[acid-jazz] Urban Landscapes Tonight (December 13, 2002): News, December Picks, & The 30 Most Recommended Albums of 2002

From: Velanche Stewart (vstewart@calpoly.edu)
Date: Fri Dec 13 2002 - 22:14:50 CET

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    U R B A N L A N D S C A P E S
             Global Club Culture...
                 Made Fresh Weekly.

    Urban Landscapes hits the airwaves tonight and every Friday evening from
    8-11pm PST on KCPR 91.3 FM.

    Don't forget that if you miss the live show, you can hear it anytime via
    the Urban Landscapes web site at http://www.urbanlandscapesshow.com. The
    most recent show will also be posted a day or two after the broadcast on
    the site's home page. The last five shows are available online for your
    listening pleasure anytime, anyday. You can find them via the
    "Playlists" section of the web site.

    Be sure to tell your friends about the show!

    ----
    ADDRESS FOR MUSICAL SUBMISSIONS (NOTICE: ADDRESS HAS TEMPORARILY CHANGED)
    To jump right to the mailing address for musical submissions, please
    scroll toward the bottom of this circular for more information.
    ----
    NEWS
    It's hard to believe that 2002 is rapidly approaching to a conclusion,
    and yet there's still quite a bit left to complete before the proverbial
    fat lady sings. A busy weekend of Urban Landscapes is on tap, but it's
    you who will be the main beneficiaries.
    Tonight's show presents to you Part Two of Urban Landscapes's three-part
    "Best Of" broadcasts. We'll highlight my choices for the essential
    singles and EPs of 2002. It's been a challenge to narrow the field with
    all of the music trolling through, so hopefully there's something for
    everyone.
    The final "Best Of" broadcast, airing on Friday December 20, will
    feature my picks of the essential remix and compilation albums. So be
    sure to tune in. Don't forget that if you miss any of the "Best Of"
    shows, all of them will be archived online for listening; this is in
    addition to the usual five recent shows, so you'll have a bumper crop of
    music to happily contend with in my absence.
    Tomorrow, Saturday December 14, will start the first of two special
    weekend editions of Urban Landscapes. Tune in locally at 7pm after the
    excellent show "The Deep End," playing catchup with a bumper crop of new
    and recent music--and let me tell you that I'm more than eager to share
    the terrific new digs with you. We'll do the deed once again the
    following Saturday--this time, it'll be from 5-8pm on December 21 to
    wrap up Urban Landscapes for 2002. Both shows, like the "Best Of"
    broadcasts, will be available online.
    MARY HANSEN--ANOTHER GEM GONE
    Many of you by now have heard that Mary Hansen, the talented
    multi-instrumentalist and vocalist for the revered band Stereolab, died
    earlier this week from a tragic biking accident. Like other musicians
    we've seen passed away this year, her time on earth was all too brief.
    So please keep her in your thoughts this week, and pull out a Stereolab
    tune--or one of her collaborations outside the band--and play the music
    in her honor. She will be missed by music lovers everywhere.
    ----
    THIS WEEK'S REVIEWS
    The week has been exceptionally busy, so I shall hold off the rest of
    the new reviews until next week. Check out
    http://urbanlandscapesshow.com/music/reviews.htm for all of my music
    reviews through November 2002.
