Label: Sound Image – SI0001 Format: Vinyl, LP Country: US Released: 1975 Genre: Electronic Style: Field Recording, Experimental
The debut 1975 release of the painfully short-lived American multi-media project Sound Image produced by veteran sound-recordist, radio host, writer (and a long list of other things) Jim Metzner.
In this first issue (preceding the specific editions focusing on Brazil and Greek Villages) Metzner collects field recordings from a range of seemingly disparate locations and contributors, without a clear focus. However, when checking the accompanying notes, there’s detailed notes not only about the recordings, but also how they interact with the supplied photographs and the sequence in which to experience. Almost like a take-home art gallery installation that fits on the shelf, it’s a wonderfully detailed, expertly produced artefact that works to connect the dots between listening, seeing and thinking.
It’s an absorbing experience, one that really instills the practice of listening slowly, with care and attention. There’s shimmering pieces of Aeolian wind harp, next to immersive wind-chimed atmospheres, traditional music from Madagascar, frazzled electronics and sentimental homemade folk, whilst American academic / healing music expert Randall McClellan pens a reenforcing essay on ‘Creative Listening’ which holds this multi-dimensional project together like glue. An genuinely absorbing, multi-faceted production that harks back to a time of much longer attention spans. Longtime personal favourite.(NM/VG+ - with all pictures and essay intact).
Tracklist A1 James Metzner* / Paul Dixon (4)– Aeolian Harp (Solo Harp) 6:17 A2 James Metzner* / Paul Dixon (4)– Aeolian Harp (With Guitar) 3:41 A3 Julie Haines– Squash 3:10 A4 Bill Cole– Walla Walla, Washington 2:16 B1 Margaret Rebar– Intermezzo: Sonata For A Spring Afternoon 1:28 B2 Richard Manchester– Pulsar PSR 0833-45 1:13 B3 James Metzner*, Bara People Of Madagascar*– Freeze Madagascar 1:17 B4 James Metzner*, The Iroquois*– Running With The Indians 1:41 B5 Robert Francis (4)– Like Ghosts Of Eagles, The Hawk 2:31 B6 Daniel Pinkham– August Landscape 3:16 B7 J. Rainbow– Who Sings The Song In Your Heart? 2:23 B8 James Metzner*– Baseball Transformation 0:49