Elements 1989–1990 is a 1996 compilation of early recordings by Detroit techno musician Carl Craig, released under the pseudonyms Psyche and BFC. It was released on Craig's label Planet E Communications and reissued in 2013.[1]
| Elements 1989–1990 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Compilation album by | ||||
| Released | 1996 | |||
| Genre | Detroit techno, ambient techno | |||
| Length | 66:57 (1996 CD) | |||
| Label | Planet E Communications | |||
| Producer | Carl Craig | |||
| Carl Craig chronology | ||||
| ||||
In 2011, Fact named it one of the 20 greatest ambient albums ever made.[2]
Recording
editThe recordings comprise some of Craig's earliest music, including his first recording "Neurotic Behavior."[3] Beginning his career in his bedroom, Craig worked with a borrowed 4-track recorder.[3] Some of the tracks were recorded in the homes of Derrick May, Renaat Vandepapeliere (of R&S Records), and singer Sarah Gregory.[3] These recordings were released on labels such as Transmat, Fragile, and Craig's own Retroactive imprint.[4] The track "Elements" was released on the various artists compilation Techno 2: The Next Generation (1990).
Reception
edit| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |  [5] |
The compilation showcases Craig's atmospheric, introspective approach to techno, a feel which Fact described as "tranquilised sci-fi."[2] Critic Tony Marcus praised the compilation, labeling the recordings "narcoleptic, interior techno."[2] AllMusic called the compilation "quintessential Detroit techno" which demonstrated "Craig's talents as producer even at this early point in his career."[5] Critic John Bush called the recordings "seminal" and stated that they are "long pointed to as the birth of the second wave of Detroit techno."[6]
Tracklist
editAll tracks by Carl Craig (tracks 1-5, 11 credited to Psyche; tracks 6-10, 12, 13 credited to BFC.) Tracks 1 and 7 edited by Anthony Shakir; track 3 features vocals by Sarah Gregory; track 5 mixed by Derrick May.[3]
- "Elements" – 6:50
- "Neurotic Behavior" – 7:42
- "Crackdown" – 5:58
- "From Beyond" – 5:43
- "Andromeda" – 4:55
- "Evolution" – 3:09
- "Galaxy" – 6:41
- "It's a Shame" – 5:39
- "Please Stand By" – 5:02
- "Chicken Noodle Soup" – 6:33
- "How the West Was Won" – 3:34
- "Sleep" – 5:11
- "D.Funk" – 5:16 (bonus track, 2013 reissue)
Personnel
edit- Carl Craig – producer, composer, liner notes
- Anthony Shakir – edits (tracks 1 and 7)
- Brendan M. Gillen – compilation, design
- Abdul Haqq – cover artwork
References
edit- ^ "Craig's juvenilia collection Elements 1989-1990". Fact. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
- ^ a b c Marcus, Tony (19 July 2011). "The 20 greatest ambient albums ever made". Fact. Retrieved 8 February 2020.
- ^ a b c d e Craig, Carl (1996). Liner Notes. Planet E Communications.
- ^ Bush, John. "Psyche/BFC Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved 30 August 2022.
- ^ a b Birchmeier, John. "Psyche/BFC - Elements 1989-1990". AllMusic. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
- ^ Bush, John. "Psyche/BFC Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved 30 August 2022.