While on that trip, here's a 2CD compilation by techno devoted distributor Neuton, presenting a multitude of artists from their labels cluster to define the (2003) cutting edge sound of ... (insert fanfare) ... Microfunk. Or Clickhouse. Microhouse, maybe. Noticed the initials? Anyway. I was going to post Akufen's track (that appeared as an extra in the 2nd print of his 'My Way' album, as noted here), then decided to post the whole compilation anyway.
The thing is, gathered here are artists from the rosters of Force Inc., Perlon, Boxer, SubStatic, etc., etc.; most of them have been presented through this blog before, so just check the tracklist. CD1 focuces more on techhouse a la Forcetracks, while CD2 delves more into mini-techno and occasionally experimental territory. In all, a representative comp of the tendencies of the time; once more, it's easy to recognize here the blueprint of what shortly became mainstream everywhere.
It was really weird to see Neuton crash (as was with EFA earlier); its labels did at that time really well; most of them still do, after all.
VA - 2003 Microfunk Clickhouse
CD1 - CD2
Info here.
Four times I wrote and erased the above text, took me more than an hour; which probably reveals more for the state of my mind during these last weeks (I'm working two office jobs overtime...) than a genuine oh-so-blogger-like gut spilling would do. Sorry for any delays in requests, keep annoying me for what I promised; assume I've forgotten everything.
Microfunk Klickhouse
Anima - Naima
The following two CDs are actually one piece of work, the original and a live performance. They signify one of the peaks of Mr. Ripatti's fame, while he was still enjoying the world's general wonderment and critics' ramblings about releasing in the same year (2000) the great 'Multila' in Chain Reaction and three albums in Mille Plateaux, ForceInc. and ForceTracks ('Entain' as Vladislav Delay, 'Vapaa Muurari' as Uusitalo and 'Vocal City' as Luomo). The volume of releases was not surprising as such (especially for an 'experimental' artist). The big surprise was the quality and originality of the material, as well as the chameleon-like way he overruled genres' stereotypes and norms, whether he chose to play techno, vocal house or just glitchy reverb noise.
The next album (out 2001) was a daring release in Mille Plateaux. Although there was also a 3x12'' release, it works best in the CD format as it's one solid ambient track, to my ears an improvisational smocky piece based on excellent quality raw material and tons of effects. It's obviously the closest he ever came to gallery 'art' music, still he manages to preserve all these qualities that make him that good in what he does as a musician and without the academic stench of most of the already mentioned 'art' works.
Not surprisingly, he performed that work in Ars Electronica 2001 in a more clear and a bit more abstract form, with a female beautifully accented voice on top giving a different meaning in this sea of reverberations. The recording of this version was later (2002) printed as a limited release in Staubgold, named 'Naima'.
P.S.: Both links were erased without notice. 'Anima' is reprinted through Huume (with an extra track), but 'Naima' remains in obscurity so I re-upped it. Original post 2008-03-30.
Vladislav Delay - 2001 Anima LINKS OFF
Info here.
Vladislav Delay - 2002 Naima
Info here.
My Way
Akufen's seminal debut album in Force Inc. (*,*,*,*,*,*,*,*,*); along with 'Psychometry 3.0' EP his best work to date.
In my opinion, a landmark for minimal techno, signaling its mid '00s US-driven quirky phase, before it became that post-M_nus mainstream norm we all know. Similar (but not the same) stuff here; another Akufen track here.
Akufen - 2002 My Way
Info here.
Welcome to Lucky People Center
I first watched the outstanding 'Lucky People Center International' film in a VHS copy, at about the same time I watched 'Modulations' (*) and 'Synthetic Pleasures'; at about 1999, I think.
I knew nothing of LPC, save that they were a Swedish collective. Took me 5 or 6 years to find out bits about them, and only thanks to sites like imdb, discogs, etc. The film was actually made by Erik Pauser and Johan Söderberg (definitely check his adorable site for more); some info here. Bringing in mind Coldcut's audio/video sampledelic cut-ups and musically focusing on fast acidic beats, the film is a trip around the globe, people-focused and compassionate. Using fast-paced editing followed by gentle breaks of stillness and heart-aching beauty, the film touches on trivia such as alternate states of consciousness, the importance of dancing and singing, the clash between free will and society's restrictions; and of course death. Human stuff, you know. I was actually planning on posting the film itself, when I found out that it's reprinted on DVD and it's available for sale through one of the the directors' shop. It's so good it'd be a shame of you to pass it by.
So, I choose to post their breaks influenced debut CD instead. But I still think that the 'just music' CD version lacks a bit when compared to the original video cut-ups; just check this one, then go to soderberg.tv, press 'Musicvideo', then 'LPC' and click on 'Rodney King' or 'Live In The World' and you'll know what I mean.
LPC - 1993 Welcome to Lucky People Center
Info here.
Blue Skied An' Clear
Another quality Morr Music compilation; check that post first for more info.
It's actually a tribute compilation to Slowdive; in CD1 Morr artists do covers of their tracks, in CD2 there are original tracks inspired by them. Purists might not like it, no many wall-of-sound guitar sounds in here; most of the tracks are simplistic and transparent sound-wise and retro-electropop stylistically. But the dreamy/smokey spirit is still there, bittersweet vocals dominate and Slowdive's influence on this scene becomes apparent, more notably in the second 'originals' disk.
