Karate have released a number of records, evolving into this jazzy, wordy rock band led by our pal and "no expert" Geoff Farina. This record was recorded by our new reviews editor, Andy Hong, and damn if it isn't the best- sounding, immediate, almost-live record I've heard in ages - then the dub echo effects kick in. Looks odd on paper but it all works! Mastered by Jeff Lipton at Peerless in Boston, of whom you'll be reading about in Tape Op soon. (www.secretstars.com)
Music Reviews | No. 31
Bügsküll & the Big White Cloud
by Larry Crane
Bügsküll has mutated over time from a group into the home- recorded experimental-pop wanderings of Sean Byrne. It's cool stuff, recorded on an 8-track deck I believe, and never getting so...