The ChemBase

Forum => The Social => Topic started by: Enjoyed on Feb 20, 2017, 15:16

Title: Leftfield
Post by: Enjoyed on Feb 20, 2017, 15:16
22 years on from Leftism...

THIS (https://leftfieldsplash.com/) is happening.

(https://main.townsend-records.co.uk/img.php?s=leftfield&f=31313.jpg)

Pretty tempted for the London show myself. Not so much for the CD. Seems they haven't found a way to top the first re-release (https://www.discogs.com/Leftfield-Leftism/release/72724) with all those tasty alternate versions on the bonus disc. Worth a listen though.
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: Fine Time on Feb 20, 2017, 19:06
Thanks  for  the  heads up  Enjoyed ,  just  pre-ordered  the  CD ,  tempted  by  the  Birm. show.
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: MadPooter on Feb 21, 2017, 08:03
I was hoping for a new album and new live tour. But I suppose this is pretty damn good. :)
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: Enjoyed on Feb 22, 2017, 13:17
Anyone else thinking of going to the London show?

I'm looking to not be Billy No-Mates at another Leftfield show...
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: Bosco on Feb 22, 2017, 20:02
(stating the obvious) This is awesome. But means nothing to me if they don't bring it to the States.

They were pretty great at Coahella in 2011 (even though I was burdened with desert lung). It was really short though...
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: Wolkenkrabber on Feb 22, 2017, 20:40
Quote from: Enjoyed on Feb 22, 2017, 13:17

Anyone else thinking of going to the London show?

You got a ticket in the pre-sale this morning? ("Pre-sale"? Load of boll*x isn't it).
How much are they, £40 or something? Oh yeah, they are! £38 + trans fee.
I've got cashflow "issues" at the mo, but if things are better by May, I may end up buying a last minute ticket, assuming people aren't selling them at inflated prices by then.
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: Enjoyed on Feb 23, 2017, 02:20
Quote from: Skyscraper on Feb 22, 2017, 20:40

I may end up buying a last minute ticket, assuming people aren't selling them at inflated prices by then.

Sweet. Let me know if you do. I didn't go for a pre-sale one in the end. Trying to save for my wedding has me a little more picky on what shows I want to travel to (it costs more to get to London for a show than for any ticket).
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: Wolkenkrabber on Feb 05, 2022, 00:57
I wonder if it's worth merging this thread with this thread? (https://forum.thechembase.com/index.php/topic,118.msg4522.html#msg4522)

Anyway...

https://twitter.com/Leftfield/status/1489684579451551748

https://twitter.com/Leftfield/status/1489751289768591366

https://twitter.com/Leftfield/status/1489737085393252352
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: neorev on Feb 05, 2022, 02:14
Neil said it hasn't been mastered yet. With vinyl pressing delays being the way it is, we will be lucky to see a 4th quarter 2021 release.
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: Bosco on Feb 05, 2022, 08:28
Quote from: neorev on Feb 05, 2022, 02:14

Neil said it hasn't been mastered yet. With vinyl pressing delays being the way it is, we will be lucky to see a 4th quarter 2021 release.

2022!

'Alternative Light Source' didn't stick with me as I would have liked, but willing to try new stuff, if they got it.

I remember we (Pooter, Biff, Darkstar, and Me) were able to get to see them in 2011 at Coachella, and it was pretty bangin'. Would love for them to team up with Chemical Brothers as legacy electronic music tour of some sort.

Trentemøller>Ratatat>Leftfield, was quite an epic block. Damn, I miss those days...
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: Enjoyed on Feb 08, 2022, 05:14
Duuuuuuuuude. Psyched for this.
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: MadPooter on Feb 08, 2022, 14:13
Sunday Coachella 2011 was quite the event.

Seeing Trentemoller perform Miss You against a backdrop of the last rays of light disappearing behind the desert skyline, silhouetting a brightly lit ferris wheel lazily spinning in between... it made me feel like there was some purpose to my life.

Maybe to all our lives.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZp2bmm26Rs

That video is awful, but you can technically see it around 3:11 or so.

But holy shit dat Leftfield set.

I'm sad other people haven't dug a lot of Leftfield's music as much as I have--I'm a fan of most of it. With that said, I can understand people's lack of enthusiasm for some of it.

I'll be excited to hear what else he's got in store for us.
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: Enjoyed on Feb 09, 2022, 00:44
Leftfield at Glastonbury were on my 'check it out if I have time' list (after killing myself 2 years in a row trying to see everything I wanted - much better for the mental to pick a couple of bands a day to focus on, and pepper the rest of the day with treats when you can.)

