Portal, by Alexander Tucker (CD on ATP)
A Norman Records recommendation (5th June 2008)
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Description: |
CD on ATP |
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| Format: |
CD |
| Label: |
ATP |
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Price: |
£9.99 |
| Catalogue number: |
ATPRCD30 |
| Availability: |
despatched in 2-5 working days (on average!!) |
What you say
No-one has reviewed Portal by Alexander Tucker yet.
What we say
 This record left our Ant feeling ecstatic.
Okay so I own Alexander Tucker's first two albums on ATP but was a little disappointed by newie 'Portal' on first listen. Upon subsequent listens however I must confess that it just continues to grow on me to the point that I want to declare that the man is a total genius. I've seen him live twice and he was remarkable on both occasions. The second time, I was laid on the floor (reasonably leathered) at ATP with my eyes closed and just drifted away to another place. An almost spiritual experience. Such is the power of this mans sound. A unique talent indeed. His mystical psychedelic folk music has become a little more melodic and infectious and you almost find yourself singing along. His guitar playing is brilliant and all the effects he uses really create an earthy atmosphere. His illustrations that adorn the sleeve are wonderful. This album is a window into his strange and very intriguing world. Marvelous, timeless stuff and very highly recommended.
What the label says:
The ATP label follows up the amazing Fuck Buttons album with the brand new album from Free-Folk wunderkind Alexander Tucker.
Previous album ‘Furrowed Brow’ (ATPLP/CD23) won the following plaudits:
- MOJO UNDERGROUND ALBUM OF THE MONTH: "A POWERFULLY RESONANT SOUND WHICH MARRIES CONVENTIONAL FOLK MOVES WITH EXPERIMENTAL IMPROVISATION."
- 4/5 IN UNCUT: "TUCKER SHORES UP HIS RAGAS WITH GREAT ROLLING CLOUDBANKS OF DISTORTED ELECTRIC GUITARS."
- THE WIRE: "THIS IS AS GOOD AS BRITISH EXPERIMENTAL GUITAR MUSIC GETS."
‘Portal’, the third Alexander Tucker long player for ATP recordings is a work of bewitching splendour. Tucker’s Previous albums (Old Fog and Furrowed Brow) seem like stepping stones in the wake of Portal.
If we must draw comparisons then lets say Chicago musician/composer Jim O’ Rourke; both are unparalleled in their pairing of the 20th Century avant-garde techniques of composers like Stockhausen and Steve Reich with the archaic sounding free-folk of John Fahey, Robbie Basho and Loren Connors.
On ‘Portal’ Tucker’s finger-picked guitar lines become indistinguishable from the more traditional string arrangements and voice. These melodic clusters interweave like the paths incurved by a figure skater. This is still to say nothing of Tucker’s voice, which sounds as if it is emanating from a ghost channel on an ancient mixing desk rather than appear sung on top of the epochal arrangements. It’s a voice comparable perhaps to Meddle era David Gilmour or John Martyn on Solid Air.
Limited vinyl, 500 only. Digipak cd. Great cover art by the man himself.
Track Listing: 1. Poltergeist Grazing 2. Veins to the Sky 3. Omnibaron. 4. Husks 5. Bell 6. Jars 7.Energy for Dead Plants
8. Another World 9. Here |
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