    ----
    VELANCHE'S SOUNDSCAPES FOR DECEMBER 2002 (in no particular order)
    1.  The Bobby Hughes Combination--Nhu Golden Era (Stereo Deluxe/Germany)
    2.  Horsepower Productions--In Fine Style (Tempa/UK)
    3.  Snowboy And The Latin Section--Borrago/Los Rumberos de la Habana Y
    Matanzas Remixes (Ubiquity)
    4.  Landslide featuring Alison Crockett--It's Not Over (Hospital/UK)
    5.  Various Artists--Moshi Moshi: Nu Sounds From Japan (Fuego/UK)
    6.  Various Artists--Destination: Out 3xLP (Ecco Chamber/Austria)
    7.  John Beltran--Sun Gypsy 2xLP (Ubiquity)
    8.  Focus--Sweet & Sour (Versatile/France)
    9.  Microfish Meets Stereotyp--Who Me? (Stereo Deluxe/Germany)
    10. Various Artists--Chainstore Massacre (On-U Sound)
    11. New Flesh vs. Horsepower Productions--Stick & Move 12" (Big Dada/UK)
    12. Phuturistix--Feel It Out/Bad Thoughts (Hospital/UK) CD-R
    13. Various Artists--California Soul 2xLP (Ubiquity)
    14. Jazzanova--Days To Come Remixes 12" (JCR/Compost)
    15. Lemon Jelly--Lost Horizons (XL)
    16. Stereotyp--My Sound (G-Stone)
    17. Various Artists--Red Hot + Riot 2x12" (Red Hot/MCA)
    18. Derrick Carter--Squaredancing In A Roundhouse (Classic)
    19. Ayro--new material (Omoa) CD-R
    20. Various Artists--Blue Light One (Upstairs/Nettwerk)
    21. Various Artists--Mushroom Jazz 4 (Om)
    22. Tommy Knocker--Brazil Is Back 12" (Intercom/UK)
    23. Various Artists--The Reindeer Room (Kriztal)
    24. Todd Sines & Natacha Labelle--Cum Closer: Overlap C2 Remix 12"
    (Planet E) white
    25. DRM--Shaeed 12" (Citrona) test
    26. Vikter Duplaix--Looking For Love 12" (Hollywood)
    27. Al-pha-X--Mi Corazon: DJ Patife X Madzoo Sessions Mix (Bar de Lune/UK)
    28. Mr. Scruff--Trouser Jazz (Ninja Tune)
    29. Jill Scott--Slowly, Surely: Theo Parrish Remix (CD-R)
    30. Various Artists--2000 Black: The Good Good 2 (2000 Black/UK)
    **January picks next week**
    ----
    LAST WEEK'S PLAYLIST--The 30 Most Recommended Albums of 2002 (in no
    particular order of preference, but in order of show play)
    Listen to the broadcast online at
    http://urbanlandscapesshow.com/shows/06Dec02.ram
    CRITERIA
    I had to come up with a workable criteria to compile the list in as
    satisfactory a manner as possible. When narrowing my choices, I took the
    following into consideration:
    1. The albums must have been played at least once on the show during 2002.
    2. Cut off date for said albums and singles was the last regular show of
    the year, which was November 15, 2002. (November 22 was the special
    auction show, and November 29 the show was pre-empted.)
    Please also note I have received quite a few albums and singles during
    the month of November; however, those are current holdovers to be played
    in December and beyond. Those that are chosen for airplay from November
    2002 onward that were previously unplayed are eligible for "best of"
    consideration for the end of 2003. Still, a few others might have been
    played that were too new for full consideration this year.
    Now that the show seems to be on more-or-less a solid footing, it'll be
    the listeners who will be making much of the choices for the 2003 picks.
    But that's a subject for this time next year.
    Okay, got that? I hope that covers this rather sticky subject...maybe.
    On we go...
    1. Cinematic Orchestra--The Man With The Movie Camera
    Everyday (Ninja Tune)
    Jason Swinscoe's project has jazz lovers in awe with his solid quality
    production. His debut long player "Motion" two years ago on Ninja Tune
    caused quite a stir and received much critical acclaim. Remixes, some
    would say reintepretations, were also met with acclaim from Swinscoe's
    peers and music lovers alike. "Every Day," the second album from the
    Cinematic Orchestra, continues down that delicious melancholy path; it's
    as assured and as confident a recording as ever. We also are blessed
    with wonderful vocals from the legendary Fontella Bass, best known as
    the songwriter/vocalist on the 60's smash "Rescue Me." Label mate Roots
    Manuva lends his unique spoken/rapping gift, as well. A fine full-length
    from Mr. Swinscoe and crew.
