From: Wesley (wesleyc_at_cox.net)
Date: 2003-06-29 05:09:53
Reviews :: Bonobo, Clementine (Jazztronik, Pe'z, Gontiti)
piece on Bonobo and Clementine's new one, which apparently features
Jazztronik, Pe'z, and Gontiti!
-Wesley
[Sound :: Lounge] http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SoundLounge
-- source: Daily Yomiuri In your ear Paul Jackson / Daily Yomiuri Staff Writer BONOBO Dial M For Monkey Beat Records, 1,990 yen If those politically correct monkeys, the bonobo, expressed a preference for music, they would probably plump for chill-out tunes that require languid exploration from a position of semirepose. If this turned out to be the case, then the make-love-not-war monkeys would certainly buy Dial M For Monkey for the music and not just because their name has been invoked by electronica artist Simon Green, from Brighton, England. Green's first release on Britain's Ninja Tune is his first real attempt at putting an album together, rather than just assembling the recordings he has available to make a full-length release. The result of this is greater cohesion, as Green further strengthens his position as one of the most interesting artists in the chill-out zone. The main characteristic of Bonobo tracks that distinguish them from less enlightened monkey-like productions of the same genre are the engaging arrangements that call upon the listener to follow their evolution rather than merely drift off into sleepy stagnation. Green's ability to add layer upon layer of textural detail without ever getting overtly busy also speaks volumes of a musical primate with a sophisticated sense of expression. Sounds that identify this particular Bonobo are plucked harp samples, snippets of acoustic bass, and a vast array of tasteful keyboard sounds, all combined with an ever-present sentiment of mystery or foreboding that never becomes too indulgently dark. The beats, too, are surprisingly fresh and forthright for a recording that many would file in the "downtempo" section. According to the Ninja Tune Web site, Green plays many of the instruments on the recording, using sampling technology to piece together his best performances. Stand out tracks include the opener, "Noctuary," which mixes all kinds of string pluckings with some tremolo-warped keyboard, and "D Song," a collection of bell and thumb-piano sounds that might have been better named "3D Song" since it features a drum part that appears to be coming out from behind your right shoulder. "Flutter" is one of the weaker tracks, its surprisingly upbeat sitar motif being a little too jolly for its surroundings on this release. As the CD enters its second half there is an ever growing element of mystery film incidental music cheese that ultimately starts to detract a little from the stronger parts of the album. But let's not put minor points of appearance in the way of a satisfying musical embrace of xenogenic potential. CLEMENTINE Cle Epic, 2,400 yen French singer Clementine has done very well in Japan over the last decade or so exploring the possibilities of mixing bossa nova, jazz and pop. Her airy Gallic vocals add an unusual atmospheric element that contrasts with the Portuguese that would be more normal in many of the Brazilian-flavored tunes she performs. Her latest outing, Cle, is packed full of numbers that have been used for TV programs and ads and as ever includes collaborations with Japanese artists including Pe'z, Jazztronik and Gontiti to go with some of the club names she has worked with in the past. So if you're looking for a casual early summer release to accompany a midday glass of wine then this will fit the bill very nicely thank you. When she sings in Spanish, though, her nasal delivery becomes a little wearing. And as for the hackneyed last track, "Comme d'habitude (My Way)," you already know it doesn't warrant a listen. http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/newse/20030626woa5.htm -- The Eclectic Sounds of Japan [Sound :: Lounge] http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SoundLounge