VA - Tomorrow's Fashions - Library Electronica 1972-1987 (2024)

Tomorrow's Fashions: Library Electronica 1972-1987 collects tracks made for production libraries like Music de Wolfe, Bruton, and Parry, particularly ones which demonstrated the futuristic, otherworldly qualities of the synthesizers that were revolutionizing music during the time period. Many of the tracks are concise, functional pieces that set up a mood perfect for a specific scene, be it a car chase or a party in a swinging space-age bachelor pad. Indeed, many of these tracks seem fit for space-themed shows or films. The opening track, "Coaster" by Simon Park, is a tantalizing mixture of sensual basslines, reggae-tinged rhythms, and lush synth tones. The springing electronics and primitive drum machines of Sam Spence's "Leaving" most immediately bring to mind some of Stereolab's work, though this has much spookier undertones. Peter Reno's "Spaghetti Junction" is a fun, racing little tune with galloping bongos and a sort of undercover spy groove, yet at the same time it's cute and playful. Rubba's "Space Walk" is almost certainly an attempt to replicate the cosmic aura of Jean-Michel Jarre's classic Oxygène, yet its rippling synths and ticking melodies create their own distinct vibe. Warren Bennett's "Planned Production" is a somewhat cartoonish theme for snooping around the city at night, and something about its spacy quality elevates it from seeming potentially corny to unexpectedly incredible. Plenty of selections sound closer to ambient space music, except they're much shorter than the average Steve Roach piece, and in some cases they're just brief wisps of sound. Brian Wade's "Blue Movies" adds icy synth plinks to Robin Guthrie-like guitars, Brian Bennett's "Earth Born" sounds almost exactly like the ambient intro to an atmospheric jungle track, and it's all too easy to get lost in the dreaminess of Alan Hawkshaw's "Astral Plain." Tomorrow's Fashions collects numerous fascinating moments from a time period filled with endless possibilities.~Tomorrow's Fashions: Library Electronica 1972-1987 Review by Paul Simpson