IDM Mailing Archive

Having been an avid RePHLeX fan since the beginning of the decade, the label has been a central part of my record collection. Though it has been in a slump for a while (subjectively, of course) the recent couple of releases have been very interesting (well, some not very, but anyway). I thought I would share a few thoughts on them. CAT088LP::The Gentle People::Simply Faboo The Gentle People's second full length continues in the same easy listening vein as the first album, 'Soundtracks For Living'. Although I have never been much of a fan of easy listening music, these two albums have seen more of my turntables than some of those records that could be characterised as classics in the IDM circuit. Well-produced, melodic, smooth layers of sound and rhythm and vocals. The second album sounds more balanced and mature than the first one (what would one expect with what, five years between albums?), the soundscapes are more diverse and enjoyable. An excellent record for those nights when one has to work at home with the laptop in bed (of course the CD version is more usable as one does not have to jump up and down to flip sides - but what can you do when you are a vinyl fanatic?). Highly recommended. CAT086P::DMX Krew::Good Time Girl/Denki No Merodi DMX Krew has started to grow on me lately. When I first encountered them on RePHLeX my first reaction was "what effin' crap is this?", but having gone through three albums and three EPs the eighties pop/electro sound has really started to get into me. The first really positive experience was 'Adrenalin Flow' and after that I have started to give the records more and more time on the turntables. This new picture disc is not a exception from the sound of Ed DMX so there is nothing really special about it other than the 7" picture disc format. 'Good Time Girl' is your standard DMX track with vocals and all, but 'Denki No Merodi' is actually rather good with the japanese lyrics. Recommended for those that like the DMX sound (and for other RePHLeX fanatics like me :), others may find the record a repetition of the same. CAT084EP::Fuschimuschi::Super Sexy Lady/My Number One There was a time when I wondered if RePHLeX had gone totally japanese with the releases of Sam & Valley's 'My Favourite Clinic' and Kiyoshi Izumi's 'Effect Rainbow'. The feeling passed quite soon after the releases, but now the eastern thing seems to be rearing its head with the Bogdan Raczyski albums, DMX Krew's 'Denki No Merodi' and Fuschimuschi's EP. To me, Fuschimuschi as a word sounds japanese. Someone on the list commented that it had something to do with german, but as I have little knowledge of german, no comment. But as for the contents of the record (and judging from the credits) - there is nothing really japanese about it. Electro, funk, lo-fi in the Global Goon vein. Something one would really expect from the RePHLeX camp. I have given this just one spin yet, so I am unable to elaborate. Nevertheless, give it a listen. Surprising. CAT085LP::Bogdan Raczyski::Samurai Math Beats CAT082LP::Bogdan Raczyski::Boku Mo Wakaran What did I say about the japanese thing? Bogdan Raczyski is a hyperactive combination of old school jungle, new breaks and a weird twist of retuned vocals (some in japanese - hence the connection) and melodies. I have not quite liked the drill and bass as a genre, interesting it though be in its own technical way. But these albums - whew. When I first put 'Boku Mo Wakaran' on the decks I had to sit down and gawk for a while. It was like putting a group of schoolkids through a blender with steel drums, stones and sticks. Relentless layering of rhythm and ridiculous vocals and melodies. I gave these two a listen and then just put them back on the shelf. After a few weeks I took them out again. This time, I started to like them. As with the other more weird RePHLeX excursions, my wife hates them. She (like me) has a classical music education (we both played the violin for a good while and learned other instruments on the side), and all she can say when I play these records is "put that out" or "at least use the headphones." So I have to play them when she is out. But I am having tons of fun when I do - although there is a sort of a nag in the back of my head going "why are you listening to this?" Grab these while you can. CAT083EP::The Jones Machine::You're the One/Disco Dancing The first Jones EP was weird enough already for me to like it - the second goes a tad better. 'You're the One' is a really good track. With the sort-of-heavy-guitars and the absolutely killer drums the song rocks my apartment like no other. The vocals are just the right thing for the track. 'Disco Dancing' is equally hilarious, though a bit more boring than 'You're the One'. The Cylob remixes give this EP the final touch. Highly Recommended (also check out the video for 'You're the One' from http://www.rephlex.com/). CAT080LP::808 State::Newbuild This is really for those that missed this one the first time around. A seminal album with nothing but good tracks from the beginning of the electronic music decade. Having started up in electronic music with 808 State's '90', the re-release of this album on RePHLeX of all labels was a wet dream come true. Everyone must have this album. And I mean everyone. I am getting chills by just thinking about 'Flow Coma', 'Narcossa' and 'E Talk'. CAT068LP::Bodenstading 2000::Maxi German Rave Blast Hits 3 Uh. I guess worse records could be released, but I have not heard many that come even close to this. Originality is one thing, utter crap is one. I wish people would not get those two mixed up too often. I am still wondering if this release was tongue-in-cheek or not, but I have not dared to put it on the turntable after the first time I listened through to it. I have heard comments on Bodenstading 2000 appearing live with RePHLeX somewhere and that it was hilarious and fun, but with this one, I am just frowning. My wife left the apartment when I listened to this one. But a collector is a collector is a collector. CAT076EP::Cylob::Lobster Tracks CAT074EP::Cylob::Rewind More of this, please. Cylob is still one of my favourite artists on the RePHLeX roster. 'Lobster Tracks' kicks the living daylights out of most of the eighties-sounding funny-yet-enjoyable releases. Wicked rhythm programming with analogue sounds - something I have liked since I first got the EP. As for 'Rewind' - I have had Macs for quite a while yet could not have thought of using the speech synthesizer as a rapper. What an ingenious idea! I wish I had thought of it. There was a taste of what was to come on 'Are We Not Men Who Live And Die' but I could have never guessed what would be next. Get these as soon as possible. I wonder what the new Cylob, 'Living In The 80's B/W' has to offer... BFORD15::Baby Ford::Normal Another take from the early nineties, Peter Ford is still kicking it like no-one else. I had to dig up 'Chikki Chikki Aah Ahh' and 'Flowers' after listening to this one. The 'Helston Flora Remix' is definitely one of the best remixes mr. James has done in a while. This double EP (counting the remixes) should be on every shelf. There is something that bothers me about this release, but the AFX remix saves the day. A definite buy. So there. Of course there are others worthy of mentioning like D'Arcangelo's 'Shipwreck', which is one of the best albums to come out on RePHLeX in recent years, BR Posse and The Railway Raver... Despite some of those that I find subjectively negative, RePHLeX is still one of my favourite labels. Anticipation is building for the new DMX Krew album (out already but I was not able to get it yet), Lektrogirl and Ovuca (a fellow Finn - that should be interesting). Do check out the videos on http://www.rephlex.com/. If someone has had the patience to read this far - if you happen to have an extra copy of Leila's 'Feeling' 7", please contact me if you are willing to part with your copy or know of a place to get it from. -- diversion : nuutti-iivari meriläinen : gordon at diversion dot org communications : http colon slash slash www dot diversion dot org slash

