Synthesis |
Synthesis |
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Description
Description
The “vivid contemporary sounds for a fresh visual image” make up the now canonized Synthesis from Alan Hawkshaw and Brian Bennett. These two greats go deeper than usual on this collection, and the end result is a synth concept record of sorts. Released in 1974, it’s an essential companion piece to their Synthesizer and Percussion LP, released on Themes International Music in the same year.
Like most of our favourite library records, Synthesis has that gloriously funky, “weird electronic music” vibe without ever being inaccessible. With the awesome ARP Odyssey at the fore, Hawkshaw and Bennett have created a blissed-out soundscape that, whilst laid back in all the right places, somehow remains heavy on the funk. It’s a sort of throbbing, proto-G Funk sound and you can find it on many of these low-lit basement workouts.
Take the ice-cool “Alto Glide”. It’s a sunset-funk highlight with an electro-flute refrain that conjures those dreamier Dre / DJ Quick instrumentals from ’91 to ’92. Stereolab, Koushik (again) and all those Ghost Box artists were clearly listening very closely in the years since. The equally relaxed “Mermaid” glides effortlessly with soft, shimmering piano, understated percussion and kaleidoscopic synths. It’s a really beautiful piece.
With these two soft-focus closing tracks allowing the LP to float away over the horizon, the preceding ten tracks have a more insistent, neck-snapping rhythm section to back the synth overload. Highlights include the head-nod funk of “Getting It Together” and the synth break in “The Executive”, which informed classic video game soundtracks.
For once Be With really is stuck for words to describe just how good this record is. Best just to listen.
As with all ten re-issues, the audio for Synthesis comes from the original analogue tapes and has been remastered for vinyl by Be With regular Simon Francis. We’ve taken the same care with the sleeves, handing the reproduction duties over to Richard Robinson, the current custodian of KPM’s brand identity.
- Remastered From Original Tapes
- Carefully Reproduced Original Art
- Genre: JAZZ
- Format Detail: LP Black
- Handling Note: **Please allow an additional 5 business days for this item's shipment.**
- Format: Vinyl
- Released: 10/16/18
- Internal ID: JIT
Condition Ratings & Details
Condition Ratings & Details
NOTE: Every title includes condition ratings. The first rating pertains to the physical media, and the second grade pertains to the sleeve.
NOTE: Images may not be exact. Please refer to the description to determine whether the images are Actual Photos or Photos Not Actual. New records will likely use generic web photos to represent the product.
Condition Ratings
- MINT (M): Perfect, brand new, unplayed.
- Near Mint (NM): Like new, barely played, will play perfectly.
- Excellent (EX): Very close to near mint, with minor cosmetic wear. Will play perfectly.
- Very Good Plus (VG+): Light cosmetic blemishes that do not affect play. Close to perfect playback.
- Very Good (VG): Some light marks that may cause minor noise during playback. Still enjoyable and plays well.
- Good Plus (G+): Noticeable noise during playback. Only listed if of collector value. Not ideal for listening.
Sleeve Details
- PHOTOS ACTUAL: The photo is an original image of the exact item you will receive.
- PHOTOS NOT ACTUAL: The photo is sourced from the web and may differ slightly from the actual item.
