Scion - Arrange And Process Basic Channel Tracks

I agree with the previous reviewer completely, but felt compelled to get into the content of the record a bit more. Basic Channel to me is a label of truly mythical stature. Through a dozen or so 12" they redefined the late 80ties detroit sound and reclaimed it through a distinctly european lense of minimalism. epic tracks more often than not topping 10 minutes, and some even pushing 20, which sound choices so epic and profound, the original 12"'s are a nearly religous experience to behold. however, the challenge then becomes, how to translate that energy into CD format. The initial Basic Channel CD pulled material from the softer, more ambient side of the label, and in it's own right, was a great CD, although the drawback being that many of the songs had to be edited in order to fit a reasonable number of them on the disc.

When this came out, i was extremely excited. the basic premise is that Scion (Vanquier and Substance, respectivly, who both released albums on Basic Channels "sister label" Chain Reaction, which released albums by other people with similar visions as the BC crew) took the BC backcatalouge, and using Abelton Live (a music production software developed by a former member of Monolake, another Chain Reaction allumni) literally mashed together most of the BC tracks into a super condensed, solid, 50 minute mix, often mixing 2-3 tracks into a single "song" often altering the pitch and speed along the way. What you end up with is the best possible representation of the energy of the original tracks on CD.

Basic Channel eventually released a follow up to the original BCCD with one focusing more on the dance orientated stuff, but i would argue that this album is better, due to the inventive mixing of Scion. Of course, nothing beats the original vinyl, which can now be easily aquired either in record or purchased in MP3 format, but this album, which has become increasingly hard to come by stands as an excellent tribute/introduction/experiment for this seminal label.

This is like god-sent from above. I have listened to this compilation thousands of times and it never bores me. BC to me has been a massive inspiration, and to get a mixed version of this legendary act is just so right. Scion has taped, glued and molded a superior mix that brings out the missing link from BC's music. It gave me a final understanding of the impact and effect these tracks has.
Mind the bend in your mind!

This realease is definitely one of the best records I know.
Incredibly spacey sounds with pulsating beats in the background are fading to infinity. The atmosphere of this mix is hard to express, you have to experience it for yourself. The arrangement is very exciting, a lot of tension is guaranteed during this ride.
Minimalism and monotony without any boring moment, the Basic Channel sound is very touching for every fan of futuristic music.
Essential!

The only thing disappointing about this album is that it is so hard to come by these days. And chances are when you do find it, you will spend a fortune on it. But every penny is well worth it. Undoubtedly a far superior summary of their work than the Basic Channel CD, and a lot easier to get into than the original 12 inchers. This is the place to start for the one curious about this brilliant label.

Taking tracks from Basic Channel's infalible catalogue, rearranging, and mixing them into the tracks on this disc was a stroke of genius. Each track has layers from multiple BC tracks, and it all flows perfectly from start to finish. Much more pumping than the BC-CD, this is hands down my all time favourite techno release. Definitely a classic.

It's hard to imagine that a reworking of Basic Channel material would be anything other than an insult...but Scion have pulled off a release that both honours and compliments the legendary works with such skill and finesse it's become the ultimate and most obvious starting point for anyone unfamiliar with these essential artists.

What a release. The border between mixing tracks and producing doesn't exist any more. Rene Löwe does that in a incredibly perfect way and makes something new without destroying the spirit of Basic Channel. Dubby athmospheres and a minimal pumping groove. Can't remember that I ever heard something more ingenious like this. It's difficult to discribe that all with words, listen yourself... THE highlight of the year 2002.