The 35th Anniversary Edition of the Ash Ra guitarist’s early-eighties guitars-and-electronics breakthrough, with the original embossing to the cover.
A real game-changer: a momentous influence on Basic Channel, Carl Craig and so many others.
Perfect for zoning out.
It’s a must.

Two exclusives: Erykah Badu’s irresistible do-over of the euphoric album instrumental There, with Malian synth-freak Tidiane Seck; and a dub by Mark Ernestus. Lovely silk-screened sleeve.

Ravishing jazz and electronics from the same stumbling, giddy reaches as La Monte Young and Terry Riley, recorded in Texas in 1981 on multi-tracked organ and synths (with tape loops of birds and wind-chimes), and acoustic guitar.
‘My music is designed to enhance deep meditative, or altered states, to allow the listener to personally connect to the Creator of All that exists in the Universe. My music style is to first create a foundation using cyclic, polyrhythmic music, then build several layers of improvised leads and rhythms that allows you to transcend time and space… We have Memories of Past Lives that reverberate in our hearts like Echoes From Ancient Caves.’

Previously unreleased recordings from 1978, 1981 and 1982, conceived for choreographers. The bandoneon-playing of the Argentinian Juan Mosalini, electric piano by Jacques Denjean, electroacoustics by Bruno Menny and Didier Malherbe from Gong are swirled into a mix of spinet dulcimer, flute, hurdy-gurdy and other-worldly singing (amongst other ingredients), all steeped in the sonic atmosphere of a vintage acid-folk freak-out.

Warmly recommended.

Recorded in 1977, the obverse of punk, these are mysterious, gentle songs, simultaneously ancestral and futuristic, occasionally mounting in rhythmic urgency to evoke the Motorik of Faust. (Have a listen to Topaze.)  Some were collected by Parrenin in rural communities; others have lyrics by Jean-Claude Vannier, who attended the recording sessions.
The engineer was Bruno Menny — a follower of Xenakis — whose 1972 Cosmographie LP is a landmark in French electroacoustic music. He recorded Parrenin in the converted barn of Jacques Denjean, who worked with Dionne Warwick, Francoise Hardy and the Double Six. (The great Albert Marcoeur recorded two albums there, in Fremontel, Normandy.)
‘If we must risk a few comparisons then Vashti Bunyan, Linda Perhacs, Joanna Newsom, Collie Ryan, Shirley Collins, Trees Community, Sourdeline and Véronique Chalot all spring spontaneously to mind. But this is too reductive for the timeless singularity of Emmanuelle Parrenin.’
 

Meditative, devotional music pondering racism and ancestorship, co-produced by Meshell Ndegeocello. Featuring the saxophonist’s usual quartet, plus vocalists for the first time — including Ganavya — who shine.