    2. Jazzanova--L.O.V.E. and You & I
    In Between (Rope-A-Dope/JCR)
    It's been a long time coming for this highly-anticipated debut from the
    six-member German collective Jazzanova. Since its formation in 1995, the
    collective (not always all at once) has been churning out quality
    remixes and tunes, mostly with a hint of Latin and Brazillian influences
    in its tunes. "In Between" wasn't quite what many Jazzanova fans
    expected, and it's just as well. Listen from beginning to end, and
    you'll find out for yourself why Jazzanova strides to set themselves
    apart from their contemporaries. An ambitious project in its use of
    samples, "In Between" sounds as seamlessly accomplished as some of the
    best acoustic jazz albums.
    3. Koop--Bright Nights featuring Yukimi Nagano
    Waltz For Koop (Quango/JCR)
    Oscar Simmonsen & Magnus Zingmark are the Swedish duo that is Koop. This
    is its second album, and the first for JCR/Compost. Having signed to
    Jazzanova's label shortly after a remix that the collective have done
    for them in 1997, some choice cuts made their way to some very
    influential DJs...most notably Gilles Peterson. We would end up hearing
    "Waltz For Koop" the single, long before hearing the overall album. When
    the album dropped, it received massive respect around the world for its
    throwback to the happy, sunnier side of 60's jazz. You can hear that
    influence throughout the album. Some might grumble about the album's
    length (about 35 minutes). Magnus defends this, noting that Koop would
    rather focus on making good songs that shouldn't have long lengths.
    Witness this philosophy in their remixes, including recent ones for
    Nicola Conte and Rosey. Jazz, indeed, is alive and well.
    4. Nicola Conte--Fuoco Fatuo (Koop Remix w/Earl Zinger)
    Jet Sounds Revisited (Eighteenth Street Lounge Music/Schema)
    Speaking of Nicola Conte, his influence has left an indelible mark in
    club culture. Known for his bossa-influenced, lounge-inspired remixes
    and tunes, he is also the man behind Italy's respected Schema label.
    Conte dropped "Bossa Per Due" back in 2000, which was released
    domestically later. Now we get one of the more creative albums of
    reinterpretations of his tunes from his "Jet Sounds" period in "Jet
    Sounds Revisited." Originally releases in two volumes on vinyl, now
    everyone is blessed with having most of the vinyl cuts on this
    collection. The creme de la creme is here...Micatone (with Lisa
    Bessenge's vocals), Nuspirit Helsinki, Koop (with solid wit from Earl
    Zinger), Kyoto Jazz Massive, Espen Horne (the man behind The Bobby
    Hughes Combination), and others. In addition, we are treated to three
    previously unreleased tunes. It's a late entry in its release, and
    indeed it is an essential.
    5. Los Ladrones--Daddy Chocula
    Montana Rusa (Earthproject/UK)
    Los Ladrones was formed specifically to play at the Montreaux Jazz
    Festival several years back. Embraced and adorned, the band moved from
    its acclaimed beginnings and turned in a great blend of Latin/Brazillian
    love and club culture to drop "Montana Rusa" for the wonderful
    Earthproject label (busy with solid releases in 2002, including Uschi
    Classen's nice debut and Waiwan's new single). It feels right and cool,
    because it is. And Liz Fletcher's vocals compliments the tunes well and
    good. The music is dead-on, breezy and confident. I've been aching for
    the vinyl on this one, but making due with the CD just fine for now.
    6. Nuspirit Helsinki--Seis Por Ocho (The Jazz Sessions Mix)
    Nuspirit Helsinki (Guidance)
    The European region of Scandinavia is giving the UK a run for its money,
    and the 12-member collective from Finland known as Nuspirt Helsinki are
    a big component of that competition with a dope album that was released
    late spring. The jazz and club feelings are quite evident on this work.
    "Trying" is perhaps the most well-known tune on the album (seek out the
    12" released early in the fall, with terrific remixes from labelmate
    Butti 49, as well as the Capoiera Twins). Full of energy and warmth,
    Finland is knocking on all doors that it's a force to be reckon with.
