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Shulman - Random Thoughts -=- Aleph Zero Records
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scobbah
Kiriyama
Started Topics :
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Posted : Mar 18, 2006 14:08
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Shulman – Random Thoughts
(Aleph Zero Records, ALEPHZ05, 2006)
01 Shulman - OMG
02 Bluetech & Shulman – Midnight Bloom
03 Shulman – Zero Degrees
04 Sub6 feat. Michele Adamson – Ra He`ya (Shulman Remix)
05 Entheogenic – Spaced (Shulman Remix)
06 Omar Faruk Tekbilek & Steve Shehan – Ya Bouy (Shulman Remix)
07 Shulman – Look Honey It’s The Vitties!!!!
08 Shulman feat. Lee Triffon – I Dive
09 Shulman – Staring At The Abyss
… and how we have been longing for this one! The duo behind the Shulman project is back with a new piece, counting it to be the third album of theirs. Back when their first album, Soundscapes And Modern Tales, was released I got completely hooked on their intelligent, trippy and storytelling music. The music served as a mood enhancer despite the circumstances; if the weather was bad, if you had a terrible day at work or whatever else that you had experienced during your day, it didn’t change the fact that the duo’s music enhanced your day and instantly worked your mood to the better – becoming a somewhat audio version of Prozac for the new millennium.
Keeping the previous two albums in mind, I would say that I perceive their music as highly intelligent and it works in a wide array of ways – if you just want background music that’s fine but if you chose to concentrate on the music you can experience astonishing things. My expectations for their new album were hoping for the same sort of intelligent detail work.
So let’s dive into the random thoughts of Shulman…
01 – Shulman - OMG (11:10)
… and the first track we encounter offers some cozy dubish beats. Anyone who is into Shulman’s music would probably feel a familiar vibe here. These eleven minutes are rich of various contrasts and a lot of color, as we’re traveling from soundscape to soundscape. There are moments of spacey ambient exploration as well as atmospherically excursions of first class pad-surfing. This track is loaded with a vast majority of elements whom I associate with Shulman’s music, which pleases me. The journey has begun.
02 – Bluetech & Shulman – Midnight Bloom (06:35)
Collaboration time between two of my favorite chillout producers! Guess if I feel lucky! What we get here is an epic piece where an emotion of mine is triggered, telling me that I can really feel how Evan meets the Shulman duo. If this track was an eatable candy-bar, I’d be tripped out on a sugar rush right now. It’s beautiful and there’s a perfect balance between all details here. It’s minimal in a laid back way, yet incredibly filled with sweet details and emotions. I suspect that this track might grow on me to become one of the favorites of the album.
03 – Shulman – Zero Degrees (07:35)
The first part of the third track triggers some sweet goose pimples appear on my arms – this is a really beautiful flute part. I read in the booklet that this album tried to interpret the Middle East music in some ways, and I wonder if I just experienced vibes that at least I connect to the Middle East. The latter part of the track is a bit trancey at times but it still continues the overall plot in a very good way, changing the contrast from the slow, melting first part to the second part which is a bit groovier. Thumbs up.
04 – Sub6 feat. Michele Adamson – Ra He`ya (Shulman Remix) (09:32)
This remix was first featured on the limited edition (500 copies) CD5” by Sub6 called “Ra He`ya”, released in March, 2004, by the big Israeli label HOM-Mega Productions. So for us who didn’t buy the original release or the reappearance of this track on “Multiple Organisms” by Spun Records’ chillout division, here’s another chance to get this track. I must admit that I’m really not fond of singing vocals in this type of music so I’m not that befuddled by this track. All though there are a few good moments that I really hold dear, and at times this remix reminds me of a good dub remix of a Psysex track which name I cannot remember.
05 – Entheogenic – Spaced (Shulman Remix) (07:58)
Here’s another remix and this time it’s a track from the French duo Entheogenic who is the mission. The original was released on the second album of Entheogenic called “Spontaneous Illumination” and it was released in 2003 by the German label C.O.R.N. Recordings (all though it was also released as CD2 on the Spirit Zone compilation ”Global Psychedelic Trance Vol. 9”). With this track, it feels like Shulman returns a bit to their roots as it’s much trippier compared to the previous tracks on this album. The organ session in the late part of the track really pulls my strings. This track offers a wide array of first class psychedelic chillout and to anyone stating that this track is a “less good” product – bite me.