Anywho, in a year with The Chems headlining The Other Stage, Leftfield were incredibly close to being the best thing I saw that weekend. All of the joy of listening to their first two albums was brought back in a totally re-imagined way that perfectly straddled the line of those two earlier classics (at least IMHO) and their new material. A totally undeserved and unexpected surprise.

Alternative Light Source was a go to running soundtrack for a while there too.

I feel like, along with Fluke, Leftfield sit in the largely underrated world of late 90s Electronic music that never made it as big as TCB, UW & Orbital.
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: neorev on Feb 09, 2022, 01:57
Quote from: MadPooter on Feb 08, 2022, 14:13

But holy shit dat Leftfield set.

I'm sad other people haven't dug a lot of Leftfield's music as much as I have--I'm a fan of most of it. With that said, I can understand people's lack of enthusiasm for some of it.

I'll be excited to hear what else he's got in store for us.

I love Leftfield. Everyone always mentions Leftism, but Rhythm And Stealth is my go-to record from them. Throw in Snake Blood from The Beach too.

Quote from: Enjoyed on Feb 09, 2022, 00:44

I feel like, along with Fluke, Leftfield sit in the largely underrated world of late 90s Electronic music that never made it as big as TCB, UW & Orbital.

Fluke's Risotto is a classic. I absolutely love that album.
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: Enjoyed on Feb 09, 2022, 03:33
Quote from: neorev on Feb 09, 2022, 01:57

Throw in Snake Blood from The Beach too.

Ooooooooh yes.
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: ThePumisher on Jul 28, 2022, 17:39
Leftfield announced their new album "This Is What We Do" with the new track "Pulse". Album release will be December 2nd. Pre-order here => CLICK (https://leftfield.lnk.to/ThisIsWhatWeDoSo)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2-U9VJr2Iw
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: Enjoyed on Jul 28, 2022, 18:02
Quote from: ThePumisher on Jul 28, 2022, 17:39

Album release will be December 2nd

(https://media2.giphy.com/media/nE20gYIoVRAzdCrVKE/giphy.gif)
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: Wolkenkrabber on Sep 23, 2022, 18:09
I wasn't crazy about Pulse (above) but this feels more like it.

Leftfield - Accumulator
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CW0g4FzyqqU

Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: Wolkenkrabber on Nov 27, 2022, 15:55
Album out Friday. Maybe I'll get it on cassette. (https://leftfield.tmstor.es/product/100084)

https://twitter.com/Leftfield/status/1596888796871917568
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: MadPooter on Dec 10, 2022, 13:09
Accumulator is a fuckin' banger.

Album as a whole was so-so for me first listen. But I'm very tired and very stoned. So maybe my second listen will be better.
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: cowboy on Dec 10, 2022, 16:10
I really like TIWWD. Like Pooter said, Accumulator is a banger, Full Way Round, Pulse, Machines Like Me and This Is What We Do are some of my favourites too. The other tracks I could only describe to be filler-ish, so they don't stand out to me as much as I would like them to.

Lucky to get to listen to this album at my workplace, it makes my shifts more enjoyable than they should be!
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: Enjoyed on Dec 10, 2022, 20:01
I'm still waiting to see if my local store can track it down (they did not have it on release day, despite my excited trip to go pick it up!)

May have to pick up a copy in fair old England over the holidays.
Definitely excited to give it all a listen!
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: MadPooter on Dec 13, 2022, 11:03
Enjoying the album more after a couple of listens.

Rapture 16 and Heart and Soul have quite a bit of classic Leftfield in those tracks.
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: cowboy on Dec 25, 2022, 23:01
Quote from: cowboy on Dec 10, 2022, 16:10
The other tracks I could only describe to be filler-ish, so they don't stand out to me as much as I would like them to.

I have been mistaken. I am now in awe of the whole album.

Except Rapture 16, though. That one I'm still hesitant on if I actually fully enjoy it or not.

UPDATE: Nevermind. I do in fact like it LOL
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: Bosco on Jan 07, 2023, 07:24
Was pretty enjoyable. Some great sound on this album. I do think it lacks some of the magic that made them legendary, but I still recommend. I'm totally there to support them if they take this album on tour and make the trek back to the States.  

If anything, it got me interested in giving  'Alternative Light Source' another shot.

Fun to hear them with Earl Sixteen again!

Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: shakermaker on Jan 07, 2023, 19:55
I love it. it's totally renewed my interest in them. God why don't they come to the US. c'mon Goldenvoice.
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: Wolkenkrabber on Jan 13, 2023, 00:05
For starters, I will say (as a compliment): I don't skip any tracks on the album. Just let it play.

