Amazon.com

On this first volume of a proposed "autobiography" of his listening career, producer King Britt updates the sound of the black radio of 1970s Philly with 1990s rap and production tricks. He makes sonic references to the smooth flow of Gamble and Huff as well as to the drawled proto-rap poetry of the Last Poets, and Britt honors mellow diva disco with a gorgeous, faithful-in-its-fashion cover of "Last Night a DJ Saved My Life." The loops he pulls out of his crates are from a time when black and white pop nourished each other; the album has the deceptively utopian glow of nostalgia, but it radiates with soul and warmth, too. --Douglas Wolk ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Funky beats take you back to HS
You'll remember chillin' on the stoop of your best friend's house in tenth grade, listening to a boombox straining some musical sounds through the air... even if you never did that.

The tracks Britt (aka Sylk, it's one in the same) creates here are infused with a deep soul. Male vocals and easy rapping stand tall on some tracks, but there are never any hos or bling-bling in this rap.

Female vocals take center stage, and they're a decidedly different feel than the masculine tracks. Very poetic, some deeply sung as if from a smoky jazz club.

This is music for people who grew up in the majority of the US, not a scrubbed-up suburb version or the down-and-dirty ghetto place. There are elements of both those here, with a track like Taggin' and Braggin' obviously talking about committing small crime, in this case graffiti.

However, most of the issues here are overtaken by the groove: buy this album for its flow. Standout tracks include the aforementioned Taggin', the wonderful, true-to-its-roots "DJ Saved My Life" cover, the super-groovy title track, and a wonderfully-sampled The Reason.

Some of the tracks are a little too serious in their poetry, but if you're into that, you'll love it (namely, "A Day in the Life," and "E.R.A"). Break out the beatnik berets and start a-snappin' your fingers.

Overall, however, this album is all about a great groove, and it keeps it going on lots of nicely-crafted tracks. A great discovery for those sick of modern rap and something closer to Tribe and De La Soul, but with not as much of a ghetto, street edge.

A Great Mix Of Urban Grooves
This CD was given to me by a person who read some of my CD reviews. I heard the track "When The Funk Hits The Fan" a couple of years ago but never knew who made it. This was a great trade because I'm always in to new underground music and this one is excellent. A touch of acid, funk, and soul cover CD and I'm my ears were blessed by it's sounds. A great CD for collection of good music.

oNe

What would you expect from philly, nut'n but the BEST!
For years now KIng & Britt have given us locals of phily something to listen to weteher it was back at the old weekly at Sylk (I wounder if thats were the name came from thought doubt it for britt and king had words with one of the owners) or at the monthly at fluid, Either way this is a great album. Also the more diverse the listing background of the producer/DJ the better the Music! and this is an example of that notion. Its amust Buy....

Funky
This CD is a gem, it's nothing like the usual stuff you hear. Get it, kick back, and let it take you where it takes you. I mention King Britt to people and they draw a blank. Let them here the CD and they immediatly want to borrow it. You know what I say, "Naw my brother you gotta go out and get your own."

Sylk 130 is a new type of genre that is absoulutely slamming
This CD is just too phat to describe. The lyrics get deep and it's hip-hop, jazz, bee-bop, funk, you name it, as the styles only get richer. I like it more and more as I enjoy the CD and it's been more than a year since I've had it. Nice! ... Read more

Album Description

Culled from the seminal Artificial Intelligence series, this was the debut release on Warp from Richard James, aka Aphex Twin. Surfing... sounds as refreshing today as it did almost a decade ago. This re-issue has two previously unreleased tracks 'Portreath Harbour' and 'Redruth School'. Standard jewel case. 2001 release. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Good, but not amazing... 3 and a half stars really...
I was in a local record shop a few weeks ago, and one of the guys working there pointed this album out to me... they had just ordered it in, and it was hidden in the back... anyways, I just HAD to buy it, cause I'm a huge fan of Richard D. James' work... My collection is small so far, but it's growing slowely... anyways, I played it, and it's ok... I love track 1, 2, 4, and others, but overall it's too dancy for me... now mind you, it's better then most dance music you'll encounter, but compared to his other releases, this is a mediocre release... I do like every song, except for Quoth (too damn annoying), but most of the songs I just like, and not love... anyways, if you're a fan of RDJ, then definately check this out if you find it somewhere, otherwise I'd suggest I Care Because You Do, or Come to Daddy to start out...

and a half stars! Another interesting one!
This is a great release from RDJ, but not as organic as his works under "Aphex Twin". This work is more like a rave, rather than an Ambient work. These you can dance to (awkwardly, at least).

The first 4 tracks are electronica bliss. Around the middle, you might become bored with it. Don't turn it off! The final two tracks recover the album as a whole.

If you don't know by now, Richard D. James (aka 'Aphex Twin, Polygon Window), is a pioneer in electronic music. He is responsible for the landmarks "Selected Ambient Works Vol. 2", and "I Care Because you do". This album is one of the last times he used self-made instruments to make techno, before switching to his "drill and bass" sound. Therefore, this work is a must have, that is if you are a collector.

If you are just a music fan, I suggest you look into his "Aphex" stuff first, and work your way to this one. Like all his other stuff, you may not like it at first listen. Give it time. It's really not as hard to get used to as SAW2. If you already like SAW2, this should be a piece of cake!

a little twisted
Just great. I am a fan of his music for quite a while and all of his records are special in their own way. Tracks with a little twist only RDJ can add. Sometimes a bit sinister, but thats ok for me! Most of his tracks are sertainly refreshing and energy boosting. A philosopher teacher once said: "to enjoy and appreciate the quality of sertain aspects (of whatsoever) you have to have rotten spots besides it". In case of some of the tracks ("ventolin" (medicine for asthmatic patiens) for example in which you hear a sample of a person hyperventilating), annoying bleeps, cracks and sounds are added in such way that when they fade away in a track you almost feel a releef....a contrast between serenety and rotten (no offence)

Don't buy 'expanded'- 2 tracks shorter than non!-
I guess this is what I get for not reading the tracklists) carefully enough. The so-called 'expanded' version of this cd is missing 'portreath harbor' + 'redruth school,' both of which are found under the "normal" release. The 'expanded' version is on WARP + TVT, and the (truly) expanded version is just on WARP. Don't I just feel like a schmuck? But seriously folks, don't make the same mistake.
PS- the 3 stars is because of the -2 trax; I haven't honestly heard an ugly or beautiful second of this disc yet, so this isn't a 'true'review.I'm sure it's all in the category of "Good, but Possibly Dated Early Works of a Genius"

or something.

An Essential IDM Classic
Polygon Window is one of Richard D. James' earlier pseudonyms, but more importantly, Surfing on Sinewaves is one of the first great IDM albums to be put out by Warp Records. Polygon Window is very different from Apex Twin's current output; it's a raw, moody, bleepy, and dark analogue bubblebath you'll want to soak in for hours. This album has influenced many artists such as Mu-Ziq, David Kristian, and Boards of Canada. If you loved Aphex Twin's Selected Ambient Works Vol. I and II, you will definitely find a place for Surfing on Sinewaves in your collection. ... Read more

Album Description

NAG NAG NAG, the now legendary London club, has been a major catalyst in re-defining UK club culture. The weekly subterranean party at The Ghetto is the anti-thesis of identi-kit corporate clubbing and as a result has been lauded with praise for putting the hedonism and excitement back into the UK's club scene.Although deliberately DIY and Lo-Fi, Nag Nag Nag's distinctive young crowd and subsequent notoriety has attracted fashionistas, rock stars, celebs and arty types such luminaries as The Strokes, Primal Scream, Bjork, Kate Moss, Zoe Ball and Sam Taylor-Wood amongst many others.

