Mouse On Mars – Autoditacker (Too Pure)

Bouncy and poppy, but with a full quota of weirdness always on hand, this is the first Mouse On Mars album since 1995's acclaimed 'Laora Tahiti'. But since their last LP there has been collaborations with Wolfgang Flur from Kraftwerk and Stereolab, both of which have bought a summer freshness to their sound. Mouse On Mars provide perfect chilled sounds for the moment, unbeatable in pure trippy melodies and with a refreshing timbre that is missing from the harsher, darker side of techno and dreamed-up house. 'Sui Shop' and 'Juju' take quirky to new heights and it's not long before a funky Mouse On Mars-style spin on drum & bass is introduced in 'Twift Shoeblade'. But nothing's heavy going about this album - any or all of the tracks could easily be used as the soundtrack to a French cosmetics advert of your choice. They may be German, but this is almost certainly the sort of music that Jean Michel Jarre would be making, if he hadn't lost the plot after his original 1970s debut. Stand-out tracks include 'Scat', 'Schnick Schnack Melt Made' and 'X-Files' (this title being probably the only herd-following element on the album). Forget DJ Dado, Mouse On Mars' 'X-Files' rivets a wicked, tiny beat-up drum & bass loop onto some liquid keyboard pads. When the melodies drop (in tracks such as 'Radio' and 'Maggots Hell Wings') it leaves a confusing set of beats and pulses - all set to disorientate the listener and leave them wanting more. And as a result, Autoditacker is definitely one of the freshest and most original albums of this year. 9/10

Zion Train - Singled Out/Alive (China)

This is a must for anyone that's been fascinated, tempted or even just a little intrigued by Zion Train's much-publicised adventures in multimedia and '90s dubscapes. Zion Train's sixth album release is a double, CD-only set pairing a singles-so-far compilation (Single Minded) with their debut live set (Alive). Rather than dub or earth-rooted dance, Single Minded swerves dangerously into Europop territory thanks to production from the Rapino Brothers. Original Zion classics like 'Dance of Life' are given a new clarity, or are commercial dance O.D., depending on how you look at it.

But Single Minded does gather - for the first time on CD - underground classics such as 'Follow Like Wolves' and 'Hovercraft', both thought to have been lost to promo obscurity some years ago. Also included is 'Stand Up And Fight', one of the tracks which landed them on the Radio 1 play list for the first time last year, and the new single, 'Do Anything You Want To'. Alive on the other hand, was taped at Zion Train's Bass Odyssey event at The Rocket last December, as trailed on DJ's internet page back in issue 180. This is a sweaty mix of pounding dub and - compared to the sweetness of Single Minded - all traces of chill have been removed for heads-down hedonism. In the live setting the band give every track their all, even last years smooth and soulful single 'Rise' is given the full-on gabba treatment!

Combining both sides of the Zion Train coin is a great "all you ever wanted to know but were afraid to ask" introduction to the band and their story so far, even if presenting snapshots of their way-of-life underground live shows with the some sugary sweet Europop singles does leave you with more questions than answers... 8/10

The Cranberries - Doors and Windows (Island)

The much heralded "Doors And Windows" album by the Cranberries is the first release on the new mixed-media format Rainbow CD. In an effort to combine the benefits of all the different computer and multimedia formats, Philips Media (in conjunction with M/B Interactive of New York) and Island Records have produced a disc that will play on Macintosh and PC CD-Rom drives, CD-i players as well as normal audio CD players. Unlike other multimedia formats, a computer or CD-i player can read the mixed data tracks separately from audio tracks so you can choose whether you want to just listen to the Cranberries songs or experience an interactive investigation into their world. The audio here is very collectable indeed and features three different versions of "Zombie" (including an edit of the original demo), a live version of "Dreams", three other tracks, background loops of seven tracks and a further 40 minutes of conversation and Irish blarney. The multi-media includes 10 minutes of Quicktime video boxes, 5 minutes of full screen video, 90 pictures, lyric sheets and vox pops. All this is accessible though a Cranberries-style settee interface, not a million miles away from the cover of their first album, "Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We?". You can click you mouse on different members of the band to hear anything from stories behind the songs or more important day-to-day facts ("I like Guinness!" says one if continually probed!). One of the most important and collectable interactive discs of the year. Although the interactive element could wear thin on repeated plays, thanks to Rainbow CD, the disc can be played on a conventional Hi-Fi for more long-term enjoyment.


This review also published in: Record Collector

Janet Jackson - Design of a Decade (Virgin)

Following Record Collector's complete history of Janet Jackson's career to date (back in April '95's issue), A&M Records and Janet herself took a retrospective look last autumn which resulted in "Design Of A Decade". A thorough and well-packaged project, "Design Of A Decade" covered a 'Best Of...' compilation album, video, limited edition CD of rare tracks and a clutch of important new remixes. But how can a 'Best Of...' omit three of her most recent singles? Why were tracks remixed only for the UK? And just how important are those "Rare" tracks anyway?

