Abstract Index Playlist - April 14/10

Three weeks ago, Professor Fingers dropped by the Abstract Index to talk about what turned out to be a very successful performance of "First Public Trip To Outer Space". He later sent me an email to introduce the work of his fiance, Vanese Smith aka Pursuit Grooves.

Her Myspace tag actually sums her music up quite successfully as "bionic.future.soul.tronics". Hey, I like all of those things, but it takes some care to balance the elements. This music has a basic, home-made feel which is easy to love. It sounds like there isn't much technology at work, but what she accomplishes with her imagination and especially her voice makes the most of the elements at hand.

Whether singing or rapping (both impressive)
Smith knows when to float over a track and when to use percussive vocal samples to deepen the rhythms. The mildly stuttering grooves stick to a deliberate pace, with Burial-friendly sounds illuminating all those shades of blue shown in the cover art.

Erykah Badu? Georgia Anne Muldrow? So say the comparisons, but this music isn't as lush and, while plenty soulful, doesn't sound like it's intentionally reaching for soul music fans. Fox Trot Mannerisms is a highly individual statement with rhythms as angular as they want to be. This album is released by Tectonic, so it will likely attract an audience who appreciates adventurous listening.

Thank you, Professor: once again I have gained knowledge. And mazel tov on the nuptials!

Podcast

kid-napping - doctor l (colored-inc)
hedzoleh - hedzoleh soundz (soundway)
ijo - tony allen rmx by dennis bovell (world circuit)
fiebre de lepra - wganda kenya (vampisoul)
kirkland 29 km - ziya tabassian, pierre-yves martel, kiya tabassian (ambiances magnetiques)
kisaltmalar - baba zula & mad professor (doublemoon)
order of the golden dawn - daedalus (brainfeeder)
eyesdown - bonobo feat andria triana (ninja tune)
antiguos denos del skunk - doma tornados (hipi duki)
no question - sarah linares (PTR)
recall - lina allemano four (lumo)
say chin - nomoreshapes (drip audio)
earth magic - heaven and (staubgold)
whisper - pursuit grooves (tectonic)
north of the border dub - prince douglas (wackies)
never get burned - twinkle brothers (virgin frontline)
five man army - dillinger, wayne wade, al campbell, trinity, junior tamlin (oak sound)
praise him - horace andy (joe gibbs)
ten ton woman version - g.g. allstars (GG)
rootboy rhythm - dj karim (zonda)
hau dena - fermin muguruza/zion train rmx by dj canalh (no label)
riddim culture - citizen sound (vx)