Mick Karn is something of an enigma within the music world, starting on his journey with Japan in the early 70's. Multi instrumentalist Karn, built up quite a reputation within the music world, for his somewhat influential approach, having a distinctive style, working with such artists as Gary Numan, Pete Murphy, Dave Torn but to name a few. I loved his involvement in Polytown and his solo album Bestial Cluster being firm favourite albums of mine too. Having been diagnosed with a latter stage of cancer, this package has been compiled by Italian composer Eraldo Bernocchi, who contacted various artists, helping him to come up with this beautiful item, a digital only download, containing a collection of music. All the proceeds will be going to Karn to help him and his family financially.
The tribute album contains sixteen tracks from an assortment of legendary artists all paying homage to an artist who influenced them, giving them a sense of hope and encouragement. Karn always had an inventive approach to creating music, which is something that is evident throughout this album as the stars pay tribute.
The musical balance of the album is almost soundtrack in approach; nothing is as it seems on first listen, something that Bernocchi has used to good effect. This is an album that needs to be worked with, because if you are looking or expecting that immediate hit, you are going to be disappointed. The real reward is gained from the time put in learning and nurturing the offerings.
The album starts out with the experimental "Michaelsketch", musical syncopation that is rather challenging, sonically on the ear but yet somewhat endearing, a theme that is used to good effect throughout the album, whether the challenge is easy on the ear or not. Some of the standout tracks for me were "Plural", with its rhythmic beats and unusual bass tones and odd time signatures, "Renaissance" from fellow compatriot David Torn, which its sonically challenging guitar tones and rather interesting drum beats; "Hauptbahnhof" with its rather stated vocal approach which is very captivating, melancholic and haunting. Eraldo Bernocchi doesn't let the side down either having built a triptych, which is majestic, regal, beautiful, dreamy, with all three pieces being in sonic opposition. The stand piece for me was the rather touching "what" which musically sums up the whole emotional ethos of the album, very powerful and poignant. Musically there is something here for everyone being.
This is a captivating and touching hat tip to a man who has influenced so many with his music; being a well worthwhile cause too. The album works sonically on two levels whether you play it in the background or feel that you need to crank the volume.
Track Listing
1 Brainkiller – Michaelsketch
2 Climax Golden Twins – Crint
3Colin Edwin (Porcupine Tree) – Plural
4 David Torn – Renaissance Mensch (dt for mk)
5 Edward Ka Spel – Hauptbahnhof
6 Elijah B Torn – what
7 Eraldo Bernocchi – Dreamt Of Dreaming
8 Eraldo Bernocchi – The Ship
9 Eraldo Bernocchi – No Turning Back
10 Kllu – Unthink
11 Martin Schulte – Angels
12 Meditronica – Ki Eshmera Shabbat (Gaudi Remix)
13Peter Gannon (Calla) – For MK
14 The Mantra Above The Spotless Melt Moon – Blanca
15The Mantra Above The Spotless Melt Moon – The Ship
16 Witchman (featuring Rosanne) – No More
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