Now, for all those not lucky or brave enough to have ventured inside it's hallowed walls, the club's revered electric/eclectic soundtrack has been captured on "Nag Nag Nag - The Album" by Nag’s very own DJ Johnny Slut! Jonny, one half of Atomizer with DJ partner Fil OK and signed to DJ Hell's Gigolo Records,says "Nag Nag Nag was born out of the boredom of soulless superclubs that offered nothing but a vile corporate excuse for a night out, and the dreary macho, chin-stroking soul boy values of the dance scene that are about as far removed from any sense of fun and abandon as you could imagine". He hopes that"NAG NAG NAG, the album will reflect why the club has such a diverse, popular appeal - from art students in their mums old curtains, to gothic EBM-ers, dragsters and hardened clubbers, sick of repetitive beats and crap superclub attitudes". Jonny set outto provide something more than just another throw away club compilation and with its uncompromising selection featuring the very best of New Wave, Electro and Punk classics from the late 70’s and early 80’s - it looks like Jonny has outdone himself! ... Read more

Amazon.com

This is the fourth album proper (discounting 1998's Sevens and Twelves) for the pioneering London-by-way-of-Putney post-rocktronic trio. Doing away for the most part with the sampled second-line beats and found textures prevalent on EPH, the etudes on Happiness work the band's collection of quasi-exotic instrumentation (kalimba, xylophone, and glockenspiel to name but three) through subtle digital reconstitution schemes, resulting in a far more intimate and inviting sound field. Cheeky song titles delineate the combinations: the blissed-out "Cut Up Piano and Xylophone" wisely works a reverse-skidding effect, unfortunately ending far before the listener can achieve the intended alpha-state; "Harmonics" strums open chords underneath an involved polyrhythmic pulse built out of sampled acoustic guitar picking; "Tone Guitar and Drum Noise," with its endlessly skidding percussion manages to hip-check Milford Graves and Augustus Pablo simultaneously (not an easy feat). The occasional detour (such as "Drums Bass Sonics and Edit") does little to destroy the reigning pastoral mood. Results overall are nothing short of gorgeous, the lengths gone to pierce a new angle through the rock-trio aegis ultimately pay off in a unique offering, contemporary and ages old.--Keith Fullerton Whitman ... Read more

Reviews (5)

anything but cold
Fridge is working the electro-acoustic angle, creating organic electronic music within a rock idiom (though fridge is far from strictly electronic). Fridge have crafted a sonic euphoria, accessible without narcotics. When I put this cd on for someone I already know that they will like it, so instead of telling them how great it is or trying to describe it, I ask them "Do you want to hear some really weird music?" If you already like Fridge, you should check out Tortoise, the Books, Boards of Canada, Mum, Seefeel, Fennesz and Hrvatski. (Hrvatski liked it so much that he reviewed it; see the featured review above.) All are doing a similar thing in different ways, that is giving Edward the hands he deserves.

The best Album of the 21st century! (so far)
Happiness by Fridge is the best album I have bought in years! In fact,if I could only recommend one new album to a friend Happiness by Fridge would be it. I pride myself on my musical taste and I listen to a new cd 2-3 times a week, so I dont give compliments like that unless I truley love the cd.I have probably listened to this cd a thousand times and I still love it. Fridge is the most creative and innovative band out there right now, as far as Im concerned. BUY THIS CD! YOU WILL LOVE IT FOREVER! I cannot say enough about how great this CD is. I didnt know people made music this good anymore. Happiness has got me excited about music again and inspired me to make more of my own.This music is beautiful and exotic. Stunningly minimilist at times (Cut up piano and xylophone) and intensly layered at others(five four child voice). In fact,every track sounds unique and that makes it a blessing to listen to from start to finish.BUY HAPPINESS!!!!!!

One of my favorites
Like Tortoise, Fridge work in the grey area between rock and electronica, but they manage to carve out their own unique sound. They've got a good variety of sound material including xylophone, glockenspiel, piano, and electric guitar -- all tracks instrumentals of course. They are either cut up and spliced into beat-oriented mellow grooves (try 2 is oozey downtempo not unlike Boards of Canada), or played live. Last track is a real winner, using the "epic buildup" framework that has become almost a post rock cliche. Yes this is post rock, but not the cold/precise kind. This is a great disc with broad appeal, with enough sound variety and percussive force to keep it interesting, and an overall warm, billowy sound.

getting better w/ time
these guys are the best at what they do. i have all their albums (i think)and this is definatley their best/cogniscent release.one complaint,1st track-waist of time.almost 14 min. of time.-fans of fridge might consider checking out theboylucas or sybarite (more on the electronic tilt)

It Could be the Meaning Of.
The title of the album is not ironic, though it might be particular. Fridge is a British group who have been doing the post-rock thing for some time. Their early albums were quite noisy, but then, with two ep's, they became something of an amazing organic electronic group.
One of the guys in Fridge releases albums under the name Four Tet, his latest, called Pause, is an umistakably gorgeous album, easily up there with Boards of Canada's Music Has The Right To Children.
Happiness is almost a companion album to that. It has much the same quality of sound: lush, orchestral or gamelan style electronics. It's very organic.
The difference is that Happiness is more abstract, the songs have a more open structure, not built around songs, but almost a mindset, a development of a certain happy place. Once that place is reached, the song is complete.
In some ways its a strange album, and yet, it urges itself to be listened to. It's been on my stereo for a month now, happily in rotation. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Released as a tribute to the fact that Coldcut's legendary Ninja Tune imprint had been releasing records for a decade, this collection showcases the label's rich array of artists. Though assembled in the same spirit as the seminal Ninja Cuts series, comprising a mixture of back catalog and material exclusive to the compilation, a crafty alteration of the title acts as a nod to the 10 years since Bogus Order's "Zen Brakes" first fought its way onto a turntable. From the Steinski intro, the track listing of the first of two compact discs has a distinct hip-hop leaning. It slinks through lyrical activity from the likes of the Dynamic Syncopation before flipping a skit from Roots Manuva over Amon Tobin's "Saboteur" and dropping down to the sultry vocals of Sarah Jones, which parallel the Gil Scott-Heron standard in their declaration that the "revolution will not be between these thighs." Flip to the second disc for a demonstration of Ninja's recent foray into cinematic funk, whether through the raging percussion of Chris Bowden or breathtaking orchestration of Clifford Gilberto's "Restless," the resultant experience is nothing if not widescreen. Settle down and reset your ears for two hours of cross-dressing, genre-bending bliss from one of the U.K.'s most innovative record labels. --Kingsley Marshall ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Disappointing to be perfectly honest
Yeah i know, (the price) for 3 cds (just under 50 songs) is great, the packaging is real nice and the names performing are top notch.

The problem is that i was expecting something really mindblowing and there where some great touches but overall i wasn't that impressed. Maybe its because i had most of the best songs because i had at least 10 of the artists individual albums.

Cd 1 is strictly for the hip-hop headz. Roots Manuva kills it of on track 2 while the Herbaliser and Latryrx show just why i think they are the most gifted writers in the scene on track 5. Roots Manuva strikes again on Tobins brilliant Saboteur (track 9), and Quannum MC (track 15) is real hot. This is probably the best cd in this collection with Mr Scruff and Kid Koala making decent apperances. Track 7 is my least favourite (by Neotropic?).

Cd 2 is probably the worst cd. Clifford Gilberto saves it from the dustbin with the amazing Restless and the 10th victim.
Funki Porcini and Arc are above par with decent tracks as is Amon Tobin. Dj Food has the worst song on this whole album with 'The Ageing Young Rebel' (tRACK 10).

Cd 3 is decent with Eastflatbush project (Track 11) and my main man Roots Manuva on (track 10). Funki Porcini gets it right again with (track 2), Porcini's 'Ultimately empty million dollars lp' was real poor so this shows he is decent. Finally (track 12) by DJ Food is brilliant. CD3 has many decent but uninspiring songs on aswell as the ones mentioned.

In conclusion, the is a must get purchase for any Ninja Tune fans and since i purchased a cd recorder i have made a one disc compilation which is great, i advise you to do the same.

(...) To be honest when i started this review i gave it 3 stars but it deserves 4.
DJ Krush vs Coldcut, Funkungfusion and DK and DJ Food compilations are also banging but Funkjazztical Tricknology should be avoided. Laters

Everything Xen
So Ninja Tune decides to release a huge, mega-compilation (3 CDs, 46 tracks) ... I then decided to take a chance (going simply on the label's reputation and a few tracks I'd heard). And I'm glad I did. There's so much here, and the amazing part is how much of it is outstanding.

Disc One concentrates on hip-hop. The general theme here is decent MCs dropping above-average lyrics over phenomenal beats. It's probably the most consistently high-quality disc here.

Standouts: Amon Tobin - "Saboteur"; Big Dada Sound - "Showtime"; Kid Koala - "Emperor's Main Course"; Luke Vibert - "I Hear The Drummmer"; Up, Bustle & Out - "Hip Hop Barrio"

Disc Two emphasizes the more chilled, jazzy, trip-hop stuff. There are some moments that don't work (Loka, Animals on Wheels, Flanger) because of off-tempo programming, but the vast majority of the disc is excellent.

Standouts: both Clifford Gilberto tracks, Funki Porcini, Amon Tobin, Up, Bustle & Out

Disc Three is less cohesive as a single unit, but is equally fun. The winners here (out of a huge batch of winners) are Saul Williams, DJ Vadim, DJ Food, and Roots Manuva.

All in all, a great compilation of innovative hip-hop/techno/trip-hop. The only drawback is there's so much here it may be overwhelming!