----- Original Message ----- From: Nuutti-Iivari Merilainen <gordon@vip.fi> To: <idm@hyperreal.org> Sent: Thursday, October 14, 1999 7:18 AM Subject: (idm) RePHLeXions

quoted 7 lines Having been an avid RePHLeX fan since the beginning of the decade, the

> > Having been an avid RePHLeX fan since the beginning of the decade, the > label has been a central part of my record collection. Though it has > been in a slump for a while (subjectively, of course) the recent couple > of releases have been very interesting (well, some not very, but anyway). > I thought I would share a few > thoughts on them.

Much like yourself, I've had a RePHLeX tattoo stamped on my ass for the last five years or so, and I feel the need to comment on these...

quoted 1 line CAT088LP::The Gentle People::Simply Faboo

> CAT088LP::The Gentle People::Simply Faboo

This is great. I've only heard the MP3s so far and I love it, but I have the album on order from Chapters.ca. The first GP material I heard was "Mix Gently". It didn't do a lot for me, but it held my interest long enough to give this new LP a try.

quoted 14 lines CAT086P::DMX Krew::Good Time Girl/Denki No Merodi

> CAT086P::DMX Krew::Good Time Girl/Denki No Merodi > > DMX Krew has started to grow on me lately. When I first encountered > them on RePHLeX my first reaction was "what effin' crap is this?", but > having gone through three albums and three EPs the eighties pop/electro > sound has really started to get into me. The first really positive > experience was 'Adrenalin Flow' and after that I have started to give > the records more and more time on the turntables. This new picture disc > is not a exception from the sound of Ed DMX so there is nothing really > special about it other than the 7" picture disc format. 'Good Time Girl' > is your standard DMX track with vocals and all, but 'Denki No Merodi' is > actually rather good with the japanese lyrics. Recommended for those > that like the DMX sound (and for other RePHLeX fanatics like me :), > others may find the record a repetition of the same.