Happy to get that "chunky" Leftfield production kicking in from the start. I would argue there are a number of elements on the album that could make this a pseudo "Leftism 2".
The return of Earl 16, as Bosco mentioned. There's trumpet on Machines Like Us (as there was on Melt), there's a return to Bulgarian Choir samples (as there was on Song of Life - see the Samples & Trainspotting thread for more on this). The pounding hit of Accumulator reminds me of the "cut for life" version of Song of Life (Cut For life was on the triple vinyl version of Leftism), and back to Track 1, the production/groove reminds me of Inspection (Check one).

The argument against this being "Leftism 2"? That roundly boils down to: the tunes -are they as good? I could probably hum or sing (badly) most of the tracks on Leftism. But this album? Not so much. As much as I love the full-on hit of Accumulator (probably the best track) I couldn't sing it to you.

It's all about those hooks/melodies/tunes. There aren't enough strong ones here to make this album a classic. But I like the overall production.

Thoughts on each track:

Track 1: TIWWD chunky sounding. Hints of Check One about the production/groove.
Track 2: Full Way Round: youthful rebelliousness/arrogance of Grian Chatten is a plus. Production: gritty but forgettable.
Track 3: Making A Difference. Lemn Sissay poet/rap. Vocally could almost be Orbital. Tune? Meh.
Track 4: City of Synths. "Rhubarb and Custard" bass synth. Slow beat. Moody "soundtrack-y" top line. But forgettable tune.
Tracl 5: Pulse.  Menacing synth line. That's about it. 
Track 6: Machines Like Us: friendly computer singing to us. Upbeat, quirky, light. Muted trumpet. Sinister "we're taking over" towards the end. I like this track. Could we have just a bit more of a song?
Track 7: Rapture 16: Earl 16 returns. Good but not as good as Release The Pressure. Nice production. Really nice.
Track 8: Heart and Soul. Bulgarian vocal samples, quirky bass synth. Dubby reverb. Middle eastern horn. A bit cluttered/piecemeal. Is there a strong hook? Not quite.
Track 9: Accumulator. A banger; almost a Leftfield "EBW". The most urgent thing here. Imagine if it had a stronger melodic hook!
Track 10: Come On. Hip hop style slow speed and menace. But it doesn't do much.
Track 11: Power of Listening. Upbeat, funky bass synth. Jazzy space keys on top. A fun and freaky-deaky track that wigs out a bit and gets the foot tapping/head nodding.

Overall I like that this album exists, I really like that Leftfield production feel (yes it's worth repeating this point). I wonder if collabrations with some other tune-smiths could have taken this to Grade-A level.

Incidentally, Neil has put together a half-hour mix of tunes for 6-Music, a back-to-the-90s special. Every track a banger. Couldn't he have done an hour? Link. (https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001gvr3)
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: Bosco on Jan 16, 2023, 09:06
Quote from: Wolkenkrabber on Jan 13, 2023, 00:05
It's all about those hooks/melodies/tunes. There aren't enough strong ones here to make this album a classic. But I like the overall production.

Overall I like that this album exists, I really like that Leftfield production feel (yes it's worth repeating this point). I wonder if collabrations with some other tune-smiths could have taken this to Grade-A level.

Thank you for fleshing it out a bit, and I agree for the most part.

I actually think "Making a Difference" had the most potential, and yet, was left unfulfilled. It's still my favorite track on the album! It has that very catchy bass line and goes into its downshifted bridge with not much payoff. Frickin' shift that thing to something else, and MAKE A DIFFERENCE! How about catch your listener off guard and change it to a drum and bass outro or something crazy like that. A great template for this track is "Don't Think" by The Chems.
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: thg on Jan 16, 2023, 11:14
Quote from: Bosco on Jan 16, 2023, 09:06
Thank you for fleshing it out a bit, and I agree for the most part.

I actually think "Making a Difference" had the most potential, and yet, was left unfulfilled. It's still my favorite track on the album! It has that very catchy bass line and goes into its downshifted bridge with not much payoff. Frickin' shift that thing to something else, and MAKE A DIFFERENCE! How about catch your listener off guard and change it to a drum and bass outro or something crazy like that. A great template for this track is "Don't Think" by The Chems.

The spoken word part reminded me of "Panninaro", by Pet Shop Boys.
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: Wolkenkrabber on Feb 17, 2023, 12:15
RSD23

https://twitter.com/Leftfield/status/1626280308621340675
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: Enjoyed on Feb 18, 2023, 01:00
Quote from: Wolkenkrabber on Feb 17, 2023, 12:15
RSD23

https://twitter.com/Leftfield/status/1626280308621340675
Love the sounds of this.

