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Mick Karn: More Better Different
[Invisible Hands]

Mick Karn, the ex-bassist from the band Japan, explores some new territory in his recent solo release, More Better Different.  A solo album by a bassist sounds a little odd and one might be tempted to think that the only plausible route to take is in the direction of Sting.  Karn does not go in this direction, rather he eschews any semblance of pop structure in favor of rhythmically tinged atmosphere pieces in the style of Brian Eno; but while Eno preferred to build his sound landscape using more repetition and slight melodic counterpoint, Karn relies more on his bass rhythms to build his sound world.  The comparison to Eno is apt, though, because Karns songs (if one can call them that), while being extremely full of texture and interesting arrangements, tend to feel more like atmospheric sketches, rather than dynamic, fully-formed pieces.  But this is also a criticism that could also be leveled at Eno, especially in his more ambient work. 

As a producer of ambient soundscaping, however, Mick Karn excels.  The palette he uses to paint his pictures is wide and varied, relying on a backbone of bass to build the background, but also using many other elements such as pianos, computer electronics, guitar, and even some interesting vocals to add detail and round out his pieces.  Karn is also somewhat of a virtuoso, and while not necessarily appealing to typical musical sensibilities, it is always interesting to listen to a true virtuoso at work.  Karns virtuosity, however, is not primarily in his bass playing, but rather in his production skills and his arrangements.  So while at times, this album can sound like a text-book on production and arranging techniques, it is generally also interesting to listen to for the pure joy of hearing an experiment come together correctly.  This album should not be reserved only for fans of ambient music, but rather for fans of music without qualification. 

This album can be purchased at Amazon and CD Universe

Invisible Hands Official Website

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