    7. Willie Bobo--Spanish Grease (Richard Dorfmeister vs. Madrid de los
    Austrias Remix)
    Verve Remixed compilation (Verve)
    A couple of folks at the great Verve Recordings jazz label ended up with
    a clue, taking on a risky proposition: tap on the shoulders of some of
    the best remixers/producers in the underground club scene to remix their
    favorite Verve classic tunes. This could have easily tuned into a
    novelty, but "Verve Remixed" delivers in spades. New York's Little Louie
    and Kenny Dope, best known as Masters At Work, ended up being front and
    center when promos of their epic version of Nina Simone's "See-Line
    Woman" hit the streets running. Soon thereafter, the album dropped...and
    a rather nice collection of remixes they are! Classics from Dinah
    Washington, Shirley Horn, and Billie Holiday get some remix respect from
    the likes of Rae & Christian, Mark de Clive-Lowe, and Tricky
    respectively. Other quality remixes includes those from Joe Claussell,
    King Britt, Dzihan & Kamien, and United Future Organization. No novelty
    with this collection, for sure. It's on both CD and triple-vinyl. While
    you're at it, pick up all the originals on the "Verve Unmixed" companion
    album.
    8. Afro Medusa--Dreams
    Latin 1/4 compilation (Obsessive/UK)
    What a surprising find! "Latin 1/4" (or "Latin Quarter") is a gem of
    some of the best Latin house sounds packed into one fine collection. The
    choices are musically strong. Definitely no fillers here, which is more
    than I can say for the many compilations that seem to float out there.
    The energy is strong, the music in nice layers, and the soul is as real
    as it comes. it's a well put-together package with a very nice album
    cover to boot. Find this must-have on CD and double-vinyl.
    9. Peace Orchestra--Shining (Trio Trio Remix)
    Reset (G-Stone)
    In 1999, Peter Kruder--half of the famed Austrian production duo Kruder
    & Dorfmeister--released his solo album under the alias Peace Orchestra.
    Three years later, we are graced with a remix of all of the tunes on
    that album for "Reset," and what a fresh batch of mixes! Some of my
    favorite remixes this year are in this collection, including the Truby
    Trio turning the ambient "Shining" into a Fendered dance stormer, and
    Zero dB recontructing "Henry" with a stunning, jazz-tempo flavor. There
    are also great remixes on here from the likes of DJ DSL (whose debut
    long player is now out on G-Stone), the Gotan Project, and others. The
    vinyl heads will want to seek out the triple-vinyl collection.
    10. Recloose--Ain't Changin' (featuring Justin Chapman)
    Cardiology (!K7)
    Matt Chiccoine is Recloose, Michigan native now based in New Zealand.
    You may have heard the story--Chiccoine slipping a demo tape wrapped
    between rye bread at a deli where he worked, the sandwich making its way
    into Carl Craig's bag while the Planet E label head was at the deli for
    lunch. A few days later, Matt got the call from CC...and the rest of the
    story was a fairy tale from there. After several well-received remixes
    and a couple of acclaimed EPs, Recloose dropped "Cardiology" in May via
    !K7 Records. The album is as diverse in its music as Recloose is in his
    talent, yet the sound and feel is very much entrenched in the sounds of
    Detroit. It's very much a fresh take on club culture, and Recloose comes
    through nicely. The more I listen to it, the more I've found. Seek out,
    and digest in bite-sized morsels.
    11. Agent K--Feed The Cat (Laws Of Motion/UK)
    Agent K is the alias of multitalented artist Kaidi Tatham, a member of
    the esteemed West London crew Bugz In The Attic. He's done scores of
    excellent remixes, has collaborated with a number of artists, and plays
    a variety of instruments. "Feed The Cat," his long-awaited debut LP,
    dropped this fall. It's a good primer into not only his many, many
    talents, but it's also a good feel for what the West London scene has
    been all about. Check it now, or check it when it gets released
    stateside in early 2003.
    12. Elena Sergi--Heavenly (Scuba Remix)
    King Britt Presents Scuba: Hidden Treasures compilation (Om)
    He's come a long ways since his days as the DJ for Digible Planet, but
    Philly's King Britt has indeed made enough inroads to become one of the
    most respected artists in underground club culture. "Hidden Treasures"
    is a well-compiled body of not only some of his best remix work, but for
    the tunes that he's chosen--his personal favorites are here. The styles
    are as diverse as his tastes are for fine music. Good to find the
    triple-vinyl out, but go for the CD if you so choose. You can't go wrong
    either way. If you're a Scuba fan or want to investigate King Britt
    further, it's an essential add to your collection.
