From the X(mas)-Files...
Mu-ziq - Salsa with Mesquite (Virgin)
On sale for 7.99, couldn't pass it up. I find myself comparing all of
his recent material to the jem that is Tango N Vectif. So far, none have
equalled it (remember I haven't heard Bluff Limbo). The first track is
horrendous, doesn't go anywhere. Tracks 2-4 are less offensive, but
sounds mostly like noodling. The last 3 tracks save the day for this EP,
with Balsa Lightning being the standout. Nice synthy backdrop over the
ziq-ster's trademarked sqidgyness. Can't help but think, though, that
these tracks were leftovers from In Pine Effect, which is the better
release. (5.5/10)
2 Bad Mice - Kaotic Chemistry (Sm:)e)
Throughout this 79+ minute, 15 tracker, I found myself saying "So
thats where that song came from!" Some classic choons here, including 3
mixes of Bombscare. Mostly breakbeat, great for those of you who long for
the catchy tunes of the early 90's. (8/10)
Kid Spatula - Spatula Freak (Reflective)
Overheard at the u-ziq boat show thingy: "Hey Mike, I'm from Reflective
Records here in SF. Do you have some trax lying around that we could put
on an album? Great! I'll write you a check. Cover art, you ask? Don't
worry 'bout it, my 6-year-old will take care of it."
The result is Kid Spatula, which isn't to say that it doesn't have its
moments. The odd-numbered trax seem to stand out above cousin Even.
Some of the songs are obviously from the vault (see track 7). Still
comes up short of TnV. BTW don't pay more than 14 bucks for it, it's
widely available as a domestic (US) release. (6/10)
Air Liquide - Red (Sm:)e)
After the mediocre but economical "Increased Difficulty of
Concentration", I wasn't expecting much from Jammin Unit and Walker.
Girlfriend, I was in for a supprise! Some trip hop, trance, ambient all
mixed into some creating packaging and domestic to boot! (7.5/10)
X-Mix-3 (K7)
After acquiring the accompanying video to this "soundtrack", I just had
to have the choons on disc. Some great acid, hardcore, trance all mixed
together by John Acquaviva and Richie Hawtin. Tough to get these days,
try EAR/Rational if it's not at your local store. (8/10)
The Grid - Rollercoaster (Deconstruction)
This is a single, but the trax are quite different from each other.
Track 3 is a great footstomper remixed by Lionrock (aka Justin
Robertson). There's also a Global Communication remix which is just what
you'd expect it to be: brilliant. Comes in a lame cardboard sleeve,
though, but I just cut it down a bit and use it as the liner in a jewel
case. Found it cheap, too! (7.5/10)
see ya later,
-boB