If you're going to get your feet wet, you may as well swim.
Lets rate the label not the tracks. The label, as it stands, is on the up and up, introducing the best aritsts that jazz-core and hip hop (REAL HIP HOP, NOT LUDACRIS) have to offer. The problem, is that this compilation only lets you get your feet wet in the ocean that this label has to offer. Tracks by Amon Tobin, Saul Williams, Kid Koala KILL the rest of the cd. I would honestly reccommend this compilation to those who are ready to dive into some deeper music, it's the perfect introduction into the world of electrojazz and tru hip hop heads. Heavy and hard, this one carries. Just know that this compilation is mearly a cliff note in the world of the tunes of the ninja. Ninja tune reprazent.

Xen Superstar
Xen Cuts is basically a compilation of music from different musicians from the Big Dada and Ninjatune label. It's a great showcase of all the labels have to offer and is almost like like gourmet dish of different foods to sample before you decide to buy them on your own. The tracks range from trip hop to hard acid jazz (I love Clifford Gilberto's tracks) and some lyrically sound hip hop tracks. With as many musicians as they have, a lot of the tracks are well done. Granted, I would be hard pressed to find all the tracks appealing, the ones that are give birth to a sense of style that each of the musicians have thoroughly developed through the years and deserve the recognition that they get for their respective genres.
The hip hop tracks are nicely done, the Big Dada Sound track is a highlight just because it features some big name (well, relatively speaking) that all collaborate on one track. It's the perfect high-bass track for any bloke rolling out on the town one evening. The acid jazz tracks are spectacular, especially the clifford gilberto. The tracks leave you drenched in saturation, and push you towards the epiphany of "This is *real* acid jazz". The drum n bass tracks are alright, besides Amon Tobin, it's not really a genre that the labels are known for producing, but some of the d n b tracks are enjoyable. Overall, there are some tracks that pale, while others that embody their respective genre in full. But for the price, it's all good.

Must have
Live kid Koala cuts! Rare 'Revelution won't happen bwt these thighs' track and many others. Dude, get it. You gotta. ... Read more

Album Description

Playfully and skillfully manipulating vocal samples and sound effects, Miss Kittin unleashes this 35-minute mix, showcasing some of the best re-worked versions of tracks from her acclaimed debut album "I Com", none of which have previously appeared on CD. Mirroring the inventiveness and power of her legendary DJ sets, "Mixing Me" is both a treat for her legions of fans and also an affordable entry point for the many thousands who will be introduced to her for the first time when she appears at the 2005 Coachella festival. Exclusive U.S. only release. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Pretty good!
First off, I love the way the mixes blend into each.Those alone are worth buying the CD for.You can't even tell the songs change, they just do, and you're not like."Oh, next song, blah blah."I just had to say that first.

Otherwise, the mixes themselves?The beginning kinda starts off rather....mild and bland.Lots of electronic beats, nothing really interesting happening.The second half of the CD gets good though, starting off with when she has the original "Soundtrack of Now" and then it goes into "My Violentine".

That's when the party starts.

The beats get heavier, the mixes get a lot better, and wow!It just really surprised me.

The best remix is probably of "Professional Distortion" the second time #6.Just...wow.The way it goes into "Happy Violentine" the second time around is just great!

Don't let the fact that she has a a lot of the songs on twice.You can't tell at all.The mixes make everything THAT much different.

A must for any Miss Kittin fan. ... Read more

Album Description

Sophomore album from one of the UK's hottest dance imprints and winner of 'Club Of The Year' award at the prestigious Muzik Dance Awards in 1998. Tracks include, ATB-'9PM (Til I Come)' (Signum remix), Garbage-'When I Grow Up', Fatboy Slim-''Praise You', Robert Miles-'Children' (Tilt's Courtyard mix) and Gouryella-'Gouryella'. 1999 release. Deluxe packaging with a double digipak, slipcase with a 20 page booklet. ... Read more

Reviews (29)

Gatecrasher UK Rocks!
This was an impulse buy Period. Listened to it a few times but then it got to me. First set started with Garbage's When I Grow Up and it just blew me away. Track 5 - Orkidea's Unity is especially cool - the synthesiser tunes! Dang! Aurora's Hear You Calling on CD2 was way cool too. Gatecrasher was the FIRST Dance Trance Compilation I've bouught and I've not regretted it! I've already Got DISKO TECH and it's a great CD too. Starts with some Classical (music) tunes. Wow.!

Need I say more?

!
This is the Porsche 911 of the genre, period. The set is a little bit pricey but if you're into techno/house/trance at all, you'll be more into it after having listened to Gatecrasher Red.

The Gatecrasher DJ's somehow pack more energy into this set than in any mix compilation I've found anywhere. Apart from the manic energy level of the set, the mix is also excellent in that there is always at least one minute or so of the original vocals and bass line; with too many mixes, there's only a 15- or 20-second long sample of the original song before the foray into the DJ's particular mix rendition, or the opposite, not much mix at all. The segues between tracks are also brilliant, and the CD tracks are put together as one continuous mix, rather than tracks being separated. I guess I would call the music "trance", but it's definitely not the American flavor of trance, highly commercialized, overpriced, mediocre on quality. Oh, make sure you buy the Sony International Import Gatecrasher Red, not the US version; the tracks are different, I've heard.

Anyway, the energy in both CD's is PHENOMENAL. I suggest JBL or Bang & Olafsen speakers to go along with it. Cheers!

Is there anything better?
Driving beats, soaring synthesizers, and a soothing rhythm is the only honest description of Gatecrasher Red. A friend gave me Red in early 2002 and since then I have gone on a mad buying spree with the hope that I'll find an album that parallels Red. An album that inspires and uplifts you each time you pop it into your CD player. An album where you continually hear new and exciting parts even though you have previously listened to it innumerable times. An album that stands the test of time and remains today one of my favorite albums. I have found many albums that try, and are close, to paralleling Red, yet my efforts have been in vain. Gatecrasher Red is entirely unique and original, as far as trance goes, and will pay you back in the full with the many joyous moments that you will have from listening to this album. Do yourself a favor and buy this album... you won't regret it.

The start for me
This album started me into trance music, and serves as a constant reminder of what all music mixes should be. I started out liking "plasma," but as my tastes evolved, I liked "future" more and more. I still listen to this set endlessly, as it really gets at your emotions like good music should.

I believe what I was told about Red!
Okay first off Red is a great album! That said now let's cover the whys and hows.
Red has remixes of some of my favorite artists: Robert Miles, Garbage, ATB, PVD, Fatboy Slim, DJ Tiesto, LoveChild, and Basic Avalon. WOW!
Miles is ambient and his songs are awesome, having them remixed really brings out his talents. Garbage, well her voice says it all! I'll be seeing Garbage in concert May 17th. Should be a blast!!
ATB, PVD, and Fatboy Slim: I love all three for different reasons. Paul Van Dyk was introduced to me right beside Paul Oakenfold. Between the two, I'd have to say I enjoy Oakenfold more than PVD's style. These artists were good before the remixes. Now that they've been remixed at Gatecrasher, they sound even more awesome than I thought they could be!
I would have to say that Red and Digital are perfect for parties.

Wet is great for chilling out and working on projects with it playing in the background. If you do artwork or write, listen to Wet in the background. I've found it very relaxing.

The Red CD is only for those who love collecting trance. It's definitely a highly ranked album. But the songs are faded and mixed together & into each other, only buy this album if you like Gatecrasher and their styles, or if you want something to play during trance parties/DJing for a weekend. ... Read more

Album Description

Fabric presents yet another brilliant audio journey – this time by well respected German techno and house stalwart, Michael Mayer.Mayer runs Kompakt - the much admired German imprint and distribution network along with the revered techno and house weekly "Connfusion."Mayer,along with co-conspirators Superpitcher and Tobias Thomas have been key players in shaping the envelope pushing sounds currently coming out of an city in Germany which is rapidly gaining a reputation as a fertile bed for creativity in both music and the visual arts: Cologne.

A 16-year turntable veteran Michael is a staunch disciple of the 4/4 sound.Michael says, "The only thing I pre-determine is that I play 4/4. The rest happens by accident. I love the deeper side of music, obviously, but I like it raw and kicking. There has to be some pop sensibility too but... not obviously. The structure of my set is very pop influenced... I love to play... songs... things you can whistle on the way home."Fabric 13 sees Michael doing just that – a brilliant collage of melodies, and tight, tuff beats that will keep you whistling listen after listen! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Deben escucharlo !!
Es un cd grandioso, juega con tus emociones de principio a fin, lo recomiendo 100% !!

Listen to this CD Anywhere
Michael Mayer is a veteran producer/dj from Cologne, Germany. There, he is one of the forces behind top micro house label Kompakt. This CD was produced during/shortly after his residency at the famous British super club, Fabric(London, UK).

It is similar in composition to other mix CD's produced by top DJ's and producers in series like K7's "DJ Kicks". As the producers of top quality dance music have migrated into non-English speaking areas (such as France and Germany) these compilation CD's have become increasingly essential to followers of quality dance music.

