Customer Reviews

Not for Threes

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Plaid and Black Dog (the previous incarnation of Plaid) are a little treasure known only to true electronica lovers. I wouldn't define them a quintessential electronica group like Autechre or Aphex Twin (who is a rather plural musician): programming is only an instrument to express their musical ideas. That's why they can take the human voice so seriously: listen to a full-fledged vocal song like Rakimou, and you'll notice the difference with the little children's sampled voices of Aphex or of Board of Canada. Consistently with this approach, they treat synthesizer as a classic instrument; as a result, their timbric palette is very "clean", without much noise or experimentation with artificial sounds. Plaid know how to craft a good melody and how to make a drum not sound dull, two qualities hard to find in the same group. And, they are not afraid to mix sophisticated tracks with danceable, commercial ones. For the first group, check out Lilith; for the second Spudnik. There is an underlying fascination by early music (milk) or eastern music (Rakimou). But every song is very gracious and definitely original. If you happen to be a novice to the "intelligent techno" world, and would like an enjoyable introduction, flawlessly realized, resistant to heavy rotation, good for both careful listening and background noise, consider this. Another beautiful CD could be the second of the "Artificial Intelligence" series of Warp Records.

Plaid have had a celebrated past with electronica, having long since not only been part of a (then) fledgling 'Warp' label. but this release, An album, before they made the jump to the Warp Label, is nothing, if not a consistently re-firmation that Plaid have been consistently making superb albums for sometime now, that are an amalgamation of: trip-hop, electro-techno, IDM, Experimental and ambient electronic, that remain tightly woven across the tracks on their albums and retain a cerebral yet hypnotic sound, that is remarkably unique to them, and all the more surprising that this album still stands up brilliantly today, as it did, when released back in 1998.

The album opens with "Abla Eedio", that is a energetic piece of experimental electronica, fused with the ingenuity for melody and skittering beats that would later become someting for a trademark sound for Plaid. It even has a little of that 'Start' / 'Stop' dynamic with the sound, that is probably more associated with music based around 'Glitch', it's a wonderfully powerful statement of intent for the album and proves to be a very strong opening track. More incredibly "Myopia" is electronica, by way of a pairing with a Caribbean/Calypso melody, that seems like it's been lifted directly from a tropical fruit drink advert, with the subtle twinkling Melody coupled with the Caribbean vibe and the sampling of some superb steel drums , this is a reasonably different departure in sound from the rest of the albums more hypnotic & freewheeling sound, and yet doesn't feel completely out of place, such is Plaid's ability to make albums that are varied in sound, but remain complete in structure.

Anyone familiar with Plaid's remix of "Nicolette's - No Government" will be in similar territory here, with the harsh, and stunningly abrasive "Extork" with the direction of the music taking a surprisingly Utopian & ambitious approach with driving stark beats, persistent bass effects, on a tune, that harks back to the sound of someone like 'Aphex Twin' at some of his more Acerbic. This is one of only a handful of vocals tracks on the albums, but the restrained use of vocals on those tracks is impressive, as Plaid give more emphasis to fractured sound, and Clinical rhythmic beats and solid bass lines, than being reliant on vocalists, to carry the tracks.

The move to a more industrial sound is largely complete with the excellent "Fer", with it's brooding metallic sounds, and galvanising beats, its spare on the percussion side of things and instead focuses on Lo-Fi Bass, and uplifting synths balancing out a very detached and nocturnal arrangement, almost intrusive series of rhythms, that although minimal in their construction are nonetheless significant in this track, that feels similar to the work of early "Autechre", as it remains stripped back to it most basic levels, yet strangely hypnotic and paranoid, and just as reliant on crisp drum-machine patterns to produce something more recognisable by ambient-techno, than electronica.

If your new to Plaid's distinctive brand of electronica, you really couldn't find a better place to start than this album. It combines everything that is so superb about Plaid. A remarkable album in that is not only is melodic and beautifully arranged, but shows a high level of ingenuity and diversity, that makes this such a delight to listen to, and shows that not only do that have a keen ear for sound, but also know how to fully expolit that sound for the benefit of the recordings, that sits on the more comfortable end of intelligent electronic music, and the fact that even today, that the tracks all stand up more than admirably and remain as enjoyable listenable as they did back on its initial release, highly recommended.

This music quite possibly saved my life; it gave me hope during a very dark time. Plaid manages to have a sense of humour while being very eclectic, intelligent, and beautiful. This album is NOT for music snobs - the people I know who love this album don't necessarily like this genre, but rather have curious, compassionate, slightly childish personalities in common.

This music is complex, but sounds very simple and natural. It's very sincere, but at once casual and effortless. To me, this music is like a person...when I have Not for Threes playing in the room, I'm never alone. This music not only speaks; it embraces with loving arms. It may take some time to grow on you, and you may have to have something happen to you that makes you grow up a little before you can appreciate this music, but this album is among the most beautiful I've heard: loving, thoughtful, funny, fragile, very human music.

