Sai-So: The Remix Project

Amazon.com
Kodo is a large percussion ensemble from Japan that has been refining the traditional drum art of Taiko for nearly two decades. While Kodo have recorded prolifically in their home country, they've released only a handful of discs in North America. In an attempt to bring the hypnotic music of Kodo into the 21st century, Sai-so presents 10 ambitious remixes from Ibuki, Kodo's critically acclaimed 1997 album, produced by Bill Laswell. Integrating beats, scratches, and recontextualized samples with the tension and release of Kodo's ancient drum compositions, this is an enthralling example of modern technology in musi-cultural synthesis. With heady remix contributions by Laswell, Japanese hip-hop artist DJ Krush, and a host of others, Sai-so is a pure rhythmic delight. --Mitch Myers

Tracks:

Strobe's Nanafushi (Satori Mix) - Strobe
Ibuki Reconstruction - DJ Krush
Wax Off - David Beal/David Baron/Lindsay Jehan
Kevin Yost's Deep & Ethnic Mix - Kevin Yost
Wax On - Kasz/David Beal
Inteligente's Nobi (Kashiko Taiko To Basu Mix) - Metronome B/My Name Is Myron/Killer Whale
Strobe's The Hunted (Kannagara Mix) - Strobe
Bill Laswell's Nanafushi - Bill Laswell
Bill Laswell's The Hunted - Bill Laswell
Strobes Satori Beats - Strobe

Amazon.com

Kodo is a large percussion ensemble from Japan that has been refining the traditional drum art of Taiko for nearly two decades. While Kodo have recorded prolifically in their home country, they've released only a handful of discs in North America. In an attempt to bring the hypnotic music of Kodo into the 21st century, Sai-so presents 10 ambitious remixes from Ibuki, Kodo's critically acclaimed 1997 album, produced by Bill Laswell. Integrating beats, scratches, and recontextualized samples with the tension and release of Kodo's ancient drum compositions, this is an enthralling example of modern technology in musi-cultural synthesis. With heady remix contributions by Laswell, Japanese hip-hop artist DJ Krush, and a host of others, Sai-so is a pure rhythmic delight. --Mitch Myers

Customer Reviews:

Great collection.......2003-12-04

I noticed that a lot of the other reviews here were negative since this infact, was a remix album, and that it steered away too much from the typical Kodo sound. Well, guess what guys? This is a remix album and was meant to go to new ground. I really like this album mostly because it has some really fancy tracks. "Strobe's Nanfushi (Satori Mix)" is great, it's just groovy even if it's just drums and chanting. "Strobe's The Hunted (Kannagara Mix)" is even better because it's very uplifting, got a good beat and dancy -- something you could even try to play at clubs if you're a DJ! Great vibes. Then we've got DJ Krush's remix "Ibuki Reconstruction" and then even two remixes of the legendary Bill Laswell! Nice producers! Overall while some of the songs are lackster ("Wax On" tries to be cool but it's just not fat enough of a track. Still featured in the Bad Boys 2 soundtrack though...), it's a great buy if you want to hear to something new and fresh. A very interesting project indeed and just for the effort I want to give this CD 5 stars.

Oy! Not What I expected.......2001-06-07

What can I say....I love Kodo. But this was not Kodo. While I'm sure the remixer's, DJ's, Et`al, might have meant well...What they did to this album is a grave injustice to Kodo. The tracks were so remixed, distorted, folded, bent, stapled, and mutilated. That I thought the Postal Service had gone into the Music Recording Industry to supplement their profits... I couldn't tell if most of the tracks were based on Kodo's works or not for the most part... Next time Kodo allows remixers to use their works. They should definitely put it in the contract someplace. That the tracks should at least resemble their original compositions in a more identifiable fashion. I love techno as much as the next person, but this was even beyond my tolerance...Guess I'm just a purest at heart, when it comes to Kodo and their style of Tiako.

I adore Kodo, but this is more Techno than Taiko.......2001-03-16

I will say this: Kodo has taken an unprecedented step in allowing their music to be stretched, folded, and tweaked to the limits by some very talented DJs. I applaud their innovation. However, this is not for someone who dislikes Techno/House music. If you enjoy Kodo and Taiko drumming, you may still not enjoy this CD. I would recommend listening to the samples that are available on Amazon.com first. There are Taiko "chunks" and "flavors" throughout the CD, but I feel that it any percussion played by some very talented artists could have provided that same material. This is a **Techno** CD that's different from other Techno CDs, not a **Taiko** CD that's different from other Taiko CDs.

which came first, the drum or the drum machine?.......2000-10-10

I am a big fan of Kodo and felt that the various DJ masters on this project meant well, but over did it. The first track was fabulous and felt very tribal, but then as the CD played on, the disco/house beats got heavier and heavier and drowned out the acoustic drums. I felt that there was a real disconnection with the DJ's mixes and wondered if they were really listening to the original versions and trying to create a balanced, innovative mix, or if they simply 'poured' a synthetic rhythm over it. I found that I preferred the 'non-techno taiko' after listening to this CD.

Excellent music for the Martial Artist!.......1999-11-25

I use this CD, along with Afro Celt V-2 as training music in my dojo. Tracks 1,2,5 & 10 have fantastic intensity for a workout. This is some of the most powerful music I've encountered. If you train or do Tae Bo, try on this CD! (I'll be trying skiing to it this winter, hope I don't kill myself in the process!) ENJOY!

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