Several of the tracks on this disc are from Mayer's Kompakt label. Kompakt rarely releases anything other then vinyl, so these tracks make the CD worth the (expensive) price of purchase.

Mayer also includes a piano based remix of a popular Westbam track from last (2003) summer.

What is remarkable about this CD and micro house as a genre, is how flexible it is. Unlike most dance music CD's, Mayer has created a sound that is nice for reading, cleaning, working out, or dancing.

I hestitate to even write something like the sentence above for fear that I will shortly be hearing Mayer played tracks on ads for Gap and Target, but what are you going to do? His sound has been around for some time, and he deserves some recognition.

Additionally, strong sales of this record might induce him to come states side to play some more dates. This would be a welcome event! All in all, a CD that reminds you of a time when dance music was more relevant.

Pure Audio Bliss
This CD is what makes me get up in the morning, and go to sleep at night. I can listen to it 24/7. It is perfect. Michael Mayer is a genius, and knows how to pick out the perfect songs to have a phenomenal CD. This disk is just amazing, with some great minimal beats. This isn't for your regular club music fan, this is for people who like depth, intelligence, and meaning to their music. A CD has never struck me as a piece of art, yet this CD has made me realize that music just isn't about mindless beats. Don't get this CD if you are looking for a good party album. Get this CD if you want some great, intelligent music. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Amazon.com

As a guy who puts out 12-inch jungle singles on a regular basis, Aphrodite has found himself in a rut in the three years leading up to this release. As the partycentric "jump-up" style he favors began settling into a formula, he cranked out three or four duff tracks for every dance-floor stormer he's come up with. By this point, his disdain for experimentation is beginning to seem less like a principle and more like a dodge. Nearly every track that emerges from his camp relies on the same tambourine loop and wobbly bass line--though with a different rap sample thrown in to distinguish them. So consider his stateside debut album something of a surprise. Jumbling together tracks old and new, Aphrodite has put together an absolutely convincing summary of what he does and why. From "B.M. Funkster," which blatantly samples the O'Jays's "Money," to "Summer Breeze," which roughs up the immortal Seals & Crofts pop tune, Aphrodite doesn't exactly court subtlety. This is unapologetic dance music, too committed to moving the crowd to advance the science of jungle technology. When it doesn't work it has nothing else going for it to keep your interest. But when it's on--and this record is on--the music doesn't need anything else. --Jeff Salamon ... Read more

Reviews (26)

This disc shows that Aphrodite is not your everyday DJ.
In the modern world of electronic music, whether you have "DJ" before your title or not, a lot of artists have gopne from mixing and remixing other peoples' tracks to composing their own. Aphrodite is one in the jungle scene to pull off his own brilliant album, completely written and produced by himself. His long held reputation as a mixer shines through in this abum.

The bass is some of the funkiest you will come accross, and the remixes of his older tracks are real origninals. The CD "drops the funk" for 77 straight minutes, wihtout a dull moment. The beats is not as heavey as Dieselboy, but still are definitely appropriate for the dance floor.

If you listen to Nightmares on Wax, you will notice that Aphrodite samples them quite a bit, this is also evident on "The Takeover Bid".

This is definitely one original album you can't go without if you call yourself a drum and bass fan.

The best techno CD of the year...without a doubt!
Aphrodite takes you on an odyssey like no other DJ. I challenge anyone to listen to the whole CD without moving some part of your body. The mesmerizing quality of "King of the Beats" and "Listen to the Rhythm" compel you to dance. "Woman That Rolls" and "B.M. Funkster" are sooo funky. These songs are fresh, the beats are phat, and the bass is addictive. I'm looking forward to hearing more great music from Aphrodite.

King of beats and improv
Highlights:
The first track I really like on this album is the first track on the album, which is one of three interludes, also known as "Tower Tronic". It is a very relaxing instrumental, and it captures the spirit of Enya in a drum and bass rhythm. It makes for an interesting introduction, and it is probably my favorite track on the album.

The second track I really like is called Spice. it doesn't have very many lyrics, but I like the few it does have. I like the repeated and sporadic whispering of the word "spice". This track is my favorite track that isn't an interlude. It has a magical sort of quality to it.

The last favorite of mine is called Woman That Rolls. It has a very good beat, and it is hella catchy. I like the sound clip that he mixes in the song where he says "I need a woman that rolls with my arrangement".

What first time listeners might think/experience:
Most people have never heard or even heard of drums and bass/jungle. What it is is techno sounds with the sounds of a drum kit and a heavy beat, with a lot of emphasis placed on the beat. Instrumentation is more important than lyrics are in the genre. The songs are usually either completely instrumental or there isn't much to the lyrics, which often are something that is repeated and remixed into the song over and over, often in different ways.

An unexperienced listener would probably say that this guy stuck a bunch of musical tracks in some sort of imaginary sound blender, put the lid on, turned on the blender, and then, suddenly, ripped the cover off.. The resulting sound would be an Aphrodite track. Yes, that is what it sounds like on the surface... Everything seems sporadic, varying, unplanned.. but you may realize that it sounds professional.. it sounds alright.. It doesn't sound like a total piece of S#!T.. at all.. It is beautiful and great.. It's because he knows what he is doing..

For experienced listeners:
Simply to say, this guy is the master of improvisation. He knows all the rules.. he follows them.. yet, to your ears, it sounds like he's breaking rules, because there is so much going on. I've noticed one important feature. AT LEAST ONE beat/melody at a given remains constant. It may be hard to notice at times, but it is always true. The reason it is so hard to notice is because there are up to around 5 other tracks being played that are varying at a given time... What is weird and special about Aphrodite is that even in the variations there is much consistency.. if you listen closely enough you can tell that there was a lot of planning, practice, and preparation involved in this guy's work. I given Gavin a lot of credit because he knows his improv.. he obviously had musical training and education... Not only that, but he makes something so consistent seem so varying.. so inconsistent... he's really good at fooling people's ears.. especially someone who doesn't listen closely.

That's about all. Happy listening.

Surprisingly good, gets annoying at the end
Not being the biggest d&b fan, I was completely suprised to be enthralled by this album at the outset. What a groove, great bass track, never boring, seldom repetitious. Until the end of the album, where it seemed to fall a little short (otherwise, 5 stars). A worthy purchase nonetheless.

fine craft
Finally, somebody told a story. That is all i have to say. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

music light and pretty, casting a soft glow
Lambent...ambient and gentle like a lamb? Actually the word means luminous, which is appropriate as well, for music this light and pretty, casting a soft glow. Wispy, but not wimpy. Eluvium is the work of Portland Oregon's Matthew Cooper, a post-rock bliss-out artist if there ever was one.

His music, constructed of layers of guitar, piano melodies, and some distant voices perhaps, swells and falls, wrapping the listener in pale, gauzy colors and textures. On the fourth and longest (15 min.) piece, "Zerthis Was a Shivering Human Image" Eluvium gets nicely fuzzed, warm and deep and droning -- not so light but still pretty. Whoosh. There's five lovely tracks here total, all of which should appeal to fans of Stars Of The Lid, Brian Eno, Landing, Labradford, Sonna, P. Jeck, etc. I like.

Junkmedia.org Review - Please and yes thank you
The Temporary Residence label is making quite a name for itself as it continues to quietly release quality albums that range from the backcountry warbling of the Anomoanon to the post-rock hush of Sonna to the bombastic aural explorations of Explosions in the Sky or Tarentel. Add to that list Eluvium 's debut album, Lambent Material, which puts the "bien" back in ambient.

Matthew Cooper (the man behind Eluvium) crafts music best suited for decompression chambers with its pulsating electrical currents, oscillating waves of distortion and tiny piano all overlapping in a starkly beautiful way. It's oddly moving, but make a note that this is not your mother's ambient music. Take the central track, "Zerthis Was A Shivering Human Image", which wraps the listener in a cocoon of fuzzed guitar distortion that shimmers and twists into a gorgeously mellowed drone. It's a deconstructed My Bloody Valentine sans vocals that will surely leave one's elders scratching their heads and running for cover. Other pieces like "Under The Water It Glowed" or "There Wasn't Anything" throw off a soothing phosphorescence that occasionally startles.

So the next time you return from an electric night of busting the latest dance-punk moves and find yourself vacillating between wired and exhausted, put Lambent Material on for the slow fade to sleep. I can't help but concur with the cryptic phrase in the liner notes: "please and yes thank you."

Barin McGrath

Junkmedia.org Review

Junkmedia.org Review - Please and yes thank you
The Temporary Residence label is making quite a name for itself as it continues to quietly release quality albums that range from the backcountry warbling of the Anomoanon to the post-rock hush of Sonna to the bombastic aural explorations of Explosions in the Sky or Tarentel. Add to that list Eluvium 's debut album, Lambent Material, which puts the "bien" back in ambient.

