Scion: Arrange and Process Basic Channel Tracks
Tresor, 2002
In the early ’90s, a legendary series of 12"s emerged. Basic Channel, a mysterious label with connections to Detroit and Germany, released its delicious minimal masterpieces with a minimum of labeling. Often the epic tracks took up an entire record side each, combining dub-inspired reverb with repetitive beats for a hypnotic effect. Scion has taken on the daunting task of mixing together an accessible overview of Basic Channel’s output. The result makes for great late-night listening and is similar to Richie Hawtin’s excellent Mixmag Live! release in style and (computer-aided) mixing skill. Some of the tracks have been reinterpreted. Many have been sped-up. If you’re in a contemplative mood, nothing beats the original, long versions of these tracks. Yet Scion’s CD is a masterful mix that serves up minimalism to those with shorter attention spans.
