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}
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Discotronics

Robert Fripp - The League of Gentlemen

* originally posted on August 29, 2006

On this album (which is the original LP version) Robert Fripp records with a band he formed called The League of Gentlemen.

The personel include:

Barry Andrews - organ

Robert Fripp - guitar

Sara Lee - bass guitar

Jonny Toobad - drums on Heptapararshinokh and Dislocated

Kevin Wilkinson - drums on the rest of the tracks

From the back cover:

"Our first commitment to work together covered the period March 19th to July 22nd, the second September 8th to September 24th and the third November 10th to December 4th. Jonny Toobad left on November 22nd and Kevin Wilkinson replaced him. On this album KW plays on all but Heptapararshinokh and Dislocated. The team played 77 gigs."

Fripp and his bandmates engage in new-wave rhythmic dance rock music (or what Fripp likes to refer as Discotronics) on this album. The Indiscreet pieces are compiled tape recordings of the philosopher and Gurdjieff disciple J.G. Bennett, two women discussing rock music, and various other sounds.

Tracklisting:

1. Indiscreet I {1:47}

2. Inductive Resonance {4:29}

3. Minor Man {3:40}

4. Heptaparaparshinokh {2:03}

5. Dislocated {4:25}

6. Pareto Optimum I {2:00}

7. Eye Needles {3:08}

8. Indiscreet II {2:36}

9. Pareto Optimum II {1:26}

10. Cognitive Dissonance {3:27}

11. HG Wells {3:21}

12. Trap {4:40}

13. Ochre {2:50}

14. Indiscreet III {1:26}

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