Max Graef - Rivers Of The Red Planet (Anniversary Edition) Vinyl 2LP

Max Graef turns his attention back to his universally adored debut, Rivers of the Red Planet, and offers up an exclusive gatefold edition on marbled vinyl with new versions and unreleased gems. As such, on revisiting Rivers of the Red Planet for this Anniversary Edition, Graef decided to go beyond the basic repackaging and demo offcuts to deliver something meaningful that marks the passing of time and offers a fascinating answer to the sort of "what-ifs" so many fans of the album will have pondered. The new versions of key album tracks are as fascinating for the similarities as the differences, still bursting with the expressive flair of a versatile beat maker while comfortably leaning into a richer variety of moods and grooves. "Running (Ancient Mix)" is a downtempo dancehall-tinged dream that repositions Wayne Snow's wistful vocal in a street soul reverie replete with '90s RnB MIDI-harp. "Superswiss (Atmosphere Mix)" leans on plastic slap bass and deliciously dubbed out sax woven through a laconic beat for the ages -- the consummate lysergic swirl of chill out with teeth. "Itzehoe (World House Mix)" gets into a subheavy, spring-loaded new jack swing funk, like Jam & Lewis meeting Smith & Mighty downtown and stopping by the juice bar for a quick hit of freshness. "Jazz 104 (Acid Mix)" turns the heat up on busy, bustling breaks and bass licks that positively spring forth from the mix with a clarity and purpose that speaks to the progression in Graef's craft over the past decade.