As One – Planetary Folklore

In response to jiggawhat, who had a reasonable and predictable, yet regrettable reaction to this masterpiece:

Totally understand not to taste, but still don't agree because it deserves more effort and more listens if one is coming at it from expectations based on earlier works. It is much more than UNKLE or "trip-hop," which is a term imo that means infinite things given as a genre it encomes anything with a hip-hop paced breakbeat and some electronics. If you're a fan of As One, it will take a few listens to let go of expectations colored by his usually more electronic palette. In fact, it is probably easier for anyone coming to As One with no exposure to Kirk Degiorgio's expansive work, since it rewards in its distinctive, unique blend of sound, technique and emotion.

It is a classic work that requires a truly open mind, even for those with opened minds. It's taken me years actually to fully appreciate its brilliance. Just give "The Path of Most Resistance," the title track, and the beautiful "Brown, Blue, Brown and Blue" a serious listen and you will see the light. Or put on some headphones and take the time to give it your full attention from start to finish. It will blow you away as it digs deeper and deeper, releasing your soul with Degiorgio's ghost in the machine.

Absolutely incredible LP. It even manages to sound way ahead of it's time now.

Watch out - we're on Mo Wax now, so expect trip-hop - resembles an UNKLE album, almost. I was swayed by some of the comments about the jazz/funk influences, but disappointed by this album. Not a fan of this style.

Kirk Degeorgio finally goes full-on jazz with <i>Planetary Folklore</i>. The funk is still present, but the Detroit influences that permeated his earlier albums are all but gone now. He explores music as a jazz musician would, creating songs in non 4/4 time or in non-Ionian modes. The drum programming, too, is particularly complex -- not quite improvisational, but attempting to achieve the same effect. An outstanding effort.