Browse by Artist: CRAIG, CARL

Artist:	CRAIG, CARL
Title:	Landcruising
Label:	BLANCO Y NEGRO/WEA (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$17.00
Catalog #:	WEA 99865

Now available as a mid-line reissue, this is Carl Craig's debut full length album, originally issued on the now-doomed UK WEA-associated Blanco Y Negro label in 1995. A concentrated, fully developed album (not a collection of previously released singles), Craig went all out to record one of the classic, defining records of Detroit-originated electronic music. A controversial record upon release (obvious guitar textures can be heard sampled; the overall sound is much more luxurious and sophisticated than usually expected from Detroit techno productions; it didn't contain any of Carl's numerous popular tracks under prior alias'; and, it was released on a label of dubious credibility w/ major label distribution), it is full of epic tracks and is a crucial document in Craig's career overview.. It has never been distributed in any proper sense in the US and remains largely unheard by Craig followers who are much more familiar with his Planet E/SSR output. Ripe for rediscovery. "Like its primary source of inspiration -- Kraftwerk -- this major-label debut from Detroit techno producer Carl Craig is only occasionally and secondarily danceable. But despite their almost Muzak-like sonic sheen, these nine tracks reveal a polyrhythmic complexity and cinematic atmosphere that's totally in line with purist techno's roots.'Mind of a Machine' layers classic Detroit strings over a pulse-pounding synthetic bassline and bristling percussion for an album opener that evokes a relentless midnight trip down I-94. The melodic 'Landcruising' meanders across your speakers like a Sunday afternoon drive. The clattering "Einbahn" has the same go-nowhere energy as a rush-hour traffic jam. But Craig is going for more than mere road-trip soundtrack. Thematically, the album attempts to reconcile the utopian and the dystopian sides of the man/machine interface - the dramatic tension of 'Science Fiction' and 'Technology' contrasting sharply with the romantic haze of 'A Wonderful Life' and 'One Day Soon'. Intentionally evoking the primitive equipment that his German heroes so successfully exploited, Craig creates a sort of retro futurism that sometimes sounds like a symphony of video games. This motif reaches its apex on the closing track, 'Home Entertainment', where tinny drum machines and luxurious synths wring melody and rhythm from plastic and wires." -- Brian J. Dillard. Limited stock.

Artist:	CRAIG, CARL
Title:	Landcruising
Label:	BLANCO Y NEGRO/WEA (UK)
Format:	2LP
Price:	$26.00
Catalog #:	WEA 99865LP

"Reissue of the '95 classic LP, very hard to find in its original form as it was re-edited not so long ago. But here in its full glory, pic sleeve and the original tech jazz tracks as they were meant. Timeless and a must for all Carl Craig fans and to new listeners who are picking his music up today. A timeless bright, shimmering epic where critics and fans had expected more moody breakbeat electro, the debut Carl Craig LP appeared after years of production work and marked the first of many times when Craig was obviously making his own way, oblivious to what critics might think. Beginning with the sounds of an automobile starting up on 'Mind of a Machine' (complete with warning bells and a seatbelt click), Craig introduces us to his man-machine world, where cruising I-96 west of Detroit is a sublime night-time journey, conjuring visions of Trans-Europe Express and 'Strings of Life' instead of 'What's Going On.' The single 'Science Fiction,' 'Technology,' the title track and 'Einbahn' complete a great start of things to come on this LP."

Artist:	CRAIG, CARL
Title:	Fabric 25
Label:	FABRIC (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$17.00
Catalog #:	FABRIC 049CD

"Fabric is proud to present Fabric 25, a rare DJ mix from one of electronic music's true pioneers and Detroit's cult figure, Carl Craig. A member of the international techno-circuit since the late '80s, Craig is known for his fantastic releases and mixes. In 1989, he produced the classic 'Strings of Life' with Derrick May and since has founded his own label Planet E. He's put out timeless pearls of techno under the pseudonym of 69, Innerzone Orchestra and others. Apart from his own productions he's made himself a name as a brilliant remixer and refined productions of Kenny Larkin, Ron Trent, Dave Angel as well as songs by Yello, Tori Amos and Ultramarine. Fabric 25 is a white-knuckle ride of 4/4 rhythms, featuring Craig's own production overdubs and backing vocals. Tracklisting includes soulful house gems from Blaze and Kerri Chandler, Ying Yang Twins' brilliant party beats, and, as a treat, two of Craig's own stunning productions."