06 – Omar Faruk Tekbilek & Steve Shehan – Ya Bouy (Shulman Remix) (07:06)
Yet another previously released track and this time it’s a remix which was featured on Aleph Zero’s compilation “Natural Born Chillers”, which was released in late November 2004 (yes time goes fast when you’re having fun, doesn’t it?). Anyhow more Middle East interpretations on its way here as Omar Faruk Tekbilek is a world famous artist from Turkey, so the Middle East vibes really flourish here. They blend this track into something that is rich of contrast and the development is quite neat. Looking back at what I wrote in late 2004 about this track, I stated back then that it wasn’t the best product I’d heard from Shulman but as Shulman’s standard level of quality is very high, the track itself didn’t turn out poor at all. I still keep my view.
07 – Shulman – Look Honey It’s The Vitties!!!! (07:40)
Prepare yourself! A wild rumble through jazz excursions is waiting for you and this is basically a near eight minute long drilling and driving groove-journey. I’m usually not a big fan for jazz but the Shulman touch to it and we’re there. Saxophones and organs in a awesome co-play and I’m not a fan of the word “cool” but here’s a pretty good occasion to use that word because this is really cool and neat, broadening the Shulman realm even further. A very well appreciated segment of the album.
08 – Shulman feat. Lee Triffon – I Dive (08:42)
The eighth piece of the album features another dose of vocals, but I must admit that it works a lot better here in my humble opinion compared to the Sub6 remix on track 4. This is inspirational, floating and timeless chillout, three abilities which we all know the duo masters very well. This sort of timeless music from Shulman is magical, because even though winter’s outside my window with snow covering all roofs that I can see, this music brings in the warmth of the summer into my flat...
09 – Shulman – Staring At The Abyss (06:21)
A fat ambient journey which smells consideration and sprinkles of emotions ends the third album. I cannot help feeling a bit low as I eager for more. Lucky me, I got a “repeat” button on my player. Keeping the track’s title in mind, the track feels like a good product which corresponds to the title well. Timeless is the proper word to use.
Summary
As usual, Shulman’s music brings up a lot of emotions within me. First, I perceive this album not as trippy as their previous ones. This is still music which triggers feelings and brings mental peace one way or another. At one hand, this album might feel more “mature” compared to the other two, yet it is more playful with the segments of jazz excursions for example. All-in-all, it makes a good third piece in Shulman’s discography and a worthy follower of the masterpieces, counting the debut on Shaffel and the follow-up on Aleph Zero. I wouldn’t say I enjoy it as much as I enjoy the other two and it may be wrong to compare them as much as I do despite how much I’d like to see it as “one” and “one only”. An easy conclusion to draw though is that this record will bring joy to a lot of homes and to a lot of people. I’d also like to add that the artwork is awesome. I may sound like a freak who is unwilling to see flaws due to my admiration of the duo as I’m not really pointing out anything I feel could’ve been better or what could be a typical evident flaw. But what can one do if the music is as good as it is? Well done guys, and thumbs up for Aleph Zero.
Favorites: 2(!!), 5 and 7(!).
More information
- http://www.aleph-zero.info
  Aural transmissions from the deep forests of Sweden
www.dvsmrecords.org - 'Patterns II EP' by Silent Horror out now! |
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Morpheus Music
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
94
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165
Posted : Mar 24, 2006 17:16
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STYLE
Beautifully rich electronic downtempo brimming with the latest tweaks and tones, alive with organic waves and carried by deft, ultra-modern grooves. Setting the scene - Random Thoughts opens with some deep flute work, a chanting voice and a gradual build through serene psychedelic effects, rhythmic arpeggios and motifs, until finally an eminently chilled beat languidly enters, carrying the assembled elements onward. Painting layers with confidence, laying down vibrant electronic structures that sparkle over lush pads, Shulman brings together material from widely separated sources - Middle-Eastern instrumental and vocal performances, Celtic singing, jazz aesthetics, the bubbly dub of Bluetech among others. Cycling arpeggios and sequencers don't dominate this music, rather they adorn and embellish the strong musical arrangements beneath. Sub and dub basses plumb the depths, effected voices drift on the currents, delicate pianos coruscate and twinkle, programmed and hand made percussion alternately fluttering and pounding.
