Elements 1989–1990

Elements 1989–1990
Compilation album by
Psyche\BFC
Released1996
GenreDetroit techno, ambient techno
Length66:57 (1996 CD)
LabelPlanet E Communications
ProducerCarl Craig
Carl Craig chronology
The Secret Tapes of Doctor Eichrich
(1996) 		Elements 1989–1990
(1996) 		More Songs about Food & Revolutionary Art
(1997)

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]

In 2011, Fact named it one of the 20 greatest ambient albums ever made.[2]

Recording

The 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

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
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

All tracks by Carl Craig (tracks 1-5, 11 credited to Psyche; tracks 6-10, 12, 13 credited to BFC).[3]

  1. "Elements" – 6:50
  2. "Neurotic Behavior" – 7:42
  3. "Crackdown" – 5:58
  4. "From Beyond" – 5:43
  5. "Andromeda" – 4:55
  6. "Evolution" – 3:09
  7. "Galaxy" – 6:41
  8. "It's a Shame" – 5:39
  9. "Please Stand By" – 5:02
  10. "Chicken Noodle Soup" – 6:33
  11. "How the West Was Won" – 3:34
  12. "Sleep" – 5:11
  13. "D.Funk" – 5:16 (bonus track, 2013 reissue)

Personnel

Adapted from Discogs.[3]

  • Carl Craig – producer, composer, liner notes
  • Anthony Shakir – edits (tracks 1 and 7)
  • Sarah Gregory – vocals (track 3)
  • Derrick May – mixing (track 5)
  • Brendan M. Gillen – compilation, design
  • Abdul Haqq – cover artwork

References

  1. ^ "Craig's juvenilia collection Elements 1989-1990". Fact. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
  2. ^ a b c Marcus, Tony (19 July 2011). "The 20 greatest ambient albums ever made". Fact. Retrieved 8 February 2020.
  3. ^ a b c d e Craig, Carl (1996). Liner Notes. Planet E Communications.
  4. ^ Bush, John. "Psyche/BFC Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved 30 August 2022.
  5. ^ a b Birchmeier, John. "Psyche/BFC - Elements 1989-1990". AllMusic. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
  6. ^ Bush, John. "Psyche/BFC Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved 30 August 2022.