Community Library is now one year old. Founded in part by Paul Dickow, the label released three 12" singles in 2005 and a CD EP from Sawako. With more on the way, this is a look at the Nudge and Strategy singles released last year. High quality, clear, beautiful vinyl releases were the focus for the label throughout 2005 and it shows. These are dub-touched, rock-scored dance masterpieces of a quality that makes waiting for more a frustrating experience.
Community Library
There is little doubt that these are records of high quality. Looking at the vinyl's color and the depth of the grooves is enough to make that a sure thing, but one sample of the music in those grooves and it'll become obvious that Community Library knows how to handle the format. Both the Strategy and the Nudge records sound clear and fluid, the full range of sounds used on both records are easy to hear with little to no interference and all the warmth of analog playback. The Strategy record benefits the most from this; the thick bass and dance-oriented nature of the record is front and center, perfect for high volumes and getting your groove on. The Nudge record, on the other hand, sounds full and energetic. "Stack" is full of fluttering drum patterns, heavy bass, distorted electronics, a lead harmonica, and all manner of twisting melodies and effects. There is a multitude of minute detail packed onto these records and whether these are played through a nice stereo system or on headphones, they sound great. Not only can they be danced to, but they have replay value because of the depth of the production on all the tracks.
I'm especially taken by the B-sides on both records. Both "Div" on the Nudge record and "I Have to Do This Thing" are excellent songs, each different from their A-side. "I Have to Do This Thing" is almost pure club-oriented electronica the way I remember falling in love with: full of melody, constant movements, and clear sounds. "Div" is a hallucinogenic mix of ringing bells, whirling synthesizers, and a barrage of percussion all rotating around fluctuating bass tones and persistent washes of sound. They both round out the records very well, making them full and satisfying recordings.
While Strategy's record makes me want to dance and even consider hitting up clubs hoping for the same cerebral funk, Nudge's record is further proof that they really know how to meld the digital and acoustic worlds like nobody else. Their music is digital composition and free-form jam mentality all blended into a mind-warping electronic rock that I've not heard from anyone else.
Vinyl releases like these are very, very exciting. I'm already jonesing for the Eats Tapes 12" and knowing that there is more coming is enough to make sure that my eyes stay on Community Library. Grab these records, throw them on, turn up the volume and be prepared to keep them on for a long time. If it is possible to convert these into mp3 format or on to a compact disc, that may be advisable; wearing this vinyl out might be difficult, but it seems inevitable. Every time a track ends, I just want to flip it over and start again.
samples:
- Strategy - World House
- Strategy - I Have to Do This Thing
- Nudge - Stack
- Nudge - Div
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