Urban Landscapes hits the airwaves and the Internet tonight and every
Friday evenings from 8-11pm PST on KCPR 91.3 FM, and through our live
Internet stream at http://www.kcpr.org/.
Don't forget that if you miss the live show, you can hear it anytime via
the Urban Landscapes site at http://www.urbanlandscapesshow.com. When
all is said and done, the last ten shows will always be posted for your
listening pleasure anytime, anyday. Be sure to tell your friends about
the show.
Thoughts of Urban Landscapes: Then, Now, and the Future
One of the nice things about what I do, asides from sharing the great
music with the listeners, is the knowledge that a global music community
is just as eager to have their music shared, played, and work their way
to find new and captivating audiences. From the calls that I've received
and the email that has been coming this way, people seem to be feeling
them.
It's satisfying to create something, nurture it, and let it thrive. When
I moved here to San Luis Obispo (a college town on the Central Coast of
California of 43,000--16,000 of whom are college students), there wasn't
even an electronica show at that time. Based upon various influences
over the years (and in particular, more recent influences), Urban
Landscapes was born.
What started out as another special programming show on KCPR in 1998 has
evolved. Certainly, the music has gone far beyond its embryonic
"electronica" phase. With the advent of the Internet, it was now easier
than ever to review, listen to, and buy new music from anywhere
online--bypassing the usual barriers of entry that would otherwise keep
independent music stagnated.
And so here we are four years later. The newsletter you are reading (a
fairly recent outgrowth of the weekly playlist) has now expanded to
include reviews of new music arriving here. Taking the time to take such
extra steps are really both a matter of having more time to do so, and
the allowance of remaining passionate in terms of exposing listeners to
fresh new sounds from around the globe. Learning from others, I find it
much easier to review my recommendations rather than every single CD and
vinyl that comes my way. I'm only one person, and time gets shorter
these days.
Urban Landscapes will continue to expand in a multitude of ways. I'm not
at liberty to reveal all as yet, but you will know when conditions are
appropriate. I can tell you that I have developed a really bad itch to
spin music for folks, as well as to meet artists, DJs, and all
like-minded folks who enjoy the music. While I have met some wonderful
folks already, opportunities have arisen to where I can expand even
further my own horizons.
I'm working it up on my newly-purchased Technics, but it will probably
be either late summer or this fall before I'm brave enough to try and
communicate with the dance floor. For now, I'll just let the learning
process flow...and continue to learn from others.
There is one possible impediment that could get in the way of this
expansion. As you might have heard or read, webcasters and radio
stations here in the United States are in danger of the possibility of
no longer being allowed to stream their broadcasts over the Internet. As
our station is a university radio station, we would indeed be directly
affected if we are forced to pay additional costs on top of what is
already paid for over-the-air broadcasts. Of course, we are quite
concerned about this matter. As far as Urban Landscapes goes, severing
our Internet feed would mean that--for the time being--live feeds and
archived shows may be halted.
This is an important time for all of independent music everywhere in the
world. It is my hope that I will have the ability to continue to expand
our listenership and expose sophisticated music lovers to music that
would otherwise remain all but heard. As long as I'm able, I will do my
best to continue to support the labels and artists that truly makes a
difference in the world of jazzy and soulful club culture. I'm sure that
most of us webcasters here feel the same way. We shall all keep on
keeping on, for as long as it takes.
Thanks & Shouts
For last week's music, shouts to Nick at Mantis Recordings for passing
along the excellent Labresults compilation all the way from the U.K.
Shouts also to Alex from Subthunk for the fresh tracks that are due to
be mastered--best of luck with you and the band on the summer recording
session.
This week is just as fine. Shouts to Omoa Music for the Drink/This Love
12"...now I know what all of the fuss has been around--Detroit
represents! Also a tip of the hat to Didier and crew from Versatile for
the tasty new remix compilation of Chateau Flight remixes. Tip-off also
to Sasha from Codek for the new Organic Grooves 5
compilation--definitely another winner to establish Codek as a force to
be reckoned with.
In addition to playing cuts from those albums, there's the long-awaited
long player from Kaidi Tatham under his "Agent K" guise. I'll also
introduce some delicious new overseas compilations. Of course there's
lots of new music, and some replays of recent tunes for your pleasure.
Thanks to everyone, near and far, who have contributed directly or
indirectly to my knowledge tree. It's through the inspiration of others
that keeps everything real and engaging.
Reviews
V/A--Music & Movement Vol. 1 (Climate)
It's been said by other DJs and reviewers, and I'll have to agree that
this well-crafted compilation jumps out as easily the best compilation
of the year so far. Compiled by UK-based DJ Nik Weston, this is an
absolutely gem of a collection. There are tunes on this compilation that
I have heard before (from Tortured Soul and Nathan Haines, among others)
but have never been able to track down the titles and/or the artists.
