So, there is long topic about boxes what should happen, and there has been many different discussions about boxes that appear incomplete and crappy due material being butchered into pieces to fit format or such.
So what exactly is the good box?
What boxes you actually own, and perhaps most of all: Return to.
Not something you quit half way through and filed in collection to "check out later".
And perhaps to make topic more diverse, one could divide this to two types of boxes:
(By single artist, not various artists)
1) Re-issue / anthology boxes / collecting material
2) long piece of work that is published on multiple discs (lets say more than double CD!)
I must say that vast majority of boxes what I have, belong to the "listen and storage away" category. When something massive is being consumed, it's very unlikely to return to box of 20 CD's to re-listen - compared to how quickly I would re-listen 7", LP or CD.
* * *
Incapacitants boxes
-"Pariah tapes" 5xCD and
-"Box Is Stupid" 10x CD remains very essential to me. All hit, no misses, faithful for original material.
I guess from boxes where works that wasn't just blatant re-issue of something, these stick out first:
-Hijokaidan "Neverending Story Of King Of Noise" 4xCD
-Merzbow "Metalvelodrome" 4xCD
Some factors of a decent box set are those:
- Succesive analogue/digital transfer & mastering from an original archetype without alienation and mutation of the recordings
- Box and booklet's artwork made in the context of a captural of the proportionate mood
My personal favourite boxes are those i own:
Broken Flag: A Retrospective 1982 - 1985 5CD
Incapacitants - Box Is Stupid 10CD
L.A.F.M.S 10CD
P16. D4 - Passagen 6CD + DVD
Maurizio Bianchi - Mectpyo 10CD
First thing I thought of when reading this title was The Incapacitants "Box Is Stupid" - put that in a space capsule and send it into the universe to let other life forms know what Harsh Noise from Earth sounds like. Also the "Pariah Tapes" five cd set from FA, with just as outstanding material. But anyway, the following are not just for treasuring but for returning to for repeated listens...
Sacher Pelz - "Mutation For A Continiuity". Not only for the essential re-released material, but the very satisfying packaging, chock full of inserts and "information". One of the few items were I don't mind having the extra bits, all being these nice cards reproducing old covers etc., along with some recent poetry from Bianchi.
Being an MB freak I'd also add "The A.C.V.I Tapes" triple cd set and "Teban Slide Art" triple cd set, both from Menstrual. Reasonably simple packaging in dvd style boxes with the usual minimalist design and artwork. Probably wouldn't do you much good if you weren't an MB fan but you either are or you're not.
Le Syndicat - "Thirty Years Of Excess" six cassette box set from Influencing Machine. Just necessary. Been longing for something like this for a while and was delighted when it happened last year. Extras fortunately limited to one simple yet attractive booklet.
Blod - "Red Light Companion" triple lp set. That pure, no-bullshit Harsh Noise all contained in a very handsome box with a few little extra bits of nonsense. The only issue I've had with Blod is that the Noise is divided into smaller pieces. I've always suspected he just cut up longer pieces into smaller ones, which is, of course, his right to do so, but the stops and starts aren't appealing to me. Fortunately, the quality and standard rise above that misgiving and I love having this item.
Etant Donnes - "Tapes, 1977-1983" from VOD. An impulse buy when I saw it in a shop that I have never regretted. Just outstanding, lasting work, always necessary to have when one needs to indulge.
Bizarre Uproar "Fifteen Years Of Filth And Violence", the four tape version (wasn't induced to pay more for an extra tape and a t-shirt). Can't really loose with BU, and I brought this at a height of my interest in this project. Rugged, quality material (although not necessarily his most memorable, however it's been a while since I've listened to this) with a lot of extra bits and bobs if you like that kind of thing.
And I've already banged on about Radigue's "Triology De La Mort" and "Adnos I-III", both triple cds (the former had a limited edition sculpture of a skull one could house their copy in, for an extra fee). Both examples of a continuous release over more than two albums. Both fucking perfect.
Edit - The Rita "Retrospective" release deserves an honorable mention even though it's not technically in a box. That's because artist and label took a different perspective on how to re-release a horde of older material that, so far, I haven't seen replicated. Probably not surprising, but a tad disappointing nonetheless.
Ramleh - Awake! is absolutely a must-have boxset! Essential!
I still hunt Incapacitants' boxes [yes, it's money problem] and Government Alpha box.
Quote from: Dr Alex on January 12, 2014, 02:17:22 PM
Ramleh - Awake! is absolutely a must-have boxset! Essential!
Government Alpha box.
Yes, Ramleh box is very well done.
While G.A. is basically "best of" kind of box... well, it IS. First disc perhaps introduction to earliest moments of finding his way, but then explode into some of the best harsh noise out there. I'm not opposed to "best of" kind of box in case when it works. For Government Alpha it works well.
Dead Body Love "Nechronology"
Eight tapes, seven of which contains previously released material. This is just so good! Essential artist! Eight tapes in a box, only insert is a xeroxed A4 paper.
Lasse Marhaug "Carmellia Sinensis"
This is the other category... new stuff. Four tapes with excellent harsh noise. Well designed cover and a 64 page booklet with drawings and photos. My favourite Marhaug release.
Quote from: Otomo_Hava on January 12, 2014, 01:50:03 PMBroken Flag: A Retrospective 1982 - 1985 5CD
Didn't this just use the massively truncated vinyl edits of certain releases, despite the considerably larger length capacity of a CD? A depressingly obvious example of how
not to do a boxset in my mind.
I'm fond of that recent-ish Small Cruel Party set, very well assembled, sequenced and reasonably priced without any absurd extras.
Yeah, Broken Flag box - apart from complete Male Rape Group piece - is short edits. One can blame original LP box. I assume they didn't want to expand CD box to be more complete. It's still great box, but very hard to make 5 LP's represent entire label.
Small Cruel Party set, is excellent. That was easily my most listened box of 2013. If not ALL TIMES. Some more comments found on playlist topic..
I listen all records which I own in alphabetical order and I adopt to music, not music to me, my mood or momentary wants.
Mt favourite boxes:
1. MERZBOX - the first big box which I bought. Still impressive and probably the best mono-anthology ever.
2. HIJOKAIDAN - The Noise ザ・ノイズ - 30th Anniversary - 1979-2009
3. LAIBACH - "Gesamtkunstwerk - Dokument 81-86"
4. KLUSTER - Klusterstrasse 69-72
5. BLACK LEATHER JESUS - "Crash & Honor 1990 - 2002: Perversing The Church And Its Ant - Like Minister"
6. C.C.C.C. - "Early Works"
7. CONTROLLED BLEEDING - "Gibbering Canker-Opera Slaves (Studies In Meditation And Evisceration)"
8. ESPLENDOR GEOMETRICO - "E.G. Box 1" ; "E.G. Box 2" and "E.G. Box 3"
9. Luc FERRARI - "L'Œuvre Électronique"
10. G*PARK - "1983 - 1988+"
11. LAFMS - "The Lowest Term Of Music"
12. MACIUNAS ENSEMBLE - "The Archives Part 1, 1968-1980"
Love boxes.
I prefer releases I can listen/touch/read, etc.
Boxes are both a way to collect hard-to-find material ar complex newer concepts.
I think about how happy I was when Marco printed the MATHAUSEN ORCHESTRA boxset, or when I put my hands on the SAVE OUR SLAVES version.. It is not a matter of simple fetishism or the zenith of being a fan of a project, but a way to spend more time surrounded by material that can be more thought-provoking, etc.
on the and the same goes with many more recent releases:
- GIANCARLO TONIUTTI
- RAMLEH
- BROKEN FLAG
- BIZARRE UPROAR
during the years I loved all LAIBACH boxes... etc.
A few more recent ones I've been enjoying a lot:
DOME - 1-4+5 5xLP (Editions Mego, 2011)
KEVIN DRUMM - NECRO ACOUSTIC 5xCD (Pica Disk, 2010)
SMALL CRUEL PARTY - AN ACCIDENT IN SUBSTANCE 3xCD (Harbinger Sound, 2012)
Quote from: ImpulsyStetoskopu on January 12, 2014, 06:14:26 PM
6. C.C.C.C. - "Early Works"
This too!
Japanese noise in 4xCD box format seems like good concept!
Merzbow has few of them. K2, CCCC, Hijokaidan, Government Alpha,... All works very well.
Merzbox I own since.. 2005? Something like that. And I think I'm now at disc #4 !
What I'd most like to see in box sets is: 1) complete, original artwork in some form, even if it is included on an additional CD in the set (which would be smartest in most instances because of the high cost of printing and then shipping). 2) unedited original tracks. If the tracks were originally truncated to fit on an LP, for instance, but there is a complete version of longer length in existence, include it. Other than for the sake of commerce, a reissue box is utterly useless if the release has been edited down or if the tracks have been truncated to fit an inappropriate format. 3) manufactured in a number that ensures it is available for at least a couple years. There's no point to a reissue box of 100 copies that nobody can find.
