The third in the unofficial series that began with 1999's Decks, EFX & 909, Richie Hawtin's Transitions is another scramble of minimalist techno and cutting-edge audio technology, delivered with the DJ's usual masterly... more » touch. As one might expect from the title, the record is part of Hawtin's continuing assault on the notion of songs as individual entities. From beginning to end, Transitions toys with the whole idea of beginnings and endings. Hundreds of samples dissolve like bits of spice in a thick, sticky stew as Hawtin makes use of the latest studio innovations that have come along since 2001's DE9: Closer to the Edit. To that end, if possible, listen to this record in full 5.1 Surround Sound. Hawtin has always had a flair for ambience; it's one of the things that have allowed him to get away with his aggressively sparse approach. Here, the ambience is woven into the record's texture so deeply, it can only be fully appreciated via full immersion. Even with a fancy stereo system, Transitions may feel a little chilly to the uninitiated. Blips and tiny pieces of melody echo through a chasm of cold, mostly empty space. Set aside some time for it, though, in a darkened room with a glass of good Cabernet, and you'll get the idea. Also note: The package includes both a "shortened"74-minute cd mix, as well as a 96-minute DVD version. --Matthew Cooke« less
The third in the unofficial series that began with 1999's Decks, EFX & 909, Richie Hawtin's Transitions is another scramble of minimalist techno and cutting-edge audio technology, delivered with the DJ's usual masterly touch. As one might expect from the title, the record is part of Hawtin's continuing assault on the notion of songs as individual entities. From beginning to end, Transitions toys with the whole idea of beginnings and endings. Hundreds of samples dissolve like bits of spice in a thick, sticky stew as Hawtin makes use of the latest studio innovations that have come along since 2001's DE9: Closer to the Edit. To that end, if possible, listen to this record in full 5.1 Surround Sound. Hawtin has always had a flair for ambience; it's one of the things that have allowed him to get away with his aggressively sparse approach. Here, the ambience is woven into the record's texture so deeply, it can only be fully appreciated via full immersion. Even with a fancy stereo system, Transitions may feel a little chilly to the uninitiated. Blips and tiny pieces of melody echo through a chasm of cold, mostly empty space. Set aside some time for it, though, in a darkened room with a glass of good Cabernet, and you'll get the idea. Also note: The package includes both a "shortened"74-minute cd mix, as well as a 96-minute DVD version. --Matthew Cooke
CD Reviews
Technically and Musically Progressive
P. Gunderson | San Diego, CA USA | 11/29/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I have to say I'm as impressed with the packaging as I am with the music inside it. For roughly the price of a single CD you get both a CD and a DVD. The full hour and a half mix on DVD is in 5.1 surround, and there are visual cues on screen that show you which tracks are being mixed in and out, so you get a glimpse of Hawtin's editing processes. There are also two videos, a long excerpt from from one of Hawtin's shows, and an interview in which Hawtin discusses how he made the mix. Finally, a high quality MP3 (without DRM) of the entire release is included for mobile listening. I think this release really shows the way to avoid/discourage piracy--not by threatening and using onerous software protections, but by being generous and giving music fans a real value for their money."
For beginners and veterans alike
A. Ross | 11/15/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"For many techno as a word carries a bad stigma. Among modern youth it is associated with obnoxious throbbing music played at a gym, elevator, or clothing store. In this context, Techno displaces the listener from accomplishing his main purpose for occupying that space. Therefore, by existing it annoys the casual listener.
The definition of techno is often misconstrued as well. Its associated currently with a very narrow but popular genre called Progressive House. This genre incorporates elements of techno, trance, and house music. All three of these genres are distinct however. Techno by itself is a drum machine beat looped over many keyboard and other electronic devices. (this definition is intentionally simple; I believe its a lot more) This sound represents, for many, the urban wasteland of Detroit and other cities full of warehouses and urban decay. As a primarily underground medium, those who know it best will rarely use the term techno by instead using its prognosticators (Hawtin among the best) as signifiers of a certain sound. Thus the word by itself and in context cannot be denotated simply.
Techno heroes, such as Hawtin, must accept this definition nonetheless and move the genre forward. Hawtin advances techno(distinct from his Plastikman moniker) by employing the party atmosphere into the armchair listener. His success in this medium, in my opinion, is so complete that his albums will create new sonic documents of certain spaces and times. A chief example is in the liner notes of the first DE9, Hawtin suggests that the listener enjoy this disc en route from Detroit to Ann Arbor via I94 (A route which connects with Belleville--home to Derrick May) To be sure, sonic inferences to place and time such as these elevate him to the level of genius in the minds of many fans.
Whether a genius or not this latest offering is a sample of a transition between the tracks of his youth and moving toward another point in his life. Having spun in nightclubs since the age of 17, Hawtin's immersion into the club culture has now occupied his entire adult life. This release, from my initial listen, charts the incredible career through tracks of Hawtin's many professional phases of existence.
And it is a fascinating snapshot. The shreds of different pieces are interwoven so well that the listener cannot help but become transfixed. By purchasing this CD a veteran will be able to pick out the bits and enjoy a master at his craft. For early techno fan it is a chance to erase misconceptions about techno. More importantly by sitting and admiring the work a listener will be able to appreciate the care and dedication techno musicians cling to in order to forward their craft.
This release, regardless of what purists will tell you about Ableton beat matching, is a major step forward for the genre as much as it is a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a great techno purveyor."
What more could you ask for?
Bengt | Detroit, Mi USA | 12/14/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Richie Hawtin's "Transitions" is the latest installment of the DE9 project. For those unfamiliar with the Decks/EFX series, it is Hawtin's exploration into the manipulation of multiple overlaid tracks through different effects; each album being progressively more intricate. In that fashion, "Transitions" builds upon the previous DE9 releases, taking the project into a much larger scope. The content is much more complex; Hawtin advertises his manipulation of not only time and volume, but the spatial dimensions and depth of sound as well (which is why 5.1 is recommended). Hawtin focuses on the transitions between the sounds, sometimes with nearly a dozen songs at one time, making the full composition seem like one large interwoven web.
Hawtin's original conception of "Transitions" is 96 minutes long -- though he recognizes the convention of the CD format, which is a shortened 74 minute version. Along with the CD, Hawtin has included a DVD containing: the full 96 minute version of "Transitions", complete with a visual element that allows the listener to recognize the transitions between songs; two music videos; a half-hour live performance from Berlin; and an interview with Hawtin who describes his vision of the DE9 project. Not only that, but the data portion of the DVD contains the full 96 minute version of "Transitions" in mp3 format, which Hawtin has generously provided for fans who make use of portable music devices.
Hawtin obviously holds his fans in high regard, and wants them to understand his intentions to better appreciate his music. Though Hawtin has set the standard so high (especially for himself), "Transitions" deserves a full five stars for the package, value, and overall experience the listener recieves -- and in every aspect, "Transitions" is an experience."
DE9
Dobbs | 06/06/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"First I purchased DE9: Closer to the Edit. I thought it was absolutely incredible and exactly what I needed at that point. Then I decided to buy DE9:Transitions. At first listen, I thought it was OK. Upon a second, I realized that it is technically better, and that I would have to reach a new level of appreciation for Richie Hawtin's subtlety. I think people need to acquire an ear for Richie's minimal...my advice to you...dimly light room (somewhere cool), let your eye lids relax (they might eventually do this naturally), and bob your head from side to side to the beat of DE9: Transitions. Perhaps then you will understand."
Track Listings (28) - Disc #1