There are still others that are already in my crate (Da One Away,
Fertile Ground (with the Kaidi remix), Agent K, and Eli Goulart), but
many of them aren't. I have the double-CD (which are, thankfully,
unmixed), and soon I hope to get the vinyl because...well, this is
essential biz. Three unreleased tracks are also on this collection,
including the well sought-after tune "Going Down" by Jol. You will love
it, love it, love it! It will get stuck in your CD player, and you will
make liberal use of the repeat button on your remote. Get this...and be
happy!
V/A=-Chateau Flight: Remixerie (Versatile)
I'm pleasantly surprised with how versatile (pardon the pun) Chateau
Flight are. Label head Gil'R and his good friend I:Cube really do know
how to make their remixes shine. They remix many French (Air, Pierre
Henry, Serge Gainsbourg) and non-French luminaries (Atjazz, Pavel
Koustik aka Dego, Psyco On Da Bus), spanning over a five-year period.
Put this puppy on your wish list to grab come early June.
Atjazz--LabResults (Mantis)
As if the Chateau Flight remix project wasn't enough, another great new
remix album has surfaced. Big thanks to Nick from Mantis for passing on
a copy stateside, which features tunes from Atjazz's "Labfunk"
long-player from last year (or January if you're in the U.S.). The
remixers are doing them well, too--from Little Big Bee to King Britt.
Also for your troubles, you'll be blessed with four new Atjazz tunes.
Wonderful!
The Herbaliser--Something Wicked This Way Comes (Ninja Tune)
It's been a long wait for some new stuff from The Herbaliser, who have
moved forward into more of a hip-hop direction. And yet, "Something
Wicked" is very much The Herbaliser keep things real and fresh. Some
fresh tunes includes "Good Girl Gone Bad" featuring UK hip-hop diva
Wildflower, a possible ode to GP entitled "Worldwide Connected," and the
excellent "Mr Holmes." This is another winner from the reliable Ninja
posse, and it's great to find The Herbaliser in just as fine a form as
ever.
Cinematic Orchestra--All That You Give (Ninja Tune)
This is a beautiful tune filled with melancholic tones and lush sounds.
Jason Swinscoe and his band have given a compelling teaser for the
forthcoming album "Everyday". I'm really looking forward to hearing it
all, but I'm fine with this for now. Remixes by Herbert and Doctor
Rockit (say, that Herbert guy moves around!) also are on this release,
as well as a live version of "Kalima." This should keep listeners at bay
until we see the new full-length "Everyday" from Ninja on May 20 (21 for
the U.S.).
Ayro--Drink/Let This (Omoa)
This has been out for a little while, but I've just received a copy from
the up-and-coming label Omoa Music. It's nice to know that the U.S.
contingent can put out quality music, and this really delivers big-time.
I'm rather partial to "Let This Love," which combines a smorgasboard of
funk, hip-hop, broken beats, nu-soul, and other elements (not to mention
Ayro's vocals). "Drink" is on the flip. Both tunes feature acapella
versions. Omoa is a label that I surely will watch out for in 2002.
Q-Burns Abstract Message--Innocent (King Britt's Scuba Mix)
I wasn't crazy about Q-Burn's "Invisible Airlines" full-length from last
year. Yet sometimes, remixes can really beef up a tune. And the King
from Philly drops a mix that's part-atmospheric and part-house. Naked
Music's resident vocalist Lisa Shaw does the biz, and King Britt keeps
her vocals in place. You can't miss with a Scuba mix on a tune, that's
for sure. There's also three other remixes, including a tasty one of
"Differently" by Neon Heights. Watch for the "Re-Routed" remix album
coming this summer with more remixes galore.
V/A--SoleBeatsOne (Solemusic)
From the Solemusic label over in Glasgow, Scotland comes this excellent
compilation. More in a slow-down feel.
Chris Brann--So In Love EP 12" (Bombay)
Atlanta-based Chris Brann (aka P'Taah and of both the Wamdue Project &
the Ananda Project) flexes his muscles with a new 12" on Canadian-based
Bombay Records. The production on this one, a bit funky and jazzy and
housey, makes this cut one worth seeking and checking out.
Richard Les Crees--Dengon: Special Edition double-12" (I!)
So I listened to a compilation from Nicolas Matar called "Tropicalism"
(nice mix CD from the Razor & Tie label), and I kept hitting the repeat
button for this deep-house groover of a house tune. It's so perfect for
late night--it surely has that late-night feel. Tropicalism has the RLC
Deep Energy Mix of Dengon, but the double-12" of Dengon from I! Records
feature seven other remixes of the tune--all with a different feel and
all great. Larry Heard has a couple, including an "Underground Mix."
Most of the mixes features some tasty Japanese spoken vocals by a woman
known as Mai. It was tough to find, but was worth the bounty and well
worth seeking.