LAFMS 10CD (though, I wish they had used gauze envelopes to protect the discs)
Hermann Nitsch - Island 4CD (maybe shouldn't be included because it is more of a single event reissue)
*Parmegiani, Ferrari, Bayle box sets
Merzbow boxes, particularly the Merzphysics box
John Zorn - The Parachute Years 7CD
Grateful Dead - Complete Fillmore Recordings 11CD
Small Cruel Party - An Accident 3CD
Igor Wakhevitch - Donc 6CD
Blorp Esette 4CD
John Cage-Steffen Schleiermacher - Complete Piano 18CD
Quote from: Andrew McIntosh on January 12, 2014, 02:10:41 PM
Edit - The Rita "Retrospective" release deserves an honorable mention even though it's not technically in a box. That's because artist and label took a different perspective on how to re-release a horde of older material that, so far, I haven't seen replicated. Probably not surprising, but a tad disappointing nonetheless.
Definitely a disappointment that it didn't create a new reissuing tributary. Incredibly smart approach in a time if exorbitant manufacturing and shipping costs.
Quote from: Half Aborted on January 12, 2014, 04:40:36 PM
Quote from: Otomo_Hava on January 12, 2014, 01:50:03 PMBroken Flag: A Retrospective 1982 - 1985 5CD
Didn't this just use the massively truncated vinyl edits of certain releases, despite the considerably larger length capacity of a CD? A depressingly obvious example of how not to do a boxset in my mind.
Seconded!!
Quote from: ImpulsyStetoskopu on January 12, 2014, 06:14:26 PM6. C.C.C.C. - "Early Works"
Yes!! I forgot this jewel on 4 cds!
I completely forgot to mention Hijokaidan's The Noise 30CD box set.
It is a perfect example to see how the band evolved in a 30-year period.
Some additional boxes:
Lasse Marhaug - Tapes 1990 - 1999 4CD
C.C.C.C. - Early Works 4CD
Psychic Rally - Transmission 104.5 10CD
Merzbow / Kapotte Muziek - Works 1987 - 1993 3CD
Werewolf Jerusalem - Confessions of a sex maniac 4CD
Grunt - Documentation: Live Assaults Around Europe 2005 - 2008 3CD
Bizarre Uproar - Liha Evankeliumi 3CD (First Edition)
The New Blockaders - T.N.B Est Mort 2CD
forgot to mention:
THE RITA: THE NYLONS OF LAURA ANTONELLI
Been awhile since I listen to it but Great Death was a great box from BDN.
DOMINATOR 'Maximum Pleasures - The Dominator Collection'
http://www.discogs.com/Dominator-Maximum-Pleasures-The-Dominator-Collection/release/540340
contains 3 x CD (standard copies of their 3 albums), shirt, badge, numbered certificate thing. ltd 50.
it was only GBP 20.00 inc. postage brand new when it was released (2001).
as discussed before, not exactly my favourite band, far from it, but this was certainly a smart release i was happy to own.
Many of my favourite noise boxes are already mentioned (G*Park, Merzbox, Incapacitants, TNB, Parmegiani, Bayle etc.). Here are some other greats that come to my mind:
V/A "Electronic Panorama" 4LP - perhaps the ultimate EA V/A with founders, superstars and even some obscurities. And top notch presentation, hail Philips!
V/A "Revue OU" 4CD/6LP - same words (and some more) for sound poetry.
V/A "Source Records" 3CD - many historically groundbreaking (and some very noisy) recordings here.
Albert Ayler "Holy Ghost" 10CD - Ayler panorama with wide range of material, some incredible, some less so but pretty much all relevant. Really beautiful book and some other miscellanea.
Toru Takemitsu "Film Music by Toru Takemitsu" 7CD - can't read the liner notes but the music speaks more than enough. Some really sublime moments there. Was there a complete Takemitsu soundtrack set with a couple of dozen discs?
Tangerine Dream "The Bootleg Box Set Vol 1" 7CD - rather rough live recordings from last bearable years of the Tangs. Great airy heaviness in some of the recordings.
From more rock'n'roll side This Heat, Can "Lost Tapes" and BBC Grind Madness are all top stuff.
The discussed VoD stuff can be rather iffy. I have bothered to get just a few of them, John Duncan and Etant Donnes sets are awesome.
Edit: Pain Jerk "Cacophony of a Thousand Pleasures", perhaps the best noise single multi-release?
BIZARRE UPROAR - Liha-Evankeliumi 3CD (first pressing with the pseudo-leather case) has always been one of my favorites, just for presentation alone.
I'll also go for:
BLOD - Red Light Companion 3LP (the addition of a lovely parfumed pink letter is the cherry on top of the pile of shit. Great release.)
Incapacitants - Box Is Stupid (frankly i could not ask anything more than LOTS of Incapacitants)
C.C.C.C. - Early Works (Great material and really good booklet.)
and
Lasse Marhaug - Camelia Sinensis (really solid harsh noise, maybe my favorite from Lasse's work)
Vomir - Claustration (super epic noise + great shirt..)
I play my BROKEN FLAG lp box set often. Even though it's some truncated forms of original releases, it's a nice go-to.
I love the format of the INCAPACITANTS 'Box is Stupid' set.
The Redstream 'Perversion At All Costs' set is still a favorite as well.
Cannot wait for the ULTRA box set if it's still in the works.
Not sure if it was mentioned:
Controlled Bleeding: Gibbering Canker-Opera Slaves (Studies In Meditation And Evisceration) 5xCD
I also agree that the C.C.C.C. and Government Alpha boxes were well done.
I didn't know about the Small Cruel Party one, will put that on my wantlist along with the Le Syndicat tape box.
Some of the VOD boxes looked/look interesting but I never bought any of those because I wasn't buying vinyl again until a few months ago. Besides that they were/are quite expensive.
Most of the box sets I own are more along the lines of "rock" or jazz and such.
(http://s.pixogs.com/image/R-1305991-1208197789.jpeg)
Vomir - Claustration
(http://s.pixogs.com/image/R-868645-1194819645.jpeg)
Mauthausen Orchestra - Gravitational Arch Of Sex
historical box from slaughter prod.
Quote from: ANDROPHILIA on February 23, 2014, 01:21:40 AM
(http://s.pixogs.com/image/R-1305991-1208197789.jpeg)
Vomir - Claustration
(http://s.pixogs.com/image/R-868645-1194819645.jpeg)
Mauthausen Orchestra - Gravitational Arch Of Sex
historical box from slaughter prod.
Had spoken about doing this on CD (maybe as two volumes) before Zoppo's death, shame it won't happen now.
In addition to those already mentioned, I'm a big fan of Various - Improvised Music from Japan 10xCD boxset (http://www.discogs.com/Various-Improvised-Music-From-Japan/release/534701)
More experimental/varied than pure noise, lots of interesting and rather obscure artists in a lovely box. Pity its rather rare and expensive now, although there are mp3 rips about.
I can't believe no mention of the Kapotte Muziek 'Twenty Five' box out a few years ago. I love the simplicity of the packaging and the HOURS of material to discover. I wish there would have been j-cards for each of the tapes though.
Well that was just a bunch of cd-r's in a plastic sleeve no ? quite minimal yes :D i still have to go through that one though.
Think Skincrime might just be the holy grail of all boxsets.
Some of my favorites:
-Lille Roger---"Undead: 1984-87"
-Merzbow---"Merzbox"
-Merzbow---"Collection: 001-010"
-Axnaar/Bizarre Uproar/Xenophobic Ejaculation/Roases---"Filth, Rubber, Hatred and Abuse: United Kingdom 2016"
-Atrax Morgue---"From Degeneration to Degeneration"
GO: Save our slaves
Jonathan Briley - Complete works
Awesome collection of old stuff you could hardly find anywhere before. "Kulturgärning" as we say in Sweden.
Vlad Tepes – A Catharsis For Human Illness
Maybe not completely complete, but damn near. Still puts all modern raw black metal bands to shame. The intricate riffing, melodies etc that hides under all the distortion and lo-fi recordings are gifts that keep giving.
Honorable mention: The tape version of ZSS "Anti-personnel explosive device"; a metal box full of broken glass and rusty nails. Almost impossible to open without shedding blood.
The most memorable was certainly Flutwacht - Traumsplitter
LP in an oversized carboard box with quite a few bits of broken ceramic. The package was very heavy!
(https://i.discogs.com/O_-6WIHTcPBwKSLAfj5y5vjMwIrjCHKkHRKuzus3F-I/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:209/w:314/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTExMzUz/ODYtMTE5NDkwMzM5/NS5qcGVn.jpeg)
Oh wow. I randomly clicked on page 7 and found this thread. CD Box Sets are a big weakness....sorry....source of joy for me.
It all started with The Merzbox back in around 2000. I have stated elsewhere that this monster still brings me great joy. What I love about many (not all) boxes is that we often see CDs that would never get standalone releases, due to the "experimental" nature. Box sets often give "the whole story".
Merz also released other wonderful sets: Merzbient 12CD, Merzphysics 10CD, Houjoue 6CD, and my personal favourite 24hrs A Day Of Seals 4CD. God, these are all fantastic Noise boxes.
