Various: We Are Reasonable People
Warp, 1998
I picked up an import copy of the Warp Records compilation WAP100 We Are Reasonable People soon after it first came out. Now rumor has it this CD will be released in the US eventually. I think it was a good buy, though I only listen to half of the tracks regularly. The Squarepusher/AFX collaboration “Freeman Hardy & Willis Acid” is, unfortunately, mediocre. I love the Boards of Canada track “Orange Romeda” for its catchy, melodic elements. Broadcast’s “Hammer Without a Master” seemed okay the first time I heard it, but it’s a one-trick track, and now I prefer to skip over it. I like Plaid’s “Ilasas.” It’s complex and honestly electronic. Autechre’s “Stop Look Listen” is unimpressive, however. I keep hoping for a more complex melody or an innovative sound to keep it afloat as it spirals into repetitiveness. “Fishtail Parker” by Nightmares On Wax is way too cute for my ears. On the other hand, Jimi Tenor’s “Wear My Bikini” is not Mozart, but I love its simple upbeat melody. My friend Jason thinks the vocal sample sounds like Mayor Quimby on The Simpsons.
Next up is “Plaything” by Plone. It’s pleasant in a light-hearted way, but it doesn’t stick in my memory. Luckily it’s followed by my favorite cut on this compilation, “4 Dead Monks (Original Demo)” by Red Snapper. I love the sad, bizarre pitch-bend effects on the bassline. It sounds like a cello falling into a black hole. Mira Calix’s “Umchunga Locks” is disappointing, though. The vocals are just plain annoying, and the percussion never does anything interesting. For that reason I usually don’t get as far as Two Lone Swordsmen’s “Circulation.” When I do I can’t get into it. It’s repetitive without being hypnotic. Mark Bell’s “A Salute To Those People Who Say Fuck You” is one of those cuts I neither love nor hate. It reminds me a bit of Mark Gage’s most recent work as Vapourspace.
Overall, this is another Warp release I’m happy to have in my collection despite mixed feelings. Five or six good tracks ensure that it visits my CD player on a regular basis. I just wish Warp could have put together something a bit more solid for their 100th WAP release.
