Pushmipulyu – 133 Thursdays [Interchill]

Title – 133 Thursdays
Label – Interchill, Canada
Format – CD
Genre – Downtempo, Electronic, Jazz
Release Date – 11Th May 2007
Purchase At –
http://www.psyshop.com/shop/CDs/itc/itc1cd028.html
http://www.juno.co.uk/products/267552-01.htm
http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/7417680/a/133+Thursdays.htm
http://www.amazon.com/133-Thursdays-Pushmipulyu/dp/B000H4VXBO
Links –
http://www.interchill.com/
http://www.pushmipulyu.com/
www.myspace.com/pushmipulyu

Tracklist –

01. Take Two More (7:17)
02. Wears The Summer? (6:04)
03. Mr. Jelly (8:12)
04. Syzygy (9:34)
05. Wake You (7:45)
06. Hyde Park Fauna (8:26)
07. Cushion (9:07)
08. Reverie (3:18)
09. Surreal Estate (6:25)
10. Some Things Just Make You Want To Cry (5:45)

Canadian electronic downtempo record label “Interchill” needs no introductions. Well known and respected for their top notch compilations and album releases by the most innovative collective of artist “133 Thursdays” by “Pushmipulyu” is no exception.

“Pushmipulyu” is the brainchild of “Michael Sasson & Steve Rowlands”. Based in London and living next door to each other both the artists have been a part of the electronic music scene since the early 90’s being involved with various other groundbreaking projects and organizations. “133 Thursdays” is a result of weekly jams sessions for over 3 years and hence the quirky but apt title.

“Michael Sasson” is a well know and respected industry figure being head of the Megadog and Club Dog organization, infamous for their touring parties around London and the record label “Planet Dog” that gave us the first “Eat Static” and “Banco de Gaia” album releases, and now teamed with “Steve Rowlands” of the “Full Moon Scientist” fame, “133 Thursdays” seems like a album that just cannot disappoint.

I wouldn’t want to do a track by track review for this one because the music on the album is a seamless eclectic fusion of various electronic music styles with a jazz twist and a very psychedelic vibe showcasing high quality and immaculate production skills by the producers. The overall jazzy and chilled out vibe is going to find its way to some great indoor lounge experiences for the saucer eyed crew. The album reminds me a bit of the ESL catalogue and other acts that fuse psychedelic elements with jazz overtones like “Flexitones” and “Electroslide”, albeit “Pushmipulyu” have their own unique sound.

All tracks are musically rich and diverse, but what I really like about the album is the relentless groove that takes one from downtempo, chilled breaks, lounge to house and back into eclectic world grooves all blended with loads of live elements like the saxophone, horns, guitars, trumpets to some crazy pianos that ride with style over choppy and groovy basslines. The percussive elements are chunky and the beat arrangements are skilled reflecting on the maturity both producers have. A special mention would be the mastering of the disc, the sound is clean and crystal clear, balancing all musical elements in a perfect manner and the urban photography that makes up the artwork for this very special disc.

Anyone into fusion and eclectic music styles is going to trip on this release, hats off to Andrew and Interchill to maintain innovativeness in their releases. Interchill should be given an award or something!!

Favourites – 1, 3, 6, 9
Rating – 4/5