(Fanimal, did you get beyond CD4 of Merzbox yet?)
Of course, nobody talks about Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, etc here (do they?), but my Complete Editions are my most prized possessions. (Max Richter - Sleep 8CD, anyone?)
Anyway....I digressed...sorry...back to Noise etc...
I have the CCCC 4CD Early Works. God I love it.
Urashima boxes are so beautiful. I have Vomir 6CD, Rita-Nylons 4CD, Masonna-Coquette 4CD, and Gerog 10CD of secret recordings of people having sex. Does life get any better than this?
Right up there in my collection is Kevin Drumm - Elapsed Time 6CD. Many of these works are surprisingly "quiet". (This isn't just Noise sets, right?)
David Tudor has a wonderful 7CD - The Art Of David Tudor. It covers works from '63-'92.
Tudor's friend John Cage got a 4CD Asphodel release of Atlas Eclipticalis and 103. I wouldn't sell it for $1000.
How about "Hard Jazz"? Albert Ayler 4CD Revelations is a revel....oh nevermind.
I could go on and on about this....but I'll shut up now and end with the best:
Roland Kayn!!!
16CD A Little Electronic Milky Way Of Sound.
10CD Scanning.
15CD The Ortho Project.
For me these 3 are an intersection of Noise / Experimental / Classical. They are monufuckingmental.
(I will now search the forum for Kayn. You should too!!)
There are many suggestions in this thread that I shall research. One of my great regrets in life: Not owning Incapacitants Stupid Box.
Edit: I did a search for Kayn and found only 1-2 fleeting mentions. If I can do one good thing at this forum, it will be to convince at least a few people to check him out. My mission is now clear. :)
A few recent/previously unmentioned boxes...
David Gilden - Texas Pillbox (Fusty Cunt) ... 16xCS set
I snapped on getting the tape box of this one, and it did not disappoint in my first round of knocking all the tapes out. I have since revisited two of the tapes; those being the notoriously horrible second tape that got omitted from the CD reissue and the Lingula tape. Tape two is still horrible, and the Lingula tape, while not as mind-blowing as it was on first listen, is still really good. Maybe a third listen to that one will make it sway back into "masterpiece" zone. I meant to check out more of them by this time, but ended up packing the set into a box for moving. I will make it a point to revisit upon unpacking.
Wolf Eyes - Box of Drolls (Disciples/Lower Floor Music) ... 3xCD set
Out of all the series this band has done over the years, Droll is my favorite. When this box was announced, I saw it as a great opportunity to listen to some of the earlier entries that had alluded my ears. The editing and collaging of these expansive tapes feels like it was handled with care by all involved. I found myself picking up a few of these discs throughout last year when I needed something to zone out to. You can always count on Wolf Eyes for that.
Merzbow - Last of Analog Sessions (Important Records) ... 3xCD set
Apparently this box is pretty pricy nowadays. Think I found it in a record store for... 20 bucks? Nice.
I did not want to feel left out on all the Merzbow mentions here, and this is the one boxset of his I own. I remember ripping all 3 discs on a weekender with my band once, and it wore us out before we even got to our first gig... hah.
Given the title, I like to imagine that Masami said "fuck it, let me go ALL OUT," and ripped some of his most devastating work of the 90s. I revisit this material & Material Gadgets the most out of any Merzbow I physically own. Given that 2/3 of the discs on this set are shorter than the average Merzbow record of this era, ripping through the set is still something I can do when the mood is right. A good portion of the full set can be found on YouTube if you are interested.
K2 - Sexencyclopedia (New Forces, reissue) ... 5xCD set
I think I can say that this was my first ever boxset. I was a casual K2 fan at the time, but wanted to learn more. So I bought this, ripped through all 5 CDs in under a week and was totally burnt out on listening to him for the next year or so... oops.
I got into earlier K2 in the years that came after, and felt less inclined to revisit this box (or any "super harsh" material from this project) until last summer. Coming back to it after all this time now though, I can really appreciate how unrelenting it is. Even the bonus disc has some worthwhile material on it. I gotta shout out New Forces for putting this one out, as it brought a lot of attention back to the power of K2 in the 2020s.
Oh dear. This place is dangerous.
k.p.g. above sent me down the K2 rabbit hole. (I hate to admit that I somehow missed the K2 train.)
But after some intense research, the 6CD Urashima box - Burst After Burst shall henceforth be coming my way, thank you very much Scream And Writhe.
So...how did I do?
Quote from: k.p.g on February 11, 2025, 10:18:08 PMDavid Gilden - Texas Pillbox (Fusty Cunt) ... 16xCS set
I snapped on getting the tape box of this one, and it did not disappoint in my first round of knocking all the tapes out. I have since revisited two of the tapes; those being the notoriously horrible second tape that got omitted from the CD reissue and the Lingula tape. Tape two is still horrible, and the Lingula tape, while not as mind-blowing as it was on first listen, is still really good. Maybe a third listen to that one will make it sway back into "masterpiece" zone. I meant to check out more of them by this time, but ended up packing the set into a box for moving. I will make it a point to revisit upon unpacking.
Over in the Gilden thread, I was wondering about this and admittedly gave it (not intentionally but in retrospect) an impossible hill to climb by asking how well it compared to the Skin Crime box in terms of consistency.
Well, I did end up picking up the CD version, and have been slowly making my way through it. And honestly, maybe it wasn't such an impossible hill. I think when its all said and done it will be right there with Skin Crime. I've listened to 11 of the 18 discs so far, and they're all great. And he reason I am going it through so slowly is I want to keep listening to each CD multiple times. I'll probably do a full sum-up in the Gilden thread eventually.
Quote from: k.p.g on February 11, 2025, 10:18:08 PMMerzbow - Last of Analog Sessions (Important Records) ... 3xCD set
Apparently this box is pretty pricy nowadays. Think I found it in a record store for... 20 bucks? Nice.
I did not want to feel left out on all the Merzbow mentions here, and this is the one boxset of his I own. I remember ripping all 3 discs on a weekender with my band once, and it wore us out before we even got to our first gig... hah.
Given the title, I like to imagine that Masami said "fuck it, let me go ALL OUT," and ripped some of his most devastating work of the 90s. I revisit this material & Material Gadgets the most out of any Merzbow I physically own. Given that 2/3 of the discs on this set are shorter than the average Merzbow record of this era, ripping through the set is still something I can do when the mood is right. A good portion of the full set can be found on YouTube if you are interested.
This one is pretty much worth it for Disc 2-
Medamaya alone. The sound is massive even for him, and yet you can hear every little nuance. Right there with
Noiseembryo and
Pulse Demon as one of the most pummeling things he's done.
Quote from: k.p.g on February 11, 2025, 10:18:08 PMK2 - Sexencyclopedia (New Forces, reissue) ... 5xCD set
My only complaint about
Sexencyclopedia is the final live track on disc 3. Considering its K2+Incapacitants, you would expect something magical. Instead, its just....there. Passable, I guess. Some electronic noodling. The occasional shout. But I keep expecting some monster to leap out of the speakers and leave everything around me a smoking pile of ruins, and am sadly disappointed.
Leaving that aside, the rest is pretty much flawless.
I've mentioned it in another thread but all this Merzbow talk makes me wanna say it here too: some of the Slowdown Records 6xCD Merzbow boxes are great. I especially like Metallic that has archival material from 1993-1995. That era to me is like the golden years of Merzbow. The 6xCD before that one is Tapestry Of Noise which collects archival material from 1989-1991. Absolutely nothing wrong with that period either! That box has an alternative mix for Cloud Cock 00 Grand and source tapes(?) and/or alternative mixes(?) for Crash For Hi-Fi. Plus 4 other discs.
If you love all Merzbow no matter if the cringiest early experimental stuff or the laziest laptop stuff you can always get the box that contains 10 of these 6xCD boxes. After that if you're still craving for more there is also the box of 6 of the 6xCD archival boxes that concentrates on material recorded from 2006 onwards. After those if you are STILL dying for more I think you should get your head checked.
Quote from: BatteredStatesofEuphoria on February 12, 2025, 01:02:27 AMOver in the Gilden thread, I was wondering about this and admittedly gave it (not intentionally but in retrospect) an impossible hill to climb by asking how well it compared to the Skin Crime box in terms of consistency.
Thanks for reminding me of the
Skin Crime box... finally got it after all these years, just to get only through disc 4... sigh..
Quote from: BatteredStatesofEuphoria on February 12, 2025, 01:02:27 AMMy only complaint about Sexencyclopedia is the final live track on disc 3. Considering its K2+Incapacitants, you would expect something magical. Instead, its just....there. Passable, I guess. Some electronic noodling. The occasional shout. But I keep expecting some monster to leap out of the speakers and leave everything around me a smoking pile of ruins, and am sadly disappointed.
Leaving that aside, the rest is pretty much flawless.
Ah shit, I forgot about that track. Seeing as though I have never dug
Incapacitants, I am curious to see how I will feel about this one.
