Various Artists - Sci-Fi-Lo-Fi: Complied By Andrew Wetherall

Wetherall compilation mixed from pure vinyl only

Yes, yes, we all know that Andrew Wetherall produced Primal Scream’s Screamadelica, has remixed a zillion tracks and is, among other things, one blade in the Two Lone Swordsmen. But what do we think of his contribution to the Soma mix series? Well, to be honest, not much really. Putting a finger on what’s wrong is quite hard, as there are some fabulous tracks on here, especially Joe Boot & The Fabulous Winds’ Rock & Roll Radio, The Rebs’ Renegade, Tav Falco & Panther Burns’ Jungle Rock and Charlie Feathers’ Jungle Fever. These are cult rock’n’roll/psychobilly tracks and, kicking off the album, are a pleasure to hear. What might work as a journey in a club, however, is missing something on these 19 tracks, as the music moves into different musical waters and onto T.Rex’s Free Angel, The Fall’s Big New Prinz, a mix of Primal Scream’s Bloods and then a new Wetherall track, Feathers. Also we get Killing Joke’s Bloodsport, which might be a great track but just doesn’t sit well here. All told, one of those compilations that, like poorly applied wallpaper, doesn’t hang properly.

2 stars 2 stars

Soma | CD 058

Reviewed by Ian Shirley
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