Noise Signals

 

BadBadNotGood - Talk Memory [XL1176LPE UK 2021 24-Bit FLAC]

Almost as eagerly anticipated as their contemporaries GoGo Penguin's last album, Canadian jazz-avantists BadBadNotGood choice of London dance label turned mass market indie, XL Recordings was a brave step. The 'GoGos' released their last album on Blue Note, a label known for its all round quality, I beg to differ about XL, but more about that later. 

Musically this album is a genuine stunner. Widescreen cinematic string arrangements from Brazilian Arthur Verocai really compliment the trio's avant-jazz-psychedelia & distorted electronics, complexly composed into obtuse arrangements. You really need to listen to Talk Memory as one complete piece on repeat to understand, or at least attempt to understand this record.

Now I'd like to critique the pressing and mastering quality. As usual with colored vinyl (this is a white double 45rpm pressing) final inspection and quality control are seemingly forgotten. I had to wash each record twice before ripping after an initial run through revealed a great deal of debris remaining from the pressing process. Then there is the issue of compression and loudness of the kick drums and other bass frequencies - why do we feel the need to still do this to music? Music of this complexity deserves space and width, however this style of mastering only serves to spoil the listening experience.

If it wasn't for the last paragraph, I would be truly raving about this album.  I genuinely fear for what the compact disc might sound like.

A1 Signal From The Noise

A2 Unfolding (Momentum 73)

B1 City Of Mirrors

B2 Beside April

C1 Love Proceeding

C2 Open Channels

D1 Timid, Intimidating

D2 Beside April (Reprise)

D3 Talk Meaning