Favourite Label [2] - Rune Grammofon

RCD 2001
3 x CD, 13 tracks, 189 minutes
Release Date: Jan.12,1998

Over 3 hours totally improvised death-, jazz-, ambient-, avant rock from new limitstretching quartet featuring members and ex-members from Terje Rypdal Skywards, Farmers Market, Motorpsycho, Deathprod and Veslefrekk. Essential if you are looking for a musical challenge.

RCD 2002
5 tracks, 75 minutes
Release Date: Jan.12,1998

Recorded 30 years ago, and long unavailable, these are the complete electronic works of Norwegian composer Arne Nordheim. Among the most stunning and musical electronic works ever produced, it has stood the test of time remarkably well. Deluxe digipak, booklet with English and Norwegian liner notes.

RCD 2003
12 tracks, 37 minutes
Release Date: Feb.23,1998

Third, and easily the best, album from band vaguely in the, dare we say it, Radiohead area. Great tunes all around, not a filler in sight. Mostly recorded live in the studio, quite underproduced, and all the better for it. Includes brilliant video in quicktime format, both mac and pc friendly.

RCD 2004
12 tracks, 49 minutes
Release Date: Aug.17,1998

From the dictaphone surrealism of the opening track to the achingly beautiful "Breaking The Girl" we've had distorted electronics, weedhop and minimalist country. All music and lyrics are written by the young singer, leaving no doubt that we are dealing with a highly uncompromising artist.

RCD 2005
7 tracks, 49 minutes
Release Date: Sep.30,1998

Arne Nordheims electronic music as found on "Electric" is the source of new compositions by the Norwegian artists. Deep and haunting and acknowledged by Nordheim himself as more than worthy.

RCD 2006
2 x CD, 12 tracks, 125 minutes
Release Date: Sep.30,1998

Doublepack in special cardboard slipcase with new, exclusive design. Contains 2002 and 2005 in their original sleeves. Limited edition, still some available.

RCD 2007
7 tracks, 50 minutes
Release Date: Nov.23,1998

New, quite stunning recordings from the quartet spear- heading the new wave of Norwegian jazz. Colourful, dynamic and more varied than their debut, it combines improvisation and electronics, without a drumloop or computer in sight.

RCD 2008
12 tracks, 44 minutes
Release Date: Jan.4,1999

A-ha founder Magne Furuholmen teams up with composer/producer Kjetil Bjerkestrand and enigmatic Swedish singer Freddie Wadling (Flesh Quartet) for a series of dark, twisted songs and peculiar soundscapes. Made for the film "1732 Høtten" ("Bloody Angels").

RCD 2009
11 tracks, 38 minutes
Release Date: Feb.15,1999

A more coherent, melodic and catchy offering from what must be one of Norway's best pop/rock groups.

RCD 2010
5 tracks, 60 minutes
Release Date: Feb.22,1999

Improvisation from four young female musicians with backgrounds from jazz, classical, contemporary, rock and country. Weird, wonderful and completely beyond categorisation, the quartet was formed in 1995. This is their debut recording.

RCD 2011
10 tracks, 62 minutes
Release Date: Aug.9,1999

Alog is Espen Sommer Eide and Dag-Are Haugan, both from Tromsø in the far north of Norway. Most tracks come from improvisations made with various reed, percussion and string instruments, as well as electronic keyboards and field recordings. The results are then manipulated in different digital and analog ways. Espen has previously released a cd as Phonophani for the Biophon label.

RCD 2012
13 tracks, 78 minutes
Release Date: Aug.9,1999

78 minutes of the finest contemporary electronics from both wellknown and unknown Norwegian artists and composers. All tracks and versions are exclusive for this compilation. Information, Phonophani, Düplo, A Threatened Logical Unit, Arne Nordheim, Monolight, Deathprod, Plirk, Supersilent, Furuholmen/Bjerkestrand, Alog, Marhaug/Rishaug, Biosphere/Deathprod.