Quote from: moozz on February 12, 2025, 03:56:50 PMI've mentioned it in another thread but all this Merzbow talk makes me wanna say it here too: some of the Slowdown Records 6xCD Merzbow boxes are great. I especially like Metallic that has archival material from 1993-1995. That era to me is like the golden years of Merzbow. The 6xCD before that one is Tapestry Of Noise which collects archival material from 1989-1991. Absolutely nothing wrong with that period either! That box has an alternative mix for Cloud Cock 00 Grand and source tapes(?) and/or alternative mixes(?) for Crash For Hi-Fi. Plus 4 other discs.
If you love all Merzbow no matter if the cringiest early experimental stuff or the laziest laptop stuff you can always get the box that contains 10 of these 6xCD boxes. After that if you're still craving for more there is also the box of 6 of the 6xCD archival boxes that concentrates on material recorded from 2006 onwards. After those if you are STILL dying for more I think you should get your head checked.
I have been tempted to get the 60cd one, but it looks like there is some overlap with the original
Merzbox? Good to hear which of the smaller sets are worth picking up though, as I (someone who should get his head checked) am always in the market for more Merzbow...
Masonna - Exploring Self-Corrosive Noise With Coquette 7 tape box
Not yet mentioned here? Such a great box set, includes all essential Masonna (in my opinion). Best of the wild early steps of Masonna with vocal madness and pure pedal noise mastery. Of course Masonna had great albums outside of this box, but for my taste of Masonna this has it all.
Quote from: BatteredStatesofEuphoria on February 12, 2025, 01:02:27 AMQuote from: k.p.g on February 11, 2025, 10:18:08 PMDavid Gilden - Texas Pillbox (Fusty Cunt) ... 16xCS set
I snapped on getting the tape box of this one, and it did not disappoint in my first round of knocking all the tapes out. I have since revisited two of the tapes; those being the notoriously horrible second tape that got omitted from the CD reissue and the Lingula tape. Tape two is still horrible, and the Lingula tape, while not as mind-blowing as it was on first listen, is still really good. Maybe a third listen to that one will make it sway back into "masterpiece" zone. I meant to check out more of them by this time, but ended up packing the set into a box for moving. I will make it a point to revisit upon unpacking.
Over in the Gilden thread, I was wondering about this and admittedly gave it (not intentionally but in retrospect) an impossible hill to climb by asking how well it compared to the Skin Crime box in terms of consistency.
Well, I did end up picking up the CD version, and have been slowly making my way through it. And honestly, maybe it wasn't such an impossible hill. I think when its all said and done it will be right there with Skin Crime. I've listened to 11 of the 18 discs so far, and they're all great. And he reason I am going it through so slowly is I want to keep listening to each CD multiple times. I'll probably do a full sum-up in the Gilden thread eventually.
Even in putting it out, the Gilden box, while very good material, simply cannot beat the SKIN CRIME box.
To me, SC box is the absolute top of the mountain and a lesson in how a retrospective can be perfected.
In saying that, I'm very happy people are liking the Gilden set.
To add to this list:
Mauthausen Orchestra - Gravitational Arch Of Sex 12xCS (Original, not the yucky "reissue"): Total perfection.
Murder Corporation - The New Crimes 8xCS: Does anyone else actually have this? I don't know anyone else that does. Amazing. Fulfilling. An endurance test, but not a chore to listen to.
(oh nevermind, I forgot Menstrual did an 8 CD reissue. It's in your best interest to grab one if you can)
BLJ - Wise Men Still Seek Him 4xCS: early box of 4 VERY good tapes.
Moonblood – Lunar Chronicles Occvlt 12xCS +CD: Great set of demos/rehearsals and albums.
Quote from: k.p.g on February 12, 2025, 04:56:39 PMThanks for reminding me of the Skin Crime box... finally got it after all these years, just to get only through disc 4... sigh..
Definitely make some time for the rest. After 4 is where the real classic material really kicks in. Not that the first 4 disc are bad at all, either. Its great to hear how the sound developed from the early scattershot experiments on
Prenatal and crude tape manipulation and filth (in a good way) of
Desecration, then see all that refined in
Eyestrain and
Genetal Modification, until it fully blooms into that "classic" SC 90s sound from
Urge on.
Quote from: PTM Jim on February 12, 2025, 07:03:33 PMEven in putting it out, the Gilden box, while very good material, simply cannot beat the SKIN CRIME box.
To me, SC box is the absolute top of the mountain and a lesson in how a retrospective can be perfected.
In saying that, I'm very happy people are liking the Gilden set.
Case Studies... is definitely at the summit, but there's nothing wrong with being a few feet below it. :P I can definitely see how it influenced some of your thinking when putting the Gilden box together, and I will say if there's one way thing
Texas Pillbox does win its the artwork. Amazing presentation all around.
I actually have a question about the material that I'm curious about. Disc 16 is labeled
Magico Ritual, while Disc 17 is labeled
Unknown Outtakes. But 16 clearly has several (7 in all, I think?) pieces on it, even though its only 1 track on the CD, whereas 17 is one long, continuous track. I assume the titles may have come from how whatever masters you obtained were labeled? Given the plural wording "Unknown Outtakes," which implies more than one, I wonder, is it possible 16 and 17 were mislabled and were actually switched?
Its not anything earth shattering, but its a wrinkle I find interesting. Maybe it's just yet another enigma to add to the list around Mr. Gilden. In any case, the fact that something with such a mundane, unassuming title as "Unknown Outtakes" is one of my favorites of the box so far speaks to the overall quality of the material.
Quote from: Minus1 on February 12, 2025, 12:12:52 AMOh dear. This place is dangerous.
k.p.g. above sent me down the K2 rabbit hole. (I hate to admit that I somehow missed the K2 train.)
But after some intense research, the 6CD Urashima box - Burst After Burst shall henceforth be coming my way, thank you very much Scream And Writhe.
So...how did I do?
Burst After Burst is overall a good purchase, but just be aware that only the final two discs represent the same kind of sound as on
Sexencyclopedia (the metal junk, cut up period, his "Phase 2" as he refers to it). The first three are earlier works, and more industrial noise, but they are all enjoyable.
The fourth disc,
De Novo is basically him doing junk noise without the afore-mentioned fast cutups and edits. Its the only one I find I don't ever spin repeatedly as I find it kind of boring. Its interesting from a historical standpoint to hear as a point in his development, but imho, what it really proves is that adding the cutups and featuring more of the friktor bass is what gave his sound energy and took it to the next level.
Quote from: BatteredStatesofEuphoria on February 12, 2025, 09:43:19 PMQuote from: Minus1 on February 12, 2025, 12:12:52 AMOh dear. This place is dangerous.
k.p.g. above sent me down the K2 rabbit hole. (I hate to admit that I somehow missed the K2 train.)
But after some intense research, the 6CD Urashima box - Burst After Burst shall henceforth be coming my way, thank you very much Scream And Writhe.
So...how did I do?
Burst After Burst is overall a good purchase, but just be aware that only the final two discs represent the same kind of sound as on Sexencyclopedia (the metal junk, cut up period, his "Phase 2" as he refers to it). The first three are earlier works, and more industrial noise, but they are all enjoyable.
The fourth disc, De Novo is basically him doing junk noise without the afore-mentioned fast cutups and edits. Its the only one I find I don't ever spin repeatedly as I find it kind of boring. Its interesting from a historical standpoint to hear as a point in his development, but imho, what it really proves is that adding the cutups and featuring more of the friktor bass is what gave his sound energy and took it to the next level.
Wonderful info - thanks! I'm happy about the "journey" that this set takes.
So....um....
I researched the Gilden and Skin Crime sets. I can't find Skin Crime anywhere.
I found Gilden though.
I went to the Gilden thread. I played a few things. I went to other places for some info.
And then I clicked Pay Now. 😂
I had never even heard of Gilden until this thread. Thank you! (I think?)
I may have to go away for a while...
Quote from: Minus1 on February 13, 2025, 12:34:03 AMI can't find Skin Crime anywhere.
Yeah, unfortunately, its become quite the rare find nowadays unless you're sitting by your computer at all hours constantly refreshing your Discogs wantlist....
However, while it is digital, it is at least fully streamable on Bandcamp to get some idea of it: https://hospitalproductions.bandcamp.com/album/case-studies-in-early-taxidermy-techniques?from=search&search_item_id=2695410427&search_item_type=a&search_match_part=%3F&search_page_id=3326100733&search_page_no=0&search_rank=1&logged_out_menubar=true
You might have more luck with the
Tales from the Crypt double cassette set. The material is from the same period, but the release was more recent than the big box.
And, its just 30 min, but this is still easy to pickup: https://newforces.bigcartel.com/product/skin-crime-skin-crime-cd
Quote from: Minus1 on February 13, 2025, 12:34:03 AMI had never even heard of Gilden until this thread. Thank you! (I think?)
