|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LP
|
|
LION 187LP
|
"Jeff Carney's sophomore effort for audioFile (1989) could not have been criticized were it to have remained in similar territory as the electronic wall of sound he had created on Imperfect Space Journeys. Instead, he created a more sparse, evolving tapestry of analog timbres. Using an exclusively vintage analog arsenal and recording live without overdubbing, Carney pushed forward with new ideas and uniquely developing sweeps of filter madness. The side-long 'Questions (Unanswered)' is immensely innovative: the sounds are at once organic and of the earth, yet futuristic in their skyward drones and hypnotic hooks. Additional layers are gradually added, like a bubbling alien swarm tone that comes in successive falling surges, followed by cosmic whooshing and howling rushes of wind. The effect is simultaneously meditative and intense. And live. As Carney said, 'I was quite proud because I managed to essentially perform the entire composition without error. Just about every sound came in at the right level. Every part was performed without mistake. And nothing was adjusted or corrected. This was what happened on the spot.' Carney explores different territory on the two B-side tracks: 'ARP 2600 Improvisation' is like a master class of cosmic effects. It feels like the soundtrack to a 1950s sci-fi movie, recalling Forbidden Planet's most electrifying moments, but also at times sounding like sci-fi flick meets battle-in-space video game. 'Pensive Mood' roars out of the starting gate with a high octane electronic arpeggiated pattern, creating a somewhat white-knuckled brand of 'pensive' contemplation. This is the most minimal piece of the set, with the incessant, almost imperceptibly evolving arrangement having a somewhat edge-of-your-seat hypnotic effect. The album was completely uninfluenced by the digital trends that were dominating the era, and stands as a landmark example of the uncompromising ethos adopted by many artists of the 1980s underground. Featuring an all new essay and interview with Jeff Carney by Jerry Kranitz (author of the Cassette Culture book and publisher for nearly two decades of Aural Innovations), this is the definitive reissue of Live Electronic Music."
|
|
|
Artist |
Title |
Format |
Label |
Catalog # |
|
|
2LP
|
|
LION 179LP
|
"Finally available on vinyl, this underground masterwork of analog electronic music pushed the envelope of melodic synth freakouts to unimaginable edges and undreamt of realms of space. Recorded live on the spot without overdubs, Jeff Carney's Imperfect Space Journeys (ISJ) has become a highly prized collectible amongst 'Berlin School' fanatics still soaking in the '70s sounds of Klaus Schulze, Ashra and Tangerine Dream, as well as fans of Terry Riley's organ works (Riley is Carney's cousin), and Heldon heads. Originally a cassette-only release, the rare copy appearing on the collector market can exchange hands at three-figure sums even on cassette, making it one of the most sought-after treasures of the electronic underground. With a keyboard arsenal more likely to have been assembled in the late seventies, West Coast space music architect Jeff Carney rebelled against prevailing digital trends with analog electronic wizardry, unleashing this statement of purpose on the New York 'Audiofile' label in 1988. Designed around the possibilities of live performance, Carney used simple, captivating hooks with which to weave tapestries of electronic texture. His influences on this debut are apparent, but his sounds absolutely unique. Every lead seems to have a tone outside the sounds already explored in the genre. Sound effects give a sense of deep space: perhaps owing their galactic awareness to Gong and Hawkwind, but pushing like a volcano into other realms. Imperfect Space Journeys is a study in minimalist rhythmic structures that enable Carney to decorate with cosmic colors and wild effects collages, while also tending to be highly melodic. 'Noise' is used as a means to create images of spaceships passing in the deepest of space skies. Tension and release are used for maximum impact. But there is also plenty of sonic ear candy. Melodic lines that you'll find yourself wanting to revisit again and again! Source for this reissue: 24bit/96kHz transfers taken from the original analog tapes. This deluxe reissue of ISJ includes three bonus tracks not included on the original cassette release. Comes with an eight-page color LP-sized insert booklet. Limited to 500x copies worldwide. Carney recorded Imperfect Space Journeys at 20 years old. He would soon produce works in which his skills were further honed and his unique sonic paintings took an even more exploratory shape, but ISJ is the beginning of the story. It is where the 'journey' begins."
|