Urban Landscapes Tonight: News, Reviews, and Last Week's Playlist

From: Velanche Stewart (vstewart@calpoly.edu)
Date: Fri May 10 2002 - 09:14:24 CEST

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    Urban Landscapes hits the airwaves and the Internet tonight and every
    Friday evenings from 8-11pm PST on KCPR 91.3 FM, and through our live
    Internet stream at http://www.kcpr.org/.

    Don't forget that if you miss the live show, you can hear it anytime via
    the Urban Landscapes site at http://www.urbanlandscapesshow.com. When
    all is said and done, the last ten shows will always be posted for your
    listening pleasure anytime, anyday. Be sure to tell your friends about
    the show.

    Thoughts of Urban Landscapes: Then, Now, and the Future

    One of the nice things about what I do, asides from sharing the great
    music with the listeners, is the knowledge that a global music community
    is just as eager to have their music shared, played, and work their way
    to find new and captivating audiences. From the calls that I've received
    and the email that has been coming this way, people seem to be feeling
    them.

    It's satisfying to create something, nurture it, and let it thrive. When
    I moved here to San Luis Obispo (a college town on the Central Coast of
    California of 43,000--16,000 of whom are college students), there wasn't
    even an electronica show at that time. Based upon various influences
    over the years (and in particular, more recent influences), Urban
    Landscapes was born.

    What started out as another special programming show on KCPR in 1998 has
    evolved. Certainly, the music has gone far beyond its embryonic
    "electronica" phase. With the advent of the Internet, it was now easier
    than ever to review, listen to, and buy new music from anywhere
    online--bypassing the usual barriers of entry that would otherwise keep
    independent music stagnated.

    And so here we are four years later. The newsletter you are reading (a
    fairly recent outgrowth of the weekly playlist) has now expanded to
    include reviews of new music arriving here. Taking the time to take such
    extra steps are really both a matter of having more time to do so, and
    the allowance of remaining passionate in terms of exposing listeners to
    fresh new sounds from around the globe. Learning from others, I find it
    much easier to review my recommendations rather than every single CD and
    vinyl that comes my way. I'm only one person, and time gets shorter
    these days.

    Urban Landscapes will continue to expand in a multitude of ways. I'm not
    at liberty to reveal all as yet, but you will know when conditions are
    appropriate. I can tell you that I have developed a really bad itch to
    spin music for folks, as well as to meet artists, DJs, and all
    like-minded folks who enjoy the music. While I have met some wonderful
    folks already, opportunities have arisen to where I can expand even
    further my own horizons.

    I'm working it up on my newly-purchased Technics, but it will probably
    be either late summer or this fall before I'm brave enough to try and
    communicate with the dance floor. For now, I'll just let the learning
    process flow...and continue to learn from others.

    There is one possible impediment that could get in the way of this
    expansion. As you might have heard or read, webcasters and radio
    stations here in the United States are in danger of the possibility of
    no longer being allowed to stream their broadcasts over the Internet. As
    our station is a university radio station, we would indeed be directly
    affected if we are forced to pay additional costs on top of what is
    already paid for over-the-air broadcasts. Of course, we are quite
    concerned about this matter. As far as Urban Landscapes goes, severing
    our Internet feed would mean that--for the time being--live feeds and
    archived shows may be halted.

    This is an important time for all of independent music everywhere in the
    world. It is my hope that I will have the ability to continue to expand
    our listenership and expose sophisticated music lovers to music that
    would otherwise remain all but heard. As long as I'm able, I will do my
    best to continue to support the labels and artists that truly makes a
    difference in the world of jazzy and soulful club culture. I'm sure that
    most of us webcasters here feel the same way. We shall all keep on
    keeping on, for as long as it takes.

    Thanks & Shouts

    For last week's music, shouts to Nick at Mantis Recordings for passing
    along the excellent Labresults compilation all the way from the U.K.
    Shouts also to Alex from Subthunk for the fresh tracks that are due to
    be mastered--best of luck with you and the band on the summer recording
    session.

    This week is just as fine. Shouts to Omoa Music for the Drink/This Love
    12"...now I know what all of the fuss has been around--Detroit
    represents! Also a tip of the hat to Didier and crew from Versatile for
    the tasty new remix compilation of Chateau Flight remixes. Tip-off also
    to Sasha from Codek for the new Organic Grooves 5
    compilation--definitely another winner to establish Codek as a force to
    be reckoned with.

    In addition to playing cuts from those albums, there's the long-awaited
    long player from Kaidi Tatham under his "Agent K" guise. I'll also
    introduce some delicious new overseas compilations. Of course there's
    lots of new music, and some replays of recent tunes for your pleasure.

    Thanks to everyone, near and far, who have contributed directly or
    indirectly to my knowledge tree. It's through the inspiration of others
    that keeps everything real and engaging.