Would probably queue up in the early hours of the morning for it if it wasn't a UK exclusive.
Shame.
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: gfa2001 on Feb 28, 2023, 09:35
Heard they will be at Glastonbury, hopefully some other dates too :) 
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: Wolkenkrabber on Feb 28, 2023, 11:50
Quote from: gfa2001 on Feb 28, 2023, 09:35
Heard they will be at Glastonbury, hopefully some other dates too :)

well...
https://twitter.com/AEG_Presents/status/1625834498377015296

and also
https://twitter.com/bluedotfestival/status/1630478156149694467
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: cowboy on Feb 28, 2023, 23:19
Friend notified me about the Leftfield RSD release, as if I don't have enough RSD records to get : P
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: Wolkenkrabber on Mar 01, 2023, 14:53
Quote from: cowboy on Feb 28, 2023, 23:19
Friend notified me about the Leftfield RSD release, as if I don't have enough RSD records to get : P

Did they notify you of the price as well? I believe it's about £30.
Which isn't a surprise when you consider that this limited 12" (https://www.discogs.com/release/25378594-Leftfield-Accumulator) they put out in December was £20 (and now re-selling for £30+).
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: gfa2001 on Mar 02, 2023, 12:40
heard they will be at glastonbury if anyone else is going :) 
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: Wolkenkrabber on May 08, 2023, 20:17
Quote from: Wolkenkrabber on Feb 17, 2023, 12:15
RSD23

https://twitter.com/Leftfield/status/1626280308621340675

If anyone is aware of a digital rip of this album, please advise.
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: Enjoyed on May 09, 2023, 00:55
Quote from: Wolkenkrabber on May 08, 2023, 20:17
If anyone is aware of a digital rip of this album, please advise.
(https://giffiles.alphacoders.com/218/218339.gif)
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: neorev on May 12, 2023, 21:07
Leftfield seriously need to release Version Excursion digitally because I'm liking this more than the album. If only some of the album tracks and their dub mixes were combined or even swapped altogether, it would've been an even better album. 
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: MadPooter on May 12, 2023, 22:26
I am dying to hear this.
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: sneakerbeater on May 13, 2023, 06:38
I'm hoping that this album will appear on the streaming services to some point.  I can't believe they would go to the effort of remixing and recording a new version of this fantastic album just for 1000 ears to listen, unless it is pile of poo (which I doubt it is!). Always a fan of a dub remix. The Adrian Sherwood remix of "Release the Pressure" is a fantastic example. But then anything from Mr Sherwood gets my seal of approval. I have often thought I would love to hear him remix the chems

Looking forward to seeing them live next week, I should have seen them last December but the show got postponed. Not seen them live since the rhythm and stealth days
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: hubie on May 19, 2023, 09:30
Shout out to any of you who were at Steelyard last night. I really enjoyed the show, although the 90 mins, or so, shot by really quickly. 

Considering there were quite a few people outside the venue begging for spare tickets I felt privileged to be there. But I'm really puzzled by the choice to only play one show in London, especially considering Manchester gets two.

Anyway, awesome show. It was ace to see Earl Sixteen live on stage again too  ;D
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: sneakerbeater on May 21, 2023, 10:13
Incredible night at the gig in Manchester night. What a cracking venue and an awesome crowd. So glad we opted for the 250 mile trek to Manchester over the London date. They have really delivered a belter of an album with "this is what we do". So good to see a band from back in the day so on top of their game. Thoroughly recommend anyone to catch this band at the moment, you will not be disappointed. Might have to go to another show on this tour. 
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: neorev on May 22, 2023, 00:19
I saw a video with Cheshire Cat doing his signature freestyle over a dubby mix of Making A Difference that sounded so good. Wish Neil would pull a Rapture 16 and release it as a single mix.
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: Wolkenkrabber on May 26, 2023, 09:23
https://twitter.com/Leftfield/status/1662006909027909639

^ No YouTube option in the "link to", but...

Rapture 16 (Effy Remix)*
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTVdr4eBfz0

Enraptured
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMZE-AlPbvA

*Oh I know Effy. I posted something she did with Mall Grab here (https://forum.thechembase.com/index.php/topic,60.msg26594.html#msg26594) in 2021.
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: neorev on May 26, 2023, 13:33
Give us a Version Excursion digital release 
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: Wolkenkrabber on Jun 09, 2023, 10:03
Quote from: neorev on May 26, 2023, 13:33
Give us a Version Excursion digital release

Ok.

https://twitter.com/Leftfield/status/1667105233909043202
(not embedding)

Link to... (https://leftfield.lnk.to/VersionExSR)
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: neorev on Jun 09, 2023, 19:34
;)
Title: Re: Leftfield
Post by: ThePumisher on Jun 25, 2023, 18:23
Accumulator (Glasto 2023)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AF-kV9jtWtI







https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0ft7j6c/glastonbury-leftfield?seriesId=b007r6vx-68-glasto-dance-party