    13. Zero dB--The Snare
    Fluid Ounce: Unmeasured compilation (Ubiquity/Fluid Ounce)
    Zero dB are a bit of a cinderella story, of sorts. Shortly after forming
    the record label Fluid Ounce, the first 12" single from Zero dB, "Come
    Party,' became a must-have. From there, every subsequent release became
    essentials. They Chris Vogodo & Neil Combstock decided to release an
    album of all of the Fluid Ounce singles, and ended up getting some
    worldwide distribution muscle from Ubiquity Records (not to mention, two
    further releases to come...the forthcoming compilation of Zero dB
    remixes, and the full-length debut from the duo). And how well was the
    album received? Here in the U.S. alone, it was good enough to reach #1
    on the Top 200 chart of the College Music Journal--the "Billboard" of
    American college radio. Now Zero dB are very much in demand all around
    the world, and you can best believe that Chris and Neil are sucking it
    up. Oh, and the music ain't nothing to complain about either.
    14. Derrick Carter--Where You At?
    Squaredancing IN A Roundhouse (Classic)
    It's been a long time coming from Chicago's Derrick Carter.
    Well-established in the house scene, he finally releases his first
    full-length from Classic Recordings, a label based in the UK that he
    co-runs. If you want to really get to know soulful house sounds, you'd
    do well to pick up this album and check it for yourself. He's mastered
    the art, and listening to "Roundhouse" will speak volumes as to why.
    15. Earth, Wind & Fire--Can't Hide Love (Masters At Work Remix)
    Moshi Moshi: Nu Sounds From Japan compilation (Fuego/UK)
    Japan is just as thriving a creative potpurri as Europe is in terms of
    forward-thinking music. So sometimes, it can get rather frustrating when
    releases are only available in Japan. Even if this is the case, the cost
    of that wax or that CD can be very expensive to the Western side of the
    world. So leave it to DJ Nik Weston--that's Nippon Nik--to compile a
    collection of top-quality releases and have them more become
    accessible...and affordable...in one nice package. The end results
    became "Moshi MOshi: Nu Sounds From Japan," which was released in
    November on the UK-based label Fuego. Artists from the likes of United
    Future Organization, Jazztronik, Mondo Grosso, and Force of Nature are
    represented. And yes, even Little Louie and Kenny Dope's once
    hard-to-get reworking of Earth, Wind & Fire's classic "Can't Hide Love"
    is here too. Japan has the groove as bad as anyone, and that's a good
    thing for the rest of us groove lovers.
    16. Ernesto's--Hear My
    Companionship: The Sounds of Scandinavia (April)
    We move from Japan to Europe, this time focusing on the region of
    Scandinavia--with countries including Sweden, Finland, Norway, and
    Denmark. And from the Danish-based label April Records comes an
    excellent showcase of the scene that is just destined for greatness. So
    many are represented here....Jol, Swell Sessions, Ernesto's, Koop, and
    many others making up the talented music scene that is bursting with
    life. Consider "Companionship" as a primer of what's to come from the
    region in 2003. You've been warned.
    17. Emo--Relief For Free (Butti 49 Remix)
    Destination: Out compilation (Ecco Chamber/Austria)
    I think that it's fair to say that Dr. Boots was a bit overdue to take
    his rightful place in putting together another choice compilation.
    Boots, aka Alan Brown, has been sharing his travels with those of us who
    cherish reading his stories for some time. Originally from the UK, he
    currently resides in Vienna. Ecco Chamber, a booming label out of
    Vienna, released his "Destination: Out" compilation in October. His
    stories are told in liner notes, with each tune representing an artist
    and a city that he's travelled to. The musical selections represent each
    choice city well. If you get the CD, you'll also get pictures that
    accompany each chosen city. It's also out in a nice triple-vinyl pack.
    So get your tickets, and prepare to travel on a terrific musical journey.