    Reviews

    V/A--Music & Movement Vol. 1 (Climate)
    It's been said by other DJs and reviewers, and I'll have to agree that
    this well-crafted compilation jumps out as easily the best compilation
    of the year so far. Compiled by UK-based DJ Nik Weston, this is an
    absolutely gem of a collection. There are tunes on this compilation that
    I have heard before (from Tortured Soul and Nathan Haines, among others)
    but have never been able to track down the titles and/or the artists.
    There are still others that are already in my crate (Da One Away,
    Fertile Ground (with the Kaidi remix), Agent K, and Eli Goulart), but
    many of them aren't. I have the double-CD (which are, thankfully,
    unmixed), and soon I hope to get the vinyl because...well, this is
    essential biz. Three unreleased tracks are also on this collection,
    including the well sought-after tune "Going Down" by Jol. You will love
    it, love it, love it! It will get stuck in your CD player, and you will
    make liberal use of the repeat button on your remote. Get this...and be
    happy!

    V/A=-Chateau Flight: Remixerie (Versatile)
    I'm pleasantly surprised with how versatile (pardon the pun) Chateau
    Flight are. Label head Gil'R and his good friend I:Cube really do know
    how to make their remixes shine. They remix many French (Air, Pierre
    Henry, Serge Gainsbourg) and non-French luminaries (Atjazz, Pavel
    Koustik aka Dego, Psyco On Da Bus), spanning over a five-year period.
    Put this puppy on your wish list to grab come early June.

    Atjazz--LabResults (Mantis)
    As if the Chateau Flight remix project wasn't enough, another great new
    remix album has surfaced. Big thanks to Nick from Mantis for passing on
    a copy stateside, which features tunes from Atjazz's "Labfunk"
    long-player from last year (or January if you're in the U.S.). The
    remixers are doing them well, too--from Little Big Bee to King Britt.
    Also for your troubles, you'll be blessed with four new Atjazz tunes.
    Wonderful!

    The Herbaliser--Something Wicked This Way Comes (Ninja Tune)
    It's been a long wait for some new stuff from The Herbaliser, who have
    moved forward into more of a hip-hop direction. And yet, "Something
    Wicked" is very much The Herbaliser keep things real and fresh. Some
    fresh tunes includes "Good Girl Gone Bad" featuring UK hip-hop diva
    Wildflower, a possible ode to GP entitled "Worldwide Connected," and the
    excellent "Mr Holmes." This is another winner from the reliable Ninja
    posse, and it's great to find The Herbaliser in just as fine a form as
    ever.

    Cinematic Orchestra--All That You Give (Ninja Tune)
    This is a beautiful tune filled with melancholic tones and lush sounds.
    Jason Swinscoe and his band have given a compelling teaser for the
    forthcoming album "Everyday". I'm really looking forward to hearing it
    all, but I'm fine with this for now. Remixes by Herbert and Doctor
    Rockit (say, that Herbert guy moves around!) also are on this release,
    as well as a live version of "Kalima." This should keep listeners at bay
    until we see the new full-length "Everyday" from Ninja on May 20 (21 for
    the U.S.).

    Ayro--Drink/Let This (Omoa)
    This has been out for a little while, but I've just received a copy from
    the up-and-coming label Omoa Music. It's nice to know that the U.S.
    contingent can put out quality music, and this really delivers big-time.
    I'm rather partial to "Let This Love," which combines a smorgasboard of
    funk, hip-hop, broken beats, nu-soul, and other elements (not to mention
    Ayro's vocals). "Drink" is on the flip. Both tunes feature acapella
    versions. Omoa is a label that I surely will watch out for in 2002.

    Q-Burns Abstract Message--Innocent (King Britt's Scuba Mix)
    I wasn't crazy about Q-Burn's "Invisible Airlines" full-length from last
    year. Yet sometimes, remixes can really beef up a tune. And the King
    from Philly drops a mix that's part-atmospheric and part-house. Naked
    Music's resident vocalist Lisa Shaw does the biz, and King Britt keeps
    her vocals in place. You can't miss with a Scuba mix on a tune, that's
    for sure. There's also three other remixes, including a tasty one of
    "Differently" by Neon Heights. Watch for the "Re-Routed" remix album
    coming this summer with more remixes galore.

    V/A--SoleBeatsOne (Solemusic)
    From the Solemusic label over in Glasgow, Scotland comes this excellent
    compilation. More in a slow-down feel.

    Chris Brann--So In Love EP 12" (Bombay)
    Atlanta-based Chris Brann (aka P'Taah and of both the Wamdue Project &
    the Ananda Project) flexes his muscles with a new 12" on Canadian-based
    Bombay Records. The production on this one, a bit funky and jazzy and
    housey, makes this cut one worth seeking and checking out.

    Richard Les Crees--Dengon: Special Edition double-12" (I!)
    So I listened to a compilation from Nicolas Matar called "Tropicalism"
    (nice mix CD from the Razor & Tie label), and I kept hitting the repeat
    button for this deep-house groover of a house tune. It's so perfect for
    late night--it surely has that late-night feel. Tropicalism has the RLC
    Deep Energy Mix of Dengon, but the double-12" of Dengon from I! Records
    feature seven other remixes of the tune--all with a different feel and
    all great. Larry Heard has a couple, including an "Underground Mix."
    Most of the mixes features some tasty Japanese spoken vocals by a woman
    known as Mai. It was tough to find, but was worth the bounty and well
    worth seeking.

