LP / Medical Records / 2013
lim. edition of 650 copies, high-quality 180gram splatter paint on opaque white vinyl
Medical Records is proud to release it’s first reissue originating
from the Pacific Northwest region of the USA in association with 2510 Records in Portland. MR-024 is the one and only release by Portland’s Paul
Nelson. “Vortex” was released in 1981 on Paul’s own Optiman Systems Inc
imprint.
Paul grew up around Portland and had a strong background in music
and music theory.He built a PAIA synthesizer when he in junior high and
developed a keen intuition into analog synthesis.Eventually he purchased
a MiniMoog and was very influenced by Alan Parsons, ELP, and ENO.Armed
with more gear as time went on (Sequential Circuits 600 sequencer,
Oberheim DS-2, etc), Paul was offered an opportunity to record his own
album which led to the Recording Associates sessions during which
“Vortex” was born.The LP was also half-speed mastered at JVC Studios in
CA. 1000 copies were originally pressed and self-distributed by
Paul.The opening track “Automated Man” which also happens to be the only
track with vocals, is a slab of genuine electro greatness with it’s
sharp synth hooks and vocoded vocals.The LP takes many twists and turns
with many tracks of sequenced pulsations, electronic drums, and rhythms
reminiscent of the Sci-fi soundtracks mixed with a healthy dose of
almost proggy space/cosmic disco crossed with later-age Tangerine
Dream.“Vortex 2” is a perfect example of the above description with
imagery of a Blade Runner esque chase scene meets Carpenter at his most
upbeat. “Labyrinth” takes more a more relaxed synth odyssey approach
with slower percussion and a spacier vibe overall.The rest of side 2
“Vortex 3-4-5” is a magnificent build up of ambient soundscapes that
morph into a slow cosmic burner and fades out again into the darkness to
close the LP. All tracks have been restored and remastered by Paul
Nelson for this release.
For many years this LP could be found in the PNW in record bins but over
the last decade, it has been become quite rare which has led to it
fetching rather high prices on the collector’s market. Medical Records
is thrilled to introduce the world to this work of art again. For fans
of library synth, sci-fi soundtracks, and other more sequenced
electronic