Matthew Cooper (the man behind Eluvium) crafts music best suited for decompression chambers with its pulsating electrical currents, oscillating waves of distortion and tiny piano all overlapping in a starkly beautiful way. It's oddly moving, but make a note that this is not your mother's ambient music. Take the central track, "Zerthis Was A Shivering Human Image", which wraps the listener in a cocoon of fuzzed guitar distortion that shimmers and twists into a gorgeously mellowed drone. It's a deconstructed My Bloody Valentine sans vocals that will surely leave one's elders scratching their heads and running for cover. Other pieces like "Under The Water It Glowed" or "There Wasn't Anything" throw off a soothing phosphorescence that occasionally startles.

So the next time you return from an electric night of busting the latest dance-punk moves and find yourself vacillating between wired and exhausted, put Lambent Material on for the slow fade to sleep. I can't help but concur with the cryptic phrase in the liner notes: "please and yes thank you."

Barin McGrath

Junkmedia.org Review

This album is worth your time.
I was just sitting around listening to this when the thought occurred to me that I should review it on amazon. I don't know why. Seriously. I've probably reviewed like 3 things in the past few years. But, about the album:

Lambent Material kinda sounds like something in between the long drones of Windy & Carl and the slow, sad instrumentals of Mogwai (Like from young team or EP+2). You can classify it as an ambient record I suppose.

A cool thing about it is that it's immediately accesible, though it still works it self out in your mind after several listens. It has a nice low key feel to it. There are a lot of winding loops of slow melodies with sounds from field recordings in the background. The replay value is good on this album, it's not something you'd get sick of after listening- it's the type of album you'd play several times in a row.

The most intense this album gets is on the fourth track, "Zerthis was a shimmering human image". It's amazing how the track is so simple in that it shifts back and forth between two drones for 15 minutes, but it never fails to lose your attention. Throughout the track there is buzzing and rumbling that constantly comes in and out of the mix. The rest of the album is full of slow, beautifully constructed late-night songs in the vein of EP+2.

So, I would recommend this highly to fans of Windy & Carl, Gas, Mogwai, Stars of the Lid, and even Aphex fans. Actually, this would appeal to anyone looking for a good ambient record to listen to in the middle of the night. I'm glad to have heard this. It's just that nice. ... Read more

Album Description

A best of collection form this trance, techno, industrial,pop, dance, world band. Many tracks highlight some of themost innovative collaborators the Juno Reactor has everworked with, Alex Patterson (Orb), Greg Hunter (ex-Orb),Stef Holweck, Mike Maguire, Steve Stevens (Billy Idol),Amampondo, Nick Burton, Phil Jackson, & Johann Bley. 11tracks including the single, 'Hotaka'. Digipak. Metropolis. 2003. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

An excellent album for newcomers, but nothing new
Over the years, Juno Reactor has been the center of a lot of attention, a rare feat for such a quality electronic band. With original works for several movies such as Mortal Kombat, Lost in Space, and the prestigious (yet disappointing) Matrix Reloaded/Revolutions, Juno Reactor now has the eyes and ears of the world, and as such, it would be logical to release a compilation of their (well, Ben Watkins's - Alleged Juno Reactor 'pivotal member') past works, which in contrast to the advertised "Celebrating 10 Years".

Odyssey effectively outlines Juno Reactor's career by featuring popular songs from their previous albums. As a Juno Reactor fan, I could spend a decent amount of time talking about how I think other songs should have been put on the album, but all things considered, the selection accurately portrays Juno Reactor's talent, and sheer variety in different music styles. Few other artists can meander through different genres as easily and naturally as Juno Reactor (Ben Watkins), and Odyssey begins with such pivotal Psy-Trance tracks, suck as "Feel The Universe" and "Rotorblade" of who's hard-hitting nature, and vague industrial feel more at home in Matrix films, rather than the dance floor.

The album progresses into Juno Reactor's more natural feel, with the popular jungle/tribes piece "Conga Fury" (featured in the "Animatrix" short "Final Flight of the Osiris"), and than moving on into Pistolero, a western themed song about a woman who is in love with a Bank Robber, complete with Spanish guitar.

Fans of Juno Reactor probably own the albums that include all of the above, suggesting once again that Odyssey is meant more as an introduction to the world of Juno Reactor. Contributing to this likely intention is the fact that many of the songs on Odyssey have been edited with shorter introductions. While this definitely will help those who don't have the attention span for 7 to 10 minute songs, it's somewhat an insult to fans, and once again limits the appeal of the album to newcomers. Unlike some electronic artists, Juno Reactor has always been able to provide the payoff for a long build, so, I do not think this was necessary.

Like any "Best of Album," the intended hook to snare old school Juno Reactor fans was a brand new song titled "Hotaka," a collaborative effort with Gocoo, a taiko drumming team. Hotaka lends it's self to the Japanese influenced song, titled "Samurai" (also Juno Reactor), and throws in some classic Rockin' Guitar, courtesy of Steve Stephens (Billy Idol). When broken down, Hotaka is composed of Gocoo's style of somewhat vocal (yet bodiless) percussions, pseudo jungle beats, and Rock n' Roll guitar riffs. Daring in concept, but in practice, it doesn't really work. The song is too segmented, and sounds like a clumsy hodgepodge of a piece, suggesting once again that Bed Watkins really doesn't play well with others (like his Collaborative piece with Don Davis for the Matrix Soundtrack). Alone, Hotaka unfortunately doesn't offer enough for fans, and simply purchasing the Hotaka Single is somewhat of a better alternative.

Ultimately, I can only recommend this album to those who have realized that that catchy tune during "Virtuosity" was Juno Reactor, and other soon-to-be fans. As a fan, this is nothing that hasn't been heard before, and thus, unless you really want to show your support to Juno Reactor, I would say this is a pass. Those who would like to catch Juno Reactor's new song, should check out the Hotaka Single

Excellent,
first off let me say that this was my first CD by juno reactor.. i was familar with some of their work on the mortal kombat and matrix cds. i figured this would be the best cd to start out with seeing as its not only their newest release, but it also serves as a summary for their work over the last 10 years. i simply love the cd and their isnt one bad track in my opinion. each song takes me to a different place... songs like high energy protons and rotorblade have a futuristic evil sound to them.. while songs like pistolero have a more western feel. hotaka has a good oriental feel to it. all in all i look forward to their next effort.

Don't buy this CD
Juno Reactor are far too awesome to be summed up in one tiny little compilation album. It's totally worthwhile getting all their earlier albums so why bother with this? If you like what you hear on this you'll most likely want to go grab their other albums as well anyway. Even if you're new to JR, I recommend starting off with 'Shango' instead! You won't be disappointed, Juno Reactor rule!!

Great intro to Juno Reactor.
However, If you already own their other stuff, then you should just get the Hotaka single instead because it has the same 12" dance verion. A few of the other songs on this album have been slightly edited so that they skip any slow intros that they may have had on their original release. Personally I think your money would be better spent on one of their real albums. They are all great. ... Read more

Album Description

What is tech-pop? This is Tech-Pop - 21st Century Electroand New Wave is a seminal greatest hits collection for arevolutionary new sound! Featuring Fischerspooner, Soviet,Green Velvet, Felix Da Housecat, and many others - this isone essential collection!Tech-Pop, a hybrid of Techno,Rock , Electronica, House and Pop, is already creating acommotion big enough to have Indie shops buzzing about itand clubs around the world playing it exclusively. Incities like New York, Berlin, Detroit, LA and London,electronic music aficionados have adopted this new sound as their own! Ministry Of Sound / US release. Slipcase. 2002. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Best Electro CD of 2002
This was my first taste of what's become known as the "Electroclash"TM scene...and what a taste it is! A non-stop barrage of near classic songs that sound like they should be huge hits...if we were still watching Dynasty and wondering what Ronnie was going to do about those pesky Russians. Brilliantly compiled by the innovator himself, Larry Tee, this is the best 21st Century electro compilation available (and there are plenty out there). Crossover harkens back to glory days of The Waitresses, Zoot Woman to Hall and Oates, Soviet to Naked Eyes and yet each manages to bring something fresh to what could be seen by some as cheesy synthpop. Even the Corey Hart remake suddenly revitalizes a tired "80s lunch" staple and makes it worthy once again. If you ever loved "new wave" or alternative dance music and want to get away from all the "modern rock" that rock radio is playing (ie Creed, Puddle of Mudd, Disturbed, etc), buy this CD. Felix da Housecat and Miss Kittin rule the world!!!

The Best Of
This compilation works perfect! I would say that 16 of the 20 songs are absolute masterpieces in the modern synth-pop and electroclash genre's. This mix compilation was the CD that started my obsession with this style of music. The compilation opens and closes with 2 very important songs...

