Re: ..request of opinions...

Mark Turner (mturner@netcom.com)
Thu, 5 Jun 1997 21:57:02 -0700 (PDT)


Erik asked for opinions on the following, so I'm giving some:

> Air
> Casanova 70 - 12" [Solid/Virgin, PM 212]
> "3 gorgeous versions of this loungey smoocher plus
> "Les Professionels". On heavy vinyl."

This is a class act from start to finish. Even if you have
the original version on SOURCELAB 2, the 12" is worth getting
for the psycho-lounge "Moodswings" mix.

> Dirty Beatniks
> Beatnik Bounce - 12" [Wall of Sound, WALLT 021]
> 4 tracks of electro-tinged trip-hop; including a
> remix by Rhythmes Digitales.

This is just OK...sounds like something you'd mix with,
rather than "proper" songs. Interesting textures, though.

> Kid Loco
> Blues Project - CD [Yellow Productions, YM CD 010]
> "6 tracks of swinging, bluesy trip-hop Paris style."

This, like the more recent Kid Loco "Pop Porn" 10"s, is
a very laid-back, soundtracky affair. I like it, but
wouldn't consider it an essential purchase.

> Les Rhythmes Digitales
> Liberation - 10" [Wall of Sound, WALLLP 009]
> Very weird and wonderful downtempo stuff from these
> French headz.

This is less jazzy and more electronic than most of Wall of
Sound's output. You might call it "austere."

> v/a
> La Yellow Collection - CD X 2 [East West, EW 877]
> "Superb 22 track overview of the immaculate French
> acid jazz/trip-hop label Yellow Productions. Artists
> include Dimitri From Paris, Louise Vertigo, Kid
> Loco, DJ Cam, The Mighty Bop, Frederic Galliano and
> others. The CD includes 10 bonus tracks!"

If you haven't experienced the wonder of Yellow, this is a
great place to start. Includes many of my favorite Yellow
tracks, and runs the gamut from latin grooves to house to
trip hop to some really uncategorizable stuff.

> v/a
> Vienna Tone - LP x 2 [Studio K7, K7055LP]
> "Superb collection of downtempo beats from the
> Vienna scene. 7 great tracks from Count Basic (with
> Peter Kruder), Bask, Mama Oliver, Potuznik vs.
> Sokol, Blackwing, Planet E and Puck Dannin."

Another great comp, but be aware that the CD has four extra
extra tracks (and it's probably cheaper). This is a good
overview of the currently quite hip Vienna scene. There
are some very beautiful tracks on here! Most of it is
quite mellow; the grooves are subtle.

My advice would be to grab the Air 12" while you still can,
then as money permits, pick up the Yellow and Viennatone
comps. Beyond those, I'd wait for used/sale copies.

Hope this helps.

-- 
 Mark Turner
 mturner@netcom.com