    18. Brooks--I Don't Usually Do This But...
    You, Me & Us (Mantis/UK)
    Andy Brooks is a protege of Martin Iveson (aka Atjazz), dabbling around
    in his studio and honing a talent that Iveson have observed. "You, Me &
    Us" is Brooks's first album of tunes, and some would make comparisons to
    Matthew Herbert. But listen to the album fully, and you will find out
    that Brooks does his own thang quite adeptly thankyouverymuch.
    19. The Bobby Hughes Combination--Nhu Beginin
    Nhu Golden Era (Stereo Deluxe/Germany)
    After several remixes and the doope "Kerma Elastica" single, Espen
    Horne's project The Bobby Hughes Combination comes out swinging with his
    highly-anticpated gem "Nhu Golden Era." And indeed, it goes up there
    with some of the best releases from Germany's Stereo Deluxe label. Very
    much on the jazzy and soulful tip, this is a cool album that gets warmer
    with each song. Kudos from Mr. Horne!
    20. John Beltran--Kiana
    Sun Gypsy (Ubiquity)
    Can I get a "wow!" here? This was my initial reaction when I've first
    heard this album. Beltran has weaved Latin and club sounds tightly, then
    add a heavy dose of energy to create one terrific work in "Sun Gypsy."
    This is his first album for Ubiquity, but he's been around for quite
    awhile. His past experiences have served him well, because one can't
    help but move to cuts like "Kiana" or "Bota Foga." Drop this puppy and
    watch the dance floor go apes!
    21. Stereotyp--Trigger Culture (featuring MC Trigger)
    My Sound (G-Stone)
    German's Stefan Morth has created quite a bit of buzz as Stereotyp. So
    much so, in fact, that he was eventually signed to Kruder & Dorfmeiste's
    G-Stone label for a full-length concotion of goodies that came out
    collectively as "My Sound." With his style of dub riffs as basslines and
    other musical layers, he's already shown Germany that he's no slouch
    when it comes to fresh sounds. It took a little time for the album to
    grow on me, but it ended up getting better and better over subsequent
    listens. it's that kind of depth that makes "My Sound" more than just an
    offshoot.
    22. Horsepower Productions--Pimp Flavours
    In Fine Style (Tempa/UK)
    Love or hate the word "dubstep" (2-step with dub-influenced bass), the
    UK trio known as Horsepower Productions have been tightly associated
    with that label. Even so, "In Fine Style"truly lives up to its title
    with a diversity of tough-as-nail sounds that keeps them from being
    pigeonholed. They are the true playaz to take on at this stage, because
    they are indeed miles ahead of their contemporaries. The sounds are
    fresh, the creativity rich, and the vibes rough. It's a strong and fun
    release to digest, so check it out.
    23. High Contrast--Expose
    True Colors (Breakbeat Science/Hospital)
    Lincoln Barrett has soulful drum n'bass rearing its ugly head in a very
    good way, injecting some much-needed blood to the scene. "True Colors,"
    originally released through London's influential Hospital Records, puts
    Barrett front and center by putting a lot of "soul" in soulful drum
    n'bass. The end results has made him well talked about for months. We
    can be sure to expect more from High Contrast in the near future.
    24. Radio Zumbido--Livingston Buzz
    Los Ultimos Dias del AM (Palm Pictures)
    Guatemalen artist Juan Carlos Barrios takes center stage as Radio
    Zumbido. In a land where AM radio stations rule the day in the rural
    areas of his country, he uses samples from AM radio mixed in with live
    instruments to help create his full-length debut for Palm Pictures, "Los
    Ultimos Dias del AM." It's a fresh approach, not unlike the Nortec
    Collective from Mexico, and yet it's a sound that's all his. It caught
    my ear from the get-go, and it's one to play often and allow to grow on you.
    25. The Philadelphia Experiment--The Philadelphia Experiment (DJ Ghe Remix)
    King Britt Presents The Philadelphia Experiment Remixed compilation
    (Rope-A-Dope)
    It's nice when a project can take a life all its own, even if one hasn't
    heard of the original material. I haven't heard of the band known as The
    Philadelphia Experiment until I've heard of this remix project.
