Lost For Words

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Arguably one of the most interesting labels these days, Leaf hasn't formed around a specific style. Instead, there's an emphasis on diversity and creativity in its selection of artists. This sampler is home to several of them - 310, Susumu Yokota, Murcof, Gorodisch, Manitoba are just a few examples. Some of the tracks are especially pleasant and reviewed below.

As many of you probably know, Murcof has made one of the most innovative electronica albums of 2002. 'Martes' is featured here by two tracks, both of them fine representatives of Murcof's chilly and minuscule sound. Susumu Yokota, famous Japanese DJ, visual artist and musician whose production ranges from house to ambient, puts forth two simultaneously lively and meditative tracks of intricately woven Japanese music, enhanced by repetition, echo and reverb. His new album should hold a promise or two for deep listening fans. A Small Good Thing, a new name for me and an instant surprise, yields a warm and semi-acoustic "waltz" 'Saloon Dreams (edit)'. At the same time seemingly simple and complex, the snippet is repetitive and useful like a piece of coal. Friends of experimental and traditional styles alike would benefit from it. Gorodisch is, of course, here too and musically stripped down with his rustic guitar. So approach, son of man, if you haven't acquainted yourself to Leaf yet.

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