Owl Service Return

[David Gladwin]

I guess the proof of the 'pinching' will be in the listening?  Do we know who the FLK were?

They were David Owen (a.k.a. David Ashmoore) formerly of The Hollow Men and his Hollow Men bandmate Choque Hosein, who was also the mainman of Black Star Liner.

Story here:

https://www.electronicsound.co.uk/features/time-machine/the-flk/

[davidmjs]

I guess the proof of the 'pinching' will be in the listening?  Do we know who the FLK were?

They were David Owen (a.k.a. David Ashmoore) formerly of The Hollow Men and his Hollow Men bandmate Choque Hosein, who was also the mainman of Black Star Liner.

Story here:

https://www.electronicsound.co.uk/features/time-machine/the-flk/

Thanks for that.  Weird it never crossed my radar at the time.  Chill Out is an old favourite.  

[David Gladwin]

Thanks for that.  Weird it never crossed my radar at the time.  Chill Out is an old favourite.  

My wife refers to We Know Where the Time Goes as Swill Out.

[davidmjs]

Thanks for that.  Weird it never crossed my radar at the time.  Chill Out is an old favourite.  

My wife refers to We Know Where the Time Goes as Swill Out.

Ha

[davidmjs]

OK, so it's an oral tradition but as sonic architects we build using contemporary materials so, like the seasons of the year, it goes around and comes around.

But you don't pinch someone else's idea wholesale. Do you?

I bought a couple of titles from the Owl Service via Bandcamp, which means I'm on their mailing list. Here's an extract from the email which arrived from them yesterday.

-----

Our epic ambient-folk suite (a kind of folk version of the KLF's 'Chill Out' album) is now complete - titled THE PATTERN BENEATH THE PLOUGH, it features [uncleared] samples from around 30 classic folk records, plus sound effects and dialogue from several films and TV broadcasts, so this will definitely be one to grab fast before we're served with a 'cease & desist' notice!! We hope to release the album on CD and download on 06.06.25, which will be the 19th anniversary of the formation of THE OWL SERVICE.

-----

Is there any way Steven Collins isn't aware of this?

https://www.discogs.com/release/3152935-The-FLK-We-Know-Where-The-Time-Goes

Well, I've just been speaking to him...and (like me) he genuinely wasn't (aware).  But he's changing some of the wording of the press release to perhaps better reflect what it actually is.  And what it actually is...is flipping brilliant.  I've just had a the luxury of a first listen to a rough mix.  Everything you want it to be is exactly what it is.  I could have produced it myself if I had a single ounce of talent.  Wonderful...watch this space for more news.

[David Gladwin]

OK, so it's an oral tradition but as sonic architects we build using contemporary materials so, like the seasons of the year, it goes around and comes around.

But you don't pinch someone else's idea wholesale. Do you?

I bought a couple of titles from the Owl Service via Bandcamp, which means I'm on their mailing list. Here's an extract from the email which arrived from them yesterday.

-----

Our epic ambient-folk suite (a kind of folk version of the KLF's 'Chill Out' album) is now complete - titled THE PATTERN BENEATH THE PLOUGH, it features [uncleared] samples from around 30 classic folk records, plus sound effects and dialogue from several films and TV broadcasts, so this will definitely be one to grab fast before we're served with a 'cease & desist' notice!! We hope to release the album on CD and download on 06.06.25, which will be the 19th anniversary of the formation of THE OWL SERVICE.

-----

Is there any way Steven Collins isn't aware of this?

https://www.discogs.com/release/3152935-The-FLK-We-Know-Where-The-Time-Goes

Well, I've just been speaking to him...and (like me) he genuinely wasn't (aware).  But he's changing some of the wording of the press release to perhaps better reflect what it actually is.  And what it actually is...is flipping brilliant.  I've just had a the luxury of a first listen to a rough mix.  Everything you want it to be is exactly what it is.  I could have produced it myself if I had a single ounce of talent.  Wonderful...watch this space for more news.

Sounds promising! Do please give Steven my apologies for being the one to point this out.

[DarrenWilliams]

I've had the email from the Owl Service and replied to express my interest. Sounds very interesting.

I also wasn't aware of FLK. Are there any more examples of folk - ambient / techno / EDM crossover?

[David Gladwin]

I've had the email from the Owl Service and replied to express my interest. Sounds very interesting.

I also wasn't aware of FLK. Are there any more examples of folk - ambient / techno / EDM crossover?

I'd recommend these two albums, both from 1993 and good companion pieces for listening.

The first is United Kingdoms by Ultramarine, which includes two vocals from Robert Wyatt as well as a cover of his Matching Mole tune Instant Kitten.

https://www.discogs.com/release/171924-Ultramarine-United-Kingdoms

The second is the eponymous album by Aon, who were folk singers Graham and Annie Burton (mother of Louise Rhodes from Lamb, who appears on backing vocals) along with producer Youth. Includes a version of Quiet Joys (as they call it).

https://www.discogs.com/release/466961-AON-Aon

[davidmjs]

I've had the email from the Owl Service and replied to express my interest. Sounds very interesting.

I also wasn't aware of FLK. Are there any more examples of folk - ambient / techno / EDM crossover?

I'd recommend these two albums, both from 1993 and good companion pieces for listening.

The first is United Kingdoms by Ultramarine, which includes two vocals from Robert Wyatt as well as a cover of his Matching Mole tune Instant Kitten.

https://www.discogs.com/release/171924-Ultramarine-United-Kingdoms

The second is the eponymous album by Aon, who were folk singers Graham and Annie Burton (mother of Louise Rhodes from Lamb, who appears on backing vocals) along with producer Youth. Includes a version of Quiet Joys (as they call it).

https://www.discogs.com/release/466961-AON-Aon

The first is a fave since the time...one of the earlier CD purchases of mine (although EMAWIAS was *the* first).  Don't know the latter -but will investigate.

[David Gladwin]

OK, so I too have now heard The Pattern Beneath the Plough, several times. Here's what I think.

It's far ahead of the FLK record, which works as an art/concept joke but doesn’t stem from a love and understanding of the music. The Pattern Beneath the Plough plays like a long and languid medley by my new favourite Acid Folk act. Rhythmic and propulsive passages, interspersed with peaceful interludes – lovely stuff.

I’d say there’s little chance of anyone who hears this comparing it unfavourably to either the FLK or the KLF. So they could just not mention either and let it out into the world another way.

[davidmjs]

And here is that other way (the link is guaranteed - nothing dodgy).  

With Steven's permission and encouragement (includes new press statement etc.):

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/av45tp82ltqvptt0rn83m/AOfN8odwd_dI-L3VzQ0wTU4?e=1&fbclid=IwY2xjawJ-xAtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBDNzB0VHk2aWx1eWlwT3QwAR5wH84yGDNNN6Bb7bd1aGZFTuLVtpIHAX547X4UOyq5vnAsEsqXJd3torvong_aem__WeuvAVPAMzdZFgiNyOURg&rlkey=nfc29f46j6yf5rb5np7j6klht&dl=0

[DarrenWilliams]

OK, so I too have now heard The Pattern Beneath the Plough, several times. Here's what I think.

It's far ahead of the FLK record, which works as an art/concept joke but doesn’t stem from a love and understanding of the music. The Pattern Beneath the Plough plays like a long and languid medley by my new favourite Acid Folk act. Rhythmic and propulsive passages, interspersed with peaceful interludes – lovely stuff.

I’d say there’s little chance of anyone who hears this comparing it unfavourably to either the FLK or the KLF. So they could just not mention either and let it out into the world another way.

I was going to buy anyway but this has prompted me to do so immediately. Thanks