I don't think you'll be disappointed. Its always great to discover new things, if maybe not so great for the wallet. Just leave enough money in the wallet for a few meals at least. :P
Quote from: Balor/SS1535 on February 12, 2025, 06:49:52 PMQuote from: moozz on February 12, 2025, 03:56:50 PMI've mentioned it in another thread but all this Merzbow talk makes me wanna say it here too: some of the Slowdown Records 6xCD Merzbow boxes are great. I especially like Metallic that has archival material from 1993-1995. That era to me is like the golden years of Merzbow. The 6xCD before that one is Tapestry Of Noise which collects archival material from 1989-1991. Absolutely nothing wrong with that period either! That box has an alternative mix for Cloud Cock 00 Grand and source tapes(?) and/or alternative mixes(?) for Crash For Hi-Fi. Plus 4 other discs.
If you love all Merzbow no matter if the cringiest early experimental stuff or the laziest laptop stuff you can always get the box that contains 10 of these 6xCD boxes. After that if you're still craving for more there is also the box of 6 of the 6xCD archival boxes that concentrates on material recorded from 2006 onwards. After those if you are STILL dying for more I think you should get your head checked.
I have been tempted to get the 60cd one, but it looks like there is some overlap with the original Merzbox? Good to hear which of the smaller sets are worth picking up though, as I (someone who should get his head checked) am always in the market for more Merzbow...
Not sure if there really is much overlap with Merzbox. Sure, Merzbox contains Cloud Cock 00 Grand as well but wasn't that the same mix as on the original CD?
If you're looking for MY recommendations of those Slowdown 6xCD archival boxes I'd say also the Green & Orange box is worth getting as it covers 1996-1998 which was still great for Merzbow. It has, for example, two CDs of alternative Tauromachine stuff.
Unless you go all-in with the 60 CD box and/or the 35 CD box, I'd say check which period each 6xCD box covers and get it if you like Merzbow albums from those years.
Quote from: BatteredStatesofEuphoria on February 12, 2025, 09:31:45 PMDefinitely make some time for the rest. After 4 is where the real classic material really kicks in. Not that the first 4 disc are bad at all, either. Its great to hear how the sound developed from the early scattershot experiments on Prenatal and crude tape manipulation and filth (in a good way) of Desecration, then see all that refined in Eyestrain and Genetal Modification, until it fully blooms into that "classic" SC 90s sound from Urge on.
It definitely is one that will be getting its time in the player when moving chaos passes. I feel like I move backwards with this group sometimes, as my introduction was the comeback LP on Hospital. My initial impression of this band mastering the art of "dead sound" has resonated with me so much that it took a couple listens of material like
Audio Pathology to click. Still, first 4 discs here have been nice to get into for the fact that even such a mighty group like
Skin Crime had its "testing" phases. Excited for the "classic" era.
Quote from: moozz on February 13, 2025, 01:40:13 PMQuote from: Balor/SS1535 on February 12, 2025, 06:49:52 PMQuote from: moozz on February 12, 2025, 03:56:50 PMI've mentioned it in another thread but all this Merzbow talk makes me wanna say it here too: some of the Slowdown Records 6xCD Merzbow boxes are great. I especially like Metallic that has archival material from 1993-1995. That era to me is like the golden years of Merzbow. The 6xCD before that one is Tapestry Of Noise which collects archival material from 1989-1991. Absolutely nothing wrong with that period either! That box has an alternative mix for Cloud Cock 00 Grand and source tapes(?) and/or alternative mixes(?) for Crash For Hi-Fi. Plus 4 other discs.
If you love all Merzbow no matter if the cringiest early experimental stuff or the laziest laptop stuff you can always get the box that contains 10 of these 6xCD boxes. After that if you're still craving for more there is also the box of 6 of the 6xCD archival boxes that concentrates on material recorded from 2006 onwards. After those if you are STILL dying for more I think you should get your head checked.
I have been tempted to get the 60cd one, but it looks like there is some overlap with the original Merzbox? Good to hear which of the smaller sets are worth picking up though, as I (someone who should get his head checked) am always in the market for more Merzbow...
Not sure if there really is much overlap with Merzbox. Sure, Merzbox contains Cloud Cock 00 Grand as well but wasn't that the same mix as on the original CD?
If you're looking for MY recommendations of those Slowdown 6xCD archival boxes I'd say also the Green & Orange box is worth getting as it covers 1996-1998 which was still great for Merzbow. It has, for example, two CDs of alternative Tauromachine stuff.
Unless you go all-in with the 60 CD box and/or the 35 CD box, I'd say check which period each 6xCD box covers and get it if you like Merzbow albums from those years.
ha---sounds like a good plan! I hadn't looked at the
Green & Orange one, so I'll keep an eye out for it.
I only asked about overlap because I feel like they also did some sort of box of the Collection series? Given that I already have the Urashima box of those and the comp CDs in the
Merzbox, I could probably do without tripling up on them.
Actually, thinking back over these two version of the Collection albums, I feel like they were mastered to sound very different? I recall the
Merzbox ones sounding much harsher. I'll need to listen again...
Quote from: BatteredStatesofEuphoria on February 13, 2025, 04:28:32 AMQuote from: Minus1 on February 13, 2025, 12:34:03 AMI can't find Skin Crime anywhere.
Yeah, unfortunately, its become quite the rare find nowadays unless you're sitting by your computer at all hours constantly refreshing your Discogs wantlist....
However, while it is digital, it is at least fully streamable on Bandcamp to get some idea of it: https://hospitalproductions.bandcamp.com/album/case-studies-in-early-taxidermy-techniques?from=search&search_item_id=2695410427&search_item_type=a&search_match_part=%3F&search_page_id=3326100733&search_page_no=0&search_rank=1&logged_out_menubar=true
You might have more luck with the Tales from the Crypt double cassette set. The material is from the same period, but the release was more recent than the big box.
And, its just 30 min, but this is still easy to pickup: https://newforces.bigcartel.com/product/skin-crime-skin-crime-cd
Quote from: Minus1 on February 13, 2025, 12:34:03 AMI had never even heard of Gilden until this thread. Thank you! (I think?)
I don't think you'll be disappointed. Its always great to discover new things, if maybe not so great for the wallet. Just leave enough money in the wallet for a few meals at least. :P
Thank you for your insights and recommendations. I really appreciate it.
I'm a kid in a candy store here!!
Quote from: BatteredStatesofEuphoria on February 12, 2025, 09:31:45 PMI actually have a question about the material that I'm curious about. Disc 16 is labeled Magico Ritual, while Disc 17 is labeled Unknown Outtakes. But 16 clearly has several (7 in all, I think?) pieces on it, even though its only 1 track on the CD, whereas 17 is one long, continuous track. I assume the titles may have come from how whatever masters you obtained were labeled? Given the plural wording "Unknown Outtakes," which implies more than one, I wonder, is it possible 16 and 17 were mislabled and were actually switched?
Magico-ritual was a side of a tape that was paired with BLJ - Anti. Not available anywhere else to my knowledge. I split it up into what I believe were just untitled tracks. (was definitely a dub for someone).
The Unknown Outtakes was, just that a tape that said "outtakes" and was just one side. I didn't have a clear glimpse where tracks began and ended though, so I left it as one piece. Think of just listening to it as you would if it were a tape side.
Talkin Merz and box. These 6cd Slowdown boxes (stated date of recording) are pure gold:
Loop & Collage (84-87)
Strings & Percussion (86-88)
Tapestry of Noise (89-91)
Metallic (93-95)
Green & Orange (96-98)
While these consist almost entirely of alternative takes and mixes of the releases proper (exception being Loop & Collage which includes Crocidura Dsi Nezumi and Enclosure), I'd say in terms of overall sound flavor & texture there is unsurprisingly a great deal of overlap*. Merz kind of is a study in overlap, or self-plunderment. Merzbowelment. What's in a name you say. Merzbow unequivocally, and with due apologies to FdW, sounds likes Merzbow.
* with the releases proper and the Merzbox and the other Merzboxes**
** the 10cd Youth Inc sets, Merzphysics and Merzmorphosis, are possible exceptions, as far as repping more raw and untreated materials as I've commented on (https://special-interests.net/forum/index.php?topic=82.msg30517#msg30517) in the dedicated merzthread.
Has anyone released a box set of Merzbow box sets yet?
Quote from: Andrew McIntosh on February 14, 2025, 10:33:50 AMHas anyone released a box set of Merzbow box sets yet?
I think Merzbow did.
(Edit: I'm half joking! His 60CD is 10x 6CD box sets!)
(https://i.imgflip.com/9k95og.jpg)
What did The Merzbox say to the latest Taylor Swift CD?
Actually, I have no idea. I just wanted to be the first to say "Taylor Swift" here.
But seriously though: Confession time again: I have absolutely no Richard Ramirez!!!
I know, right?
What about these 5CD-6CD boxes called Vol 1-2? I tried elsewhere on the forum but my search skills are lacking.
Thanks in advance.
Quote from: Minus1 on February 14, 2025, 11:06:53 PMWhat about these 5CD-6CD boxes called Vol 1-2? I tried elsewhere on the forum but my search skills are lacking.
Those ones have compiled the classic 90s material from him. I do not personally own either one, but know some of the material on there is absolutely great. Would seem as though both are available still from the label.
