KUCHEN MEETS MAPSTATION
May 19, 2003
Karaoke Kalk
KK 29 (vinyl LP)
KK CD 20 (compact disc)
"Kuchen Meets Mapstation" now follows the second release by Meriel, former member of the British Pale Saints; though this time, as the title reveals, it's a joint project with Stefan Schneider from Dusseldorf, the person behind Mapstation and also part of To Rococo Rot. To those who are already familiar with the music of Mapstation and Kuchen, the title will also give away something about what we are about to hear: two people, two musicians, meet; each of them bringing with them their very own idea of music and together trying to merge these into a unified whole. Rather by chance, their paths crossed last year. There was a liking for each other and for each other's music. Ed Martin from Leeds had the idea, that Kuchen and Mapstation should do a record together, more a kind of remix album at the first step. And finally the result is the album at hand, which took two years to realize it. In between this time sometimes they both did work together on the realization and sometimes for themselves, until they finished it together in Berlin this year. it's ten tracks, reminds one of a long, intense and also very personal dialogue. A dialogue between two individuals who nevertheless harmonize in their ideas and who seem to like each other - even when at variance. Kuchen's sometimes more playful music connects seamlessly with Mapstation's perhaps more serial sound; and yet each one's distinctive qualities remain in the foreground without challenging or levelling the other's. Rarely has the attempt to bring together two different projects been so successful.
All tracks written by Meriel Barham and Stefan Schneider. Mapstation published by La Chunga. Mastering by Bo Kondren and Alexej at Calyx. Mixed in Berlin together with with Bernd Jestram. Cover by Fee Magdanz, Stefan Schneider and Meriel Barham. Thanks to Ed Martin.
01. Primary (5:17)
02. Rosso Pieno (3:10)
03. Your Bonjours (4:29)
04. Piano Neighbours (3:20)
05. St. Tropez (4:01)
06. Bound (3:54)
07. Rebound (2:39)
08. Frauen Balance (3:39)
09. Kmm (1:39)
10. Felt Piece (2:14)
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KIDS WITH STICKS
November 26, 2001
Karaoke Kalk
KK 19 (vinyl LP)
KK CD 10 (compact disc)
Subdued and friendly is her music. It consists of brief, sometimes very personal stories that do entirely without words. The seven tracks on this album are little pleasant bricolages of colourful sounds that walk up softly until they stand right in front of us with all the courage they could muster and say hello. "Kids With Sticks" can also be the perfect soundtrack to withdraw, together or alone, under the sofa blanket in cold winter months.
All tracks written by Meriel Barham and S. Whitfield, except for track 03 written by S. Whitfield. Produced and engineered by Meriel Barham and S. Whitfield. Photos by Lee Snooding. Drawings anon.leeds. Cover by Meriel Barham. © 2001 Meriel Barham.
01. Mauri The Pugilist (6:58)
02. When I Watched Basketball (5:33)
03. Steamboat Travels (4:04)
04. Kids With Sticks (5:44)
05. Painter Antics (7:03)
06. Steamboat (4:13)
07. Photo Love (3:34)