Staff Reviews

Richard Youngs - Beyond the Valley of Ultrahits

Review by Neil Ashman

Regardless of its creators intent, however, the result is an interesting and strange little record that is instantly likeable, yet unmistakably the output of someone most comfortable working in the realm of the avant garde. »

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the vinyl comes with a freee download. "make a proper pop album." thus was the simple dare handed to richard youngs from his friend andrew 'paz' paine during their weekly sunday meet-up. ever the modest master, youngs said in accepting this friendly challenge that he merely endeavored to capture the 'beats and hooks' of contemporary pop. he's never attempted to disguise his gift for catchy musical phrases, though they may have come by way of careening, pleading, soothing or challenging multi-tracked voices.
the results here as 'beyond the valley of ultrahits'. among bright, hypnotic loops, youngs' voice finds its inner bowie. but let it be known: this collection of house-inspired gems displays much more than a capacity for pop emulation. it's a confirmation of youngs' craft and prowess, no matter the terrain. with enviable grace, experimental minimalist youngs sets his sights on the pop world and claims it as his own. youngs' heretofore unknown love of pet shop boys and the madchester sound is reimagined via his unique avant sensibility and atmospheric wand strokes. originally released in 2009 as a very-limited cd-r on paine's sonic oyster label, jagjaguwar is honoured to present 'beyond the valley of ultrahits', remastered and on vinyl for the first time.
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