of reviewing records we've had for
years, music that we've developed a two-way
relationship with.
Kimara Lovelace- When Can Our Love Begin 12" (King Street)
Continuing with the Body & Soul nostalgia, check
out this track for the type of sweet soulful garage
track that for some reason resonates deeply.
Musically it's nothing special, sometimes has
a bassline that is a distant reminder of Jaydee's
"Plastic Dreams", but really is just a vocal cut.
The lyrics are nothing special, just another one
of those lovelorn songs of frustrated desire.
Listening to this at home it may sound a little
too cheezy, but it's extremely catchy and when
heard in the right environment, can just be devastatingly
beautiful. Hearing Timmy Regisford's *really* long
mix makes me sorry I didn't go to Shelter.
Coldcut- Autumn Leaves 12" (Ninjatune)
A recent rerelease gives all of us slackers who
ignored it the first time around to fully appreciate
the beauty...a song that really has not aged at all.
Of course, the beats are so overused. And yes, the
Irresistible Force has sort of ground his brand of
bubbly ambient into the ground. But the melancholy
that oozes from the grooves really excels at creating
its own special environment, in which memories
flood back, only to quickly lose themselves in the
flow.
Gabrielle Roth & The Mirrors- Waves 12"
Antonio- Happy, Joyous & Free 12"
Antonio- Azande 12" (Tribal Winds)
This trio, all on the Tribal Winds label, tip their hat
to Joe Claussel's Spiritual Life label and could easily
be mistaken as Spiritual Life releases. Joe Claussel has
a hand in one of them, and at least two of them mention
him in some form or another. If you're familiar with
Spiritual Life's deeper excursions into tribal/latin
percussive territory, these should be pleasing, all
incorporating instruments and textures that are unusual
for the house realm. Many of these tracks do have the
ubiquitous 4/4 stomp in the background, but the tracks
meander and sprawl too much to really be considered prime
dancefloor material. But this is a good thing, and when
in the right mood, even though sometimes venturing dangerously
close to new age territory, these records have the ability
to transport the listener to another, less hostile, more
rhythmic place.
Quannum- Spectrum (Quannum)
I don't understand why many seemed to have such harsh
words for this new project. DJ Shadow's detour into
UNKLE land may have seemed like a step in the wrong direction,
and it's refreshing to see his production free from all
the conflicting vibes surrounding Mo' Wax land. No track
on the compilation disappoints, and some cuts (especially
"Storm Warning" and "Hott People") simply amaze. I may
seem naïve, but I still feel like this is the most talented
group of lyricists, and their skills are often jawdropping.
Lyrics Born is definitely my favorite, and it's great to
see everyone diversifying, even trying out some R&B-type
stuff. As the sample proclaims..."devastating".
Plaid- Rest Proof Clockwork (Warp)
"Not For Threes" was one of my favorites of 97, and this
latest effort is nothing less than a disappointment.
"Not For Threes" wasn't necessarily a challenging or
groundbreaking record, but the emotional power released
in some of the songs (especially Björk's "Lilith" and
"Rakimou") was awe-inspiring, and made for an extremely
endearing record. "Rest Proof Clockwork" just feels
rushed and not at all cohesive. Every track has hints
of the melodic force that Plaid (and early Black Dog)
excelled at, but each time the groove just seems to
settle in complacency. A work that frustrates because
the potential is so great, yet unrealized in the ears
of this listener.
USG- NCAMEU 12" (Clairaudience)
The Trent/Nicholson machine has not really slowed at all
lately, and I stand by my belief that their output suffers
from the Namlook syndrome (with the notable exception of
the gorgeous "I Feel the Rhythm", which, being an old track,
almost proves my point). The presence of a lead vocal
on this release (which is dated 1997, but is new to me)
helps to obtain a focus and objective, which many of their
releases have lacked. It still grooves away, in all its
blissful length, but this time there's actually a point to
the whole production. The "Body & Soul Mix" adds some
extra percussion to the driving 4/4. But overall it still
wanders a bit too much for me. Fans of USG/Prescription
will probably enjoy, but the old stuff is just too good
for me to enjoy this fully.
ps Speaking of old stuff, make sure you check out the
reissue of Romanthony's "The Wanderer"!!
New Latinaires Volume 5 12" (Ubiquity)
The New Latinaires series has proven to be consistently
satisfying, an exciting brand of fusion. This release,
featuring the remix talents of Kirk DeGiorgio (As One)
looked really promising. DeGiorgio's Offworld mix of
Papo Vázquez disappoints a bit. It squelches out a
pretty funky groove, and adds some otherworldly elements
to spice it up a bit, but is a little too stagnant for
me. Perhaps I'm showing myself to have a very short
attention span...I still think the most radical thing
DeGiorgio has done was the vocal cut on "Planetary Folklore".
Catalyst's mix of Francisco Aguabella is not immediately
remarkable, but a pleasant listen. A shuffling beat
frames the repetitive vocal, distorted piano line and
refreshing touch of flute. Not outstanding, but both
sides still offer a quality example of how to take a
step forward.
Paul Hunter presents The Red Hook Project 12" (Guidance)
Guidance hasn't been extremely impressive of late, but
this release is a great change of pace and an excellent
listen, appropriate for all those wondering where "acid
jazz" went. "Reflections" is a moody uptempo number that
is very refreshing. A comparison could be made with
a slightly less programmed Jazzanova, similar in both
mood and spirit. "Front Lines" is similar in style,
making it clear why this is put out by Guidance. Even
though it seems pretty far away from its normal output
and closer to old time a-jazz, the background tones,
the synths, the entire mood seems right at home on
Guidance's deep house roster. On the flipside, "Paul's
Pal" is a nice downtempo track punctuated with a little
spoken word that reminds me of the Dorado output circa 94,
when I first heard the Brooklyn Funk Essentials, and
the prospect of a return of some of the Young Disciples
excited me. "Peaceful Morning" is a beautiful closer,
a punchy bassline accompanying the soothing, languid
ambience. This release reminds me of why I was excited
about "acid jazz" in the first place. Apparently a teaser
for an upcoming album, this is a very satisfying
experience and I recommend it.
Innerzone Orchestra- Programmed (Talkin' Loud)
Since I started with a disclaimer, I'll close with
more excuses. I'll need some time to come to grips
with this one and to give it a fair review. Initially
it seems like a mixed bag, with some exciting new things
(an acoustic guitar-led track!), some droney mayhem
and some lovely jazziness (the *EXCELLENT* rework of
"At Les"). Hopefully a proper review will come soon.
After only a few listens I'd say that only fans should
spring for the 5x10" box set, but I think most everyone
will enjoy the CD release at the end of the month.
As Jean-Luc Godard so poignantly (but not so originally)
puts it:
à suivre...
Jonathan
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