Dave Chamberlain

"Rare Elements: Usted Sultan Khan"
various artists
(5 Points Records)
For their initial offering in the "Rare Elements" series, new label 5 Points Records enlists a bevy of superior remixers to have at the classical Indian compositions of sub-continental legend Sultan Khan, whose skill with the sarangi (a type of bowed lute) has no rival. Weaving Khan's otherworldly, melodic sense in and out of more Western rhythms, Thievery Corporation offers a low-key "Tarana," though even TC's considerable skills are trumped by Radar One's hip-hop drop on "Jana (Sad Bachelor Mix)," with the French-Canadian DJ shifting vocals between Indian melancholy and English-language ballads. The highlights, however, come from the masters. Chicagoan Ralphi Rosario's take on "Maula (Bhangra-Hydrate Mix)" carefully blends hand percussion with acid-house thumps, used as a backdrop for nearly psychedelic wailing. And disco legend Joe Claussell's two efforts are worth the asking price alone. The empowering "Aja Maji" kicks off the record with soaring, deeply spiritual vocal pleading; his second, "Sayaji," increases the pace and sets a trance-like, sorcerous stage for Khan's sarangi essays, resulting in a ten-minute, quasi-religious experience.


"The Dungeonmasters Guide"
Dieselboy
(Human/System Records)
Pounding, slashing, beating and pulsing is what you'd expect from America's master drum 'n' bass producer Dieselboy, and that's exactly what he provides. Named as an homage to the first book he ever bought, and filled with esoteric references throughout--including the use of Peter Cullen, aka Optimus Prime, for narration--this double CD does little to rewrite Dieselboy's reputation, but certainly solidifies it. Culling a dark-themed track selection from others within his genre (Kaos, Raiden, Dub Faction) as well as breakbeat versions of other dance-music luminaries (BT, Wink, Sasha), "The Dungeonmasters Guide" leaves very little empty space as techno-drums and atmospheric chaos reigns throughout. While not so heavy as to be classified as sci-fi, Dieselboy's latest offering, like his entire catalog, is the breakbeat opposite of LTJ Bukem.

(2004-05-12)

Also by Dave Chamberlain

Tip of the Week
Not exactly a typical opener for Ms. Peaches and her electrophile, much discussed and publicized pussy, but you've got to love an unlikely combination like this
(2004-05-05)

Raw Material
The post-punk idea is updated and intensified, keyboards are fuzzed and mashed, guitars sting more than sing
(2004-05-05)

Raw Material
In the next couple weeks, a trio of strong rock records from local bands will be released into the wild
(2004-04-27)

Tip of the Week
Teeming with intricate but not overly complex melody and hooks, as well as ample referencing of all the major movements in contemporary rock
(2004-04-22)

Raw Material
(2004-04-22)

Tip of the Week
(2004-04-14)

Raw Material
(2004-04-14)

Tip of the Week
(2004-04-09)

Raw Material
(2004-04-09)

Hustler soundtrack
(2004-03-31)

Tip of the Week
(2004-03-30)

Music 45
(2004-03-25)

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