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Meantime

(Interscope/Warner)

I am well aware of the fact that this particular album is not a new release-it is actually from 1992, but as it is one of my current favourites I feel that the masses must be informed of this fine grind core band. The album, ‘‘Meantime’’, contains the hypnotic din of grunge which is sure to appeal to the fans of many of the bands with that recognizable come-from-Seattlesound, even if this band is based in New York. This album is certainly not for those unable to cope with grind core, so you fans of mainstream grunge such as Pearl Jam and Nirvana may want to keep a safe distance from this album. This is mosh pit music at its loudest, and old or not, it is certainly worth the purchase. 4 (out of five)

808 State

Gorgeous

(ZZT/Warner)

This neo-techno group from the United King- dom has a reputation for being experimental both with music and the techniques used to create music. 808 State is in a class with other techno pioneers from the early eighties such as Joy Division/New Order and Depeche Mode. This newest release certainly lives up to its title.

In the ‘‘Gorgeous’’ equipment list most of the credit goes to various computer components, among other pieces of high-tech equipment. One may also, and indeed should, be impressed with the list of names in the credits from whom 808 State has sampled or acquired as guest vocalists. Names such as Ian McCulloch from New Order fame, and UB40 for both the lyrics and vocals of ‘‘One in Ten’’, the video which has been receiving limited airplay on Muchmusic. Much of the music contained on ““Gorgeous’’ could not be honestly termed techno seeing as that genre changes everyday, but many of the selections are danceable simply because of the entrancing melodies used through- out. It must also be mentioned that the cd jacket is as impressive as the album. One may even go as far as to call it gorgeous. To be honest, it was the jacket that sold me as I had only heard the “One in Ten’’ before adding the cd to my personal collection. (4)

Various

Radikal Techno

(Radikal/Quality)

This is one of the best techno compilations released thus far in the short history of the latest techno movement, which consists more of club

deejays and computer masters than it does actual bands. Many of the groups releasing songs now release one single and go back to the deejay booth or to whatever brought them to this scene in the beginning. ‘‘Radikal Techno’’ is yet another compilation from the very tal- ented Chris Shephard from Ontario. This is the same person who brought to us a series of techno rave compilations from Quality as well as the house music compilation ‘‘Electric Dancefloor’’ (Quality). ‘‘Radikal Techno’’ does not contain as much hardcore as some of Shepard’s other productions, but that effect may be caused by techno’s gradual tendency to become increasingly hardcore without being consciously noted by listeners. The best selec- tions on ‘‘Radikal Techno’’ are Omumbratta and Die Schwarze as well as a new and refresh- ing mix of 2 Unlimited’s Twilight Zone, a song included simply so the consumer would recog- nize one song on the disc. Please note that the song Raving on Sesame Street should not be confused with Smart E’s awesome technorave hit Sesame’s Treat. The two just do not com- pare. This album allows the hardcore techno fan and more mainstream techno/house fan to compromise with one excellent release. (4)

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