Well, this month it appears that one of my calls is answered with the repress of Clark’s 2006 Body Riddle—not only that, but it’s accompanied by a new collection of previously-unreleased and hard-to-find works, 05-10.
A more disruptive and chaotic style
Say what you want to about Warp Records and their various phases of line-up but one thing they’ve clearly worked out how to do in recent years, is the art of the repress. Reacting strongly to the ever-growing desire for classic electronic releases, the abundance of Aphex Twin, Autechre and Boards of Canada represses has kept fans old and new alike entertained.
The restrictive cost of these authoritative works has often kept them out of the hands of people who may otherwise be influenced by their beauty and to their credit Warp have made these evermore accessible through their re-releases.
But let’s face it—the Warp Records of old is clearly more than three artists. I myself scream on a daily basis to be able to pick up copies of some of my favorites (where is all the Plaid?) without having to resort to the selling of a family member’s kidney (I’m saving mine) to be able to listen to them. Yes, we all know that CD’s exist. Yes, we all know that digital exists. For whatever reason they choose, people want these on vinyl and it’s their God-given right to ask for them.
Well, this month it appears that one of my calls is answered with the repress of Clark’s 2006 Body Riddle—not only that, but it’s accompanied by a new collection of previously-unreleased and hard-to-find works, 05-10. With both being available on 12”, to top it all off, both of these will be available at the end of the month as a CD package called Body Double. What we get is a remastering of the source (I hadn’t put much thought to whether it could sound any better) but the opportunity to hear pieces that were created around the same time, a valuable insight into the original album.
Now, you may not think of Chris Clark as classic Warp—but I do so you’re wrong, and I will die on that hill. Debuting in 2001 with Clarence Park he appeared in the same year as Drukqs (Aphex Twin), Confield (Autechre), Double Figure (Plaid), Go Plastic (Squarepusher), and Claro (Brothomstates)—just to name a few. If that wasn’t a banger of a year I’m not sure what you’d define it as.
Marking a turning point from the ethereal roots of his first two releases ::
Since then, Clark’s graced our presence with over 50 releases in varying styles, each as engaging as the last. One of the most-acclaimed is Body Riddle, which, in my eyes, marked a turning point from the ethereal roots of his first two releases to the more disruptive and chaotic style that would influence his later work and give a much-needed disturbance to the club scene.
When it comes to 05-10 I’ve only had the chance to listen to three of the twelve tracks, but what I’ve heard so far I like. “Sparrow Arc Tall” feels like a looking glass to the future, very much reminiscent of the work Chris would later do with The Last Panthers.
Even though a third of the tracks originally appeared on Throttle Furniture—a live gig and Warpmart exclusive—this is the first time they appear on wax. And the prospect of being able to spin “Dusk Swells” for the first time excites me as it should you. “Dead Shark Eyes, Dusk Raid” and “Herr Bar (Improv)” were all free downloads at the time, but being able to have these in something other than MP3 is welcome indeed.
Another piece of the track-listing excites me a lot—as a final track listed is “Autumn Linn.” With three of the four seasons now covered across various releases, I would like to think this is very much another four-chord rising piece of mid-tempo to lighten the mood. The fact that both of the “Linns” so far display similar traits makes me think Chris has particular interpretations of Scottish waterfalls but until I hear the third I guess that remains to be seen!
I’m not spending a lot of money this month on music, but I will be spending money on this. I suggest you do the same.
Here’s our November 2006 review of Body Riddle ::
Body Riddle (Remastered) is available on Warp September 30, 2022. [Bandcamp]
