An On-U Sound release back from 1987, repressed with extra tracks at 2001 (as noted on discogs).
More from Lee Perry here. As for Dub Syndicate, I saw them once playing a double bill with Jah Wobble's Invaders; it was one of the most flawless performances I've seen in my life.
Lee 'Scratch' Perry & Dub Syndicate -
1987 Time Boom X De Devil Dead (2001 RP)
Info here.
Interestingly, I found in here some of the weirdest samples used in my personal favorite by Friedmann ('Nuf Said').
Showing posts with label Dub. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dub. Show all posts
Time Boom X De Devil Dead
Staedtizism
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.
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.
Select Cuts
The first Meteosound compilation, more or less with the same people as in that Submission post; here are also made apparent the connections with the Ocean Club (*). Expect dubby and spacey electronics Berlin-style, plus some roots excursions.
VA - 2002 Meteosound. Select Cuts
Info here.
I haven't been posting much due to really little free time. Hope to manage to post some more soon.
Sumerland
So, it's about time I take my family and drop out of concrete Babylon City for a few weeks. I'm dead tired, nerves shattered and in so much need to cut off from everything regarding work and the like that I cannot wait to get as far away as I can from here. It won't be that far though...
Since it will be rather impossible to be able to post from where I'm going (though I might still be able to comment), I'd decided to leave you with a few of the CDs that I'll take with me for the trip; compilations of artists that I love and respect and would like everyone to check them out. Nothing rare or really fancy, but no fillers here either - just pure quality.
Besides being my unofficial summer score for the last umpteen years and so anyway, dub/reggae will always have its place in my heart, as it was the first music that dragged me towards the light. Explaining myself: on a musical/technical level, towards a deeper understanding of production and music creation; on a social level, by giving me a valid example of a culture whose people were outright wronged and mistreated, yet still manage to praise their god and support loving one another. But most of all, dub in my mind is the synonym of the union of the 'opposites'; the merging of the earthly and the extra-terrestrial, mind and body united; lost in smoke and thinking clear at the same time. That such a deeply rooted music, expressing almost strictly primal feelings and ancient thoughts, could prove to be the most forward thinking sonic movement in the 20th century; that from such poor conditions came out an outcome so great that influenced all music that came after it; my mind cannot grab it in whole, the greatness of their work - except for short flashes, when after the tail of a space-echoed voice the whole band slams in your face and you feel fingers playing and drum and bass slamming on your chest. I will always keep those people in my heart because simply they show me the way.
Now, since I've already posted some Lee Perry records (*,*,*) I've left him out of this one.
Starting with the once and always King, I'll only say that Osbourne Ruddock was for me the best producer that ever walked on this earth. Simple as that.
King Tubby & Soul Syndicate - 1996 Freedom Sounds In Dub
Info here.
Produced by King Tubby are also most (or all?) of these tracks by Augustus Pablo, focusing more on sentimental hazy melodies to pave his way through Babylon. A man of the heart and the mind alike.
Augustus Pablo - 2000 Dub, Reggae & Roots From The Melodica King
Info here.
Prince Jammy, one of Tubby's pupils tries out some more workouts on various artists' classic tracks with excellent results.
Prince Jammy - 1999 The Crowning Of Prince Jammy
Info here.
And last but not at all least, Horace Andy and his exceptional voice trying to break our hearts (and succeeding), then to mend them back stronger.
Horace Andy - 1997 The Prime Of Horace Andy
Info here (also see here).
So, have a nice time everyone and take care of yourselves and the world. See ya.
The Space Between The Gaps
An Incoming! compilation, including works from artists already posted in this blog (*), plus some more from the label's roster, like Cee-Mix and Andrew Lagowski.
A constantly shifting record, presents both the label's trademark chilled and detached electronic dub-based crossovers, as well as some moving, melodic drum'n'bass cuts. All tracks preserve this warm, all-encompassing, outer-space quality that made Incoming! (in)famous on nu-dub specialists, while at the same time glorifying these complex, glossy, electro-influenced loops, typical in Germany's breakbeat sound. A listening record, mostly, that would also work on an open-minded dancefloor.
Bonus CD contains just two tracks by Lemongrass, more or less similar in style to the others.
VA - 1998 The Space Between The Gaps
Info here.
Some more from Incoming! soon.
Submission Replay
A compilation of remixes for Submission, an alias of Klaus Barm (unknown to me), through Shitkatapult's sub-label Meteosound.
With the originals boasting contributions by Tikiman and Paul PM in vocal duties, these versions are Berlin-heavy dub reworks by some the city's top, like Thomas Fehlmann, Sun Electric, Rechenzentrum, etc.; also from a bunch of otherwise unknown names (that could well be cameos of gods-know-who), plus a dub from The Rootsman. Ranging from down-to-earth roots dub to deep techno, covering many of the in-between crossovers, and with a few extra d'n'b touches, the outcome varies from uptempo lyric attacks to dreamy electronic drifts.
