DJ Alex Corton – Vinyl Reviews

Gold Looking Records

Voyager – Beatnik / Apollo 

1998

By the time Good Looking Records was creeping toward its Thirtieth release, the health and vibrancy of the atmospheric side of drum and bass was in a strong place. With the events, small clubs, and flag flying from this label,  it had now captured a following from all over the world. There were artists building their own hubs from which to venture further with the movement. However, the many lessons by the originators that had been laid down before, in the production and engineering of the music, still required these expert and knowledgeable founders. Today, we reach one of those founders. 

    When we reviewed Dee Jay Recordings, this next guy was featured within the framework of a very large percent of them, as both engineer and producer. We also reviewed his release on Creative Source, and working with DJ Crystl on Freakout Recordings and Force Ten. There are so many more to come too. For today, let’s slide out the vinyl and revisit a release that, to me, connects the sounds of the mid 90’s with a spark of magic, leaning into the late 90s that goes beyond words. If I can do this plate justice, I’ll be very relieved. Here’s to the legendary, Pete Voyager Parsons. 

     Bukem had been championing nearly everything Pete had been involved with, and the link between the two of them may have had a little to do with Duncan Hutchinson, AKA Trace. Just a stab in the dark with a guess, which I’m sure Pete can elaborate on….         

     Trace and Bukem worked together way back and it was then, Trace at Dee Jay Recordings that had Pete working the desk with Trace. It was only a matter of time before Pete had a release on Good Looking, and holy shit, did he provide the label a couple of superb tunes. Let’s get the music on and catch this train on its spectacular journey. 

    As you can see, I have the main release but in a promo sleeve. How and why? Who only knows. The main sleeve must be hiding behind a tree in the woods somewhere. I’d actually like the original sleeve but I doubt there’s anyone stateside that wants to swap it for my Promo sleeve? Let us know if that lightning strikes. 

    ‘Beatnik’ on Side A warms the back of your neck as the red disc of a sun treads water on the horizon. We are treated here to some of the most elegantly dressed beats, a killer bass guitar and how can it be a Voyager production if it’s not got the fresh flowing synths and pads that carefully drain into your soul. I love the simple key work in here too that lures you toward a state of deeper thoughts and transfixed contentment. The saxophone spills out, providing that full flow of jazzy, late night conversation without words. You have here a true leviathan of musical composition. ‘Beatnik’ will always get the moods into place, focusing on that unique spirit level of true balance between electronic music and live jazz. 

   On Side AA is one of the top 3 Voyager tracks in my view. Everything about ‘Apollo’ is shining out brighter than light itself. From those soothing and heart breaking chords in the intro, letting the tears well and lump grow in the throat, Pete raises how far the bar can go by another few inches. ‘Apollo’ holds such a dear place too, as I remember hearing it out at MOS and losing it. There’s a tranquility and depth that is difficult to convey with words, and that’s why there’s times when you just have to drop the pen and drift. Let this tune be one that revisits your ears again very soon, as it’s truly one of the most poetic and memorable tracks on GLR. Pete Parsons kindly stated the following about ‘Apollo’

“Always had a soft spot for this one. The live break (which was recorded at the old Lucky Spin Studio on a single overhead mic) sounded perfect. I had the kit singing back then, as it was being used for all the live shows. The intro sample is from my namesake, Alan Parsons and created this zither-ish / jazzy vibe that set the whole track up on that live, jazzy vibe. Theis bass line was influenced by the Masters at Work track ‘To Be In Love’. I loved that groove and was looking to use a similar kind of thing, on one of my tracks. I’ve no idea where these sample came from, but it was like it was written for it, and it added a great hook line. I used to play this live and it always sounded awesome with a full band.” – Pete Parsons – big respects for that!

   This is the only Voyager track on GLR which, while surprising, is in sync with some other ‘one-drop’ projects that Pete did for other labels. The definition of quality over quantity. 

   Maximum respect to Pete as always!