The complete lack of verifiable information about Black Devil adds an element of mystery to their music that automatically makes them intriguing, and has even led some to question whether they exist at all. As the story goes, French duo Bernard Fevre and Jackie Giordano quietly released the Disco Club EP in 1978 under the Black Devil guise before quickly fading away. The record was a highly respected, hard-to-find artifact that was years ahead of its time in terms of musical style and technique: pulsating, bongo-infused, arpeggiating spacey disco with a slightly darker edge, recorded without the aid of computers.
Fast forward to 2004, when Rephlex records (which is co-owned by Richard D. James) re-issued the mythical EP as a series of 12" vinyls, apparently inspiring Fevre to end his 25+ year hiatus and head back into the studio; Black Devil released 28 After in late 2006, followed by a remixed version of the album entitled Black Devil In Dub shortly thereafter.
If you think the story sounds a little too patchy to be believed, well, you are not alone. There is mounting speculation among fans that Black Devil is nothing more than yet another prank by Richard D. James himself. The stylistic similarities between Black Devil and James' work (Aphex Twin, AFX, etc.) are hard to ignore, as are the mysterious backstory and coincidental 're-issue' by Rephlex. Although it is difficult to say one way or the other whether James was simply heavily influenced by Black Devil, or is in fact the diabolical mastermind behind it all, it has no effect on the music itself, which the BBC described as a "fitting soundtrack to filling a yacht with supermodels and heading out to St. Tropez." Check it out for yourself.
"On Just Foot" from 28 After
"I Regret the Flower Power" from Black Devil In Dub
With winter comes snow and trees Despite Global Warming's best efforts, Winter is officially upon us, and this latest installment of The Bobkast was made with the transition of the seasons in mind. And here's another "Inconvenient Truth": you will likely enjoy this mix, despite knowing little about (or being aesthetically opposed to) 'electronic' music. The tracks featured have a somewhat chilly vibe, but still provide enough warmth to get you tappin' your frozen toes and humming along to the melodies, as they come together to create a sound that can best be described as "indie-electronica." So bundle up tight, put on some warm headphones, and pray for a snow day.
Boards Of Canada- Olson Mobius Band- The Loving Sounds of Static (Junior Boys Remix) Matthew Dear's Big Hands- Deserter (live) Matthew Dear- Don And Sherri (Hot Chip Version) Hot Chip- The Warning Aphex Twin- Fingerbib Four Tet- And Then Patterns Boards Of Canada- Roygbiv Radiohead- Reckoner Amon Tobin- Stoney Street Prefuse 73- Uprock And Invigorate Mobius Band- 2 Kinds of Light The Slip- Mr. Meowskers (live)
Who knew that Richard D. James (aka Aphex Twin, AFX, Caustic Window, etc.) was such a player-hater? In this Chris Cunningham (Bjork, Madonna) directed video for Aphex Twin's single "Windowlicker" (1999, Warp Records), James picks up some girls in his ridiculously pimped-out stretch limo, beating out two foul-mouthed playas in the process. The video was meant to be a parody of contemporary American rap music, but in the end, the viewer is mostly left with a taste of James' usual creepiness. (Fast forward to 4:15 to get directly to the music)
The music itself is one of my favorite Aphex Twin tracks, a "smooth yet erratic" tune that exemplifies one James' many, many unique (often bizarre, sometimes disturbing) styles. Oddly enough, the track has been featured in a number of advertisements, including Mercedes-Benz and Nickelodeon. Buy the single at Amazon, or get your download on at Bleep or Beatport.
all songs are posted because we love them and think they make the world a better place. they are for sampling purposes only (duh). if you like what you hear, buy the record or see the concert!!! if you own the copyright to anything that appears on this site, contact us.
Chris + John from Girls during Spiritualized.
John from Girls + golden pom pom girl during "Walk With Jesus."
Vivian Girls on the Pitchfork Stage. "My Baby Wants Me Dead."
Drummer from Girls leaving Vivian Girls
Richard D. James, aka Aphex Twin, murdering the crowd post- MBV.
Dan Deacon clearing the floor late-night.
Dan Deacon Ensemble member, in red M&M costume(?), instructing the crowd.
The complete lack of verifiable information about Black Devil adds an element of mystery to their music that automatically makes them intriguing, and has even led some to question whether they exist at all. As the story goes, French duo Bernard Fevre and Jackie Giordano quietly released the Disco Club EP in 1978 under the Black Devil guise before quickly fading away. The record was a highly respected, hard-to-find artifact that was years ahead of its time in terms of musical style and technique: pulsating, bongo-infused, arpeggiating spacey disco with a slightly darker edge, recorded without the aid of computers.
