Various Artists – The Fire This Time
November 4th, 2002 by pete53
Various Artists – The Fire This Time (Hidden Art)
A very timely release, which is finally available having been previewed on this site some months ago, and which will doubtless receive added attention due to its resonance in the current political climate. The album utilises music, narration and samples to deconstruct the western myths of the Gulf war and illustrates the subsequent devastating effect of sanctions on the civilian population of Iraq.
The musical soundtrack is an ambient A-Z, with contributions from Michael Stearns, Ashra, Soma, Higher Intelligence Agency, Speedy J, Pansonic, Aphex Twin, Bola and Amba, amongst others. All complementing the message perfectly.
The level of attention to detail by compiler and narrator Grant Wakefield is nothing short of staggering. This is a rare labour of love, but given the importance of the subject matter, it is easy to see how driven Wakefield has been from start to finish. In depth historical narrative, delivered in matter of fact tones, using inserted quotes from key figures, tell the great untold story of one of the biggest unfolding political stitch-ups of our times.
Some may find this heavy going on several levels and a deep interest in the politics would also be an asset, and the narrative probably won’t stand up that well to many repeated listens – by this is the politics of humanity at base level, and needs to be heard. After listening to the harrowing story, there is an additional CD of instrumentals – worth it alone for the price of Tom Middleton’s Amba track ‘Black Mountains’, a title that may be familiar to Big Chillers.
Pete Lawrence
