originally posted on the tech-house list: I've been silent on the best of 2003 list as i was trying to pick from a bunch of records that i'm not focused on right now. I'm in winter crazy mode which lends itself to more introspective sounds and feelings. so rather than try to put together a list of trax that may or may not be a true representation (I never count the number of plays, too drunk), I've decided to say something that i really feel needs to be said. I dunno 'bout 2003 but I feel Downlow records may well be one of the most consistent, as well as consistently overlooked, labels on earth. recently I posted a review (or blabber more like) about some delsin records that were recently released and that got me to thinking about good techno labels that avoid the cliches of the techno du jour and stay well into what they believe in. Downlow is one of those. and though I believe one of the label heads (minto I think) used to be on list (may still be may not) I haven't heard much about them here. Thats a shame. they've released nothing but top quality stuff by leaders in the game (famous and not) and judging by the soundbytes online for the next release "the moderator vs east island" they ain't slowing down. evidently these guys listen close to what buyers want as well, I've never seen them release less than 4 trax on a disc, sometimes I've seen 5 or 6 even. never got a bad pressing...yet :) and they have full song streaming soundbytes online at their site. plus they're one of the few stateside labels to hold it down for original melodic techno. got that off my chest. phew! and before anyone asks, NO I don't know the label owners personally ($tinkworx and minto), NO I am not affiliated with them in any way except musical taste. just felt that more people should give props where they're due, cuz If you won't... who will? plus most praise nowadays is just blowing sunshine so it's about time someone spoke from the heart. peace y'all. stay true. think forward. anyone got any labels that are dear to the heart/sound that they feel ain't getting proper exposure? (I'm always up for new sources of great music) this kind of topic may be well important to smaller labels in these days of faltering sales etc. so Speak Up! Kamal K. Stoddard Entech Turner Broadcasting System **Tangalimlibo had a large and beautiful ox given to her by her father. That ox was called by her own name. She took off a piece of her clothing and gave it to the ox, which ate it.**
Jason Trenholm was born 31 August 1969 and died 1 January 2004. We met when we were 5 years old; he was my best friend for the next 29 years.***** Andrew Duke releases out now: Take Nothing For Granted http://cognitionaudioworks.com Environmental Politics http://and-oar.org Sprung http://bip-hop.com http://warprecords.com/mart/music/release.php? cat=BLEEP12&fc_type=CD *Canadian electronica album of the year nominee* More Destructive Than Organized http://staalplaat.com Highest Common Denominator http://pieheadrecords.com Physical and Mental Health http://dialrecords.com 74'02 (split with Hypo) http://tsunami-addiction.com http://cognitionaudioworks.com