RCD 2013
10 tracks, 74 minutes
Release Date: Jan.17,2000

A highly personal selection of works by one of Norways greatest composers, by many, ourselves included, considered a genius. Symphonic poems like "Pastorale" and "The Churchyard By The Sea" are among the most potent, strangely beautiful and extraordinary pieces of music to come from any composer of the 20th century. Included here are also "Ode To Solitude", the violin concerto, the first symphony and two piano pieces.

RCD 2014
8 tracks, 43 minutes
Release Date: Jan.24,2000

Jazzkammer is Lasse Marhaug and John Hegre. Marhaug is responsible for over 100 cassette-, vinyl- and cd releases within the noise/experimental community and have collaborated with the likes of Merzbow and Aube. Hegre is a guitarist, improviser and composer who's been making music for over 15 years. Static electric atmospheres, turntables, field recordings, guitars, samplers, sine waves and casios, all used in free improvisation and to create collages.

RCD 2015
15 tracks, 50 minutes
Release Date: Mar.13,2000

Nils Økland is one of Norway's leading Hardanger fiddle players, a renewer of traditional folk music who is also known to build bridges to classical and contemporary music. In contrast to many fiddlers Økland writes most of the music himself, ranging from beautiful, melodic ballads to atmospheric experiments and darker soundscapes. This is his second solo album, the follow up to "Blå Harding", an album that received fantastic reviews when it was released in 1996.

RCD 2016
8 tracks, 53 minutes
Release Date: Mar.29,2001

The second album from Phonophani, aka Espen Sommer Eide (Alog), his first from 1998 so far being the only release on Biosphere's Biophon label. Phonophani's work is characterized by various manipulated "live instruments" seamlessly integrated with pure electronic sounds. Espen says of the title that "sampling is a form of gene manipulation where you arrange and rearrange soundparts from your own playing and the works of others to create new organisms of sound".

RCD 2017
15 tracks, 53 minutes
Release Date: Mar.29,2001

Likely one of the more inventive Norwegian guitarists since Terje Rypdal. Tore Elgarøys career soared to great hights when he appeared on Lee Claytons comeback album and Europe tour in 89. After this he withdrew from the music scene, but started writing and recording some years ago, with a completely new approach. "The Sound of The Sun" is a mix of solo guitar pieces and improvised sound abstractions, all deeply personal, intense and unlike any "guitar" records we've heard.

RCD 2018
5 tracks, 76 minutes
Release Date: May.14,2001

Producer and member Helge Sten (Deathprod) went through some 30 hours of live recordings to come up with this 70 minute collection, including selections from Oslo, London and Bologna. Mostly a calmer, more reflective side of Supersilent that those familiar with their concerts might have experienced. As always an utterly thrilling experience in the art of improvised soundcreation and even more difficult to define than before.

RCD 2019
11 tracks, 45 minutes
Release Date: May.14,2001

First non-Norwegian artists on the Rune imprint. With cello, guitar and electronics this Swizz duo weave a beautiful, detailed and fragile soundscape. References to ambient, electronica and contemporary music but basically beyond categorisation. It's appropriate to drop Eno somewhere within this musical universe too. Check this out.

RCD 2020
9 tracks, 43 minutes
Release Date: Oct.22,2001

Follow-up to "Red Shift Swing", an album that received massive critical acclaim and showed a totally fresh approach to the art of sampling. "Duck-Rabbit" follows this course but is to a greater extent born from improvisations during and after concerts, something that has given the album a more extrovert and energetic feel.

RCD 2021
15 tracks, 50 minutes
Release Date: Oct.15,2001

This is the solo debut from one of Norway's most distinguished instrumentalists. 15 unique moments of quiet contemplation inspired by his fascination for Japanese music and culture, all beautifully recorded and produced by fellow Supersilent member Helge Sten (Deathprod).