The story of "Design Of A Decade" dates back to when Janet signed with Virgin Records in 1990. Having spent the previous ten years recording for A&M, it was a natural assumption that her ex-label would do as any other, issue a compilation album to capitalise on the music they still owned the rights to. However rumour has it that, in an unprecedented move, Janet had a clause written into her contract with Virgin stating that when A&M decided to release a compilation album she could go back to them and record two last tracks. That's how even though Janet Jackson is a Virgin Records artist, her past two singles "Runaway" and "Twenty Foreplay" have been releases on A&M.

Given that Janet Jackson's first two long-players for A&M, her eponymously titled debut back in 1980 and 1981's "Dream Street", were only medium sellers this left "Design Of A Decade" only two albums and two new songs for a 'Best Of'. But in another unprecedented move they licensed two singles from Virgin's "janet." album and again won a coup. The first track licensed was the 1991 hit "That's The Way Love Goes" (the biggest single from the "janet." album), the second was the 1994's "Whoops Now". Being that the latter had been "hidden" on the "janet." LP (Ms Jackson had never wanted the song released in its own right) and not mentioned on the track listing, it's glory came when released as a single to promote Virgin's 1994 compilation "janet.remixed". Released that is, but not actually included on the album. So when A&M got their hands on the rights to include "Whoops Now" on "Design Of A Decade", they must have been rubbing their hands in glee as due to ineptitude at Virgin Records, they were giving the song it's first proper album release!

Given the shear amount of singles lifted from Janet Jackson's "Control" and "Rhythm Nation" albums, there's no shortage of well-known songs on "Design Of A Decade". And her 1989 hit with Luther Vandross "The Best Things In Life Are Free" was also added (although without the rap from Ralph T which featured in the original - another contractual problem?). Sixteen tracks in all, although these paled into insignificance with the release of a second CD of rare tracks and mixes. The first of these, "Young Love (12" Dance Mix)", was the B-side of her second single back in 1993 (and was again used for a B-side with "What Have You Done For Me Lately" in 1986). "Diamonds (Cool Summer Mix Edit)", the Herb Alpert track of 1987 which featured Janet on backing vocals, also appears. Also worth investigating are a string of early tracks (such as Don't Stand Another Chance" and "French Blue") which can be re-assessed for the first time on CD.

Rounding off the disc of rare - but un-anotated - extra tracks is one of David Morales new remixes of "When I Think of You". Comparing this to Shep Pettibone's (the Morales of the mid-80s!) remix of the same track on the accompanying video shows just how far the art of remixing has come in ten short years. To say nothing of the art of DJing, as anyone who caught Pete Tong's Essential Selection mix-up of "The Best Things In Life Are Free" and "What Have You Done For Me Lately" on Radio 1 will agree! In fact UK DJ's were given some exclusive promos of "Runaway"/"When I Think Of You" to promote the compilation. The latter was remixed by both Morales and Farley & Heller and one month after the official release of the single, the dancefloor promotion kicked in again with another 12" double-pack featuring a remix of "Runaway" by Junior Vasquez and house versions especially for UK dancefloors of "When I Think Of You" by Deep Dish.

The home video for "Design Of A Decade" is worth mentioning for its inclusion of the colourised promo for "Love Will Never Do (Without You)" (directed by Herb Ritts), "Runaway" and "Whoops Now"; all three of which are seen for the first time on this compilation. Other tracks like "Lets Wait Awhile" also take on special significance having been used as back-drops played on on-stage video screens on Janet's last world tour. The 90 minute tape rounds off with a backstage 'making of' the "Runaway" video, featuring an up-to-date interview with Ms Jackson herself.

The problem with video compilations for the collector is that they are so often released to early in a projects lifetime. For instance the "janet." video album appeared before "Whoops Now" was released and could be included and so was one track short. Similarly the "Design Of A Decade" video did not hang on for the inclusion of "Twenty Foreplay". But then it always leaves the fans wanting more and despite this, "Design Of A Decade" has achieved its goal of being perhaps the world's first non-cash-in Greatest Hits LP! As Janet herself said, "I wanted to put out something very special for my fans. I wanted them to know how much I appreciate their loyalty; it's important for me to return their love. That's why I co-wrote two new songs - and why I wanted "Design Of A Decade" to have a unique presentation."

Kibu - No Nation EP (Rising High)

A quick turn-around from the Dave Campbell, former member of Ubik who here turns in a hard metallic industrial house 12", very much in the style of Die Krupps. This is banging in the true sense of the word, but the better tracks are Trembler and Solid Air which take on a more wierd air.


