v/a "IMMEDIATE ACTION" 2CD (Hefty)
Hefty Records is a strange little label out of Chicago. Strange in the sense
that there is no real common thread between the majority of its artist
roster... the exception being that every one of the artists (at least as
found here on this compilation) are top-notch. This is a refreshing almost
revelation really: instead of compiling 20 artists in the same genre, all
sounding alike with some standouts and some clunkers, this 2CD set presents
a variety of artists treating their musically in a particularly individual
way, strengthening each other by highlighting each other's strengths.
This set compiles the 6 Hefty Immediate Action 12" releases that hit shelves
over the course of the last year or so. Copies were extremely limited (as
few as 525 copies in some instances), and for those poor souls like myself
that lack any turntable, this compilation is perfect. A pleasant bonus is
the inclusion of several exclusive tracks, including a few remixes of Mr.
Hefty (John Hughes aka Slicker) as well as a few other surprises.
Personal favorites across the disc come from Scott Herren's Savath+Savalas
project, possibly stronger contributions than his already-excellent short
album released in 2000. These capture the quasi-jazz, post-rock-electronic
crossover thing that seems to define Hefty's agenda the most (...if that
makes any sense). One of the biggest surprises in the series, seemingly out
of nowhere, was Twine's 12" (IA#003), showcasing the duo's development from
its early experimental drum&bass days into a slick, avant-garde electronic
outfit. Both "Surn" and "Tone Song" are some of the pair's strongest tracks
to date (the former turning Erik Satie into something of an almost creepy
beauty), and if they are any indication, expect great things from their
Hefty and Bip-Hop albums being released later this year.
There are occasional spots across the 2-disc set that lose my attention,
namely the Retina tracks (not a huge fan, personally), although the
"Futurebody" track from IA004 is quite nice, and the Bogdan Raczynski mix of
Hughes is typical but not my tea. Other artists contributing include A Grape
Dope (aka John Herndon of Tortoise etc), Process, T.Raumschmiere, Samadha
Trio, Sagittarian Burners, Beneath Autumn Sky and, last but not least,
Telefon Telaviv (expect their full-length to explode very very soon).
Hefty Records is sitting at the center of a musical nexus, where disciplines
and genres collide into something quite new and refreshing. This IA series
not only collects the limited 12" into one convenient (and quite handsome)
package, it also is a great crosssection of where the label has been and
where it's going. Highly recommended!!!
--
matthew d. mercer :: visual communicator
e: mmercer@matthewmercer.com
c: 330 554 7769
u:
http://www.matthewmercer.com
"And remember, never tie the tournaquet around the neck, no matter HOW bad
the nosebleed is...."
---------------------------------------------------------------------
To unsubscribe, e-mail: idm-unsubscribe@hyperreal.org
For additional commands, e-mail: idm-help@hyperreal.org