I can only take DMX Krew in small doses, so this 7" is a blessing. :) Personally, I like the A side better than B, and I like the picture of Ed DMX better than both the songs. Re: Adrenalin Flow. It was another short, simple DMX Krew single that didn't make me want to shoot my CD player. 17 Ways To Break My Heart is prolly my favourite DMX release, though.

quoted 1 line CAT084EP::Fuschimuschi::Super Sexy Lady/My Number One

> CAT084EP::Fuschimuschi::Super Sexy Lady/My Number One

Haven't heard this one yet, but judging by the RealAudio samples at RePHLeX.com, I'll be picking it up soon.

quoted 3 lines There was a time when I wondered if RePHLeX had gone totally japanese

> There was a time when I wondered if RePHLeX had gone totally japanese > with the releases of Sam & Valley's 'My Favourite Clinic' and Kiyoshi > Izumi's 'Effect Rainbow'. The feeling passed quite soon after the

What the hell happened to Kiyoshi Izumi, may I ask? Effect Rainbow was the best damn thing I had heard in a LONG time when I bought it. And it's still fabulous. I want more.

quoted 2 lines CAT085LP::Bogdan Raczyski::Samurai Math Beats

> CAT085LP::Bogdan Raczyski::Samurai Math Beats > CAT082LP::Bogdan Raczyski::Boku Mo Wakaran

Bogdan walks a fine line. I have Samurai Math Beats - it's hilariously funny in some parts, downright annoying and horrible in other parts. I'm glad I bought it used.

quoted 2 lines She (like me) has a classical music education (we both played the

> She (like me) has a classical music education (we both played the > violin for a good while and learned other instruments on the side),

Er, not to pick a fight, but this statement seems to have little to do with anything. Does this make her judgement of RePHLeX records any more important than mine or anyone else?

quoted 5 lines CAT083EP::The Jones Machine::You're the One/Disco Dancing

> CAT083EP::The Jones Machine::You're the One/Disco Dancing > > bit more boring than 'You're the One'. The Cylob remixes give this > EP the final touch. Highly Recommended (also check out the video for > 'You're the One' from http://www.rephlex.com/).

Not only do Cylob's mixes give this the "final touch", they MAKE the EP. Don't get me wrong, I loved the first Jones EP, but this second one would put me in a coma if it weren't for Cylob.

quoted 3 lines CAT080LP::808 State::Newbuild

> CAT080LP::808 State::Newbuild > > Everyone must have this album. And I mean everyone

Everyone except me. I think there's only one 808 State track I've ever found remotely interesting.

quoted 11 lines CAT068LP::Bodenstading 2000::Maxi German Rave Blast Hits 3

> CAT068LP::Bodenstading 2000::Maxi German Rave Blast Hits 3 > > Uh. I guess worse records could be released, but I have not heard many > that come even close to this. Originality is one thing, utter crap is one. > I wish people would not get those two mixed up too often. I am still > wondering if this release was tongue-in-cheek or not, but I have not > dared to put it on the turntable after the first time I listened through > to it. I have heard comments on Bodenstading 2000 appearing live with > RePHLeX somewhere and that it was hilarious and fun, but with this one, > I am just frowning. My wife left the apartment when I listened to this > one. But a collector is a collector is a collector.

I have only good things to say about this. I don't know what it is exactly, but this reeks of the RePHLeX-style humor I know and love. Definitely in my top ten for the year.

quoted 2 lines CAT076EP::Cylob::Lobster Tracks

> CAT076EP::Cylob::Lobster Tracks > CAT074EP::Cylob::Rewind

Lobster Tracks left me a little disappointed. It's now filed in my collection next to that awful Kinesthesia Volume 2 EP that Chris put out years ago. Rewind, on the other hand, is brilliant, and I'm really looking forward to Living In The 80s.

quoted 9 lines BFORD15::Baby Ford::Normal

> BFORD15::Baby Ford::Normal > > Another take from the early nineties, Peter Ford is still kicking > it like no-one else. I had to dig up 'Chikki Chikki Aah Ahh' and > 'Flowers' after listening to this one. The 'Helston Flora Remix' is > definitely one of the best remixes mr. James has done in a while. > This double EP (counting the remixes) should be on every shelf. There > is something that bothers me about this release, but the AFX remix > saves the day. A definite buy.

I wholeheartedly agree. I'd never heard Baby Ford before this release. It was a nice surprise. superfuzz@home.com

Superfuzz wrote:

quoted 11 lines ----- Original Message -----

> > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Nuutti-Iivari Merilainen <gordon@vip.fi> > > > She (like me) has a classical music education (we both played the > > violin for a good while and learned other instruments on the side), > > Er, not to pick a fight, but this statement seems to have little to do with > anything. Does this make her judgement of RePHLeX records any more important > than mine or anyone else? >

