DJ Alex Corton – Good Looking Records

Good Looking Records

MC Conrad – Vocalist 01

2000

Today we hit one of our last Good Looking Records reviews, and it’s almost as though it needed to include this guy one more time. During the Logical Progression LP’s we featured a lot of respects and odes to MC Conrad, who not only became one of the most important MCs of our scene, but also connected the Good Looking label with all of us in a way that only he could have done. Conrad Thompson will never be far from our thoughts for as long as this music is in our lives. He is part of the structure of more than just the label, his MCing has always ignited a sense of belonging. sense of community and a desire to let yourself free from the pressures of life and be at one with the music. 

    All the tracks on this LP were released as 12” singles except ‘Sonic Weapon’ which did have a very sneaky release in 2004 via the GLO store (which I must have missed), on a single sided plate. I wonder how that slipped by me? The rest of the tunes include; PFM’s ‘The Western’, Axis – ‘Euphony’, Blame’s – ‘360° Clic’ & ‘Visions Of Mars’, PHD & Conrad’s – ‘Progression Session’, Big Bud’s ‘Transmission’, and Seba’s epic ‘Planetary Funk Alert’. Each one is accompanied by Conrad’s signature voice, and several sing a long lines that die hards will click with. 

    Conrad lends that unmistakeable voice to this selection of nine tracks in his own rhythmic and expressive style, unleashing a helping of some of his most memorable and anthemic words to accompany these classics. This LP is such a masterful addition to the Good Looking Records collection, having these pieces with Conrad’s voice. I can always put these 12”s on the decks and not only enjoy a peak selection of tunes, but also encounter the mixed emotions listening to the combo with Conrad. It’s times like this I do find it hard to comprehend his absence. The memories and years of his presence are held fondly and within my core, and while it is most definitely tearful hearing these, I do find a proud and happy place in my heart for this replay of highly respected art from a much loved guy. 

   Nick Purser is on art and photography duty for this LP. The two photos capture the pensive and the purity, the thinker and the performer. As a crowd attendee for a few of the Bukem and Conrad performances from the early 90s up until the late 90s, it was more than just a DJ and MC. It was a story each time, that you never wanted to end. The music became more than a composition, and the complete picture was painted right in front of you. Music and words. It worked beyond measure. Nick mentions, “Got those shots when he was at HQ one day. He was always happy to get involved in whatever we needed. I liked the way the collar drew a line sweeping down and away from his chin. Really miss him on the scene.”

    I’m leaving this review, this release, with those words that connected me to Conrad and Good Looking. I’m sure there are so many of you that have your own deep connections to his talent. We have witnessed a moment in history that will remain as one of the most important and influential spines in the world of drum and bass. When it makes you fall in love so deeply, it makes you realize how damn lucky to have been witness to Conrad’s presence within our lives. 

  RIEP Conrad – the lyrics are alive in all of us. Forever.