The recent passing of John Peel has left us with much to ponder. Who now, for instance, will carry the torch for the 'alternative' music scene? Who now will continue to so profoundly and publicly acclaim the so-called 'World Music' genre? And who now will continue to bring to our attention obscure little homegrown beauties such as this?
LISTEN WITH SARAH is an enigmatic, ambient one woman, one computer project, set up in 2002 by self-confessed “truth seeker” Sarah Nelson. This, her debut long player, is made up of 4 previously unreleased EP's which she had sent to Peel in the final two months of his life, comprising of 14 tracks in total.
Opener 'Animal Hop, which appeared in Peel's final Festive 50, is a strange, magical, melodious creation using bird, kitten and donkey samples, a rudimentary hip hop beat and, of all things, a bassoon. It's weird, wonderful and seriously addictive, and it's easy to see why Peel was so beguiled.
'Drum N Berceuse' is a drum'n'bass explosion based on samples courtesy of the old BBC classic 'Listen With Mother' (yes, really), while on 'My Crow's Soft Sounds' the talent and invention of Nelson steadily shines through as she uses familiar PC noises to glorious effect. It's quirky and intelligent stuff.
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It's not all humourus invention and DIY experimentation though. The 'Blue Parsley/July section sees Nelson develop her sound as she uses sweeping ambient tones, against a backdrop of lolling waves, to create an emotional pastoral sound filled with acoustic strumming and flute.
A darker edge to Listen With Sarah emerges in the second half of the album with the wonderfully hypnotic 'Inconjunctivitis', a pounding atmospheric piece that simply demands your attention. As does the hardcore drum'n'bass of 'I.C.' But, it's the funky bass-driven 'My Dog's Got No Nose' that really sparkles among the latter tracks.
As with most experimental music, it's not all to everyone's taste. There's a couple of fillers in here, of that there's no doubt, but with all that's going on here, it's undeniably forgivable. And for anyone with a passing interest in ambient sounds, drum'n'bass or eclectic electronica in general, this comes highly recommended.
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