Search - Ltj Bukem :: Some Blue Notes of Drum N Bass

A tremendous collection of classic 'Good Looking' titles

fetish_2000 | U.K. | 01/28/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Firstly, It should be noted, that this isn't a collection of new material. This is more of a summary of some of the defining tracks from the considerable `Good Looking Records' Back catalogue. This can either be viewed as a missed opportunity or a excellent way of hearing some of intelligent Drum `n' Bass' most revered tracks in one tidy place without refering to multiple albums, and if your new to the whole `Good Looking' records phenomena, this is probably one of the finest ways to become aquatinted, with their prolific output.



The album starts with what is arguably one of Ltj Bukem's finest tracks, the exemplary "Horizon's" (Taken for his "Logical Progression" album, which forgoes heavy bass & thumping beats for soothing & organic breakbeats making up the foundation of the track, it's an almost introspective, considered Jazz-Breakbeat fusion, with snippets of obscure dialogue interspersed over the course of the track, and it truly is one of the most beautifully realised tracks ever made in this genre of music.





'Mc Conrad' has been the official vocalist for the vast majority of the `Progression Sessions' albums and some people appreciate his vocalism, and some prefer the `Instrumental' disk that comes with such releases, but surely none can deny his exceptional contribution to his "Future Call (Makoto's Remix)" track. It's a breakbeat fusion with a slight Rhythm & blues feel, that's is as stylish as it is refined. Heavy emphasis on keyboard earmarks this track, along with production that is both confident and exemplary. And as opposed to completely overloading the track with vocals, Mc Conrad pulls back on the vocal side, and shows restraint in his vocal delivery, and the track is all the better for it, and more than vindicates it's inclusion on this tremendous tracklisting.





"Makato" & "Peshay" both hand in incredibly worthwhile tracks, that are both unique to their respective artists, but both mine that soulful side of Drum `n' Bass / Breakbeat that makes for such superb after hours listening. Peshay music has always favoured a tendency toward the fusion of Jazz/Breakbeat fusion. And Makoto (with the help of female vocalists), incorporates soulful elements in his music to help broaden appeal.....although both tracks are vastly different in their production, arrangement and indeed instrumentation, they've both managed to establish themselves as worthy artists in their own right, and are wonderfully represented here, with "You're Divine" (Makoto), and "Vocal Tune" (Peshay).





The album rounds out beautifully with the shimmering, stunning effort by "Doc Scott", with his "Tokyo Dawn" effort, which is one of the most inspired pieces of ambient Drum `n' bass in recent years, and feels more of a direct comparison to Bukem's Nocturnal & peaceful "Journey inwards" album. From the shimmering waves of sampled sounds and the undeniably relaxed bass on the opener parts of the tracks which feel very expansive in its own right, the synth keyboard compositions here are truly stunning, and invoke the feeling of driving through the city by night, with this track encapsulating the mood perfectly, it is possibly the most subdued track on here, and is possibly one of the finest tracks to finish the album out with.





So the big question is....."Is this worth Buying??"......well the quality of the tracks here are beyond all doubt, every track on here, unquestionably justifies its inclusion here, but the fact that fans that have been following the `Good Looking' labels output for many years will have the majority of the tracks here (if not all of them)will make that decision all the more harder to judge. But it does feel fantastic to have them all on one Cd, and beautifully sequenced. But if you carve new material, then you won't find it here, just tried and tested material, that became firm favourites with everyone over the years. So if you have the money or are feeling extravagant, then by all means, pick this up!!, as it a incredibly well put together release of established titles. But I feel this is probably aimed at people that have come on board to `Good Looking' records bandwagon over the last couple of years or indeed are new to the label, and for those people, I very strongly urge you to make the purchase, as it's a truly fantastic primer for the label, and will serve you well for seeking out the individual albums, these tracks were taken from. And in that respect, its a utterly essential purchase."

LTJ's best work since early Earth and Progression Sessions

Charlie | Denver, Colombia | 01/08/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Great Jazz/Latin Jazz licks, samba-esc..I would give this 4.75 stars. Not quite a 5 star rating..



I would recommend you purchase "Logical Progession, Level 1" for the full LTJ Variety trip..First and then this album is in his Top Three or Four downtempo beats. Listen to a few of his Earlier Earth series to check which one also works for you via the Amazon music samplers..



His work with MC Conrad is better than most of the downtempo out of the USA so check that out too. If you here a male MC on his works its usually Conrad and he is is much more together than 90 percent of the so called rap masters out their. Also check out Thievery Corps "Sounds from the Thievery Hi-Fi", Rockers Hi-Fi-the group. Kruder and Dorfmeisters "Sessions" double cd set.



Amon Tobin is also exellent in this Drum and Bass catagory as a root of many sounds heard thru-out this community. Talvin Singhs "Sounds from the Asian underground" is excellent too."