An interesting, multi-layered record, that might demand more than a couple of runs to be fully absorbed. Brings in mind the album from related austrian artist Sugar B posted here, as well as the Incoming! releases (*). It's mastered by Robert Henke, if that helps.
Submission - 2000 Replay. The Dub Remixes
Info here and (in german) here
Blue - Red - Yellow
This is the famous trilogy that made Stefan Betke aka Pole known to music fans everywhere, released on Kiff SM label (a '90s sub of PIAS Germany that mostly published Kreidler, B.Friedmann and of course Pole).
Back then, Betke had a good name as a mastering engineer (and I can assure you, he cares a lot for his sound as I found out later in a concert) and a malfunctioning filter, a combination which gave him a distinctive sound, perfectly in the middle between the then rising clicks 'n' cuts movement and the Basic Channel/Chain Reaction type dub. I remember that comparisons with Maurizio made him nervous and he tried to distinguish himself from that posse from early on. The truth is that back then there just weren't many others playing some combination of dub and electronics or techno. Anyway, I believe his work lies closer to Jan Jelinek or Friedmann (whose works he released in ~scape a lot) or Vladislav Delay (who also built his sound on a cracked echo or something).
The Blue one came as a shock to the world with his new bold cracking and hissing proposal, covering a wide spectrum of tastes, satisfying critics, academics and dope-heads alike. Either seen as an experiment or as an urban chillout album, it still sounds really well and should be considered as a milestone in experimental minimal techno and dub music. The Red one, the shorter in duration, kept in the same track, although the previously understated melodies became (occasionally) more obvious and spiced his sound up; yet the minimalist vein was still running strong. The Yellow one might as well be considered his 'pop album' of the three, in the sense that the intricate bass lines form complex and groovy rhythms while sweet melodies jump out of the cracking sounds in a practically accessible way. Almost a 'song' album, it emphasizes the dubby elements and is danceable at parts. A great record to listen when walking or in a train through the city. Overall, if you haven't heard anything of Pole, start at the Yellow one but don't miss the other two.
After these and few 12''s, Betke started his own very well known ~scape imprint, and the rest is history as they say. His sound changed a little bit, but still he sounds great and he's been supportive for a lot of old friends and new talents alike through ~scape. Respect.
Pole - 1998 CD1
info.
Pole - 1999 CD2
info.
Pole - 2000 CD3
Part 1 - Part 2
info.
Some more info here.
If you can find the vinyls of these three (or his early ~scape releases), try switching rotation speeds at the turntable. They still sound good!
P.S. Original post 2007-11-15. Added new link for CD1.
10% File Under Burroughs
A tribute to William S. Burroughs, the most famous junkie ever. Or one of the most influencing contemporary artists, who incidentally left his mark on almost every aspect of expression concerning art in the second half of the 20th century; take you pick.
Unsurprisingly, a Sub Rosa release (also see the 'Hashisheen' post). CD1, named 'Beats', focuses on electronic works influenced by his work; heavy and dubby experimentations, mostly illbient-like stuff. CD2 ('Beat') captures the sound he and his buddies enjoyed, created and/or promoted; expect a lot of archival material, ancient chants, poetry reading and similar stuff.
VA - 1996 10% File Under Burroughs
CD1 - CD2
Info here.
I found out that a WSB documentary is on its way...
Solarized
OK, I bought this one for the track with Tikiman and that's the main reason why I post it, but the rest of the album is also good. PFL also did an album for Electrolux (which I'm going to have in a few days) and that should give you a hint on their sound , for about half of the tracks. Their other side is dubby and heavier than you'd except. Out through (now defunkt) Different Drummer.
Pre Fade Listening - 2000 Solarized
Info here.
Downtime
This is the first Floppy Sounds (*) album; not the original Wave Music version, but the Slip 'n' Slide repress with an bonus CD of extra tracks, re-edits and remixes (by Francois K. and Matthias Heilbronn).
I just bought it so I don't have an opinion yet. At first skip, it sounds similar to the already posted one, perhaps a bit more primitive; more abstract and downtempo tracks in here, also.
Floppy Sounds - 1995 Downtime
CD1 - CD2
Info here.
Musique Legère
Trance Groove are a groovy band from Cologne's oldschool underground; band as in the old sense of the word (guitars, drums, etc). Here is a compilation of remixes by many well- and less-known artists from more or less the same scene like The Bionaut (*), Kreidler, M.Schaffhäuser (*), etc. Chilled daytime organic music.
Trance Groove - 1999 Musique Legère
Info here.