VA - 2002 Blue Skied An' Clear
CD1 - CD2
Info here and here.
This was a request, yet I was planning on posting it at some time anyway. Enjoy.
Everdom
Anders Ilar's debut on Shitkatapult, a deep masterpiece blending ethereal ambient atmos with contemporary electronics, rumbling bass and tons of effects.
Occasionally dark and introvert, this one is more appropriate for relaxing, thinking, mind traveling in general, than for dancing or coming down. And rather unlike his 12"s of the time (see that great Hydro EP); only 'Make Believe' follows the mini dub techno norm. It's a low profile work, but it grows on you; I liked the stylistic switch, gave it some extra attention and was rewarded accordingly. I'd say that in here are the roots of his later tech-IDM-ish excursions through Merck/Narita, Level, etc.
A free album and some mixes/podcasts here.
Anders Ilar - 2003 Everdom
Info here.
Alphabet
Silex is Konstantinos Soublis aka Fluxion, famous from his releases in Chain Reaction, first introduced in this blog here - all I said back then apply here as well. Using one of his less known alias he's going stylistically much more towards IDM than you'd expect (meaning, no techno dub in here), occasionally with an isolationist's edge.
I think you'll find this interesting; his recent Resopal and Echocord releases were decent, yet on the same '90s dubby blueprint; more danceable but without the trippy feeling.
Silex - 2002 Alphabet
Info here.
Für Dich
You know my love for the Cologne scene. Well, here's the CD that established Kompakt in my mind as a fixation to love and cherish and Tobias Thomas (*) as a DJ to watch (eventually I had the chance to open for him during a beautiful night in Athens, but that's another story).
I had bought it without knowing anything about it or himself. I recognized only a few of the artists involved, I remember it was really expensive and I had no way of listening to it beforehand, but I took my chance - turned out to be a turning point for me, an epiphany and an example to look up to. From post-pop to hard club techno, from abstract synthetic tool tracks to jazzy vocal house, Tobias builds a rollercoaster of emotions, trippy ideas and bold proposals that stands the test of time, beyond hypes and cliches. For you.
Contains rare Gamat3000 original gem 'Feeling Love', Various Artists' Autechre remix (*), some early Kompakt classics ('Puma', 'Nachschub', etc.), subtle paean 'Check Your Buddah' from Ford/Melchior (*), Lali Puna's heavenly 'Superlotado', an uncredited intro, etc. etc. etc. And of course Vladislav Delay's monumental 'Huone', mixed so subtly that it took me a couple of years to understand how he did it.
It won't stay up for long, for the reasons stated here. Makes a good couple with this Mayer mix, yet this one is far more effective. And I hate cliches, but occasionally I have to use them: I cannot recommend it strong enough.
VA - 1999 Tobias Thomas _ Für Dich
Info here.
P.S. Link removed; you had your time. Go to any shop and buy it, it's worth 100%.
Putting The Morr Back In Morrissey
I realized that the title's wordplay is lost on most ears nowdays. Anyway, I won't go on about that label that redefined contemporary electronic listening music by combining experimental sounds and techniques with indie pop and aesthetics, blah blah blah. I'm talking about Morr Music and similar stuff, of course - a scene mentioned many times before in this blog anyway (*,*,*,*,*,*).
The first CD mostly contains unreleased stuff, the second one remixes between label artists. Simply one of the best listening compilations I own - still sounds good as gold. Enjoy.
VA - 2000 Putting The Morr Back In Morrissey
CD1 - CD2
Info here.
Underground UK
Mid '90s UK techno and weird house compilation from Kickin' (*), known for its Techno Nations series amongst others. Probably a sequel to this one.
Lots of less known and (save a couple of them) otherwise unreleased goodies from a stellar roster of artists, the inlet says it all. As for the concept, I would openly wish for more signs of similar ethos in the contemporary music scene, but you'll call me a pessimist.
VA - 1996 Underground UK
Info here.
Unfortunately, Baby Ford's heavy abstract masterpiece would not rip. I may have another copy though, I'll get back to it sometime.
Freefloat
When looking for something relaxed and soothing for the ear to listen to, the Electrolux (*) section of my shelves is one of the first places I check. And despite several mediocre and rather boring releases and their million thematic compilations that more or less recycle their catalog ad infinitum, I have to admit I have a soft spot for them and their glossy brand of electronics.
This is one of my favorite Electrolux albums, coming from the Aural Float project - aka label constants Alex Azary and Gabriel Le Mar with the participation of Pascal F.E.O.S.; hosts of the SpaceNight TV show and a focal project for Electrolux, which defined its style and aesthetics in a big way. Besides the typical downtempo relaxed electronics with occasional dubby effects, they also go uptempo with trancey edges and use vocals snippets from various artists, more notably Anthony Rother (*) in electro highlight "New Frontiers"; while vocoder-candy "Switching The Wave Of Thought" should be Electrolux' official theme track.
Aural Float - 2001 Freefloat
Info here.
