ahh, what a cesspool idm is lately. well, here's a word about some pieces of
wax which have visited my turntables lately (&which i have heard nothing else
about)
69 - "4 Jazz-Funk Classics" (Planet E) (reissue)
Limited reissue of the first release on influential Detroit label Planet E.
The reissue is butt-expensive, but after a couple of days I realize it's damn
close to worth it... Carl Craig at the controls, with four tracks of subtly
constructed techno that are incredibly engaging listens -- little hooks mutate
and disappear, and the sounds! -- but are simultaneously the most slamming shit
i've heard in so long. They play this on the PA in heaven. Also, note the
presence of breakbeats, not your usual detroit fare. Order your own today from
www.submerge.com
Like A Tim - "Cacophony" (DJax-Up Beats)
This EP is the work of some weird guy who has put out a gaggle of EPs for
DJax (how do you say that, btw?) over the past few years, and is now tagged
to do some work for Rephlex. Anyways, this is another quality record, though
it's difficult to get your head around. 5 tracks, with a childlike quality to
them. Usually loosely built around a hip-hop/electro beat but not necessarily
danceable. Sort of obstinate music, superficially simple but full of ideas
and well-crafted. Farthest Out: tie between the 3rd track on the B-side, which
has random bursts of opera sample and static which suddenly align themselves
into funk midway through, and the locked grooves(?) at the end of the a-side.
Also heard lately:
Morgan Geist - "RemNANTs" EP (Environ)
Crafty American puts out 5 1/2 tracks on his own label. Tasty, smooth, ever-
changing house/techno. You will not find this record without serious animal
sacrifice but check out Morgan's stuff on Metamorphic (US) & Fragmented (UK).
Lil Louis and the Diamond Corp. - "7 Days of Peace/War Games" (Dancemania)
Supposed to be a reissue of a Chicago house classic, but i can't figure it out
yet. More listening required.
Lemuria - EP (Teknotika)
Old EP by Gary Martin aka Gigi Galaxy aka Teknotika. Melds Detroit stuff with
a weird lo-fi tribal edge and a sweet knack for eerie melodies. Yummy.
have a nice day, & sorry these reviews are so crappily written.
nick