Editor's note: When I looked over my comments in em one I was amazed how "raw" was my commentary on this great music. So, enjoy this expanded version. Straight off the top of my head. Any offence is unintentional.
Download all clips in one zip file. (2.2MB)
SIDE A
Maximum Effect Productions - Jupiter Moon
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Maximum Effect Productions - Black Death
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Sublimely produced, bewitching trance sounds, complete with whoops and howls and a driving groove made for journeys
by train. Jupiter Moon is possibly the perfect trance tune. Unmissable. Top blokes too.
Minibar - The Secret Life of Benny Hill
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Unbelievable tune. Utterly addictive. Better than sex, and longer lasting, at two and a half minutes. If I ever get a song half this good again, I'll be the happiest small-press publisher in the world. With the possible exception of Rupert Murdoch.
DJ X-scape - Dark Voices
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Austere experimental drum and bass with a great vocal loop, and, interestingly, the first music selected for em ever. Surprisingly dark music from a surprisingly young bloke.
Scuba - Forever and a day
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A rare chance to hear the legendary Jules “Arthur” Arthur on bass. Definite sideways nod to a certain cheeky scally moptop four-piece of yesteryear. Harmonies a-go-go.
Nicholas Langley - Heater #2
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Scary filmic throbbing keyboard thing. What can I say? Turn the lights off and soil your pants.
SIDE B
Multiplex - Environment
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Multiplex - Space
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Absolutely mind-blowing. Scary 50s sci-fi inspired knob-twiddling (and I use the term "knob-twiddling" with utmost respect, being a bit of a twiddler myself). Surging beats interspersed with moments of deafening ambience. Who writes this sh*t? Oh. I do.
Adam's Family - Feel
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And feel you do. Jaki Florek's vocal performance recalls Marianne Faithfull, and adds performance-enhancing drugs. Like Joplin in her quieter moments. That's Janis, not Scott, you fool.
Angela Carrillo - Riverbank
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I can say with confidence that when you hear this you won't believe it. Nor will you be surprised that Ms Carrillo is also an opera singer - a bigger range than Texas. And as for the tune... beware, when this gets in your head you'll be laughing all the way to the nuthouse. Nick Royle, author and critic, summed it up perfectly when he wote: "If David Lynch were to cop a listen of Riverbank, Angelo Badalamenti and Julee Cruise would be out looking for new films to score".