This review also published in: On magazine

It's Thinking! (Prime Records)

Prime Records of Holland are turning out some of the most arty European house and techno music. Their latest bunch of releases are as varied as they are interesting. Parallel 9's 'Gnosis/Helix' sounds like a tranced-up instrumental version of Inner City. Trance Induction's 'Capita Selecta' is high on melody on tracks like 'Robogroove 4' and the upliftingly joyous 'Extra Terrestrial Welcome Song 2'. Trance Induction is Tjeerd Verbeek who also records for the Sabrettes label. Hyperion is another of Sensurreal's pseudonyms and their 'It's Thinking' 12" has much of their trademark string sound but with more of a club vibe. Wicked. 'Predator', Primes newest release by Children Of A New Generation is a zinging, knocking techno track that moves into more jazzy circles on the 11 minute b-side 'Prey'. Prime is a very prolific label and one to watch. So get down to your import store or - better still - get over to Holland and check them out!


This review also published in: On magazine

William Orbit - Strange Cargo Hinterland (N-Gram)

The fourth in Orbit's journey that has straddled the house boom and taken its own style off into new directions. Like some of System 7's happier moments and with funky bass and aireated vocal not a million miles away from Jah Wobble, this will be an instant crowd-pleaser for the laid back masses. Head music with house beats more suited to the beach than the post-club drive home. Save it for the summer!


This review also published in: On magazine

Various - Ascension Collection (Ascension)

One half of the Art of Noise takes time off from her self-confessed hack actibities of TV soundtracks and session string arrangements for this beautiful orchestral soundscape. New arrangements and compositions rub shoulders with traditional classical pieces. Overall Dudley avoids any musical references to AoN (which is where her egyptian opus with Jaz Coleman fell down for me). This has a pure and captivating edge that will keep you listening for the duration.


This review also published in: On magazine

Various - Totally Wired 12 (Acid Jazz)

Already up to volume 12, Acid Jazz have no sign of dying yet (depsite rumours on the internet). They're diversifying away from the genre they helped create with contributions from a new rock act Planet. Also in evidence are some off-the-wall tracks by Primal Scream with Goerge Clinton and a tribute to Art Blakey by Square Window and Stickman. The standard Brand New Heavies tracks and offshoots are here too as are happening new tracks by Dub War and OOKY.


This review also published in: On magazine

Dominatrix - Possession Remixes (Ascension Plus)

A camp high-speed hi-NRG track set apart from most with it's analogue feel on Baby Doc's Mix. Bypass the Blu Peter Vs Trigger Mix for the freaky Original Mix.


This review also published in: On magazine

Human Beings - Ice Age (Deviate)

The first release in a year from Deviate records of Utrecht, The Netherworld, their last being on Trance Europe Express 2. 'Ice Age' is a sort of sonic snow-drift whereas 'Rising Sun' is a lighter funkier affair. All have an slight ethnic acoustic edge to their ambient house.


This review also published in: On magazine

M-Age - Under A Cubic Sky (Rising High)

Full of polish and with some rounded sounds, this album also has some vocals in places which is a refreshing change for current ambient music. Other influences include slightly oriental and indie samples which later transcend into more funky and percussive sections, while always retaining direction. It's a bit of a menagerie this one, which keeps you listing as there's always something new round the corner.


This review also published in: On magazine

Mindscape - Mindscape (Prime)

Recently trailed in Trance Europe Express (as was Sensurreal), this is an agitating infestation of synthesised beats and textures. An analogue steambath. Comprising largely of quite high BPMs made with soft textures there are also parts reminiscent of fellow Scandinavian Biosphere in it's more thoughtful sections and of fsol's Lifeforms in it's more uplifting parts. Tracks include 'Computer Flesh' and 'Fields Of Joy', which are also out on 12".


This review also published in: On magazine

Sensurreal - Never To Tell A Soul (Beam Me Up!)

Looking like a gothic album but sounding more like the middle-aged European electronic new age music of the mid 1980s, but with a post-house twist. Sensurreal offer free-floating atmospherics that are more headphone-listening than head-trip. The album keeps going despite some false starts, tracks like 'Scyra Officinalis' sound good but then quickly fizzle out. If the CD sounds a bit ambient, then the LP won't. It's got almost a completely different track listing as the band wanted Never To Tell A Soul to be both accessible to the dance floor and the chill-out room. And it works, the vinyl has a much harder sound than the CD with some different rhythms and textures. A concept!


This review also published in: On magazine

Defence - Travelling EP and Baruka - The Lost Funk EP (Night Vision)

There's a little area of Detroit in Scandinavia known as the Night Vision label. In the first of two new releases, Juan Atkins-collaborator Defence offers a tripped-out sci-fi garage track in 'Travelling At The Speed Of Music' which calms down only slightly for the 'Pulse' and 'Flow' extensions. Definitely some Moby influence in this one. Baruka's follow up to 'Play It Loud' includes 'Raver Of The Lost Funk' which builds up over 8 minutes into trickling tickly nouveau acide. Tracks 'Anti Political Behaviour' and 'Circles' have more of a point with their supreme peri-glacial ambience.


This review also published in: On magazine

Baby Doc - Eurotic (Ascension)

A Euro-erotic throbbing and pulsating slab of disco, that is more '70s than '90s in feel. Some nice shimmering interludes, but overall a full-on hi-NRG assault that leaves little to the imagination.


This review also published in: On magazine