MOOD
The mood is bright, very colourful and exotic. Middle Eastern and international elements of a traditional nature integrate smoothly with current synthesised sounds - ethnic percussion and vocal bytes often given a digital twist. It would appear that Shulman makes excellent use of the latest technology; a highly polished technical finish giving the music an expensive, contemporary feel - clear and spacious.
ARTWORK
Artwork is as bold and vivid as the music - photomontaged details swept together onto a dense olive-green backdrop alive with fish and plant forms. The front cover features an ethereally lit girl adorned with a crown of twisting tongued leaves and finger-like flower buds - she boldly stares at the viewer, confident, aglow. Inside we find information on the Shulman project and an explanation of the coming together of Random Thoughts. A tracklisting, credits and contact details naturally are all present.
OVERALL
This is the third CD from Shulman to date - but perhaps this album should be viewed more as a digression. Random Thoughts is a collection of pieces "in different tones that accumulated in Shulman's studio independently of any specific album project." The result is a diverse coming together of influences and styles. There are collaborations with fellow downtempo masters Entheogenic and Bluetech, Turkish giant Omar Faruk Tekilek, Israeli trance act Sub6 and vocalist Lee Triffon. Overall, there are some very graceful and transporting pieces such as Zero Degrees - weaving a gorgeously chilled ethno-electronic charm, there are some surprises too, not least an organ break that recalls 70s prog-rock. Keep your eyes open for a new Shulman album toward the end of 2006.
WHO WILL LIKE THIS ALBUM
Shulman fans will be intrigued by this eclectic, exploratory presentation - the quality you've come to expect is all there. Chillout fans that are open to novel approaches will revel in this one - likely the variety will draw some new fans too - there's pretty much something for everyone here.
Original review here:
http://www.morpheusmusic.co.uk/html/reviews29.htm#random
Paul
MORPHEUS MUSIC
www.morpheusmusic.co.uk
ELECTRONIC MUSIC MALL
http://www.electronicmusicmall.com |
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ori_k
IsraTrance Junior Member
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Posted : Mar 24, 2006 20:58
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great review paul! |
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Nathan
IsraTrance Senior Member
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301
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3605
Posted : Apr 3, 2006 16:04
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For sure not the best of Shulmans's albums just because it contains tacks which were release, it has no concept like the 2 b 4, and I cant find any breath taking moments in it. but It's nice album to chill with. the new tracks are gr8; not amazing but I glad to have this album and have also big expectations from the next whenever it will be released.
8/10
-=The Meaning Of Life Is To Give Life A Meaning= |
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dirtyphreak
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
13
Posts :
297
Posted : Apr 5, 2006 23:16
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hello guys well I just have to say that this is a very high tech album shulman is a music genious I've heard from my friend who studies in SAE that this album was produced with a software in wich u have to make the tunez with matematical ecuations does somebody knows something about this ??? how is the program called or something to do with it ? anyone ??.
If this is true it's impressive how shulman's mind works
can u imagine to make a track out of mathematical ecuations it's just out of my reach |
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Voice of All
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
48
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762
Posted : Apr 5, 2006 23:27
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i can say that the project surprise me lot with this work. time ago i was very impressed by the first album of shulman. but the second piece made me think that after it musicians would be develop their style to the more and more deep sound and abstract mood. but it was a mistake. now im happy to listen to new album full of life and nice music with perfect harmony and plesant sound. 