Quote from: k.p.g on February 15, 2025, 08:27:51 PMQuote from: Minus1 on February 14, 2025, 11:06:53 PMWhat about these 5CD-6CD boxes called Vol 1-2? I tried elsewhere on the forum but my search skills are lacking.
Those ones have compiled the classic 90s material from him. I do not personally own either one, but know some of the material on there is absolutely great. Would seem as though both are available still from the label.
Yes, thank you. The more study I do, the closer I get to getting these 2 boxes. They might be perfect for me - ie someone who never kept up with all the RR activity, but wants a "Coles Notes".
Quote from: Andrew McIntosh on February 14, 2025, 10:33:50 AMHas anyone released a box set of Merzbow box sets yet?
Yes:
https://www.discogs.com/release/25004707-Merzbow-35CD-BOX
https://www.discogs.com/release/20342752-Merzbow-10x660CDBox
Quote from: Minus1 on February 15, 2025, 08:42:54 PMsomeone who never kept up with all the RR activity, but wants a "Coles Notes".
Then these boxes are perfect for you.
Quote from: Goat93 on February 15, 2025, 09:07:21 PMQuote from: Andrew McIntosh on February 14, 2025, 10:33:50 AMHas anyone released a box set of Merzbow box sets yet?
Yes:
https://www.discogs.com/release/25004707-Merzbow-35CD-BOX
https://www.discogs.com/release/20342752-Merzbow-10x660CDBox
Well, then, the next step is obviously a box set of box sets of box sets, ad infinitum.
Quote from: Bloated Slutbag on February 14, 2025, 08:27:22 AMTalkin Merz and box. These 6cd Slowdown boxes (stated date of recording) are pure gold:
Loop & Collage (84-87)
Strings & Percussion (86-88)
Tapestry of Noise (89-91)
Metallic (93-95)
Green & Orange (96-98)
While these consist almost entirely of alternative takes and mixes of the releases proper (exception being Loop & Collage which includes Crocidura Dsi Nezumi and Enclosure), I'd say in terms of overall sound flavor & texture there is unsurprisingly a great deal of overlap*. Merz kind of is a study in overlap, or self-plunderment. Merzbowelment. What's in a name you say. Merzbow unequivocally, and with due apologies to FdW, sounds likes Merzbow.
* with the releases proper and the Merzbox and the other Merzboxes**
** the 10cd Youth Inc sets, Merzphysics and Merzmorphosis, are possible exceptions, as far as repping more raw and untreated materials as I've commented on (https://special-interests.net/forum/index.php?topic=82.msg30517#msg30517) in the dedicated merzthread.
I was debating whether to expand on this in the Merzthread or here, but I think my comment can speak to the value of (at least least a certain type of) comp.
Reading back the above quoted and referring the earholes to both the releases proper and the alt versions contained in the Slowdown boxes, and I'm thinking the logic of (at least one part of) the Slowdown project is coming through for me. That is, context. Historical context but more importantly context with respect to certain species of compositional approach. Each of the above sets does not so much represent a particular period but a particular sound in the development of the project*. This is in fact explicated in some detail by Slowdown, in the booklet and on their website. (FWIW it does seem the two chaps behind the label are genuine heads who've been around and involved for quite some time; and who clearly have had communications with the chief perv-veyor on the subject of his work and its development.)
You can take the often highly appraised Batztoutai With Memorial Gadgets (& alternate Batztoutai With Material Gadgets) against Loop & Collage and reappraise BWMG as a sort of "best of" compilation of fragments and outtakes from more fully-fleshed works. Or you could take these apparently fuller-in-the-flesh works as works-in-progress that would culminate in BWMG. I'm more inclined to the former take because I rather like the full-bodied shambolic glory of the longer pieces. But this would only be a start in potential retard-level cross-referencing between a whole mess of Merz issuing from then and about, including things like Antimony, Antimonument, Storage, Agri Hotna, Fission Dialogue, Music for Bondage, Ecobondage, pretty much all the SCUMs, etc etc.
So maybe another way of saying mileage will vary per capacity for 'tarding out to yer preferred species of shizzle.
* And it behooves me to footnote that the period represented by these boxes is all** I'll ever need Merz-wise.
** probably
Quote from: Andrew McIntosh on February 15, 2025, 11:54:09 PMQuote from: Goat93 on February 15, 2025, 09:07:21 PMQuote from: Andrew McIntosh on February 14, 2025, 10:33:50 AMHas anyone released a box set of Merzbow box sets yet?
Yes:
https://www.discogs.com/release/25004707-Merzbow-35CD-BOX
https://www.discogs.com/release/20342752-Merzbow-10x660CDBox
Well, then, the next step is obviously a box set of box sets of box sets, ad infinitum.
Kurt
(tm) approved.
Quote from: Bloated Slutbag on February 16, 2025, 11:48:29 AMQuote from: Bloated Slutbag on February 14, 2025, 08:27:22 AMTalkin Merz and box. These 6cd Slowdown boxes (stated date of recording) are pure gold:
Loop & Collage (84-87)
Strings & Percussion (86-88)
Tapestry of Noise (89-91)
Metallic (93-95)
Green & Orange (96-98)
While these consist almost entirely of alternative takes and mixes of the releases proper (exception being Loop & Collage which includes Crocidura Dsi Nezumi and Enclosure), I'd say in terms of overall sound flavor & texture there is unsurprisingly a great deal of overlap*. Merz kind of is a study in overlap, or self-plunderment. Merzbowelment. What's in a name you say. Merzbow unequivocally, and with due apologies to FdW, sounds likes Merzbow.
* with the releases proper and the Merzbox and the other Merzboxes**
** the 10cd Youth Inc sets, Merzphysics and Merzmorphosis, are possible exceptions, as far as repping more raw and untreated materials as I've commented on (https://special-interests.net/forum/index.php?topic=82.msg30517#msg30517) in the dedicated merzthread.
I was debating whether to expand on this in the Merzthread or here, but I think my comment can speak to the value of (at least least a certain type of) comp.
Reading back the above quoted and referring the earholes to both the releases proper and the alt versions contained in the Slowdown boxes, and I'm thinking the logic of (at least one part of) the Slowdown project is coming through for me. That is, context. Historical context but more importantly context with respect to certain species of compositional approach. Each of the above sets does not so much represent a particular period but a particular sound in the development of the project*. This is in fact explicated in some detail by Slowdown, in the booklet and on their website. (FWIW it does seem the two chaps behind the label are genuine heads who've been around and involved for quite some time; and who clearly have had communications with the chief perv-veyor on the subject of his work and its development.)
You can take the often highly appraised Batztoutai With Memorial Gadgets (& alternate Batztoutai With Material Gadgets) against Loop & Collage and reappraise BWMG as a sort of "best of" compilation of fragments and outtakes from more fully-fleshed works. Or you could take these apparently fuller-in-the-flesh works as works-in-progress that would culminate in BWMG. I'm more inclined to the former take because I rather like the full-bodied shambolic glory of the longer pieces. But this would only be a start in potential retard-level cross-referencing between a whole mess of Merz issuing from then and about, including things like Antimony, Antimonument, Storage, Agri Hotna, Fission Dialogue, Music for Bondage, Ecobondage, pretty much all the SCUMs, etc etc.
So maybe another way of saying mileage will vary per capacity for 'tarding out to yer preferred species of shizzle.
* And it behooves me to footnote that the period represented by these boxes is all** I'll ever need Merz-wise.
** probably
Quote from: Andrew McIntosh on February 15, 2025, 11:54:09 PMQuote from: Goat93 on February 15, 2025, 09:07:21 PMQuote from: Andrew McIntosh on February 14, 2025, 10:33:50 AMHas anyone released a box set of Merzbow box sets yet?
Yes:
https://www.discogs.com/release/25004707-Merzbow-35CD-BOX
https://www.discogs.com/release/20342752-Merzbow-10x660CDBox
Well, then, the next step is obviously a box set of box sets of box sets, ad infinitum.
Kurt(tm) approved.
That's very interesting and really helpful to know. I'll try to pick one or two of them up later this year. It reminds me that what was perhaps most remarkable to me about the
Merzbox was Akita's extensive liner notes for each release included in it---implying that he likely has a fantastically detailed archival system.
Reading a lot of books on noise recently, it's been a bit irritating to see that most discussions of Merzbow try to distinguish him based on the volume of his output---acting like the excessiveness of it makes a full and systematic appraisal of his work impossible. Hegarty is especially guilty of this, I think. But, as you show in your post and others have as well, it just takes a bit of unhinged focus to get a lot farther!
Quote from: Andrew McIntosh on February 15, 2025, 11:54:09 PMQuote from: Goat93 on February 15, 2025, 09:07:21 PMQuote from: Andrew McIntosh on February 14, 2025, 10:33:50 AMHas anyone released a box set of Merzbow box sets yet?
Yes:
https://www.discogs.com/release/25004707-Merzbow-35CD-BOX
https://www.discogs.com/release/20342752-Merzbow-10x660CDBox
Well, then, the next step is obviously a box set of box sets of box sets, ad infinitum.