Artist:	CRAIG, CARL
Title:	House Party 013: A Planet E Mix
Label:	NEXTERA (CZECH REPUBLIC)
Format:	CD
Price:	$14.00
Catalog #:	ERA 9911

A stunning Carl Craig mix CD, only released in the Czech Republic! Carl doesn't publicly DJ anymore, but you can feel the sense of joy and euphoria in the selection and presentation of his favorite tracks from his own stable. Hearing the subtly tweekied version of the Paperclips People's all-time speaker booming "Floor" at the beginning of this CD is just one of the many pleasures offered by this highly enjoyable mix. Planet E's reputation is for carefully choosing tracks that work and this CD displays their agenda all at once, in one piece, in perfectly exquisite fashion. "Compiled and mixed live by Carl Craig and DJ Peter Anthony of two Technics turntables with a Pioneer DJM-500 DJ Mixer, November 1999 at Electron Labs, Detroit USA. Post-production by Carl Craig featuring the Korg KAOSS Pad at Electron Labs, Detroit. Featuring: Chaz Vincent: "Dream Zenith 2", Paperclip People: "Floor", Designer Music: "Stevie Knows", Alton Miller: "Exstasol", Common Factor: "North Nights", Recloose: "Soul Clap 2000", Paperclip People: "Steam", Gemini: "Crossing Mars", Common Factor: "Pisces Groove", Chaz Vincent: "Tom Cat", BFC: "Galaxy", Common Factor: "Will"."

Artist:	CRAIG, CARL
Title:	More Songs About Food & Revolutionary Art
Label:	PLANET E COMMUNICATIONS
Format:	CD
Price:	$14.00
Catalog #:	PE 65232CD

A strange, epic follow up to Carl's solo debut from a couple years ago, Landcruising. It says "recorded throughout time in Detroit, London and Einhoven" and it does feel like a deep, extensively developed work. Blissful electronic soundscapes are slowly built up, rolled over and spaced out via slow beats, no beats, stunning atmospherics and pure alien transmission. A gorgeous, staggering record of emotional output from an artist at the peak of his powers. "How do you begin to tell the story of Carl Craig? Do you talk about his ground-breaking releases for labels like Transmat, Retroactive and, of course, Planet E? Or do you talk about the city of Detroit and the way Craig has created his own unique and compelling vision of techno. What about his breathtaking remixes...or his status as dance music's underground hero -- a producer who declares innovation and individualism as prerequisites for taking electronic music forward into the 21st century... Sometimes all this can be a bit confusing, since Craig has adopted a series of multiple musical personalities. Paperclip People, Innerzone Orchestra, Psyche/BFC and 69. But whatever he calls himself, all around the world, Craig has made an astounding difference to the way people perceive and listen to modern music...Despite the myriad changes, trends and critical shifts which have occurred in electronic music sine Carl Craig's first recording, he has consistently pushed forward, challenging musical boundaries and preconceptions. More Songs... delivers the pristinely romantic electronic jazz of 'At Les' to the edgily inventive 'Goodby World'. Featuring a rare collaboration with Derrick May on 'Frustration'. It attacks all senses and offers a glimpse of tomorrow."

Artist:	CRAIG, CARL
Title:	Designer Music: The Remixes
Label:	PLANET E COMMUNICATIONS
Format:	12"
Price:	$6.50
Catalog #:	PE 65255EP

"One of the most sought after releases in the Planet E catalog, the original Designer Music was a limited edition vinyl 12" of some of Carl Craig's favorite tracks, remixed by himself to play exclusively in his DJ sets -- Carl decided to press a handful of copies for close friends and members of the now defunct Planet E subscription Service. Five years later, in the spirit of the original Designer Music release, we present a vinyl only 12" of two of Carl's previously unreleased mixes, to whet the appetite for our forthcoming compilation of Carl's remixes (including Can, Depeche Mode, Chris & Cosey, GusGus, U.N.K.L.E., Tori Amos, S'Express, System 7, A Guy Called Gerald, The Orb)."

Artist:	CRAIG, CARL
Title:	Tres Demented
Label:	PLANET E COMMUNICATIONS
Format:	12"
Price:	$7.50
Catalog #:	PE 65274EP

Repressed. "One of those club bangers that pays reference to classic Carl Craig productions such as Paperclip People 'Throw' and 69 'Sound on Sound'. From the minute the needle hits the record, the speaker system takes a life of its own, smacking clubbers the face and kicking them up the wazoo. Loud screams and chants along with big bass and a constant tom loop keep the pulse increasing to a frantic high. A shrill siren signals a warning that the bomb will drop on your head just as the drums punch you in the chest."

Artist:	CRAIG, CARL
Title:	DJ Kicks
Label:	STUD!O K7 (GERMANY)
Format:	CD
Price:	$15.50
Catalog #:	K7 042CD

Excellent set from Detroit's most currently visible techno producer, who has since retired from his hobbyist DJing. Features tracks from Octagon Man, Nav Katze, Cosmic Messenger, Clark, Claude Young, Tan-Ru, Gemini, 4th Wave, etc. "...takes the art of the DJ mix one step beyond. Not only has this multi-talented artist segued together some of the highlights of his record box into one long, hot mix, he's also focused his production artistry on the individual tracks -- remixing, re-editing and sometimes even re-sampling the original tunes. On one special bonus tune, he's pushed the envelope even further, crafting an entirely new track from pieces of the others."

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