1992

Saada Bonaire, the 2013 collection of the output from the unlikely but fascinating German pop-meets-dub-meets-global sounds collective released by Captured Tracks Fantasy Memory imprint, was such a delightful surprise that it rightfully became a cult classic. It was also such a rarity that it seemed unlikely to hear more from the group -- especially because their lead producer, Bremen DJ Ralph von Richtoven, thought he scrapped all of the projects later recordings in frustration at their inability to catch a break. However, the discovery of tapes in his basement nearly a decade after Saada Bonaires release led to 1992, a document of the projects evolution thats just as intriguing, but notably different, than what came before. Following the disappointment of having their label EMI quickly withdraw support after their hypnotic debut single, "You Could Be More as You Are," failed to become an immediate hit in 1984, Saada Bonaire went on hiatus. When they reunited in 1991, the lineup featured Richtoven, original vocalist Stephanie Lange, and the Turkish-Kurdish musicians who appeared on their initial recordings, as well as North Irish folk singer and lyricist Paul Lindsay, church-trained vocalist Andrea Ebert, and jazz guitarist Mike Ellington, who shared Richtovens love of acid jazz, trip-hop, and house. Where "You Could Be More as You Are" and the rest of Saada Bonaire was recorded by Dennis Bovell at Kraftwerks studio in Cologne, 1992s recordings were made at Ellingtons studio, which was located inside the sex shop owned by his family. Though 1992 lacks the big-budget production values of Saada Bonaires major-label recordings (their A&R man was notorious for overspending) it nevertheless updates the groups slinky mystique with sounds that capture the era of its title. On tracks like their version of Syreetas "To Know You Is to Love You," the slick beats and fat synth bass lines reflect the trends of the times, while the blend of Turkish saz, Langes aloof alto, and Eberts impassioned delivery makes the song unmistakably Saada Bonaire. At times, 1992 evokes the work of other synthesists like Tom Tom Club or Dewdrops in the Garden-era Deee-Lite (especially on the vibrant "Your Prince" and "Move from the Heart"), but more often than not, Saada Bonaire sound as singular as ever. The slight stiffness in the beats and vocals of songs such as "Extremes" and "Okay Its Over" lend an alien feel thats miles away from the cheesiness that the artists exploring these styles could fall prey to. While its not always as transcendent as Saada Bonaire, 1992 still captures the groups spirit of boundary-breaking creativity. Its a small miracle that it even exists, and its well worth hearing for anyone who enjoyed the groups first compilation or the pliable dance and pop sounds of the early 90s. ~ Heather Phares

ニューウェイヴ時代にブレーメンで結成され、84年にデニス・ボーヴェル制作のシングル1枚だけを残して消えた辺境ディスコ・プロジェクト。2013年にはその頃の未発表曲が一気に発掘されたが、彼女たちにはさらに知られざる続きがあったのだ。これは92年にフランソワ・ケヴォーキアンのスタジオで録られていた楽曲集で、当時のハウスやダブをオーガニックに取り込んだ雰囲気が新鮮。シリータのカヴァー"To Know You Is To Love You"も良好だ。
bounce (C)狛犬