Comprehensive and challenging
Matthew D. Mercer | Chicago, IL United States | 07/07/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Mille Plateaux is a peculiar little label that never seems to disappoint. This fourth installment of their Modulation and Transformation series is a great example of what the label can offer its listeners. This time the compilation includes 3 full CDs of experimental audio. The usual suspects are present, including the likes of Gas, DJ Spooky, Curd Duca, Achim Wollscheid, Steel, Kerosene, Freiland... the list goes on and on. Perhaps one of the highlights of the entire decade in electronic music is the very first track on this compilation, "Genrecide" by Terre Thaemlitz. Its sublime hints of melody and atmospheres of thin drones, coupled with the usual snippets of voiceovers (this time buried in the mix) set the mood perfectly for the spirit of experimentation and the high caliber of music to follow through all 3 discs. Also, Panacea's offering is a highlight, much more ferocious and less accessible than his usual drum and bass tracks, perhaps a sign of what was to follow with his later works. Highly recommended: you will not find this volume of material, in quantity or quality, for this price. Truly a great value!"