DJ Alex Corton – Vinyl Reviews

Good Looking Records

mSdoS / Arp-1 – Jazin / Westway

2014

Can you believe that we have finally reached the last Good Looking Records 12” vinyl single, that was released, and probably the last one ever to be released. The probability of the label restarting is slim. What we do have to remember is that the vast number of high quality tracks that came from the label, will continue to resonate and expand the mind with their ability to elevate life and bring tears of adulation to so many of us. Whenever there are moments in life that we encounter, you can be sure to find one of the records on this label, to fit the narrative. 

   That my friends is that. Tomorrow we venture down a side road and work our way through another section of the label. 

   On Side A, ‘Jazin’ is one of the ways that Chris was discharging his blend of liquid and jazz with a constant flow of ideas. There’s a fluid, soulful groove within this that clicks. Chris also put in those emphatic high hats along the way that steps up the gears and slams the rhythm into overdrive. Once the track is rolling out and we approach the breakdown, I do start to wonder where we’re going. But it’s the little sample and piano in the breakdown that transfuses the components and then swings a new champagne bottle into the side, launching a return of the full on jazz, swing jam. I do think it could have varied a little more though. It just loops a little too much for my liking. One thing I can always say about mSdoS though, the work is extremely clear cut and sounds top notch. 

  ‘Westway’ on Side AA finalized our voyage through Good Looking Records. From Demon’s Theme on GLR001 in 1992, to this track here, 22 years later, we bridge a divide that many labels couldn’t reach.

  The tune itself, by Arp-1, has a steady, rolling beat and the strings stir a mysterious, chilled air of suspense. It’s not a track I really got to stick on, and for the label to finish with these two tunes, really doesn’t feel right in a way? I don’t use the term much, but they are pretty forgettable. If this was the direction things were going to continue, then maybe it was for the best. The music was so different than those beginnings. 

   That’s it for Good Looking Records and the 12” Single releases. The last 4 months has been a history lesson in atmospheric drum and bass, told by the many legendary and not so legendary, artists on Bukem’s groundbreaking label. The core values of the label shifted around in the managerial corner but the essence of the music always shone through. Through early classics and into the realms of epic story telling, we captured moments in time that will forever hit the hearts and minds of those on board. Good Looking will always hold that unique place. No matter what the opinion, some facts remain. This label is one of the best there has ever been. End of. 

   Tomorrow we move on. We have more from Good Looking Records in fact…you can’t get rid of this label just yet. Time to hit some albums and then the EP’s.. we end the week with a masterpiece of music too. The Good Looking catalogue looms forward, offering you space to place new depths of change.