What we need is a box set of EVERY Merzbow release ever, including originals, reissues, compilations, archives, and of course....box sets....delivered to your house on a flat bed truck. Getting it inside is your problem.
Quote from: BatteredStatesofEuphoria on February 16, 2025, 09:27:00 PMQuote from: Andrew McIntosh on February 15, 2025, 11:54:09 PMQuote from: Goat93 on February 15, 2025, 09:07:21 PMQuote from: Andrew McIntosh on February 14, 2025, 10:33:50 AMHas anyone released a box set of Merzbow box sets yet?
Yes:
https://www.discogs.com/release/25004707-Merzbow-35CD-BOX
https://www.discogs.com/release/20342752-Merzbow-10x660CDBox
Well, then, the next step is obviously a box set of box sets of box sets, ad infinitum.
What we need is a box set of EVERY Merzbow release ever, including originals, reissues, compilations, archives, and of course....box sets....delivered to your house on a flat bed truck. Getting it inside is your problem.
You have to Build a House for that and close the Circle with a Merzbau full of Merzboxes of Merzbow
Don't forget to add a garage to store... well, you know what.
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Quote from: Balor/SS1535 on February 16, 2025, 07:41:00 PMIt reminds me that what was perhaps most remarkable to me about the Merzbox was Akita's extensive liner notes for each release included in it---implying that he likely has a fantastically detailed archival system.
This absolutely deserves more talk and discussion and should not be mildly passed over. While there isn't much to say about it...because we don't know...but it clearly does exist. If he'd allow, even a basic walk thru like White Centipede did with Club Moral would be worth the time and documentation. I've said this same thing about Zoviet France, because it is clear about them as well that they have an extensive archive of unreleased recordings and such.
It's funny how these things get thrown into conversations, or are indirectly hinted at, basically going unnoticed anyway. I remember when the punk compilation of the Fiesta Grande shows was released, and you could read a hundred pages about the record and events, but no one seemed to clock that the release implied that someone (Chris Dodge, Slap A Ham?) had all those shows recorded off the soundboard sitting somewhere. A crucial archive of recordings used to make a single LP. RELEASE THE TAPES!
Quote from: Zeno Marx on February 17, 2025, 06:02:12 PMQuote from: Balor/SS1535 on February 16, 2025, 07:41:00 PMIt reminds me that what was perhaps most remarkable to me about the Merzbox was Akita's extensive liner notes for each release included in it---implying that he likely has a fantastically detailed archival system.
This absolutely deserves more talk and discussion and should not be mildly passed over. While there isn't much to say about it...because we don't know...but it clearly does exist. If he'd allow, even a basic walk thru like White Centipede did with Club Moral would be worth the time and documentation. I've said this same thing about Zoviet France, because it is clear about them as well that they have an extensive archive of unreleased recordings and such.
It's funny how these things get thrown into conversations, or are indirectly hinted at, basically going unnoticed anyway. I remember when the punk compilation of the Fiesta Grande shows was released, and you could read a hundred pages about the record and events, but no one seemed to clock that the release implied that someone (Chris Dodge, Slap A Ham?) had all those shows recorded off the soundboard sitting somewhere. A crucial archive of recordings used to make a single LP. RELEASE THE TAPES!
I guess no one has interviewed Akita about it? This definitely seems like something that should be rectified.
Indeed, the...er...Merzbook is a goldmine of information. I still think The Merzbox is a steal, when you consider all that it contains.
(My Merzshirt is falling apart though.)
It suddenly occurred to me that there is no Whitehouse Box Set. How is this even possible, given their importance / influence, and wealth of material - studio, live, out-takes, etc?
Why, William? Why?
Quote from: Minus1 on February 18, 2025, 05:24:40 AMIndeed, the...er...Merzbook is a goldmine of information. I still think The Merzbox is a steal, when you consider all that it contains.
(My Merzshirt is falling apart though.)
It suddenly occurred to me that there is no Whitehouse Box Set. How is this even possible, given their importance / influence, and wealth of material - studio, live, out-takes, etc?
Why, William? Why?
Ha! My Merzhirt disintegrated and made a mess of an entire load of laundry !
There was the Come Organization box on VOD, but no just Whitehouse box. That does need to happen (hopefully on CD)!
Some random points for possible discussion:
I'm quite new here, but I bow to the hugely informative and entertaining posts of Bloated Slutbag. Just...thanks.
What might the informed people here think of the following boxes? (Please forgive me if this sounds lazy. I really have searched!)
Sancher Pelz 5CD Mutation For A Continuity
Aube 4CD Sensory Symphonies
I'm asking for a friend.
Quote from: Minus1 on February 19, 2025, 07:32:44 AMWhat might the informed people here think of the following boxes? (Please forgive me if this sounds lazy. I really have searched!)
Sancher Pelz 5CD Mutation For A Continuity
Aube 4CD Sensory Symphonies
Not sure if I count as informed. Sacher-Pelz was never a favorite, I never even found it good really. I've heard the four early albums in that box set and I found them just bad. Crude and clumsy but not in a tasty way. But then again I am sure there are people who love these. The box set appeared already in 2001, later Urashima released those old albums on LP and then Menstrual released that 5-disc version of the box set so there clearly is demand for this stuff. I'd advice anyone to proceed with Sacher-Pelz with caution but that comes from a guy who cannot even appreciate M.B.'s Symphony For A Genocide which is considered some sort of classic.
Aube on the other hand is brilliant. This box has many of his "trademark sounds" represented: there is quiet ambient, experimental ambient, "noise-lite", there is looping abrasive noise, and then there is everything in between. The strange thing about this set (or so it seems by a quick glance) is that three of the four albums here were kind of a trilogy and all of them had parts of the human body as the sound source. Pulse Resonator (a noisy album released two years earlier that uses a VCO as the sound source) was added as the fourth disc in the set. This box is a reissue of an earlier CDR box set released by Akifumi on his own label G.R.O.S.S. The name of that set was Vinyls 1995+1997. That explains the 1995 Pulse Resonator appearance in this box of 1997 body sound LPs.
Quote from: moozz on February 19, 2025, 11:13:45 AMQuote from: Minus1 on February 19, 2025, 07:32:44 AMWhat might the informed people here think of the following boxes? (Please forgive me if this sounds lazy. I really have searched!)
Sancher Pelz 5CD Mutation For A Continuity
Aube 4CD Sensory Symphonies
Not sure if I count as informed. Sacher-Pelz was never a favorite, I never even found it good really. I've heard the four early albums in that box set and I found them just bad. Crude and clumsy but not in a tasty way. But then again I am sure there are people who love these. The box set appeared already in 2001, later Urashima released those old albums on LP and then Menstrual released that 5-disc version of the box set so there clearly is demand for this stuff. I'd advice anyone to proceed with Sacher-Pelz with caution but that comes from a guy who cannot even appreciate M.B.'s Symphony For A Genocide which is considered some sort of classic.
Aube on the other hand is brilliant. This box has many of his "trademark sounds" represented: there is quiet ambient, experimental ambient, "noise-lite", there is looping abrasive noise, and then there is everything in between. The strange thing about this set (or so it seems by a quick glance) is that three of the four albums here were kind of a trilogy and all of them had parts of the human body as the sound source. Pulse Resonator (a noisy album released two years earlier that uses a VCO as the sound source) was added as the fourth disc in the set. This box is a reissue of an earlier CDR box set released by Akifumi on his own label G.R.O.S.S. The name of that set was Vinyls 1995+1997. That explains the 1995 Pulse Resonator appearance in this box of 1997 body sound LPs.
This is wonderful info. Thanks so much.
Quote from: Minus1 on February 19, 2025, 07:32:44 AMSancher Pelz 5CD Mutation For A Continuity
I've got the four cd version from Marquis. I'm a fan of this stuff because of its raw crudeness and borderline un-listenability. Tell your friend to dive right in, this is what early Industrial Noise is all about.
Quote from: Andrew McIntosh on February 21, 2025, 08:49:42 AMQuote from: Minus1 on February 19, 2025, 07:32:44 AMSancher Pelz 5CD Mutation For A Continuity
I've got the four cd version from Marquis. I'm a fan of this stuff because of its raw crudeness and borderline un-listenability. Tell your friend to dive right in, this is what early Industrial Noise is all about.
Excellent.
My friend was also wondering why the recent 666 Volt Battery Noise 9CD box has not been mentioned in this thread. (Although there is a dedicated thread for that one.)
The mailperson brought me the Gilden 18CD (plus K2 6CD and Atrax 3CD) today!
Wow - that Gilden box really is spectacular. So much thought / care has been put into this.
Quote from: Minus1 on February 28, 2025, 12:06:45 AMThe mailperson brought me the Gilden 18CD (plus K2 6CD and Atrax 3CD) today!
Wow - that Gilden box really is spectacular. So much thought / care has been put into this.
Enjoy.
My top box sets are of course the ones I have collected!
