In Pine Effect - µ-Ziq (1995)

Ideated from: some things I discovered through my CMJ New Music Monthly subscription back in the 90s

That’s the Greek letter µ (mu). Get it?! Mu-Ziq?! HUH?! OK, just didn’t want you left out…

This was one of the first IDM (or at least all-electronic) records I really grooved on. I love the contrasts between the smooth synth sounds and samples and the scuzzy distortion on the drums. I love the whiplash beats, and the melodic synth parts that rein it in and keep it from running off the rails. I love the weird grooves he finds and rides in places, that don’t seem like they should be so inviting but they just suck you in. I love basically everything about it, if I’m being honest.

Tracks I Liked

Roy Castle - Not subtle, but goes hard. The dragged beat on the ride cymbal when the drums are first getting established is wild until it starts to fit in with everything else.

Phiesope - Another album that will appear here someday is Kristen Hersh’s “Hips and Makers.” (edit: o_O) This track is built on a sample from that album’s track “Your Ghost” which is what made me notice it on the CMJ comp. It’s also a fantastic 90s IDM song, one of my very favorites.

Problematic - almost poppy in its enthusiasm