Since my original comments helped spark this discussion, I thought I should chime in a month or so later. I'm a bit guilty of spouting off prematurely [quiet in the back]. At the time I claimed it was record of the year I didn't actually own it (hadn't seen it in any UK stores yet at the time). I had heard it out a number of times, and I'd heard it live twice. I think the version on the vinyl needs to be thought of as a DJ tool, because it certainly doesn't do as much as when it's performed live (he'll be bringing back bits of other tracks, the next one, tweaking more, etc), and every time I'd heard it in the mix it wasn't really left to play on its own for a long time (rightly). I'm of the mind that this is how it is supposed to be, not that it's some kind of laziness or unimaginativeness on his part (obviously that's subjective, but whatever).
Since I picked it up I've been mixing it for a few minutes over other tracks, because I think it can work really well in that way, but I have to say there's a part of me that's slightly dissapointed that the recording didn't measure up to the live performance of it, especially since the recorded version is so long. I very rarely purchase DJ tools these days, although I have nothing against doing so. I still think it's an excellent track for what it is, and I think it really needs to be heard in the right context to be appreciated. But given that it doesn't move quite as much as I like on the pressing (and I can't just listen to it at home without wanting more), I'm less enthused about it than I was. I feel similarly about the Substatic record. Still can't wait to play it on a big system though! On this note, I've just heard a clip of "911, How Can I Help You?" last night, and think it's got more variance for those who absolutely require it in their purchases. Worth a gander. There's also a new one on IIWII, 'Love Letter to the Enemy', out in the last few days from what I can tell. I have them both on the way. The former is in stock at Juno and both are in stock at http://www.covert.uk.com (or were earlier today at any rate). Hoping I've helped put my hype to rest (or in a clearer context at least). Tristan ======= http://www.phonopsia.co.uk [EMAIL PROTECTED] -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 15 September 2004 09:20 To: [email protected] Subject: (313) Funk vs. Mathew well, well, well, well.. workin thru the nite, i took off few hours spending time watching the city waking up and _listening_ to musik instead of letting it play=) .. i remember some peeps slagging off Soma-rec, well i came round to listen to Funk D'Void's older "dos" and the new one: "volume freak" once again and them good songs just broke my heart. so much of soul and so much of blues! yet i'm for roughly half of each album, not every song works for me. Funk's musik goes back to detroit roots but it doesnt sound old - maybe not exactly futuristic but why should it - its musik of today. although i dont dare to compare these two albums in detail, there is no major jump from what've Funk been into 2001. on the other hand i finally got an ear on Mathew. was i disappointed? almost. following discussion on a list for a while, i expected something more special - a great production at least, even if i wouldnt like it personally. and this is where i'm stuck, cause both "decompression" and "behind the mirror" EPs appear so average to me. yeah, Mathew got an unique style to a certain extent [i'd say: by combining known elements] and even own sound to it [although its more like bad mastering for my liking]. and rite, his tracks are all groovy and well constructed and they got a soul too. yet somehow they feel too raw.. somehow tracks are going so straight, so much nowhere, and transitions are mostly fades. it would explain if these releases are largely recorded live. and if i'd like harmonies, rhythmics and sound on those EPs, i'd enjoy them still. unfortunately it doesnt fit my taste and i cant rave about production as well. allrite lets roll on wednesday! ../z99
