Heads up, music lovers and history buffs! The History Mix Volume 1 might just be that eccentric groove you didn’t know you needed. Released by Godley & Creme, a British songwriting duo, in November 1985, this album hit the shelves at a time when Cold War tensions were getting a lot chillier and everyone was obsessed with big hair and shoulder pads. The album was a unique blend of techno-pop and cutting-edge (for the time) sampling technology, and it's a mix of nostalgia-inducing melodies and all-out weirdness. Now, let's see what it was about this mix that became so exquisite—mostly for some, but political bedlam for others.
Firstly, let’s talk about the artists behind this sonic enigma. Kevin Godley and Lol Creme were once integral members of the pop band 10cc. In the realm of rock experimentation, these two were known for their daring and innovative approach, shaking the walls of pop conventions. When they left 10cc to pursue their own musical adventures, they took a leap of faith into an avant-garde soundscape that was as inventive as it was bewildering.
So, what makes The History Mix Volume 1 stand out? This album is less like a conventional record and more like a kaleidoscope of sound. Using a new mixing style called ‘sampling’, Godley & Creme surpassed the norms of the era. It actually marked one of the early uses of technology that has since become mainstream in producing music. Interestingly, the album seems to be an echo of a simpler time before the music industry's rampant corporate takeover. Counter-cultural? Certainly, but with a charm that resonates with a particular brand of music aficionados.
The album, in its essence, is a remix anthology. Ah yes, the very first track ‘Wet Rubber Soup’ could be seen as both a homage to their own glorious past with 10cc and a statement: ‘We created this, and we can deconstruct it too’. This hybrid track distinctly features the classic pop rock vibe with a twist that revels in the eccentric hallucinatory quality only cocktail parties in the 70s could offer.
Revisiting the artistry within The History Mix Volume 1, there is an undeniable energy that few could accurately capture. Maybe it’s inconvenient for those who prefer conventional sounds, but it’s art that flirts with the fringes. The skeptics among us might scoff at its experimental nature, anchoring back to safety nets of mainstream music. Yet, the bold vision carried by Godley & Creme was in alignment with their value for musical craft above mere mainstream acceptance.
A standout track and crowd favorite, ‘Cry’, is perhaps the closest the album comes to a commercial hit. Its haunting melody is interwoven with an emotional resonance that leaves a mark. The hit song is famously remembered more for its innovative video than its chart performance, paving the way for MTV-era experiments with the music-video form. This song clearly was ahead of its time, resonating with those who sought depth over superficial beats.
So why did The History Mix Volume 1 cause ripples, or should we say, waves of polarized opinion? Understandably, it challenged norms. It was a time when the world found itself in challenging ideological positions. The music reflects a society at the brink of change, unsettling for some, stimulating for others. While The History Mix Volume 1 didn’t tear down the walls of popular music, it certainly added an artistic door for those brave enough to explore uncharted territories of sound.
To those who say the political environment doesn't affect musical preference, it’s worth considering how this atypical album suited a conservatively aligned mentality bent on preserving and honoring innovation against the tide of forced ordinariness. The music reflects a yearning for authenticity, away from the frivolities that modernity brings and far from the posturing of politicized art.
True, the album wasn’t everyone's cup of tea. That's partly what makes it controversial; it flipped the bird to the ‘if-it-ain’t-broke-don’t-fix-it’ mentality. While the industry honchos jockeyed for packaged conformity, The History Mix Volume 1 stood as a testament to musical freedom—unyielding and unapologetic.
While many of today's producers are still dipping their toes into innovation, Godley & Creme dove straight in with reckless abandon back in the '80s. What a time it was! This audacious bravery echoes a call for those who value true innovation over uninspired repetition. In this, it stands to reason that the album is a significant cultural artifact muddled with controversy but brimming with creativity.
So, if you're flipping through the dusty vinyl sections at your local record store or scrolling online music sites, spare a thought for The History Mix Volume 1. More than just a harmonious blend, it's a musical pastiche that dares to travel roads less ventured, and it just might awaken the desire for something more than the usual sonic wallpaper.