At the risk of sounding like flamebait I state that musical education _does_ have a profound impact on listening experience. If one has been under the influence of classical music and theory for years, it does twist your opinion. It is not a judgement call, it is an inhibition created by studying and playing music that has more history and convention than electronic music in all of its incarnations. If a person with an education in music does not like something that sounds like a drunken german karaoke contest at Oktoberfest with 4-bit jingles separating the so-called music, I have no need to point fingers. Of course, as I wrote in my original message I find the record in question (Bodenstadig 2000's 'Maxi German Rave Blast Hits 3') humorous and very tongue-in-cheek, but I do not have to like it. I find Mike & Rich's 'Expert Knob Twiddlers' annoying as hell, but in a different way - since there is (supposedly) a very liquid reason for the album being what it is. Some V/VM stuff gets the hairs on my neck to stand on end and some records that I have in my collection (that some might argue are sort of classic IDM) have been played just once and forgotten because they are such excrement (I will not name any lest I be charged with blasphemy). The reason records like this are released is that there are those like me and perhaps some of you that just buy everything on a label they can get their hands on, even if it was two 7" pieces of sandpaper or a lock of hair or a few pieces of wire allegedly from Richard James' gear. We really should get a life. The point that should have been read between the lines is the one in the second sentence: having an education in music does away with your free conceptions of music, thus inhibiting the potential range of music you can listen to unless you teach yourself out of it or are very open to new and interesting things. Bah, I am starting to contradict myself. For the definition of humour, see Webster's or somesuch. Now I will go and slap myself silly with a rather large trout and forget about this thread (and later it will rise from the depths of the electronic ocean as the dreaded Shub-Internet is being summoned by the neo-satanists on the 'net. Ia! Ia! "Been reading Lovecraft lately?" "How did you guess?"). -- diversion : nuutti-iivari meriläinen : gordon at diversion dot org communications : http colon slash slash www dot diversion dot org slash

In a message dated 99-10-14 13:09:15 EDT, you write: << > What the hell happened to Kiyoshi Izumi, may I ask? Effect Rainbow was the > best damn thing I had heard in a LONG time when I bought it. And it's still > fabulous. I want more. >> I would imagine he has a pile of Japanese releases. As you've probably noticed, the amount of Japanese IDM available in the West is almost embarassingly low. Matt

quoted 13 lines CAT076EP::Cylob::Lobster Tracks

> CAT076EP::Cylob::Lobster Tracks > CAT074EP::Cylob::Rewind > > More of this, please. Cylob is still one of my favourite artists on >the RePHLeX roster. 'Lobster Tracks' kicks the living daylights out of >most of the eighties-sounding funny-yet-enjoyable releases. Wicked >rhythm programming with analogue sounds - something I have liked since >I first got the EP. As for 'Rewind' - I have had Macs for quite a while >yet could not have thought of using the speech synthesizer as a rapper. >What an ingenious idea! I wish I had thought of it. There was a taste >of what was to come on 'Are We Not Men Who Live And Die' but I could >have never guessed what would be next. Get these as soon as possible. >I wonder what the new Cylob, 'Living In The 80's B/W' has to offer...

Which reminds me if you dig these you'll really dig the new signing to the Aural Industries label... DJ Fish Finger. DJ Fish Finger spent the better part of the mid to late 80's pimping on the old C64 / Amiga Scene BBS' and watching the Playboy channel when it was cool too. So his upcoming release titled Gone Fishin' is best described as electro, crazed beats, porno soundtrack music and C64/Amiga computer game sounds all amalgamated into a very phunkee aural soundtrack for the game of life... Computers, Sex and Good Music what else do you need?! Described by a local DJ here as an amazing cross between the sounds of Mr Scruff meets Cylob meets Ed DMX. Should be out early in the new year. Regards, John Aural Industries http://Aural-Industries.com.au

Excerpts from mail: 15-Oct-99 Re: (idm) RePHLeXions by John@zipworld.com.au

quoted 2 lines DJ Fish Finger spent the better part of the mid to late 80's pimping on the

> DJ Fish Finger spent the better part of the mid to late 80's pimping on the > old C64 / Amiga Scene BBS'...

For the record, I have a confession to make. My handle was PRiZM, and I was king of the Amiga pirates circa 91-94. I was a co-sysop on Boondocks (Holland) and Biohazard (Canada) and I was voted one of the top 100 ascii artists in the Amiga scene..... ha! Oh, and I was a member of LSD. (Leeds Software Distribution) I wrote my first music reviews for an old issue of Grapevine, the LSD disk magazine. Now my poor Amiga is sitting in the basement of a friend. Haven't turned the sucker on for about a year and a half. But man, with RCA stereo output, that sucker sure stood the test of time when it came to those nice demos oozing out of my stereo... I think it was those demos that turned me on to electronic music more than anything else..... It's nice to (sort of) have a life now. Aaron