S.P.K. - S.P.K. Dokument (Recordings 1979-1983) CD (I couldn't afford the vinyl)
S.P.K. - Dokument III0 1979 7"
Broken Flag (A Retrospective 1982 - 1985) LP
Lille Roger - Undead 1984-87 LP
Sutcliffe Jugend - Slaves 7xCD
Various – Milwaukee Noise 2005-2010
Various - Texas
Atrax Morgue - Necro Box
Atrax Morgue - Ripper Box
Various - Frozen In Time (3 boxes of each 3x tapes Music to Accompany the Films of Ingmar Bergman)
The only one I have that I'm not crazy about is the live S.P.K. Dokument III0 1979 - 1983 - very rough live recordings on LP. Not something I really reach to listen to.
Quote from: xdementia on March 03, 2025, 08:30:19 PMSutcliffe Jugend - Slaves 7xCD
I'm not trying to quibble, but 7CD or 6CD? I only ask in order to make sure that I'm not missing a reissue.
This is one I'm thinking about - but I'm only seeing 6CD.
Quote from: Minus1 on March 04, 2025, 12:13:14 AMQuote from: xdementia on March 03, 2025, 08:30:19 PMSutcliffe Jugend - Slaves 7xCD
I'm not trying to quibble, but 7CD or 6CD? I only ask in order to make sure that I'm not missing a reissue.
This is one I'm thinking about - but I'm only seeing 6CD.
The Box have 6 CD, all others are Replacement CDs. I have 2 Replacement CDs for example
Quote from: Goat93 on March 04, 2025, 07:33:09 PMQuote from: Minus1 on March 04, 2025, 12:13:14 AMQuote from: xdementia on March 03, 2025, 08:30:19 PMSutcliffe Jugend - Slaves 7xCD
I'm not trying to quibble, but 7CD or 6CD? I only ask in order to make sure that I'm not missing a reissue.
This is one I'm thinking about - but I'm only seeing 6CD.
The Box have 6 CD, all others are Replacement CDs. I have 2 Replacement CDs for example
Thanks.
Quote from: BatteredStatesofEuphoria on February 12, 2025, 09:43:19 PMQuote from: Minus1 on February 12, 2025, 12:12:52 AMOh dear. This place is dangerous.
k.p.g. above sent me down the K2 rabbit hole. (I hate to admit that I somehow missed the K2 train.)
But after some intense research, the 6CD Urashima box - Burst After Burst shall henceforth be coming my way, thank you very much Scream And Writhe.
So...how did I do?
Burst After Burst is overall a good purchase, but just be aware that only the final two discs represent the same kind of sound as on Sexencyclopedia (the metal junk, cut up period, his "Phase 2" as he refers to it). The first three are earlier works, and more industrial noise, but they are all enjoyable.
The fourth disc, De Novo is basically him doing junk noise without the afore-mentioned fast cutups and edits. Its the only one I find I don't ever spin repeatedly as I find it kind of boring. Its interesting from a historical standpoint to hear as a point in his development, but imho, what it really proves is that adding the cutups and featuring more of the friktor bass is what gave his sound energy and took it to the next level.
I love your review. Thanks. I finished CD4 tonight. Very New Blockaders! I'm extremely impressed with how varied (and good) these CDs are so far. Some might say "Well, he was trying to find his way." But for me this journey is wonderful. I'm bracing myself for the last 2CD!
Quote from: Andrew McIntosh on February 21, 2025, 08:49:42 AMQuote from: Minus1 on February 19, 2025, 07:32:44 AMSancher Pelz 5CD Mutation For A Continuity
I've got the four cd version from Marquis. I'm a fan of this stuff because of its raw crudeness and borderline un-listenability. Tell your friend to dive right in, this is what early Industrial Noise is all about.
I must confess, after 2CDs, that I'm (wait...I mean my friend) in love with this! Yes it is (charmingly!) crude. But there's a lot going on here, given his limited equipment in 79-80. I'm impressed with the difference between CDs 1 and 2, even though they are just weeks apart. Wonderful stuff!!
Quote from: BatteredStatesofEuphoria on February 12, 2025, 09:31:45 PMI actually have a question about the material that I'm curious about. Disc 16 is labeled Magico Ritual, while Disc 17 is labeled Unknown Outtakes. But 16 clearly has several (7 in all, I think?) pieces on it, even though its only 1 track on the CD, whereas 17 is one long, continuous track. I assume the titles may have come from how whatever masters you obtained were labeled? Given the plural wording "Unknown Outtakes," which implies more than one, I wonder, is it possible 16 and 17 were mislabled and were actually switched?
Its not anything earth shattering, but its a wrinkle I find interesting. Maybe it's just yet another enigma to add to the list around Mr. Gilden. In any case, the fact that something with such a mundane, unassuming title as "Unknown Outtakes" is one of my favorites of the box so far speaks to the overall quality of the material.
Exactly this! I know that it has been answered, but I'm still a bit disoriented by the names of discs 16 and 17, vs how they sound. And 17 is playing as I type - my fav one so far!!
Quote from: MT on February 12, 2025, 07:00:36 PMMasonna - Exploring Self-Corrosive Noise With Coquette 7 tape box
Not yet mentioned here? Such a great box set, includes all essential Masonna (in my opinion). Best of the wild early steps of Masonna with vocal madness and pure pedal noise mastery. Of course Masonna had great albums outside of this box, but for my taste of Masonna this has it all.
Post 33 has a passing mention, and...yes!!! 😂
As for Gilden...
Well, my initial journey through this monumental box concludes tonight, with Compilation Tracks, a 75min / 15 track embarrassment of bitches. It really does flow quite well for a "greatest hits" type thing. Ramirez helps on a few items. (W*tf is Alpa Jerk?) Anyway, this is a smorgasbord of sorts, with different pacings and intensities, but one that really does create a mood. It's a perfect way to end this wonderful, epic box, which I will continue to revisit until my last breath. $200 ish was never less well spent. Long live CDs and CD players!!!
*W: Who and what. 😂
Quote from: MT on February 12, 2025, 07:00:36 PMMasonna - Exploring Self-Corrosive Noise With Coquette 7 tape box
Not yet mentioned here? Such a great box set, includes all essential Masonna (in my opinion). Best of the wild early steps of Masonna with vocal madness and pure pedal noise mastery. Of course Masonna had great albums outside of this box, but for my taste of Masonna this has it all.
Lucky to own this box. I really like
Hate. I found this box notable because the original tapes on Coquette came in such tiny editions,
Hate itself limited to 15 copies. Worth the money.
Quote from: Marcellehanged on March 19, 2025, 07:36:11 PMQuote from: MT on February 12, 2025, 07:00:36 PMMasonna - Exploring Self-Corrosive Noise With Coquette 7 tape box
Not yet mentioned here? Such a great box set, includes all essential Masonna (in my opinion). Best of the wild early steps of Masonna with vocal madness and pure pedal noise mastery. Of course Masonna had great albums outside of this box, but for my taste of Masonna this has it all.
Lucky to own this box. I really like Hate. I found this box notable because the original tapes on Coquette came in such tiny editions, Hate itself limited to 15 copies. Worth the money.
I have a slightly funny story about this box. Perhaps you will laugh??...
I got a hobby job at a Record Shop. The sweet and lovely husband+wife owners told me they could order my desired releases for cheap. I got them to order this box.
When it arrived at the shop, the owners had to check it out to see if the condition was as advertised.
Anybody who has seen the CD covers will know how this went over! 😂
I actually wasn't previously aware of this aspect of the release. (I swear!) They called me to pickup. When I inspected the box, my stomach churned, knowing that the owners saw what I was seeing. "Who the fuck did we hire??" I imagined them asking each other.
After much explanation, this box is now a running joke between us. 😂
Quote from: Minus1 on March 20, 2025, 04:50:53 AMI have a slightly funny story about this box. Perhaps you will laugh??...
I got a hobby job at a Record Shop. The sweet and lovely husband+wife owners told me they could order my desired releases for cheap. I got them to order this box.
When it arrived at the shop, the owners had to check it out to see if the condition was as advertised.
Anybody who has seen the CD covers will know how this went over! 😂
I actually wasn't previously aware of this aspect of the release. (I swear!) They called me to pickup. When I inspected the box, my stomach churned, knowing that the owners saw what I was seeing. "Who the fuck did we hire??" I imagined them asking each other.
After much explanation, this box is now a running joke between us. 😂
Just some tasty Japanese bondage? Some of the early/mid '90s Japanese noise had that stuff. Merzbow and Killer Bug come to mind immediately. My love for this stuff probably stems from those releases (in the '90s Japanese bondage was not really all over the place). Aesthetically so... perfect.
I may have mentioned this previously...
But if I get run over by a bus, and family goes through my possessions, there might be some....surprises! I should probably leave explanatory notes in some of these boxes.
Maybe I'm slightly on the prudish side? I love these CDs. But sometimes the packaging makes me cringe. 😂
Quote from: Minus1 on March 20, 2025, 11:02:17 PMI may have mentioned this previously...
But if I get run over by a bus, and family goes through my possessions, there might be some....surprises! I should probably leave explanatory notes in some of these boxes.
Maybe I'm slightly on the prudish side? I love these CDs. But sometimes the packaging makes me cringe. 😂
The seduction of...
accursed packaging crept up slowly on me.