RCD 2022
13 tracks, 60 minutes
Release Date: Nov.26,2001

Central artists from Norway's flowering electronica and noise scene join forces to remix female chamber anarchist quartet SPUNK, the source being the group's debut album from 1999, "Det eneste jeg vet er at det ikke er en støvsuger" (RCD 2010). Contributions from Martin Horntveth (Jaga Jazzist), Kim Hiorthøy, Upper Rooms, Phonophani, Svalastog, Kristin Andersen (SPUNK), (X, Y, Z), Andreas Meland (Düplo), Jørgen Træen, Sun Demon, Risto Holopainen, Lasse Marhaug (Jazzkammer) and Andreas Mjøs (Jaga Jazzist, Rotoscope).

RCD 2023
10 tracks, 45 minutes
Release Date: Jan.14,2002

The second solo album from label founder Rune Kristoffersen is centered around a series of impulsive improvisations using a very basic electronic setup often resulting in strange, freefloating and rhytmic abstractions that occasionally take off in unexpected directions.

RCD 2024
10 tracks, 50 minutes
Release Date: Mar.4,2002

Third and easily the best album from these veterans of arctic ambient electronica. A beautiful and razorsharp production with plenty of depth and detail, this is an album that should most definitely appeal to Biosphere fans. Information is Per Henrik Svalastog and Jørgen Knudsen.

RCD 2025
7 tracks, 54 minutes
Release Date: Mar.18,2002

The unique Finnish guitar master Raoul Björkenheim teams up with the hot, young Norwegian rhythm section of Ingebrigt Håker Flaten (bass) and Paal Nilssen-Love (drums) in a classic power- trio setup. Burning with an untamed energy this is neither jazz nor rock, but a free spirited music that in places reminds us of another trio, Hendrix' criminally underrated Band Of Gypsys. Recorded live in the studio to analogue tape during two January days this year, the sound of this record is excellent with much warmth and clarity.

RCD 2026
12 tracks, 60 minutes
Release Date: Apr.29,2002

The new studio album from this increasingly exciting and colourful quartet boasts yet another Pippi Longstocking related title. This free spirited and anti authoritarian character is one of the most loved and wellknown from the late, great Swedish author of childrens books, Astrid Lindgren. It translates "The very top of a bluepainted flagpole" and on reflection it gets clearer and clearer why the four young women (all still in their twenties) in SPUNK so easily will identify with this character, going their own pathways and relentlessly breaking most rules in the book. In many ways both more accesible, varied and distinct than their debut from 1999.

RCD 2027
7 tracks, 42 minutes
Release Date: Sep.9,2002

This is the third album from the quartet featuring Iain Ballamy (sax), Arve Henriksen (trumpet), Mats Eilertsen (bass) and Thomas Strønen (drums), produced by Helge Sten (Deathprod). The blend of Ballamy´s distinctive and lyrical saxophone and Henriksen´s breathy trumpet textures is the perfect foil for the entrancing bass and drum trips created by the young rhythm section and Deathprods electronic soundscaping. "Veggie" also includes an exclusive track from Deathprod.

RCD 2028
11 tracks, 48 minutes
Release Date: Oct.21,2002

The debut solo album from SPUNK member Maja Ratkje will secure her a place among the finest experimental singers. From the weird and furious to the enchanting and beautiful, this is an album rich in atmosphere, colour and creative madness. Co-produced by Jazzkammer.

RCD 2029
6 tracks, 58 minutes
Release Date: Jan.20,2003

Originally released in 2003 but never really made the thrust into people's livingroom's as it deserves, we are pleased to make this strange gem available. Enter a world of the meta-genres, shake hands with the lucid Supersilent.

