Art Of Noise // Richard Norris / The Time and Space Machine

For those unfamiliar with Richard Norris – the esteemed producer, DJ and one-time NME journalist – you may well have come across him via his many guises. Be it from The Grid (who had a huge hit in 1993 with ‘Swamp Thing’), Beyond The Wizards Sleeve (a remix/dj project with Erol Alkan) or indeed his latest solo outing as The Time and Space Machine.

It’s The Time and Space Machine that we’re focusing on here, the following tracks were handpicked by Norris and perhaps act as the bare bones of what his latest project is all about. Fusing psychedelia and freakbeat with modern recording techniques, new album Set Phazer To Stun, really is a kaleidoscopic wonder of sounds. Listen to the ten tracks, accompanied by Norris’ explanations of why he picked each one below. Set Phazer To Stun is released on March 22nd.

As a side-note and recomendation. I strongly urge you to seek out the 12″ single ‘Ride’ by the London based A Mountain Of One. The Time and Space Machine remix (and indeed the Fontän rework) is possibly one of the best remixes I’ve heard in years. Seek it out, you won’t regret it.

Ok, here are Richard’s choices… For a download of all 10 tracks combined, click on the link at the bottom of the post.

Serge Gainsbourg: “La Horse”
Masterful instrumental arrangement from France’s number one horny old goat. Almost as good as the ‘Melody Nelson; album.

Dungen: “Satt Att Se”
Looking forward to seeing them play in England this year. The summer is theirs.

Beck: “Sunday Morning”
Beck covers the Velvets – most satisfying.

Donovan: “Wear Your Love Like Heaven”
Often seen as a bit of a Dylan impersonator or something, Donovan is hugely underrated. Zeppelin play on his singles, and they are as catchy as anything – check out this chorus.

The Girls: “Here I Am In Love Again”
Reminds me of Connan Mockasin, who is about to put an album out on Erol’s Phantasy label. In fact I gave Conan my copy.

Lee Dorsey: “Ya Ya”
The guy has that easy New Orleans thing that I never tire of listening to. He used to be a boxer called Kid Chocolate.

Todd Rundgren: “I Saw The Light”
Everyone needs this one. Supreme pop music.

Jacques Dutronc: “Le Responcible”
Ace Stones-influenced 60’s Paris go go. Ooh la la.

Protein Bros: “Drainpipe”
Early 70’s instrumental, a bit of a hairy library track vibe.

Marsha Hunt: “Walk On Guilded Splinters”
Dr John’s voodoo given a soul makeover.

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Art Of Noise #8 :: Richard Norris
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Artwork photograph by Sandra Croft.