Fischerspooner - "Emerge" - Probably the most well-known song on the compilation. Fischerspooner are from NYC and the guy/girl voices in this song are immaculate. (11/10)

Console - "14 Zero Zero" - A semi-interesting song by an interesting group from Europe. (6/10)

Zoot Woman - "Nobody Knows (Part One)" - Very soft sound.. almost like a synth-ballad. Believe it or not, but there is a Part 2 to this song, featured on their own album. Part 2 is very different but also much better! (8/10)

Tiga/Zyntherius - "Sunglasses At Night" - An awesome electro version for an awesome 80's hit. Tiga is hot stuff, and his new song "Hot In Herre" is a cover of a terrible song, but the dub mix proves what Tiga can do. Tiga is the greatest producer and DJ in the entire electroclash movement! Nobody beats Tiga!!! (10.5/10)

Soviet - "Candy Girl" - Goodness, an 80's vibration has overtaken myself with this song! The male singer is perfect. The beat is very comparable to that of 80's italo disco. I bought their entire album because of this one song, and it is one of the best synth-pop albums I ever owned! (11/10)

Circ - "Destroy She Said" - Female vocals with a dance beat.. Very cool mixture of beat, vocals, and effects. (9/10)

Green Velvet - "Genedefekt" - Green Velvet (AKA Cajmere) is a must for this compilation! Although "La La Land" is his best song, this one makes its obvious appearance. (8/10)

Waldorf - "You're My Disco" - Here we go with another awesome song that absolutely blew me away on the first listen. Sounds like a production out of the original synth-pop era in the 80's. It has a very un-appealing and absurd synthesizer noise at the beginning and mid-break of the song, but beyond that, this is a wild song to listen to! (10/10)

Tomcraft - "Overdose" - Hmm.. DJ Tomcraft has done some very experimental stuff lately in Europe and has actually had a top 5 hit with "Loneliness" from early 2003. I am beginning to consider this a possible favorite song on the compilation. Tomcraft is doing for the 00's what the founders of synth-pop did for the 80's. His new album features this song and all his other big electro hits! (11/10)

Swayzak - "State Of Grace" - More awesome synth-pop!!! This is another song that mistakes itself for an 80's dance club smash. I've heard this beautiful voice far too many times before. Top song on the compilation! Swayzak is sexy and needs no introduction here! This song is absolutely not their normal sound.. they are very experimental and dark.. this is a softer release by them and for their true clash sound, try "Ikea" which is a b-side and appears on Tiga's DJ Kicks mix. (11/10)

Yellow Note Vs. Pukka - "Naked, Drunk And Horny" - Definately the funnest song on the compilation. A very happy sound involved here. (9.5/10)

Golden Boy / Miss Kittin - "Rippin Kittin" - One of the best electroclash songs ever. You should already know this one! Anybody who Miss Kittin collaborates with becomes an instant star in the electroclash world! Very dark vocals! (11/10)

Felix Da Housecat - "Happy Hour" - Miss Kitty's good friend is here with an excellent song. Very 80's! One of FDH's best productions! (11/10)

Crossover - "Extensive Care" - A song that builds on you and then it takes over your mind. This song reminds me of a movable new wave hit from the 80's.. (10/10)

F.C. Kahuna - "Machines Says Yes" - (8.5/10)

Selway - "Pozition" - A bit like Tomcraft's incorporated sounds with some synthesizers thrown in. John Selway AKA Memory Boy is a friend of mine and I must commend him with all of his music, but "There Is No Electricity" by Memory Boy is by far his best production and it competes with the best of Fischerspooner and Miss Kittin. (7/10)

Ladytron - "Playgirl" (Zombie Nation Mix) - This has grown on me. I originally despised any mix other than Felix Da Housecat's, but now I am beginning to think just as highly of the Zombie Nation mix of Playgirl. This is a very catchy mix, very different from the Felix mix or any Zombie Nation production. A quick plug to "Kernkraft 400" by Zombie Nation from 1999: one of the originators of modern synth-pop, and a #1 European hit! (10.5/10)

Toktok Vs. Soffy O - "Go!" - Nothing groundbreaking, just nice to listen to. Their entire album is fair at best in my opinion. Quite popular in UK. (8.5/10)

Mirwais - "Naive Song" (Dave Clarke Mix) - Hmmm, probably one of the 2 songs I didn't really jump for on this compilation. Dave Clarke is big in Germany and has done a production in partnership with none other than Chicks On Speed. (6/10)

F.P.U. - "Ocean Drive" - Damn right, finish this compilation with an awesome cover version. "Crockett's Theme" has been covered so many times, but this is the one! This is the best version I ever heard of this song! Jan Hammer has let someone outdo himself! F.P.U.'s album is fine, and so is the Tiga White Linen mix of this song (once again Tiga takes his own voice and implements it into this instrumental song). One of those songs with a title that fits quite well. Without a doubt! (11/10)

This is the best compilation to start from because it gives you a little bit of everything. And the songs are almost all awesome and innovative. Worth every penny!

21st century liquid sky?
I am not going to endlessly compare Electroclash to New Romantics, Europop, Synthpop and other bubblegum pop styles of of the early 80's. Some songs on this collection combined Techno, House, funk with New Wave. That sounds great to me.Waldorf's fun song is one of the better tracks but it is not a New Romantic "mix." He is probably not old enough to know what the movement was about. Visage was a NR. Vicious Pink Phenomenon was a NR. The first Duran Duran album is a New Romantic classic. Not even Cee Farroh could cut it as a NR. Waldorf is a 21st century disco. There is nothing subversive about "Your My Disco". The catchy and totally danceaable song did not take me back to the glory days of lipstick kisses. Back then, to be a New Romantic was to be unique, and it was for a fan to be more fabulous than the actual bands. A club was a giant fashion show for the elite. The music was second and the blitz kid's wardrobe was first on the list because it was perhaps the only way to pass the fashion police doorboy to get in a real New Romantic venue if you did not have any inside connections. "Emerge" by Fischerspooner is nice. I wish it was a short version. The only factor I did not like about this song is the phony annoying female. It sounded like a pitched up voice of the male singer. This song, on the other hand, is closer to New Wave than 90's Techno but more complex than most 80's hits as far as the rhythm goes."Naked, Drunk And Horny" is the most standout. Think of it as Laury Anderson with a 21st century youth appeal high on body fluids. Yellow Note Vs. Pukka captured most of the current clubgoers' hormonic "needs" throught the world. The electronic voice manipulations are tasty enough to prove my point. If the singer's cuteness matches her playful robotic voice, she will be a big star.You will also hear the totally awesome "14 Zero Zero". This song is probably the closest you will get to take you back in the 80's. The music is full of sythetic attitude to convert even the jaded Techno fans but I wouldn't hold my breath. It reminds me of Telex meets Information Society and Zapp. You will not be disappointed unless vocoders are not your swing.Overall, at a "used" price, this cd is worth buying. It would have been a classic if the compiler included the following songs: "Hot Room" by Lind Lamb, "Space Invaders Are Smoking Grass" by I-F, "I Don't Care" by Dexter, short versions of "Life On MTV" by Miss Kitten/Hacker and "Get Me Off" by Basement Jaxx and Peaches. The compilation as it stands does not have enough drama a la "Liquid Sky".

The More Radio-Friendly Side of Electro--
This is a very good compilation of the new sound of ElectroClash (or Tech-pop, or whatever it's known as this week).
Having said that, it is very much the softer side. There is Miss Kitten, but she's singing what equates to a rather pretty little melody (regardless of the murderous lyrics). There is Green Velvet doing 'Genedefekt', But it is the version without the trade-mark off-kilter vocals. Just about the only thing on here which is even a little more challenging is Fisherspooner's 'Emerge', but come on, it's on so many collections now that even my mom could sing along with it.
Now, I'm not saying that this isn't a great collection, because it is a lot of fun, packed end to end with catchy tunes that in all fairness would be getting a lot more radio play in a more fair universe. However, just know that it is called 'Tech-POP' for a reason on the cover.

One of the best CDs....
....I've bought in a while. I've always loved synthpop so it's great to have new stuff to listen to. This is a great compilation to get if you want to hear the different sounds that make up the Electro genre today. ... Read more

Album Description

Reknowned as one of the most respected producers in the genre of dance music, Ian Pooley has been working heavily over recent years to complete a new full-length album that fully reflects his artistic development.

From his first steps into house music and his first real artist album Meridian (1998, V2) as well as the highly acclaimed follow-up Since Then (2000, V2), Ian Pooley has made his way to the very top of international producers and DJ's. Many have asked for his skillful production and remixes, among them renowned artists like Deee-Lite, The Cardigans, Yello and Modjo – to name a few.

While the trademark sound of Ian Pooley has never changed, the sounds and melodies of his tracks and his songs today embrace an incredible broad range of music…. Brazilian and Latin rhythms can be found in Pooley’s productions as well as tasteful hints to soul, Jazz and Blues or nostalgic quotes of Detroit Techno or New Jersey House. Souvenirs shows a new kind of maturity in Ian's work.

