Frippertronics

Robert Fripp - Let the Power Fall

* originally posted on August 29, 2006

Write up by muse1453:

Let the Power Fall is Robert Fripp's demonstration of what he terms "Frippertronics". According to Wikipedia, "Frippertronics is a system of tape loops developed by composer Brian Eno with guitarist Robert Fripp. Frippertronics (a term coined by Joanna Walton, Fripp's poet girlfriend in the late 1970s) is an analog delay system consisting of two reel-to-reel tape recorders situated side-by-side. The two machines are configured so that the tape travels from the supply reel of the first machine to the take-up reel of the second, thereby allowing sound recorded by the first machine to be played back some time later on the second. The audio of the second machine is routed back to the first, causing the delayed signal to repeat while new audio is mixed in with it. The amount of delay (usually 8 to 10 seconds) is controlled by increasing or decreasing the distance between the machines. Fripp used this technique to dynamically create recordings containing layer upon layer of electric guitar sounds in a real time fashion. An added advantage was that, by nature of the technique, the complete performances were recorded in their entirety on the original looped tape."

I bought an LP version of this album for 50 cents at a library sale a couple of years ago. This album is one of my all-time favorite library sale finds. There is vinyl surface noise present (not much surface noise that it intrudes upon the album), but in my opinion the surface noise and the few pops and clicks compliment Fripp's looped electric guitar textures. Fripp operates the system with himself as a solo performer and there are no overdubs or additional editing on Let the Power Fall.

Tracklisting:

1. 1984 {11:48}

2. 1985 {10:42}

3. 1986 {4:56}

4. 1987 {4:57}

5. 1988 {6:13}

6. 1989 {10:53}
(1) or (1) or (2) or (2) [maybe reposted soon]