Pete Namlook is THE Ambient Wunderkind. His sound is deeply rooted in the Germanic electronic tradition of the last 25 years (Faust & Can, Ash Ra Temple, Klaus Schulz, Richard Pinhas, Kraftwerk, et al.). He's also probably the biggest popular producer--quantity-wise--of ambient music in the world. Needless to say, the quality level, the amount of attention given to each moment of sound, varies. This however, being a "Best of"-type collection, is a lean collection of smokin' kraut vibrations. Mandatory for the casual collector who couldn't possibly spend the time and money buying everything this industrialist puts to wax. --S.A.

(first appeared in Reign of Toads #4)

From the heart of Houston's ambient/industrial scene (Nightshade = Voice of Eye + 2) comes this very engaging document of "an entirely unplanned live performance that turned out like a carefully orchestrated concert" at the late, lamented Pik'n'Pak Ice House circa 1990. From personal experience, let me assure you that nothing could be better driving music for a lengthy cruise under the ominous, moisture-bloated sky of southeast Texas. And for a purportedly free improv, this really is remarkably together (though side two features some weak flute and guitar strumming that is quickly left behind by a superior trance groove)... active/shifting/interactive electronic sounds punctured by insistent percussion and synthetic howls. It's the good shit: it feeds itself and grows. Like all Discorporeality releases, this media object is a high-quality chrome cassette with a neat color sleeve and informative inserts. --K.S.

(first appeared in Reign of Toads #4)

last update 1/17/97

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