    Aqua Bassino--Baby C'Mon Remixes (F Communications)
    From last year's "Beats N Bobs" full-length comes the newest tune for
    the album to get the remix treatment. Soul Designer takes the
    otherwise-mellow original to a thumping tech-house level, while <other
    remixer) gives it a funked-up edge inna Atjazz style. Great!

    Player One--Into The Darkness (Unreal)
    I saw this title at the local record store for awhile, and took several
    visits before I've given it a try. I was very hooked when I heard the
    original version--tuff, breakstep biz with a seductive rolling bassline.
    There's a Rennie Pilgrim remix also that gives a different flavor, yet
    keeping the tuffness intact.

    V/A--Les Chansons des Perverts (Crippled Dick)
    I walked into Boo Boo Records, one of the two local indie record stores
    in town. Malik, the guy in charge of the hip-hop and dance vinyl (what's
    up, Malik??) hands me a double-vinyl. I've heard one song, then another,
    then another...what a treasure trove! That was a few months ago. He was
    going to try and order another copy, but realized that the vinyl was
    collecting dust. This gem is a compilation that spans through over 30
    years of this Berlin-based label. Now I have heard of the name, but to
    be honest I know not much about the label itself. What I do know is that
    this is one to have in your collection...or your crate! It's very
    eclectic all-around. Whimsical, fun, and very entertaining.

    Last Week's Playlist (3 May 2001)

    1. Cinematic Orchestra--All That You Give
    CD5 (Ninja Tune)

    2. Nuspirit Helsinki--Hard Like A Rock (Nuspirit Emorph)
    Nuspirit Helsinki (Guidance)

    3. Smith & Mighty--Flash Of Joy
    Life Is... (!K7)

    4. Desmond Williams--This Morning
    Delights Of The Garden (ESL)

    5. The Funky Lowlives--Bellaluna (Boozoo Bajou's Switchblade Mix)
    12" (Stereo Deluxe)

    6. Waldeck--Tears Running Dry Part I (Mushroom Dive's Jazz Cut)
    The Night Garden: Reflowered (E-Magine)

    7. Pablo--Supersweet
    SoleBeatsOne compilation (Solemusic)

    8. KV5 featuring Nicky Taylor--Church Candles
    Phuturesole compilation (Solemusic)

    9. Herbert--Going Round
    Studio Distribution Spring/Summer 2002 sampler (!K7)

    10. Telepopmuzik--Let's Go Again
    Genetic World (Capitol)

    11. Astrid Gilberto--Who Needs Forever? (Thievery Corporation Remix)
    Verve Remixed compilation (Verve)

    12. Atjazz--Harmony (Little Big Bee Remix)
    Labresults: Labfunk remixes (Mantis)

    13. Chris Brann--So In Love (featuring Heather Johnson)
    12" (Bombay)

    14. Richard Les Crees--Dengon (RLC's Deep Energy Mix)
    Double-12" (I!)

    15. Q-Burns Abstract Message--Innocent (King Britt's Scuba Mix)
    12" (Eighth Dimension)

    16. Zero 7--In The Waiting Line (Aquanote's Naked Adaptation)
    12" (Giant Step)

    17. Aqua Bassino--Baby C'Mon (Soul Designer's Remix)
    12" (F Communications)

    18. Aquasky vs. Master Blaster--Loko (featuring Ragga Twins)
    Botchit & Scarper 12" (white)

    19. Player One--Into The Darkness (Original Mix)
    12" (Unreal)

    20. London Elektricity--Incurable
    Out Patients LP (Hospital)

    21. Subthunk--Wobble
    CD-R

    22. Peace Orchestra--Double Drums (DJ DSL Mix)
    Studio Distribution Spring/Summer 2002 sampler (!K7)

    23. The Herbaliser--Worldwide Connected
    Something Wicked This Way Comes (Ninja Tune)

    24. Anti-Pop Consortium--Silver Heat
    Arrhythmia (Warp)

    25. Harmonic 33--The Incredible Mole Machine
    Kaleidoscopic Sounds EP 12" (Alphabet Zoo)

    26. Quant--Pyjamas
    Funkser EP 12" (Hollow)

    27. Stateless--Rejected For Life (Russ Gabriel Remix)
    12" (Freerange)

    28. Benny Blanko--Listen
    SoleBeatsOne (Solemusic)

    29. Nina Simone--Feelin' Good (Joe Claussel Remix)
    Verve Remixed (Verve)

    30. Flora & Fauna--Teak-Paneled Gangway
    Schoehn (Codek)

    31. Atjazz--Day 2001 (Brooks Froot Loops Remix)
    Labresults (Mantis)

    Contact Info

    Please feel free to send your musical submissions (CD, vinyl, and
    minidisc) for airplay and/or reviews to the following location:

    Velanche Stewart, Urban Landscapes
    c/o KCPR 91.3 FM
    Graphic Communications Bldg. Room 201
    Cal Poly State University
    San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
    PERSONAL

    If you have an mp3 submission, please let me know and we'll make
    the appropriate arrangements.

    If you're available for interviews, we welcome them as well. Just
    e-mail me at velanche@kcpr.org.

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