The thing about Hood is that whilst he continues to play at a speed (150 - 160 bpm) that other techno DJs these days fear to tread water in (even Mills I don't think ever goes past 140), his eq'ing and mixing is virtually perfect and it never feels that punishing. I'd call it glacial if I was trying to be a bit highbrow, as there's an enormous amount of space in it.
What's more pertinent I think is that to my own recollection, I very rarely hear other DJs play his records in great abundance any more, perhaps almost as a mark of respect, because his style of techno and his productions are solely his, and his alone. Unfortunately I will say that his choice of records and the style of techno he plays means that on all but the most potent soundsystems much of his DJ aesthestic is lost on a crowd. -----Original Message----- From: kent williams [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 04 February 2008 14:59 To: list 313 Subject: Re: (313) Fabric 39 - Robert Hood Sometimes we don't say things on this list because they're self evident, but let me say it: Rob Hood is one of the most consistently brilliant producers in Detroit Techno, and one of its most distinctive DJs. Rob was the headliner for Iowa's largest (and for the promoters, most financially disastrous) rave, where from all reports he burned the place down. At the time his mom was living here, (in Des Moines, I think), which may have been one of the reasons my friends were able to book him -- free ticket to see Moms! He made some of the seminal records in the minimal style, like "Minimal Nation," and though his former partner Jeff Mills is much more famous, it's not because Mills is better; they're as different musically as is possible in a genre like hard techno. Mills has also put more work into marketing and image. I'm not saying this to criticize Mills, just that they have followed different paths. A few years ago I was visiting Nick Wilson in London and he played me a Rob Hood mix (no idea which one) that was jaw-droppingly fierce -- super fast, dark, and minimal, but exciting. Unlike a lot of DJs I've heard who are into minimal techno, Rob's sets are not monochromatic -- they're dynamic, mercurial, and savage. Dynamics, Texture, and Groove are what makes minimal techno come alive -- something that is lacking from the work of the more high profile haircut DJ stars of the genre. I'm glad he'll get the recognition that a Fabric CD will bring. A new generation of club-goers has come up who may not know his work at all. It will be great if they find out what the real deal is with minimal techo -- it's about time! For all the latest news and comment visit www.telegraph.co.uk. This message, its contents and any attachments to it are private, confidential and may be the subject of legal privilege. Any unauthorised disclosure, use or dissemination of the whole or part of this message (without our prior written consent) is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify us immediately. Incoming and outgoing telephone calls to our offices may be monitored or recorded for training and quality control purposes and for confirming orders and information. Telegraph Media Group Limited is a limited liability company registered in England and Wales (company number 451593). Our registered office address is: 111 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 0DT.