Supersilent have been a solid cornerstone in Rune Grammofon since the very beginning and are seen by many as the very essence of the label. From the monumental hardcore blizzard storms of "1-3" to the elegant electrojazz of "4" and the almost quiet sound- scapes of "5", this new album is where the sum of all things Supersilent comes together in a shape of almost epic proportions. Like "1-3" and "Scorch Trio" it was recorded at Athletic Sound in Halden, Norway. More than ever it appears clear that their music lives in a no man's land between the genres, somewhere between rock, electronica, jazz and modern composition. As with all their recordings and live performances, everything here is improvised. That most of the music on "6" appears to be written or at least arranged, is testament to the high, almost telepatic level they work at. Needless to say, there are no overdubs. Often being labelled jazz because of the improvising aspect of the music and the fact that three of the members come from a jazz background, with "6" they are just as likely to attract followers of bands such as Goodspeed You! Black Emperor, Sigur Rós, King Crimson, (late) Talk Talk or Popol Vuh.

RCD 2030
12 tracks, 38 minutes
Release Date: Mar.17,2003

This is Rune Grammofon's 30th release, celebrated with a new album by one of the most distinguished personalities in Norwegian music. Not only that, "Dodeka", meaning twelve in Greek, is a small sensation in that the twelve pieces presented here have never been available on record before. These compositions are made from the building blocks and basic elements from Nordheim´s work in Warszaw between 1967 and 1972. Considering the primitive working methods and the equipment available at the time, "Dodeka" is also special in that it´s sonic qualities are quite astounding with a clarity and character all of their own. This album was released in March 2003.

RCD 2031
14 tracks, 46 minutes
Release Date: Sep.15,2003

And now for something completely different! The young Norwegian outsider composer leads his 9-piece orchestra through a highly personal and unique collection of instrumentals, with nods to early seventees progressive rock, easy listening, film music and sophisticated pop. A vital and life affirming rollercoaster ride combining intricate arrangements with memorable and melodic hooks.

RCD 2032
2 x CD,30 tracks, 151 minutes
Release Date: Nov.10,2003

"Money Will Ruin Everything" is an exquisite 96 page hardback book designed and edited by Kim Hiorthøy with 2 cds of mostly exclusive tracks from the likes of Supersilent, Biosphere, Jaga Jazzist, Food, Deathprod, Arve Henriksen, Alog, Phonophani, Nils Økland, Fe-mail, Information, Lasse Marhaug, Maja Ratkje, Martin Horntveth and many more. The book also has essays by The Wire editor Rob Young and design writer Adrian Shaughnessy as well as an interview with RG´s Rune Kristoffersen.

RCD 2033
12 tracks, 51 minutes
Release Date: Jan.12,2004

Debut release from Danish trio, probably closest in spirit and musical ideology to Alog and Phonophani in the way they mix electronic and acoustic elements, either sampled or played by themselves. Side by side you can find slow Joy Division type basslines, acoustic guitar pickings, glitch elements and naive melodies only Kraftwerk could have dreamed up. A highly atmospheric, melodic, subtle and detailed soundscape.

RCD 2034
11 tracks, 45 minutes
Release Date: Jan.26,2004

Absolutely brilliant debut release from young Norwegian duo consisting of Susanna Wallumrød (vocals) and Morten Qvenild (keyboards). Nine beautiful low key original songs plus highly personal interpretations of Dolly Parton«s "Jolene" and Leonard Bernstein«s "Who Am I" makes this one of the strongest Norwegian debut releases in a very long time. If you´ve heard "Believer" (also included here) from "Money Will Ruin Everything" you know what to expect. Produced by Andreas Mjøs (Jaga Jazzist) and Deathprod.

RCD 2035
11 tracks, 45 minutes
Release Date: Feb.23,2004

Not considering Deathprod´s split remix album with Biosphere (RCD2005), this is his first new release in 8 years. Previously an associate member of Motorpsycho and until now their co-producer, Helge Sten is probably best known as founder member and producer of freeform quartet Supersilent. Julian Cowley writes in his liner notes to the 4 cd box: ”Morals And Dogma” is a potent distillation of Deathprod music, simultaneously concentrated and diffuse, mining seams of potentiality in mood and slow movement, at once finely detailed and vast, microscopic and boundless, breaking open temporal cells to access zones of timelessness.

