Search - Richie Hawtin :: Concept 1 96:CD/Concept 1 96:VR

Very minimal, very awesome

R.M. van Boetzelaer | Utrecht, the Netherlands | 06/08/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is an album that will not appeal to everybody. If you're looking for some harmony, melody or instrumental lines, look somewhere else. However for those who like minimal techno, this is a great album.



The first disc contains originals by Hawtin, of which most songs are very good. Intricate rhythms and awesome 'drum' sounds mostly. He does do some effects on the music and it's very effective. There are a couple of tracks that meant nothing to me. These were all the shorter ones, which are more experiments in sound than in music.



The second disc contains the Thomas Brinkmann variatons on some of these tracks. He uses a turntable with two arms and slows down the playing speed to create a more spacey effect. Most of these tracks are just as good or better than their original forms.



All in all this is a must have album for fans of minimal techno. Great rhythm, awesome sound and a very original remix side."

What was this man on, and what was he thinking?

Globalaza | Washington, DC | 09/06/2008

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Now if you have read my other reviews of Richie Hawtin, you know I am a fan... a big fan. Live, the man ROCKS! On "Closer" and "Transitions" he KILLS it. Some of the best EVER. But this monstrosity gets no praise and is beyond description. There is no music there. It is a collection of near-noises, pops, squeaks and other random sounds. NOT music.



The fantastic, intricate, complex and detailed music that Hawtin has been putting out since 1999 made me want to snatch this cd before I got the dreaded "Select from these buyers" option telling me Amazon was out of stock. But after listening to it, or NOT listening to it since the music is barely there, I was left wondering where Richie or I went wrong.



And what's with not hearing anything for what seems like forever after the track begins? This is no way to treat music fans.



If you are expecting a continuation (even if slightly in a new direction) of the masterful "Closer to the Edit" or "Transitions" cd, don't even THINK of buying this one. If you want to hear what it sounds like if mice could play music, this two-disk set is all you.



Heartbroken, disappointed, and frustrating about spending my $15 on this."