Aqua Bassino--Baby C'Mon Remixes (F Communications)
From last year's "Beats N Bobs" full-length comes the newest tune for
the album to get the remix treatment. Soul Designer takes the
otherwise-mellow original to a thumping tech-house level, while <other
remixer) gives it a funked-up edge inna Atjazz style. Great!
Player One--Into The Darkness (Unreal)
I saw this title at the local record store for awhile, and took several
visits before I've given it a try. I was very hooked when I heard the
original version--tuff, breakstep biz with a seductive rolling bassline.
There's a Rennie Pilgrim remix also that gives a different flavor, yet
keeping the tuffness intact.
V/A--Les Chansons des Perverts (Crippled Dick)
I walked into Boo Boo Records, one of the two local indie record stores
in town. Malik, the guy in charge of the hip-hop and dance vinyl (what's
up, Malik??) hands me a double-vinyl. I've heard one song, then another,
then another...what a treasure trove! That was a few months ago. He was
going to try and order another copy, but realized that the vinyl was
collecting dust. This gem is a compilation that spans through over 30
years of this Berlin-based label. Now I have heard of the name, but to
be honest I know not much about the label itself. What I do know is that
this is one to have in your collection...or your crate! It's very
eclectic all-around. Whimsical, fun, and very entertaining.
Last Week's Playlist (3 May 2001)
1. Cinematic Orchestra--All That You Give
CD5 (Ninja Tune)
2. Nuspirit Helsinki--Hard Like A Rock (Nuspirit Emorph)
Nuspirit Helsinki (Guidance)
3. Smith & Mighty--Flash Of Joy
Life Is... (!K7)
4. Desmond Williams--This Morning
Delights Of The Garden (ESL)
5. The Funky Lowlives--Bellaluna (Boozoo Bajou's Switchblade Mix)
12" (Stereo Deluxe)
6. Waldeck--Tears Running Dry Part I (Mushroom Dive's Jazz Cut)
The Night Garden: Reflowered (E-Magine)
7. Pablo--Supersweet
SoleBeatsOne compilation (Solemusic)
8. KV5 featuring Nicky Taylor--Church Candles
Phuturesole compilation (Solemusic)
9. Herbert--Going Round
Studio Distribution Spring/Summer 2002 sampler (!K7)
10. Telepopmuzik--Let's Go Again
Genetic World (Capitol)
11. Astrid Gilberto--Who Needs Forever? (Thievery Corporation Remix)
Verve Remixed compilation (Verve)
12. Atjazz--Harmony (Little Big Bee Remix)
Labresults: Labfunk remixes (Mantis)
13. Chris Brann--So In Love (featuring Heather Johnson)
12" (Bombay)
14. Richard Les Crees--Dengon (RLC's Deep Energy Mix)
Double-12" (I!)
15. Q-Burns Abstract Message--Innocent (King Britt's Scuba Mix)
12" (Eighth Dimension)
16. Zero 7--In The Waiting Line (Aquanote's Naked Adaptation)
12" (Giant Step)
17. Aqua Bassino--Baby C'Mon (Soul Designer's Remix)
12" (F Communications)
18. Aquasky vs. Master Blaster--Loko (featuring Ragga Twins)
Botchit & Scarper 12" (white)
19. Player One--Into The Darkness (Original Mix)
12" (Unreal)
20. London Elektricity--Incurable
Out Patients LP (Hospital)
21. Subthunk--Wobble
CD-R
22. Peace Orchestra--Double Drums (DJ DSL Mix)
Studio Distribution Spring/Summer 2002 sampler (!K7)
23. The Herbaliser--Worldwide Connected
Something Wicked This Way Comes (Ninja Tune)
24. Anti-Pop Consortium--Silver Heat
Arrhythmia (Warp)
25. Harmonic 33--The Incredible Mole Machine
Kaleidoscopic Sounds EP 12" (Alphabet Zoo)
26. Quant--Pyjamas
Funkser EP 12" (Hollow)
27. Stateless--Rejected For Life (Russ Gabriel Remix)
12" (Freerange)
28. Benny Blanko--Listen
SoleBeatsOne (Solemusic)
29. Nina Simone--Feelin' Good (Joe Claussel Remix)
Verve Remixed (Verve)
30. Flora & Fauna--Teak-Paneled Gangway
Schoehn (Codek)
31. Atjazz--Day 2001 (Brooks Froot Loops Remix)
Labresults (Mantis)
Contact Info
Please feel free to send your musical submissions (CD, vinyl, and
minidisc) for airplay and/or reviews to the following location:
Velanche Stewart, Urban Landscapes
c/o KCPR 91.3 FM
Graphic Communications Bldg. Room 201
Cal Poly State University
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
PERSONAL
If you have an mp3 submission, please let me know and we'll make
the appropriate arrangements.
If you're available for interviews, we welcome them as well. Just
e-mail me at velanche@kcpr.org.
This newsletter is sent to DJs, record labels, promotion companies,
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