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Wind & Wire - A Review by Bill
Binkelman
(11/24/03)
ALTERNATE REALITIES
Richard Bone
An album
of unreleased or alternate versions and rare tracks (which this is by the
way) from any artist except Richard Bone would probably reveal why the tracks
were never released in the first place. But, this is Richard Bone we’re
talkin’ `bout here, pal o’ mine; so instead, what alternate realities
delivers to your doorstep is a recording so excellent that all I can do is
shake my head and mutter, “Damn it, Bone; you went and did it again!”
Yes, even when he goes through the “leftovers,” this guy still
has talent to burn in evidence everywhere. What is it about him? Is it the
overall hip and cool vibe that permeates each track (most of what is on this
CD slots in alongside of his previous releases Electropica, Coxa or
Ascensionism-what I refer to as his cyber-jazz trilogy)? Is it his sly sense
of humor (how can you NOT love songs with titles like “New Guru in
Town,” “Ariel Dane and the Seraphim Swing” or “The House
that Cugat Built”)? Or is simply that the man can compose and play music
that is as sexy, soulful, and smooth as a 20 year old single malt? Well,
whatever it is, he’s got it working again. alternate realities is every
bit as good as the three previously mentioned recordings, so if you liked
any of them, you better grab your checkbook, wallet, credit card, or whatever
you barter with, `cause you are gonna have to have this; you just know you
will!
From the opening ethnic-percussion, soprano sax, and trip-hop rhythm, of
“Elutherium” to the hauntingly beautiful mystery of “Cava
Negra” and its glitch-like beats married to liquid synth strings and
plaintive piano; from the jazzy organ, funky bass, and gently swinging sax
of “The House that Cugat Built” to the tropical chill-out of “By
Serapis Bay” which blends laid-back rhythms, fluid synths, some of
Bone’s best-ever digital piano work, and jazz trumpet that hits all
the right notes, alternate realities is the perfect tonic for calming your
nerves in the late evening after a hectic day battling whatever your personal
demons happen to be. I played this on my radio show one recent night and
a colleague at my day job fell in love with it. Hey, the Boneman has that
effect on people. I speak from experience.
So, whether you like chill-out, trip-hop, jazz, downtempo, or if you just
need some mellow tunes to relax to, and you want something besides the usual
ambient or new age that you always seem to be reaching for, alternate realities
should realign both your spinal column and your chakras. If you can get all
the way through this disc and not smile once, you've either got a serious
case of the blahs or you’re so damn grumpy that there’s no hope
for you. Or, maybe it’s that you just don’t recognize genius when
you hear it? Whatever. I’m too busy having a good time with Richard
Bone to care what your problem is. Now, do a pal a favor and get me a refill
of Dewars, will ya? That’s a good kid!
Review by Bill Binkelman
(WIND &
WIRE)
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