ARCHIVE TWO

I've reviewed each of this compilation components respectively and this is just a brief summary, observation, and a bit of advice. This MTG compilation is so full of stuff, musical creativity, adventurous, details and complexity that I don't think it's a good idea to listen to the whole thing entirely at once. Certainly not at the first listens. I recommend dividing the listening to 3 or even 4 parts. First, listen to the 'Barbie variations', which start at track 8, up to the end. This is the earliest creation, and such cute and humorous. Then, go listen to the whole 'Shapuno zoo' album, which spread on tracks 1 to 6. You can divide the listening to two parts, side I and side II originally. (Tracks 1-3 and 4-6 respectively). Side I, (or track 1-3 if you are young/modern/don't care about LP's anymore) is relatively simpler, uplifting and catchier. Side II, (tracks 4-6) is more complex, gloomy and atmospheric. After you feel comfortable with 'Shapuno zoo' (which might take some time, there are so many things here to absorb), take a deep breath and go listen to 'Omaggio a Futi'. This was quite hard stuff for me, but could make a very unique listening treatment.

After I've listened to this compilation, I purchased the original vinyl of 'Shapuno zoo'. I intended to buy it via rotary totem records, Grigsby's company, which holds many old LP's related, but all of a sudden it became unavailable, right when I actually was about buying it. Luckily I've found an old copy on E-bay, a bit scratchy but still OK. The original vinyl holds one more track, 'Diamonds for Fishhooks' which is the last one in this album. It's an atmospheric track, which closes the album very well.

I much recommend about this compilation, especially for those who are already like and appreciate the bit-latter U-totem s/t. It may appear as less communicative and 'rocking' than the U-totem s/t, but truly not a bit less valuable. This compilation has a lot of its own uniqueness, depth, beauty and subtle humor.