Whilst a compilation of music from decades ago in this list might be breaking my own rules, it’s clear that in the last 5 or so years, Carl Stone has moved from someone I had a passing awareness of to being simply essential. Whilst his recent Baroo and Himalaya albums are easily two of the very best 2019 has had to offer, this 3 LP collection, as the title highlights, his work from the 70s and 80s.
Stone’s entire discography is essential but seeing how these earlier works relate to the mangled glories of recent tracks like Kikanbou is a revelation. Stone’s aural palette, in the decades between these recordings and his newest work reflect a world awash with sound. What we were all exposed to, what we had access to and the technology we had to hand, back then, was less than what we have access to now.
These earlier works give you a clearer sense of how he wrestles, folds, zips and deep fries his source material. Whilst I’m pretty certain Sking Kee is possibly my favourite track ever, this huge survey, grouping 8 works (including the vast digital bonus track Unthaitled) is completely essential. Spanning work from 1973 to 1986, it’s easy to regard this as nothing more that wickedly inventive, revelatory stuff that is still beamed in from the future and forever welcome.
Electronic Music from the Seventies and Eighties is available on vinyl and digitally here
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