RCD 2036
21 tracks, 186 minutes
Release Date: Feb.23,2004

4 cd box comprising "Morals and Dogma", "Treetop Drive" (long deleted album from 1994), "Imaginary Songs From Tristan Da Cunha" (long deleted album from 1996) and "Reference Frequencies" (previously unreleased, rare and deleted tracks). Comes in a solid black box with an informative 32 page booklet with detailed information on each release. Each album is packaged in their own beautifully designed digipack. This is simply a treat and a towering statement covering 10 years from an artist barely into his thirties! And as Julian Cowley writes in his liner notes: This is an invitation to listen, to see, to feel and grow.

RCD 2037
10 tracks, 43 minutes
Release Date: Jun.1,2004

"Chiaroscuro" is the follow-up to this fantastic trumpet player´s debut album, the much acclaimed "Sakuteiki" from 2001 (RCD2021). BBC Online called it "a thing of rare and compelling beauty.... musicmaking as natural and essential as breathing". This time he is joined by drummer Audun Kleive and sound artist Jan Bang to create some very beautiful musical soundscapes where the trumpet is the natural point of focus. There´s also more room for Arve´s wordless singing, sometimes used to stunning effect with Supersilent.

RCD 2038
10 tracks, 44 minutes
Release Date: Aug.30,2004

This is the third Phonophani album, the second for Rune Grammofon. The title refers to mysterious connections between material things, and the album is all about rediscovering the great mystery of music. Through dissecting the sound of ordinary or "real" instruments such as cello, vibraphone, guitars and the human voice and dissolving melodies into their elementary particles, Espen Sommer Eide seeks to excavate the "ur" music itself. Instruments are often sampled and manipulated using software designed and made by himself, being a keen programmer who prefers this to the so-called industry standards, giving the album a personal and unique sound. Maja Ratkje is appearing on one of the tracks.

RCD 2039
9 tracks, 40 minutes
Release Date: Sep.27,2004

This excellent debut release from Supersilent keyboardist Ståle Storløkken and Food drummer Thomas Strønen is a most welcome addition to the Rune Grammofon catalogue. “Humcrush” is a set of improvisations recorded live in the studio, believe it or not we might add, as they more often sound like meticulously composed and programmed pieces of music. Which is also to say that they´re both highly accomplished musicians. “Humcrush” varies between breaknecking rhythmical excursions and lyrical beauty and should appeal to Supersilent fans and followers of the most sophisticated Warp electronica.

RCD 2040
6 tracks, 48 minutes
Release Date: Oct.11,2004

Follow-up to the highly acclaimed debut from 2002, this follows in the same supreme fashion, but differs in that it is a more varied recording. Bookended by two lenghty tour de force workouts, we get some lovely free playing demonstrating the great interplay these musicians are capable of, beautiful and mystical soundscapes and some strange Korean court music vibes. All in all another smashing release from guitarist Raoul Björkenheim and the great Norwegian rhythm section of bass player Ingebrigt Håker Flaten and drummer Paal Nilssen-Love.

RCD 2041
9 tracks, 39 minutes
Release Date: Oct.18,2004

The fourth album from this quartet and quite possibly their very best. Brilliantly performed and recorded, it´s highlighting the delicate balance between Ballamy and Henriksen´s melodic and lyrical playing and the electronic soundscapes they fully started to explore on “Veggie”. Which speaks volumes when we know that “Veggie” was nominated for a Norwegian grammy and received some outstanding reviews, ”this is remarkable, visionary music (Jazz UK), “a very important work” (Milkfactory, UK). And lets not forget Mats Eilertsen and Thomas Strønen, one of many excellent rhythm sections currently working in Norwegian jazz.

