Read the f*cking manual. After turning in stunning scores for Denis Villeneuve’s Arrival and Sicario (and being usurped from his post as composer for Blade Runner 2049 by Hans Zimmer in the 11th hour), Johann Jóhannson’s 2006 CD-only entry for ethereal institution 4AD is as ripe for revisiting as ever. Jóhannson’s father’s work as a computer engineer served as the inspiration for IBM 1401, A User’s Manual, written for a 60-piece string orchestra with the accompaniment of his signature swaths of claustrophobic electronics. “Part 4 / IBM 729 II Magnetic Tape Unit” features the voice of Erna Ómarsdóttir, and swan song “Part 5 / The Sun's Gone Dim And The Sky's Turned Black” features the mournful sound of a mainframe computer singing the Icelandic hymn “Ísland Ögrum Skorið” by Sigvaldi Kaldalóns as it’s being decommissioned, recorded by his father in 1971 - you gotta hear it to believe it. This first-ever vinyl pressing includes the original album on the first LP and two new live interpretations of the album’s first and last tracks on the second. The original artwork by iconic sleeve designers Vaughan Oliver and Chris Bigg of 23 Envelope (who were responsible for the lavish and textured visual identity of 4AD’s golden period) has been gently reconfigured by Bigg for this edition on clear wax, housed in deluxe gatefold jacket with printed inner sleeves. Recommended.

• first time on vinyl
• clear double vinyl pressing
• embossed gatefold sleeve
• printed inner sleeves
• limited edition
• music label: 4AD 2017

reviewed by hannibal chew 01/2018

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