Wire Tapper 42
Included with The Wire Issue #393 from November 2016.
Put the Needle on the Record:This CD featured three excellent tracks that include that distinct sound of a stereo needle on a vinyl record. Is this a hidden trend in modern music production only I have identified? Probably….not. In any case, first up is “Ada” by Stefano Pilia. The-run-out-groove-on-vinyl-where-someone-forgot-to-pick-up-the-needle sound sets the beat for some mellow Paris Texish ™ guitar being played on the front porch while someone else is banging away out in the shed. “Keppler [Edit]” by Cover also harnesses the sound of a needle (at least as the song starts) with odd electronically processed noises pieced together in a cool aural collage. Finally, we have “Willow Sketch” by Molnbär av John. He creates a great piece of hauntology using the needle on an old record sound, along with what sounds like some vintage mellow Hawaiian guitar and relaxed jazzy horn.
You had me at “Horrific”: Maybe this song is a little ominous sounding at times, but “Horrific” by Giorgio Moroser is actually not horrific at all. Electronic music featuring some 80’s sounding keyboard over lots of static. And welcome, Georgio Moroser, to my “All Name Team.”
One I explored further: I liked the mix on “5:34 [excerpt]” by Aluk Todolo. It’s hard and heavy rock, but I also hear some subtle elements of surf guitar at times on this song. And there’s a “mellow” interlude in the middle so you can catch your breath. It’s from their album “Voix” which you’ll find chock full of powerful and fairly relentless instrumental occult rock songs. Recommended…if you dare. And there is even more music to explore on their Bandcamp site. The band hails from Paris, France and, oh, and speaking of France…
Comment dit on “Lake”?: Lake or lac, whether you prefer French or English, they’re both here. “A Progressive Approach to the Lake” is a beautiful track by another group from France – Pointe Du Lac. It features echoing solo piano until some Vangelis-like synth joins in after a few minutes. In any language, it’s magnifique.
Here I am Floating: Likely this wasn’t Lumen Lab’s intention, but “Compa” sort of feels to me like it musically could be documenting a rocket ship journey. It starts with seemingly disparate rhythm patterns, dense with samples and fast beats (our takeoff), and then settles to some relative calm (as we reach outer space). But wait, there’s something wrong. It turns out that was just a short breather as the chaos returns, and then some. Are we returning to earth or breaking free from gravity? It’s an exciting trip either way.
Quiet Season: Emma Tricca gives us the simple pleasure of “Winter, My Dear” with its airy acoustic guitar, piano, sparse percussion and shy vocals. Gentle and beautiful like freshly fallen snow.
Four More to Explore (All Electronic Edition):
— “Raptor“ by Age Coin has some minimalist techno, dub step and UK garage elements. Probably a good late night choice.
— “The Violent Sequence” from Worriedaboutsatan is of a piece with the Age Coin track; maybe a bit denser, but another great vibe.
— “Blackness [Short Edit]” by Echo 106 is spacey dance music featuring a driving beat with odd and, at times, distorted electronics over it.
— You may also enjoy “Stargaze” by Bambooman. It’s a catchy mid-tempo tune with slightly off-kilter steel drum sounds. Love the slow build of instruments.
Other important music information regarding the number 42:
– The name of the band Level 42 was apparently inspired by “the Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, The Universe, and Everything” from Douglas Adams’ “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.” That answer is, of course, 42.
— The soundtrack for the movie “The Summer of ’42” was composed by Michel Legrand and includes the well-known main theme “The Summer Knows.” I’m reasonably certain that neither the movie nor the music has anything to do with Hitchiker’s Guide.
— “42” is one of the tracks on Coldplay’s 2008 album “Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends.” Possibly a reference to Hitchiker’s Guide; possibly not.
— “Channel 42” is the title of a song by deadmau5 (featuring Wolfgang Gartner) from the album “Album Title Goes Here.” As far as connections to Hitchiker’s…oh never mind.
— The pride of Yuba City, California – the apparently-no-longer-together Anthem – have a real throat-shredder called “Forty-Two” as well. It’s so far down the musical spectrum from Michel Legrand as if it’s from a different galaxy.