I remember to have an LP in mp3 form somewhere, with an excellent remake of Nico's 'Im Reich der Träume'; if anyone's interested let me know.
Miscellaneous
Downtempo breaks and dubby ambient electronics in a showcase compilation of Language material - a Crammed Discs sub.
Dopey and relaxed trip hop at first, occasionally ethnic-tinted; then some more kinetic tracks, then some more abstract trips; mostly british stuff, as you might have already guessed. Includes contributions by Ian Pooley (the reason I bought it in the first place), David Toop, Endemic Void, Circadian Rhythms and a host of (even...) less known producers. Sounds a bit aged, still it has its good moments.
VA - 1995 Miscellaneous
Info here.
In Your Brain
Psychedelic electrodub excursions from a one-off project of Martin Damm (*) aka Biochip C. aka a fleet of pseudonyms. Out through dutch Sun Music. Rather rare, I'd say...
Braindub - 1995 In Your Brain
Info here.
The K&D Sessions
The downtempo 2CD mixed compilation of Vienna's K&D productions and remixes on various well known artists, epitomizing their sound at the time and (re)defining the late '90s post-breaks chillout scene. Might be too soft for some of you. But even just for the 'Bug Powder Dust' remix... Anyway, it's one of the few 'loungey' albums I return to from time to time.
A !K7 record.
Kruder & Dorfmeister - 1998 The K&D Sessions
CD1 - CD2
Info here.
BCN dub
For the last four weeks or so, Pulshar's 'Brotherhood' is stuck in my mp3 player (and won't come out in the foreseeable future). I had heard a couple of their 12''s and formed a good impression, so when I found the album the other day I gave it a try. I don't think they're doing cutting edge avant-garde or something extremely new-sounding; they play BC-influenced electronic dub with smooth vocals and that's it, as far as I'm concerned. But they do it good, they're deep and smooth, know their sound and love what they do; and it takes a bit to notice the level of details and the work they've put on their tracks. The remixes included (by cv313, Sven Weissmann, etc.) are more club-oriented, not so original sounding though in my opinion. Personal favorites are 'Streets Calling Me', the Stranglers' 'Golden Brown' cover and of course the brooding 'Nospheratu'.
Digging a little on them I realized they're Pablo Bolivar aka Paper of Regular and Aphro Sainz on vocals - and also responsible for their amazing artwork (I'm guessing here, as I could find almost no info on him). PB on the other hand has many releases under different pseudonyms in many Spanish labels (Dpress/Phonobox, Galaktika, etc) and is well known for his deep minimal techno, slightly oldschoolish and less detached than the average 'minimal' release out there. In their collaboration as Pulshar they drop the beats and focus on deep bass, well-processed voices and cavernous effects, constructing songs without discarding technodub's minimalistic, repetitive nature. On top of all they've started the Avant Roots label for the more offbeat material; check their site for samples.
I recommend their work to everyone looking for something non-aggressive. Some DJ mixes can be found in their Soundcloud page, while Pablo Bolivar's homepage is a treasure island for downloaders; dozens of great sets, the Pulshar videos, lots of info. Support them, they're totally worth it.
A Lost Era in NYC 1987-1992
Oldschool house, earth beats, hedonism, early acid experiments and Jamaican smoke meet in this subtle gem compilation of works by the man Bobby Konders, compiled by Hell for Gigolo Records. Sincerely deep NYC house music without limits.
Bobby Konders feat. Massive Sounds -
A Lost Era In NYC 1987-1992
Info here.
Echoman
Although as a rule I'm not a big fan of UK's nu-style disco, I just can't praise enough artists like these or records like this one.
This is Chicken Lips' debut in Kingsize, back from year 2000 (from the same period and setup that gave us 'He Not In'); a disco-dub monster of fat beats, spaced-out effects and the heaviest bass this side of Kingston Town. Their obvious '70s disco influences mix with their undeniably massive (post UK breaks) skills production-wise; enhanced by hallucinogenic dub trickery, they provide maximum effect in butt shaking and dancefloor wrecking while maintaining their cool and doing their own thing.
In some way, I feel they are more than a commercially effective group that happened to be in the right place at the right time, despite (or because of...) their scarce output during these last years. Anyway, I surely am jealous of their production skills...
Chicken Lips - 2000 Echoman
Info here.
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The third WP album, check the already posted last one here for more info.
This one went out through ElektroMotor, and it's the strangest one I've heard of them. A purist's hell; all influences clashing, all styles mixed; you'll never pinpoint what exactly are you listening to at a specific time (and, probably, if you really like it...). The track 'Crazymusic' says it all; and for the reason mentioned above, it's a really interesting album, as long as you don't expect anything from them. Besides originality.
Whirlpool Productions - 1998 ???
Info here.
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