The Avalanches - Since I Left You (2000)
When this record came out, the Avalanches had a bit of a mythology about them. They were an Australian DJ collective who had specialised in making mix tapes containing thousands of samples, most of which were never expected to be cleared for being published on any record they may release. Articles were written about how phenomenal the music they were producing was but most of us in the UK never expected to hear it (especially as this was before most of us got involved with Napster or Limewire). However, the artists who originally had issue with copyright were happy to waive it (to an extent) when they heard the record. It was released with almost 3500 samples.
This arrived smack bang during my final 6 months of University, marking the end of three strange years in York and my having to face up to what was coming next. I remember seeing the videos on MTV and my daughters still watch them to this day (Since I Left You for the dancing and Frontier Psychiatrist for the Michel Gondry brilliance). It reminds me of a summer spaced out at various festivals and on sofas in flats in Brighton. The NME review at the time described it as "a joyous, kaleidoscopic masterpiece of sun-kissed disco-pop" which is pretty accurate to this day.
This is a record I put on when I want to be reminded of or to compliment sunny days. After 18 years, it has barely dated. I know they put out some new material a year or so ago but nothing hooked me like this album. I just wonder if it'll be on my old people's home playlist in 40 years time.
Chris
When this record came out, the Avalanches had a bit of a mythology about them. They were an Australian DJ collective who had specialised in making mix tapes containing thousands of samples, most of which were never expected to be cleared for being published on any record they may release. Articles were written about how phenomenal the music they were producing was but most of us in the UK never expected to hear it (especially as this was before most of us got involved with Napster or Limewire). However, the artists who originally had issue with copyright were happy to waive it (to an extent) when they heard the record. It was released with almost 3500 samples.
This arrived smack bang during my final 6 months of University, marking the end of three strange years in York and my having to face up to what was coming next. I remember seeing the videos on MTV and my daughters still watch them to this day (Since I Left You for the dancing and Frontier Psychiatrist for the Michel Gondry brilliance). It reminds me of a summer spaced out at various festivals and on sofas in flats in Brighton. The NME review at the time described it as "a joyous, kaleidoscopic masterpiece of sun-kissed disco-pop" which is pretty accurate to this day.
This is a record I put on when I want to be reminded of or to compliment sunny days. After 18 years, it has barely dated. I know they put out some new material a year or so ago but nothing hooked me like this album. I just wonder if it'll be on my old people's home playlist in 40 years time.
Chris
Comments
Post a Comment