Compilations and Soundtrack

JASON BRANCAZIO (jbrancazio@mail.hamquist.com)
18 Dec 1995 12:36:23 -0900


Picked up two AJ CD's this weekend, my first non-vinyl purchases in a while (got a gift certificate to tower records) and was quite satisfied....I'm glad they're releasing good stuff on CD these days.

Groovin' High vol. 1. - Excellent compilation, very international flavor and a very clubby flavor. Most of the songs are pretty fast and there's not too much head music. Finally got to hear my first Nobukazu Takemura song which made me happy, "Crescent" is quite nice. I still have to listen to this more but it has a lot of potential.

La Yellow 357 - Finally. Great album, though it's a bit drum-machiney at points and there are sections where songs is literally a damn beat with no samples on top at all (I mean minimalism is one thing but c'mon!). Jose's interlude or whatever it's called is incredibly hysterical. Menelik does not do it for me as much as MC Solaar, but maybe cause I saw a video of his and there were too many jumping Digital Underground style pool party people, and because I'm not French. At times some of the music really really kicks it, and it's at least consistent and engaging throughout which says a lot for a full-length electronic release. I can think of maybe 10 that I can put up in this category.

Oh, and I picked up "Meiso" a few weeks ago....great, but not incredible. A bit static and too many short songs. And one song that is a minute and a half of a looped beat. Ugh. The rap songs are great, esp. the roots song and Duality is one of the better songs I've ever heard. Still looking for the next mind-blower.

Questions: When I was in London a couple of weeks ago I read an article about a band called Lamb....it sounded like it was a vocal jungle album....the reviewer said "remember the first time you heard portishead?" Well in fact I do, and it's a pleasant memory so I'm wondering if anybody has heard this album.

Another question...I was looking for the compilation "A journey into Ambient Groove vol. 2" with the Fila Brazilia track "One Zed & 2 Ls" which is one of my favorite songs....does anybody have this album, if so, is it readily available or can I mail order it, and, what are the rest of the tracks like?

Have a happy holiday season everyone!! Drink lots of egg nog, mmmm tasty.

Jay B