RCD 2042
12 tracks, 47 minutes
Release Date: Nov.8,2004

Nils Økland is an innovative violinist and Hardanger fiddle specialist who is creatively expanding the range of the traditional music of his homeland. He is a renewer of folk music, consistently building bridges to classical, contemporary and improvised music. His playing combines freedom with respect for Norway’s musical heritage and he is concerned both with the preservation of the oral folk music tradition and with the experimental possibilities of the music when it is charged with modern impulses. On ”Bris”, his third album and the second for Rune Grammofon, he has written all the music himself which is quite unusal for the genre. He is joined by Sigbjørn Apeland on harmonium, his musical companion since long, as well as Mats Eilertsen from Food on bass and Per Oddvar Johansen and Håkon Stene on percussion.

RCD 2043
9 tracks, 57 minutes
Release Date: Jan.17,2005

The third album from the duo described as ”setting new standards in contemporary music” (The Milkfactory) and ”one of modern music´s most interesting groups” (BBC Online). Their debut ”Red Shift Swing” was a breath of fresh air at the tail-end of last century, a mature and original release from two sonic explorers, already masters at seamlessly blending electronic and acoustic elements. Their sound has since been perfected through the follow-up ”Duck-Rabitt” (RCD 2020) and concert activities before arriving with this, their best collection so far. Inventive and intriguing electronica with a human and organic nerve.

RCD 2044
10 tracks, 39 minutes
Release Date: Jan.24,2005

Young quartet counting two former Jaga Jazzist members and writers in their ranks, giving new meaning to the concept of progressive art rock and marking a change in musical direction from their two previous jazz albums. For the first time they use a number of guitars, vintage keyboards, horns and percussion instruments, but forget about endless synth soloing and long symphonic excursions leading nowhere. This is young, fresh and vital music with a strong sense of direction, bridging the gap between classic King Crimson and ECM lyricism.

RCD 2045
11 tracks, 53 minutes
Release Date: Mar.7,2005

A debut by a young unique trio that have come up with a truly great debut album. ”This Was The Pace Of My Heartbeat” is not your typical piano trio album, meaning that pianist Morten Qvenild (26) has skipped the Keith Jarrett school. When it comes to piano players he will admit to a certain fondness for Paul Bley and the late Norwegian free player Svein Finnerud, but he also draws inspiration from pop writers when it comes to a sense of structure and modern composers such as Messiaen and Feldman for the use of space and sound. The album include nine original Qvenild compositions as well as a Ryan Adams cover and an interpretation of Händel´s beautiful ”Laschia Ch´io Pianga”. The album is an analogue recording and is produced by Arve Henriksen. Morten Qvenild is already a central force in a young generation of extremely competent Norwegian musicians operating with great ease between various genres.

RCD 2046
12 tracks, 44 minutes
Release Date: May.23,2005

"Low Tide Digitals II" is the sequel to this duo´s acclaimed 2001 debut album of the same name (RCD 2019). The Wire called it ”sensual, thrilling and mysteriously moving” while Muzik said ”a beautiful and strange combination of elegantly understated guitar, cello and drifting electronics”. As with the debut, this is an extremely fine-tuned mix of acoustic instruments and electronic elements. An album of sensitive, electronically-tinged free improvising, it's the work of Italian guitarist Luigi Archetti and Swiss cellist Bo Wiget.

