THE RETRIEVER WEEKLY FEATURES November 17, 1998 PAGE23

Autechre Completely Unique, Barry Adamson Between Above and Below Autechre - Autechre a welcome change from most electronic mu­ interludes (such as "Goddess of Love") that videos these days). The cover prominently This album is one of three albums origi­ sic being released these days. Oh, and it also give the narrator hope, but are really just giv­ displays all of the big names that are featured nally released on the Warp label in the UK comes in a spiffy dark gray jewel case. Rat­ ing him time to collect himself before the next on this soundtrack the likes of Big Pun­ (and only ing: Beautiful. I'd definitely recommend this demonic burst of energy. isher, Noreaga, ODB, Busta Rhymes and available here as imports for $20-$25) that to anyone with an open mind who's interested The most furious of all the tracks on thi.s Coolio. are being re-released in the U.S. by Nothing in hearing something completely unique. For album is the demonic finale, "Jesus Wept," a I figured it was worth a listen, since it fea­ Records. people already into this sort of music (inte!Ji­ seven-minute buildup of chaotic noises, tured tracks from a few artists that I dig Unfortunately, I was one of the people who gent techno), it's a must-have. - Mark horns, guitars, samples and vocals. Just as this (namely Busta Rhymes, KRS-One and OJ paid $25 for it a couple months ago, because Robinson insanity is about to reach its peak and send Spook.')'). Unfortunately, this album turned out I was too impatient to wait for it to be re­ the narrator into eternal damnation. the noise to be just about as disappointing as most of leased domestically. Whether you pay $25 for Barry Adamson -As Above, So Below is brought to an abrupt end and the narrator the other Hip-Hop I've heard in the past few this album or $14, it's worth it. This detinitely After leaving Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, is welcomed into Heaven, victorious in his years. There are, however, a couple of ranks as one of my favorite albums of the year. Barry Adamson created a series of battle against his demons. Despite all of this standout track.s. The one that surprised me the That said, the unique sound that Autechre pro­ soundtracks to movies that didn't exist. With talk about descending into hell, the fact that most was a collaboration between Goodie duces on this release is definitely an acquired As Above So Below, Adamson presents an this is a concept album does not overshadow Mob and Trip-Hop group Esthero- it's an taste. It's also somewhat of a departure from album of straightforward songs, complete its music as concept albums tend to do. This excellent blend of Hip-Hop and Drum ·n' Autechre?s older materials. The album is with traditional structures and vocals. Despite album would easily hold its own without its Bass. Featuring both rapping and Portishead­ completely electronic and features fast-paced, this step in a new direction, this album still dominant lyrical theme.Rating: Excellent. esque female vocals; this is definitely the complex rhythms and patterns buried within thematically resembles a soundtrack. It docu­ This album should entertain fans of both jazz coolest (and most original track) on the al­ abstract song structures. ments the narrator's battle with his inner de­ and rock. It's also excellent driving music. bum. The tracks from OJ Spooky, KRS-One Sean Booth and Rob Brown of Autechre mons, condemnation, and ultimate descent -MR (with Saul Williams) and A Tribe Called create their unique sound by layering a vari­ into.Hell. The music itself is a fusion of funk, Qu~t's Q-Tip impressed me as well. The rest ety of bleeps, clicks, twangs. scrapes, and rock, techno, hip-hop and, above alJ,jazz. The Various Artists - Slam (The Soundtrack) of the album. however, was just about as un­ beats in a way that is not completely techno, album starts out swinging, with tracks like Recently, I've grown tired of most rap and original and lacking in substance as Hype yet not completely noise. In fact, I often find "Can't Get Loose," "Jazz Devil" and the hip-hop music - it's lost it's edge, attitude Williams' videos. myself, while listening to this CD. paying bluesy "Come Hell or High Water?" and meaning. A few acts out there these days The tracks from Mobb Deep, Big Punisher more attention to the sounds themselves than All of a sudden, the listener is hit with the have kept me somewhat interested, but the and Most Wanted (featuring Pras and The the structure of the songs. This is definitely apocalyptic "Still I Rise," which adds hip-hop signal-to-noise ratio of good rappers has got­ Product) were particularly bad, and the songs the sort of album that shines on a good stereo beats and guitar to the mix, and features vo­ ten much worse in the past five years. De­ that ODB and Busta Rhymes' Flipmode squad or set of headphones, because sonic placement cals reminiscent of Chuck D and Ice-T. With spite all of the bad hip-hop that I've heard contributed were pretty disappointing. con­ is crucial to the sound of this album. Rhythms "The Monkey Speaks His Mind," the narra­ lately. I still have an interest in the genre. This sidering those artists' previous body of work. seem to encircle tbe listener, beats jump from tor descends deeper as A:damson 's punk roots interest led me to check out this album, which The rest of the album was exceptionally me­ one side to the other, noise seems to approach become more apparent. As shown in these is the soundtrack to the first film by music diocre. The only entertainment 1 got out of and retreat without warning. Needless to say. tracks. the latter half of this album is domi­ video director Hype Wimams (who's famous most of the songs on this CD was listening to this album is extremely intelligent and well­ nated by guitar noise, screams and harsh beats. for his fisheye lens and outfits-that-match-the­ the various creative ways that profanity was crafted. It's also completely unique, which is Within this madness are a few quiet, jazzy room style that's dominant in many hip-hop edited out.-MR •• •• •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••. • • • • • Attention! Attention! • • • • • • International Students • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • : Adequate health insurance is REQUIRED for all international : : students. 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