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review by Bill Binkelman From the fine folks at Psycosomatic Records (with an assist from Fateless Flows) comes this trippy fun-filled explosion of rhythms and grooves from a group of artists who collectively are known as the Novabeats Sound System. It's a CD which spans a variety of subgenres and does so with aplomb aplenty! This is a solid "good time" recording, although that judgment should not be misinterpreted to infer that this is not also sophisticated music. In fact, the music contained herein represents some of the more amazing and intriguing blends of styles I've heard recently. The "good time" reference comes from the overall feelings of fun and cheeriness that permeate almost every track. From the opening bossa nova-ish "Up to You" (from Kathie Talbot) that swings with horns, mellow Fender Rhodes, and quirky synths, flowing along on top of pounding island rhythms to the album's closing track ("Con-tent") from Surface 10 (Dene De Benedictis), a coolly chilled down-tempo slice of modern-day electronica with a side serving of glitch, this CD could be inserted into your Saturday night rotation with a guarantee that it would provide hours of smiles and foot-tapping action. Be forewarned, though, that some songs have vocals (usually repeated refrains) or vocal samples, so if you require one hundred percent instrumental music, you're going to have to pass on this, which will be your loss. You're going to miss Cavestar's funky "This Twisted Life" (chunky Farfisa organ, jangly guitar, bongos, and a Miami-by-night vibe), Swirl's "Together Forever" (think Twin Peaks' meets Richard Bone, a mysterious venture into downtempo cyber-lounge), M.J. Project's "One for the Road" (thumping bass and snare beats, funky Sheila E. rhythms, panned synths galore, bongos, piano, and echoed vibe tones) and a whole lot more where those come from. There is shoegazer-ish glitch/laptop from Surface 10 ("B.F. Egypt"), a slice of desert chill-out beats and laid-back synths from one of my faves, Mr. Soon ("Handful of Dust") and a track that cannot be explained but if it doesn't make you grin and shake yer ass, you're way too uptight ("Indigence" from The Mighty One). Between the jazzy horn licks, the Latin and island rhythms, the sparkling synth work, the liberal lounge touches (tons of sampled vibes, Fender Rhodes, and Hammond and Farfisa organ), the sensual vocals (mostly female), and the cyber/glitch/dub/you-name-it beats, Novabeats Sound System Volume 1 is far and away the most "enjoyable" compilation I've heard this past year. It's "fun in a jewel case" with a capital "F" for fun. Liner notes are plentiful and introduce the artists behind the fantastic music (such as the aforementioned De Benedictis, Joe Jakob, Kevin Crosslin, and Jim Goetsch to name a few). Not only are these artists recording wizards, but they obviously are doing their damndest to make sure you are both entertained and amazed. I know I was. My highest recommendation, with an extra bullet for being "seriously made" music that doesn't take itself too seriously! |
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