    Coordinated by the man King Britt, "The Philadelphia Experiment Remixed"
    puts together the best of Philly's club culture scene and more. Charlie
        Dark is there, as is Oba Funke, and even ?uestlove does a massive
    15-minute Latin-influence epic that will blow folks away. You'll even
    hear Philip Charles's incidentals througout the album, as well. It's a
    great collection, overall. You don't need to have listened to the
    original to appreciate this batch of gems.
    26. The Addict Merchants--Exchange Rate
    Matters Of Fact (own label)
    The Addict Merchants are a live hip-hop band haling from Sacramento,
    California. They are doing it for themselves, as evidence by the fact
    that it's chosen to release material through the band's own label.
    "Matters Of Fact" is musically accomplished, while lyrically colorful.
    It has a strong 70's musical vibe to it, yet the lyrics are quite
    contemporary. It's very much worth a listen...it's fresh!
    27. Desmond Williams--Theme From A Dream
    Delights Of The Garden (Eighteenth Street Lounge Music)
    Desmond Williams, who is the studio engineer for the Thievery guys'
    Eighteenth Street Lounge Music label, released last spring this
    enjoyable album that is of the quality that one expects from the label.
    Very much on the downtempo side of things, there are plenty of elements
    of other styles such as jazz, dub, and Afrobeat thrown in the mix. An
    excellent album, indeed.
    28. Dubarchnoid Trim--Water Sequence
    Dubarchnoid Trim (Ultima/Portugal)
    I've been playing enough of this album for months, and now it's finally
    been released in November on Ultima out of Portugal. The debut album
    from Japanese artist Kentaro Iwaki isn't one to stay locked into any one
    category--it's rather stubborn that way. It's very spacey, encompassing
    a wide range of styles (bossa, downtempo, dub, etc.), and has many
    instruments that takes this one notches above the usual flare. It's not
    quite at all like other Japanese releases I've heard, and for that Iwaki
    should be commended for attempting to stand out from the rest of the pack.
    29. Black Renaissance--Black Renaissance
    Mind, Body & Soul (Luv N'Haight)
    This release from Ubiquity's Luv N'Haight imprint, which came out
    earlier this fall, has sported quite a history. The liner notes tell it
    all, and it alone makes for some fascinating reading. Recorded as a
    massive musical project by Harry Whittaker, who worked closely with
    Robert Flack during her peak of fame in the 70s, was as breathtaking as
    it was ambitious. Further reading of the notes tell of a history of this
    nearly-lost treasure. So rare it was, that copies on the black market
    were bought for as much as $300. But now anyone can pick this exquisite
    jazz/soul gem for a song...or two.
    30. Lemon Jelly--Ramblin' Man
    Lost Horizons (XL)
    My first introduction to the UK duo Lemon Jelly as their collection of
    their three EP releases collectively known as "Lemonjelly.ky," released
    last year. Now we get a proper debut from the duo in "Lost Horizons."
    The album expands nicely on their spacey and quirky humor, mixed with
    some solid sounds of mainly downtempo flavor. It's put a smile on my
    face once or twice, and it should put one on yours too.
    You can check the Urban Landscapes Reviews Page for an expanded review
    of each of these relaeses (see above for link).
    ----
    Urban Landscapes proudly supports quality independent music from around
    the world. Respect and gratitude to all the independent labels, radio
    promotion folks, and related entities for sharing the wonderful musical
    goods. The show has been keeping it real for over four years, as the
    movement continues to expand its influence.
    Please feel free to send promos/musical submissions (CD/CDR, vinyl, and
    minidisc) for airplay and/or review consideration and t-shirts (large,
    if you please) to:
    Velanche Stewart, Urban Landscapes
    258 Ramona Drive
    San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
    USA
    If you're available for interviews, we welcome them as well. Just send
    me an e-mail message to mail@urbanlandscapesshow.com.
    This newsletter is sent to DJs, record labels, promotion companies, and
    like-minded music lovers from around the world. If you wish to be
    removed from the list, please let me know.
    To be added to the weekly mailing list, please send me email.
    Have a great weekend!
    


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