The album also includes appearances by some of Ian’s most admired artists, including Marcos Valle, the Brazilian Bossa Nova mastermind and one of today’s most gifted blues and soul singer, Terry Callier. Both adds perfectly to the soulful, driving compositions, making it more than obvious that Pooley's unique ability to blend deep feelings with moving grooves has reached a completely new level! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Bit Disappointed
To be fair, German DJ Ian Pooley had quite a challenge before him."Since Then", his last album, was very good.It came out in 2000 and was a vital source for some Nu-Brasil cuts in that time period with "Coracao Tambor" and "Balmes" and even "Since Then" making rotation for a local (Emerson College) radio station.Back in 2004 was Ian's third release, "Souvenirs", and I picked it up straight away but struggled to review it.

What drove me to this was, honestly, Marcos Valle.I heard "Sentimento" off of Brazilution 5.2 and liked the song - albeit felt it seemed for some reason, cliched.Still I picked it up to check the other cuts and I wasn't wowed by this.The intro is cool and there's some good house with loops like "Heaven" and "All About You".But the highlights to this cd were easily the track with Marcos Valle, the cool beats on "Bony Batudada" and "Me Leve" featuring "Since Then" vocalists Rosanna & Zelia.But after "Distant Love", there just wasn't much that hooked me to the album.

Hard to recommend since there just weren't a great deal of tracks that I didn't hit "FF"."Hotel Boogie" was an ear sore and I admittedly missed some of the quirkiness of "Since Then" with "Venasque" intro or the Joyce inspired samples on one of the other cuts.I would say wait on this and check out the highlight cuts on superior compilations like Brazilution and others that will feature the songs remixed (hopefully).Released on MOS Germany, it's not a bad release, just not particularly original. ... Read more

Album Description

CD 1 - A Sweet Electro & Jazz Selection by F. Lamy features tracks from Kinobe, St. Germain, Herbie Hancock,Telepopmusik, Llorca, Sex With Birds, Bebel Gilberto andmore. CD 2 - A Deep & Electro House Selection by DJ Chloefeatures tracks by Glenn Underground, Herbert, The Notwist, Abstract Soul, Phoenix and more. Trifold digipak in aslipcase. 2002. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The best recordings I've ever listened to.
This CD showcases some of Europe's finest musicians put together by people who know music. It captures the essence of everything I have ever wanted to listen to. This music will blow your mind if you have the time to relax and listen. It is superb. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Japanese Flava from Towa Tei!
As one third of Deee-lite, Towa Tei may have been the quietest member of the trio, but I think he had the most to offer musically. His second solo CD, "Sound Museum," is a head-bobbingly agreeable grab bag of sorts: deep house, hip hop, and elctro soul. "Time After Time" blends a rich, deep bassline against electronic bleeps; Kylie Minogue gets roped in for vocals on the house-injected "GBI," and then there's a personal favorite of mine, the funky and Dee-lite-ish "Higher." But the track that will most likely raise eyebrows is the low-key, bossa-nova reinterpretation of the Hall and Oates gem "Private Eyes." "Sound Museum" is a pretty hard disc to dislike; give it a whirl on your player, and you'll be bobbing your head to the groove in seconds.

Funky...in a Japanese, kitschy, quirky style
Not quite in the same vein as his debut FUTURE LISTENING, Towa Tei's 1998 release SOUND MUSEUM left behind many of the Brazilian elements of his first album. SOUND MUSEUM, though just as loungy, is an exploration of funk.

The opening track, "The Sound Museum," is an odd electronica song with robotic samples ("Mr Smith would like to know...how many robots there are") and swinging brass. "Time after Time" is a soul-inspired almost-house track. The Biz Markie-accompanied rap song "BMT" is an interesting diversion that definitely would seem out-of-place to anyone who had only FUTURE LISTENING.

The album's standout single, "G.B.I.", features Kylie Minogue singing on a Chicago-style house song about a typeface. Despite its less-than-exciting theme, "G.B.I." might be the best song on the album. The songs after it include Towa's cover of "Private Eyes" by Hall and Oates, which is actually sort of ho-hum, and "Everything We Do is Music," a journey through samples of that phrase in several languages.

Not exactly revolutionary or must-have, SOUND MUSEUM is nonetheless a nice piece of ear-candy that would appeal to anyone who has a flair for offbeat music, especially of the inexplicable Japanese kind.

disappointing follow-up
The title of Towa Tei's second solo album, Sound Museum, makes it seem like it's going to be a direct contradiction to his first album titled Future Listening. Actually, the style on it is very familiar. Towa loves prgramming his songs on a computer, writing lyrics in about 5 different languages, combining bossa nova, disco and hip-hop and having the beautifully voiced Bebel Gilberto sing on half of the tracks. But while Future Listening was an undoubted success at making a kind of quirky global dance music, Sound Museum retraces its steps but falters nearly every step of the way.

It kicks off with the dense and sampledelic "The Sound Museum" which is nothing more than a cut-and-paste affair. It's like he programmed the computer to be jazzy but I can't decide if he wants me to dance to it or to laugh at it. And just as this album starts off with a dense electronic song like Future Listening, "Time After Time" is this album's "Luv Connection." It's somewhere between 70's funk and En Vogue and I'll just say funk isn't Towa's strong suit.

"Happy" is a little more successful attempt at the same type of song, but that might just be because sweet Bebel Gilberto sings the chorus. I'm convinced that any song could be sung by her and it would sound good. But still, sadly, she just gets the chorus. "BMT" stands for Biz, Mos and Towa. In other words, Towa got two of my favorite rappers, Biz Markie and Mos Def to contribute to the same song! So it's a surprise that this song isn't better than it is. The music is buzzy and repetitive and the lyrics are surprisingly inane.

There's another bad funk song and another inane rap song and there's a song that shows off Towa's love of the strange and kitsch. "German Bold Italic" is about a font that he made up and is actually included in an enhanced part of the CD. The music is nothing to write home about and though he got Australian superhotty Kylie Minogue to do the vocals, all she really gets to do is talk her way through it, playing the part of the font. The last three songs are the only ones worth repeated listenings. The first really good song comes after 7 tracks and is worthy to even be on Future Listening. "Tamilano" sounds like it should be called "Daughter of Bambi" as it sounds just like "Son of Bambi" from the last album but is a lot more playful. Towa again makes a sitar seem like the most obvious instrument to put in a dance song. Then Towa Latinizes Hall and Oates' "Private Eyes" and my favorite Bebel croons her away across the strangely space-inflected bass, fender rhodes and strings arrangements.

But the final song is what makes the CD. If Sound Museum popped up in a bargain bin, "Everything We Do Is Music" would make it worth the purchase. This is where Towa really shines. The ten-minute opus starts with a cut-up gamelan recording and eventually lands at spots all over the world and in outer space. The song's title and message is repeated over and over in the song in different languages to drive the point home. This is a song that deserves to be heard by everyone at some point in time.

Good music!
Sound Museum is a good CD, I haven't heard his previous offering. Which everyone seems to like more than this one..... However, there are some good songs on here. I must say I was quite surprised at the "hip-hop" influence, but it's still all good. "Time after Time", "Corridor" and "Everything we do is music" are my favorites. I bought this because they said "If I liked Pizzicato 5, that I would like this one". Well it's not on the same vein as Pizzicato Five, but I still like it. I would classify this as a dance/hip-hop type of CD. Which is cool, but I just expected something different. I would recommend this to people who have a diverse music taste.

smooth beats, real unique
i've heard good reviews of towa tei, i saw the cd in a used cd store for cheap so i was like well i'll give it a chance. i really enjoyed it alot; i especially love the backtrack for BMT (Fun to bass out to and really crazy!) GBI is a great smooth song and Private Eyes is just wonderful! i haven't heard any other of his work so i have nothing to compare it to, but i must say for my first listen, it was a good buy and i plan on buying much more of his work now. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Wait for it !
Wait for the official Dominatrix Rereleases to come out on indie labels TBA in 2003 ...

NT

This is the real dealeo
This is the record that hipped Madonna to S&M . Sampled by many. Fullscale remix /rerelease is coming, so fans - hold out for it !