RCD 2047
6 tracks, 108 minutes
Release Date: Sep.26,2005

The sold out concert took place in Oslo in August last year and was beautifully captured by Kim Hiorthøy and friends to 16 mm black and white film, and later edited by Hiorthøy. The sound was recorded by Athletic Sound and mixed by Helge Sten. Needless to say, it looks and sounds fantastic. The concert itself was rewarded a six out of six review at the time in Norway´s major national paper Aftenposten. You get the complete concert, 109 minutes, 6 tracks, in the same order as on the night, there are no overdubs or repairs. And there is no bonus material, not even a menu. This is a conscious decision by the director, artist and label. We wanted it to work like a cd, with instant access to the concert material and individual tracks. Both sound and picture has been coded in the best possible way. It´s a DVD-9 (as opposed to the more normal DVD-5), meaning it´s a dual layer disc with more space for information and therefore better picture quality. In addition to the standard Dolby Digital, there is also a DTS sound option for those with players equipped for this. Please note that we now have both a PAL version and a NTSC version available. NTSC is generally used in North America, Central America, Japan and Taiwan and some countries in South America and Asia. Today NTSC versions will play in most PAL territories while it might be more difficult the other way around. Apart from this coding, the versions are identical. Please note that it is your own responsibility to order the correct version for your player.

RCD 2048
8 tracks, 38 minutes
Release Date: Sep.26,2005

Their third studio album marks the 10th anniversary of this all female quartet. Free collective improvising is one of the most demanding ways of making music: the pitfalls are many – self-absorption, incoherence, certain standardized “gestures” of free jazz, lack of dynamics, humourlessness – but SPUNK are alert to the dangers. Bold, sometimes witty, always alert, they make engaging music, and keep the sound of surprise alive. They have no fear of bringing the music to the brink of anarchy - they are interested in extremes as well as subtleties - but their instincts as composers-in-action also serve them well. ”En Aldeles Forferdelig Sykdom” (”An Absolutely Terrible Disease”) is produced by Jørgen Træen (Sir Dupermann, Magnet, Jaga Jazzist). SPUNK is Maja Ratkje, Hild Sofie Tafjord, Kristin Andersen and Lene Grenager.

RCD 2049
10 tracks, 44 minutes
Release Date: Jan.16,2006

MoHa! is the youngest artist on the Rune Grammofon label. A twosome from Norway, the duo being guitarist Anders Hana (23) and longtime friend and musical collaborator, drummer Morten J. Olsen (24). Anders is also a member of Jaga (Jazzist), Noxagt, Ultralyd and Ingebrigt Flaten Quintet while Morten is a member of Ultralyd and have played with a number of improvisers, including Axel Dörner, Fred Frith and the late Steve Lacy. ”Raus Aus Stavanger” was recorded in the analogue heaven of Athletic Sound, home of great sounding releases from Supersilent and Scorch Trio. And these two acts are musically the closest neighbours to MoHa! in our catalogue. ”Raus Aus Stavanger” was recorded live in the studio with no overdubs, showing two young musicians at a very high level of control, communication and creative powers, the music being a powerful mix of high energy improv, slowburning drone riffing and detailed electronics. A most refreshing CD.

RLP 2050
19 tracks, 105 minutes
Release Date: Apr.24,2006

Celebrating 50 releases, this collection of 19 tracks from the impeccable Rune Grammofon catalog shows the variation of music they have released since the first release in January 1998. From the timeless, austere melancholia of Fartein Valen and the pioneering electronic music of Arne Nordheim to the magic pop diamonds of Susanna and the Magical Orchestra and the restless youth improv that is MoHa!, taking in some traditional music, free rock, jazz, ambient, contemporary experiments and various shades of electronica along the way. This is what Rune himself said about this gem: "Some are cornestones in the catalog, but this is not a best of collection, we want to show the different aspects of Rune Grammofon and have tried to give each of the records a common theme or base."

There are five 10” vinyl records, all in their own sleeve with an exclusive Kim Hiorthøy design, as well as a 16 page catalogue, also with special design from Kim and with an overview of the 50 first Rune Grammofon releases. All come in a very nice, solid cardboard box, also designed by Kim. Being limited to 1000 copies, this is bound to be a collectors item in no time, not only because of the limited aspect but also because of the fantastic design work at show, quite possibly some of the finest record design work Kim has ever done. Being a treasured format by vinyl collectors, the 10” is more expensive to manufacture than the ordinary 12”, meaning it isn't made that often, especially not in a box set like this.