Funfair

Japanese producer Nobukazu Takemura's fondness for computer-error sounds will be familiar to fans of Oval or Disc--CD-skipping noises and digital distortion organized and processed into sparkling, disorienting forms. But that's only part of his arsenal--he also makes use of more robust electronic calliope tones, bubbly synth percussion, skidding drum & bass beats, and even wisps of human voice. Takemura arranges even his prickliest sounds to hover around a few light, elegant tones; what he ends up with is uniquely beautiful and far more melodic than you'd guess, occasionally recalling the textures of samba. This U.S. edition of Funfair includes the Dylan Group covering "Saburè" on vibraphone and other acoustic instruments.