I have the UK import that made it into the US a terribly long one YEAR wait from initial release. The US version (that I have not heard but have every track listed) has good points & bad: Tragically, one of their most excellent pieces ever - "ol" - is missing!!!! You HAVE to have this song, this CD is not complete without it. As a bonus though, those last 3 tracks were only available on the Undonesan single before (which I have). I give 5 stars because the arrangement of the UK version deserves that. Looks like the US version probably fizzles a little after "Lilith." Incidentally, I think it's a real measure of Plaid's talent that they can recruit the beautiful vocals of Bjork, Nicolette, and others on this disc and perfectly mix them into the music (even though most tracks ARE instrumental) and lose NOTHING. How many other techno artists are even CAPABLE of doing this and pulling it off, now? "lat/extork" with Nicolette is one of my ALL time favorites - WOW!!!! Bjork's lunar-like "lilith" vocals sound haunting and perhaps a little kinky.

If you love Boards, get this. Plaid are more active and full of life rather than a lulling memory. Plaid: Layer upon layer of melody and rhythm, the whole is a hundred times greater than its parts. Their songs are alive, crawl out and poke at you 'til you glow with glee. Yearn for the melodic climax you catch glimpse of but never indulge. Expert composers. You will never be bored - mentally or spiritually/emotionally - when you listen to Plaid.

Firstly, Aphex Twin and Autechre fans, just click "Buy," right now; if you're disappointed... well, you WILL NOT be disappointed. Plaid openly explores almost every genre imaginable (hip-hop rhythms, jazz, classical, rock, techno, ambient, etc.) and adds their electronic Plaid-ish twists to them. This is one of the few albums I've ever heard that EVERYONE can like; I all but guarantee there's something for everyone on this album. Their use of drum-programming (be they subdued or loud) is arguably one of the best out there. From the chaotically organized "Lat" to the deep bass-brooding love of "Rakimou" they never fail to blow my mind!

Plaid has managed to create something unique for the electronic music industry; a showcase for technical flare, but without the loss of melody. From the opening track to the last, one could listen passively and enjoy each track's melodies. But further listening shows much more in the way of progressiveness, and we begin to see Plaid's technical wizardry. "Not for threes" is a great album, and is chalk full of songs that'll stick in your head for days. Although intimidating at first, this album did grow on me. Tracks like "headspin" and "fer" actually get better with each listen. "Lilith" is an incredible track, and features Bjork's lovely voice. This track is just as good as (if not better than) any other Bjork track i've heard, and I rank it right up there with Plaid's remix of Bjork's "all is full of love" (also an incredible track). I thoroughly enjoyed this album, and I'm still hearing things in it that i didn't hear the first couple of times i listened. A must-have for music lovers.

'not for threes' is simply an orgasm in audio form. Under the purring loops, the squiggling, watery warbles or siren-like wails of the three guest chantueses, including Iceland's premier export, Bjork, is some the best, warmest and most emotional electric music there is.

Instead of the machines and computers beeping lifelessly like in most electronic music, Plaid works their magic into making them seem so alive and so ancient, like a musicologist stumbling on tekhno-faeries reveling; an organlike loop soars high in 'prague radio' much like the curving, rococo roof on Prague's famous Astrological Clock. 'Kortisin's murky frog-like creaks and grumbles swirl about sinewy guitar strums that would make Martin Gore furious with envy.

The album seems spilt into thirds; the oily underbelly of a neon city, puntuated with Mara's lady day hopelessness in 'extork;' the sublime, peasant homeland where they're celebrating metal and skin in 'ladyburst' and nicolette's divine pining in 'rakimou' that could give Marta Sebestyen a run for her Persephone-reborn money.

The final techno animals, which include Bjork's Icelandic-Cockney howls surrounded by silvery loops in 'lilith,' are the thrilling finale: sensual, dark and leading to a sparkling, dream-like end 'spudink,' a name nearly akin to the satilite sputnik and a melody surpassing it in beauty and originality.

Ravishing, passionate music; if 'not for threes' was anymore heartbreakingly beautiful, it would be illegal in all fifty states.

This is simply an extremely creative and beautiful album. Plaid seems to paint in colors more vivid than nearly all others who have taken the electronic approach to composing music. The songs are simple and yet complex and subtle at the same time. All moods and emotions seem to be represented, yet still a single motif unifies the work. The vocal tracks (including the collaboration with Bjork) complement the "instrumentals" very well. The balance Plaid has achieved gives the album tremendous staying power as well as initial appeal. This one is definitely a gem.

Lush, detailed, whimsical and atmospheric music... at first I found it too intricate and delicate but with time, I grew to love this album.

I have heard a LOT of electronica and I would say that Plaid have attained a level of mastery over this genre. Their sounds are purposeful and varied as well as persistently mellow...

I rate this up there with albums such as Artificial Intelligence No. 1 (Warp), Bytes (Black Dog) and much of the Twin's more chilled output.

A classic.

Mind blowing. Magnificent. Beautiful. These words are only a few that describe this and all of Plaids albums. After picking this cd at random I relized why I was put on this earth....to listen to Plaid. And if you are REALY into Bork.....like I am, then you have to listen to Lilith on this album. It is one of the best Bjork songs I have heard(although ALL her songs are great). This whole cd is amazing. And contrary to popular belief......electronic music does not have to be dancy. So any one who likes intense mind music should pick this album up.......and while you are at it buy thier other albums too.