Valis 1 is yet another loosely configured collective organized by bassist and producer
Bill Laswell. This time the unifying concept is post-hip-hop turntablism, with the usual added layers of dark-hued mysticism and dubwise melodic basslines, and this time with the added bonus of some incoherent pseudo-philosophical liner notes courtesy of
DJ Spooky (whose several musical contributions to this album are, sadly, also pretty incoherent). Look at the lineup and you can see how much promise this album has: We,
DJ Olive, DXT,
Spectre -- it's like a who's who of thoughtful funk. But only about half of these tracks are worth a listen, and only about three are outstanding. The latter include the contemplative but rhythmically propulsive "Ex Machina" by a trio consisting of
Laswell, Automaton, and DXT; the darkly muttering "Bullitt in the Head" by DXT; and a wonderful jungle excursion by We,
DJ Olive,
Loop, and
Once11 titled "Quark Soup"." Most of what remains is a thrown-together mishmash of found sounds, limp beats, and overlong ambient constructions that are obviously meant to sound deep and abstract, but instead come across as pretentious and tossed-off. Worth a few bucks for the opening three tracks, but by all means buy it used. ~ Rick Anderson