Noyuri T

AN 80'S MUST HAVE!
ONCE YOU HEAR IT YOU WILL REMEMBER IT. CD IS OUT OF STOCK FOR A LONG TIME BUT RECORD IS STILL AVAIL.ORDER IT AND BURN IT ON CDBEFORE ITS GONE FOREVER ... Read more

Amazon.com

Seven years after their last release, former Black Dog members Ed Handly and Andy Turner finally get around to putting out a second album. The duo's polyrhythmic soundtracks are now embellished with live instruments and the lush voices of techno divas like Nicolette ("Extork") and Mara Carlyle ("Rakimou"). Plaid manage to hang on to the sparse intensity of Black Dog even with the new frills, only now the songs offer much more in terms of listening experience. Particularly noteworthy is the quietly detailed collaboration with Björk on the jazzy and warm "Lilith." Clearly worth the wait. --Aidin Vaziri ... Read more

Reviews (27)

music that cares for people who care
This music quite possibly saved my life; it gave me hope during a very dark time. Plaid manages to have a sense of humour while being very eclectic, intelligent, and beautiful. This album is NOT for music snobs - the people I know who love this album don't necessarily like this genre, but rather have curious, compassionate, slightly childish personalities in common.

This music is complex, but sounds very simple and natural. It's very sincere, but at once casual and effortless. To me, this music is like a person...when I have Not for Threes playing in the room, I'm never alone. This music not only speaks; it embraces with loving arms. It may take some time to grow on you, and you may have to have something happen to you that makes you grow up a little before you can appreciate this music, but this album is among the most beautiful I've heard: loving, thoughtful, funny, fragile, very human music.

beautiful
Plaid and Black Dog (the previous incarnation of Plaid) are a little treasure known only to true electronica lovers. I wouldn't define them a quintessential electronica group like Autechre or Aphex Twin (who is a rather plural musician): programming is only an instrument to express their musical ideas. That's why they can take the human voice so seriously: listen to a full-fledged vocal song like Rakimou, and you'll notice the difference with the little children's sampled voices of Aphex or of Board of Canada. Consistently with this approach, they treat synthesizer as a classic instrument; as a result, their timbric palette is very "clean", without much noise or experimentation with artificial sounds. Plaid know how to craft a good melody and how to make a drum not sound dull, two qualities hard to find in the same group. And, they are not afraid to mix sophisticated tracks with danceable, commercial ones. For the first group, check out Lilith; for the second Spudnik. There is an underlying fascination by early music (milk) or eastern music (Rakimou). But every song is very gracious and definitely original. If you happen to be a novice to the "intelligent techno" world, and would like an enjoyable introduction, flawlessly realized, resistant to heavy rotation, good for both careful listening and background noise, consider this. Another beautiful CD could be the second of the "Artificial Intelligence" series of Warp Records.

You won't be disappointed
I've been a fan of IDM and related genres for a couple of years now, and I just recently bought this album. If you enjoy that type of music at all, I strongly recommend this CD (even if you're not into "intelligent" techno, this might be a good place to start). It seamlessly mixes clever and varying layered beats (Abla Eedio) with gentle, softly echoing melodies (Milh, one of my favorites). It's about as diverse as it is engaging.

Some people have said that the end of this album is a disappointment, and, while the first few songs are exceptional, I think the end is just as beautiful. It's just different. Lilith is incredible, especially if you're a fan of Bjork. Forever, like Seph, is short but very sweet. I didn't like Getting at first, but now it's becoming one of my favorites.

Milh is probably the slowest, most soothing song here. It's very different from everything else on the CD, and I think that's why I like it so much. The beat doesn't even kick in until about 2 minutes into the song.

The last two tracks, Undoneson and Spudink, and both very different, and a bit more simple that the rest of the CD, but they're each really great songs. Spudink is a beautiful, celestial-sounding song. It's probably less experimental than the rest the album, but wonderful nonetheless.

All in all, I can't really think of a reason not to recommend this to anyone even remotely interested in electronica. It's a brilliant, deeply original collection of music that you will not regret picking up.

Sebadoh and Portishead went to the Bahamas on LSD...
... and proceeded to kick the ... out of a calypso band while they were in the middle of a set, all the while commiting the whole thing to tape to later be remixed and polished by Tricky.

at least.. that's the feeling i get from this CD. sound interesting? maybe it is, but it's just not interesting enough for me to listen to more than once. that's not to say that it's a bad album.. there are some really stand-out tracks on it, like Extork, Kortisin, Lilith, and Rakimou. Actually, almost all of this album is more than listenable, but it doesn't ever come into focus as an album.. more like a collection of singles with a little bit of filler thrown in for padding. Therefore, it's difficult for me to recommend this to anyone other than to say it's far from the worst music i've ever heard, even in the down-tempo / trip hop genre, but people looking for something inspired and inspiring should look elsewhere.

an excellent composition
This is simply an extremely creative and beautiful album. Plaid seems to paint in colors more vivid than nearly all others who have taken the electronic approach to composing music. The songs are simple and yet complex and subtle at the same time. All moods and emotions seem to be represented, yet still a single motif unifies the work. The vocal tracks (including the collaboration with Bjork) complement the "instrumentals" very well. The balance Plaid has achieved gives the album tremendous staying power as well as initial appeal. This one is definitely a gem. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

I bought this single by chance, and.... I liked it!
I owned Moby's CD "Play" and that shows how often I listened to it since I didn't even know this song was on it, but this song is incredible. Gwen Stefani's voice make's the song 100% better than what it was before and they even put the solo Moby version on there so that you could compare the differences. So far everyone that I've encountered liked this song because Gwen Stefani's voice improved it. So people don't hate appreciate. This sigle is goign to make Moby big, it getting a lot of air-play and everything. Now don't listen to that person who couldn't aford to pay 4 dollars for this single because he doesn't release that 4 dollars wouldn't be much saved for a live performance anyway. The clip is not to useful in this case because you will need to hear the whole song to understand it's significance.

The song is excellent, but..........
Don't get me wrong, the song South Side is great but..........

I just thought that there could've been some more versions/remixes of it included...this single has only two tracks and is not really worth getting to me. A few more versions of South Side along with some B-Side tracks would've made this single more worth it in the end. I bought this single used at a music store for .95 cents...at least i only wasted a $1.10 total *shrug*. Gwen Stefani and Moby actually blend quite well together as they sing the chorus in the whole song. That's my review, thanks.

Strangely...
Not as good as the Moby-only vocal mix. A surprise given the video.

here we go now to the southside
I love this song. I've always liked both Gwen Stefani in No Doubt and Moby and finally, a duet with the two of them. It's great and Gwen's clear vocals add to the already great song.

Pure Bliss
When I heard this version of South side on MTV in the run up to the 2001 VMAs (Moby was nominated for best Male), I instantly fell in love with it and wondered why I hadn't heard it before. Imagine my horror when I found out that it was only to be released in America.

I immediately set about trying to get a copy. Thank you Amazon.com for making it possible for me, in lil'ole England to own a copy of the best song I've heard all year.

I own PLAY and loved the album version of South side, but with the voice of Gwen Stefani, the new single is far superior.

I'm proof that this single is the greatest Moby single ever, if I've gone to all this trouble to own a copy.

Moby well deserves his VMA especially as he earnt it with this song. ... Read more

Album Details

Includeins the Exclusive Tracks Loops of Fury, and Chemical Beats (Dave Clark Mix). ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Chemical Brothers - Setting Sun
Setting Sun

Review
Taken from the album "Dig Your Own Hole" includes a radio edit, instrumental and a B -side Buzz Tracks.

1. Setting Sun (Full Length Version) 5:22 Taken from "Dig Your Own Hole", a brilliant song with Noel Gallagher singing. 10/10

2. Setting Sun (Radio Edit) 4:00 Similar to Full Length Version but with 1:22 cut off it. 10/10

3. Buzz Tracks 4:11 A brilliant B - side with a cool beat, it get better as it speeds up. 10/10

4. Setting Sun (Instrumental) 7:00 A longer version of Track 1 but with no singing. 10/10

Improvements that could have been made

Another B - side
More tracks

Good things
A good B-side "Buzz Tracks"
Impressive instrumental
Cool Cd cover

Overall Score 10/10 Ideal for a Chemical Brothers fan such as myself or a collector of Chemical Brothers merchandise. A great addition amongst the other Chemical Brothers singles.

Awesome
This EP is awesome. I got it yesterday and I loved it. It only has 4 songs and is only 20 minutes long but it still kicks...! Setting Sun (Full Length Version) is awesome.
Setting Sun (Radio Edit) is kind of short but I still like it.
Buzz Tracks is the best song on this EP as the "Dig Your Own Hole" Setting Sun version isn't on here. I love all the synthesizers mixed with the drums and everything else.
Setting Sun (Instrumental) is a beautiful song. It shows what the song is like from Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons's point of view.

My worship
If I had to got to war this would be my warship, because I worship this cd!

cd rocks
I love this cd it has 4 songs only. #1 Setting Sun Full lengh #2 Setting Sun Radio Edit #3 Buzz Tracks #4 Setting Sun Instrumental

This cd is great!

For completists only
Most of these tracks are available elsewhere...and the main attraction (Setting Sun) isn't one of the Chem's better tracks in my opinion. So, picking up this EP only makes sense if you are trying to have a complete Chemical Brothers collection. ... Read more