I’ve been a fan of Gerald Simpson for many years (even Stereogum had a drum n’ bass period). Save for the Hacienda years, however, A Guy Called Gerald was always more influential than popular. With AGCG’s 808 State days long behind him, the acid house luminary has become an in-demand remixer and producer. Which allows Gerald facetime on my iPod, as nobody listens to techno. But if there’s one person who could get me to consider an entire album of 303 doodles, it’s this Guy. His latest is called Proto Acid – The Berlin Sessions (8/22 on Laboratory Instinct), though I imagine most people who buy it will be hearing it on ecstasy. I’m giving you Proto‘s final and best track (which sweetens the breakbeats with jazzy piano), but first a round of James Liptony Q&A.
A Guy Called Gerald
1. What is your favorite word?
ENTRAINMENT
2. What is your least favorite word?
PEACEKEEPING
3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
NATURAL RHYTHM / PURE TONE / A SEQUENCE OF RELATIVE MELODIES
4. What turns you off?
A SWITCH
5. What is your favorite curse word?
WHAT THE RAAS CLAAT
6. What sound or noise do you love?
THUNDER AND STORMS
7. What sound or noise do you hate?
CARS
8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
TO WORK FOR THE MEN IN GREY SUITS
9. What profession would you not like to do?
DRUG DEALER
10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
“SORRY ABOUT THAT RELIGIOUS BULLSHIT”
Bonus classic featuring the ever-enchanting Lou Rhodes of Lamb.
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Respect. (I’d like to hear more about Stereogum’s Drum&Bass phase, please.) The genre has had quite the positive return in recent years, bringing in elements of House, Brazilian music, etc. Much more interesting and listenable than the dark shitehole down which it disappeared at the turn of the millenium.
That said, this will prob be the sole comment on this post. Alas. Back to the indie rock…
…Or Justin Timberlake.
I barely got into drum & bass in the mid-to-late ’90s (my best friend got me into it) and all I could remember from those days is that we weren’t on crack, weed, or any drugs. We didn’t need to do any to enjoy the awesomeness that was LTJ BUKEM, Pitchshifter (who kicked major ass by combining D&B with rock), and others.
The only other attempt I’ve heard in recent years of expanding D&B into other areas of music is what the now defunct Transplants did on their last record (and it wasn’t that impressive either).
i too veered away from the dark stuff of the past 5 years, but D&B has had a bit of a resergence…Listen to Annie Mac on the Beeb. Also of note, the new Hospital Records comp: 10 years of hospital has some sweet moments. check it out.
fookin loving this proto acid album – he’s playing live at panorama bar berlin nye – i’ve booked my flight…. accccccccccid