For the appropriately titled Feng Shui, Orlando, Florida, producer Michael Donaldson attempts to apply the Eastern laws of artistic organization--that everything must have its place--to his music. This makes Q-Burns Abstra... more »ct Message's full-length debut a more simplistic affair than one would expect from a man who is immersed in club culture as a popular remixer, DJ, and head of the prestigious Eighth Dimension label. The minimal synthesizer motifs give the disc an early-'80s feel, which is amplified by the mechanical vocals on "Feel" and the cover of Faust's "Jennifer," featuring Daniel Agust of Gus Gus on vocals. Donaldson also incorporates some electro influences on "New Patterns" and the funky title track, while Agust reappears on the album's best cut, an absorbing love song sung in Icelandic called "A.S.T." It's an angular and unexpected beginning. --Aidin Vaziri« less
For the appropriately titled Feng Shui, Orlando, Florida, producer Michael Donaldson attempts to apply the Eastern laws of artistic organization--that everything must have its place--to his music. This makes Q-Burns Abstract Message's full-length debut a more simplistic affair than one would expect from a man who is immersed in club culture as a popular remixer, DJ, and head of the prestigious Eighth Dimension label. The minimal synthesizer motifs give the disc an early-'80s feel, which is amplified by the mechanical vocals on "Feel" and the cover of Faust's "Jennifer," featuring Daniel Agust of Gus Gus on vocals. Donaldson also incorporates some electro influences on "New Patterns" and the funky title track, while Agust reappears on the album's best cut, an absorbing love song sung in Icelandic called "A.S.T." It's an angular and unexpected beginning. --Aidin Vaziri
CD Reviews
Lacks the magic of his prior releases
Richard Diaz | 04/30/2000
(2 out of 5 stars)
"As a fan who loves his Oeuvre cd, and gives that a 5 out of 5, this cd is shockingly disappointing. In Oeuvre he manages to take quirky loops and make them hooks with excellent backing music. This has the same formula, but no success. "He's a skull" starts off decent, until the vocal sample "he's a skull" comes in. The track "Jennifer" is cringe-worthy, and the rest of the cd ranges from medicore house to interesting, but not compelling listening. Q-burns has the talent to make great music, but this doesn't really show it. Stick to his Oeuvre or Hawke's "Namaquadisco.""
Many "okay" songs with a few very precious beauties
Charles Meredith | Seattle, WA. USA | 12/14/1998
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I did not like this album as much as his collection of singles ("Oeuvre, on 8th Dimension records) released in the summer of '98, but I still liked it fine. The 3rd and 5th tracks on this album are absolutely stunning. The 3rd is a most lovlely remake of a Faust song on which Q-Burn enlists the help of Daniel Agust and the rest of Gus Gus. The 1st track is pretty fun, as is the rest of the CD. Other than the 3rd and 5th tracks it is nothing to drop dead over, but it grows on you."
Mind Blowing
Charles Meredith | 09/16/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Q Burns captures something within the aesthic of his music . . . something that truly has a hold of me. The album is wonderfully crafted from start to finish. Tracks such as "He's a Skull," "Solar Car," "Leela," and "Feel" (to name a few) are absolutely extraordinary as is the rest of the album!!! A must have in your CD collection!!"
Lush...
Charles Meredith | 09/06/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"dreamy...intelligent...moving...intoxicating...GORGEOUS!buy it. play it. live long and prosper."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1