Spiritual guides are to practice and serve in ways that cultivate awareness, empathy, and wisdom. |
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juggler
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
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255
Posted : Oct 14, 2006 17:18
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Promotional Thread
Shulman's third album is a special and different experience. As the title hints, it contains different compositions in different tones that accumulated in Shulman's studio independently of any specific album project.
We invite you to diverse and faraway corners of the Shulman mindscape, to experience new sounds, interpretations and sonic surprises, as Shulman stretch the limits of their musical universe of to new and exciting soundscapes. The duo spends time here interpreting Middle Eastern music as they see it, including remixing and collaborating with world famous Turkish giant Omar Faruk Tekbilek; They offer a surprising twisted jazzy lookout at things; collaborate with successful US artist Bluetech on a relaxed IDM piece; remix Israeli trance kings Sub6 and the chilled French duo Entheogenic; Surprise with their version of an actual vocal song; And finish things with an ambient track, Shulman style.
It all combines into melting pot of fresh challenging music that must not be missed.
Track list:
1 – Shulman – OMG
2 – Bluetech & Shulman – Midnight Bloom
3 – Shulman – Zero Degrees
4 – Sub6 feat. Michele Adamson – Ra He’ya (Shulman Rmx)
5 – Entheogenic – Spaced (Shulman Rmx)
6 – Omar Faruk Tekbilek & Steve Shehan – Ya Bouy (Shulman Rmx)
7 – Shulman – Look Honey it’s the Vitties!!!
8 – Shulman feat. Lee Triffon – I Dive
9 – Shulman – Staring at the Abyss
Review:
Shulman is one of my favourite chillout artists, lets listen his new album
It starts very quiet and pacific, seems that we are waking up from a 12 hour-sleep night...a man vocal sample coming in and out with some effects...after comes some downbeats, with cheesy and relaxed sounds.
Track 2 with Bluetech bring us more minutes of very pleasant and relaxed sounds...nice atmospheric ambience, a very sweet melody, some woman vocal samples taking us to paradise...
This one is my favourite here, simply beautiful...I can’t describe it because is simply perfect, the only words I can say are emotionally, mellow, sweet
Track 4 is the remix of our well known Ra He’ya from Sub6...it’s a bit more agressive, has nice new sounds ands effects but I think I prefer the trance version.
This one is a remix from Entheogenic – Spaced...it has a downbeat kick bassline, some psychedelic tunes very bright, perfect for listening in the way back home after some party
Track 6 is another remix by Shulman...it has a downbeat atmosphere, some synth sounds very digital mixed with organic instruments – all together gives a very spacy feeling to the track.
Track 7 is a bit more into drum’n’bass...I like a lot this style but I think for listening at a chillout room is a bit agressive.
Track 8 is the come back to the more pacific and emotionaly sounds...beautiful women voices very quiet, some dowbeats with an exotic rhythm, very relaxing
Track 9 is a simple and nice ambient track...it takes you into a very peacefull atmosphere, where you just see what you want...perfect for finishing this album.
After listen this one, Shulman continues to be in my opinion one of the greatest chillout producers of our times, my favourite track is undoubtedly Zero Degrees but I like almost all the others.
9/10
Pedro Gaspar aka Juggler
DJ JUGGLER (United Beats Rec. / Crystal Matrix)
http://www.facebook.com/djjugglerpt
http://www.facebook.com/jugglingpt
http://www.facebook.com/freakyfiction
http://www.facebook.com/techtwistpt |
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Sound Surgeon
Crater / Mish-kah
Started Topics :
250
Posts :
2244
Posted : Oct 14, 2006 18:06
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Outstanding piece of work
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mudpeople
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
113
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1785
Posted : Nov 19, 2006 02:10
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9.2/10
Im really liking track 2.
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sketi
Started Topics :
4
Posts :
78
Posted : Nov 20, 2006 07:35
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i think you have to love someone to truly appreciate this album
this cd resonates deep within my heart and soul, thank you shulman
track 3 would have to be the fave, also 1 and 4. all tracks are amazing and beautiful
making love to this album is sweeet 
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Digital Tribe
Digital Tribe
Started Topics :
40
Posts :
152
Posted : Nov 23, 2006 23:00
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