The Sophist- Subliminal Control LP
I’ve had this LP kicking around for ages, but never really thought much about it. One of my recent great purges had me reconsidering this record, and after careful consideration, I’m all in. Here we have a private press, gonzo minimal synth record from 1987, the lone album by an otherwise mysterious project from the NY/NJ area. There’s a tape edition of this album, as well as a single-sided flexi 7” of the title track, which in itself is worth the price of admission alone.
There are quite a few experimental pieces in play here, dark ambient passages mixed with short industrial landscapes, and a long, evolving piece that fills out side B. As mentioned though, minimal synth heads will love the title track, a furious 18-minute KR-55 workout that starts with gusto, begins to wear out its welcome, and by the time it finishes, comes back around again and commands the utmost respect. It’s one helluva ride.
With all that in mind, here’s the rundown:
The Sophist- Subliminal Control LP
1. Attention All People
2. Subliminal Control
3. Baby
4. Eternal Performance
February 10, 2019 at 1:48 pm
I, for one, am glad you kept this! I’d’ve never heard it otherwise.
February 25, 2019 at 9:21 pm
Playing it just now and LOVING it. “Not purging” this one? Great call! And thanks for sharing.
June 9, 2019 at 12:58 am
Love this. I put Eternal Performance on the latest episode of our podcast, but broke it into three parts. I think it worked quite well, notwithstanding any concerns about the “proper” way to hear it.
https://soundcloud.com/extra-noir/extra-noir-podcast-episode-46
September 13, 2019 at 2:52 pm
i was just about to rip my copy of it. glad you did it first!
October 31, 2024 at 3:19 am
Mort Marks (The Sophist) was a very close friend of mine back in the 80s when we both lived in the same apt building in Hoboken- I was the one who designed the album cover/poster etc- I had graduated from Parsons not long before. His performances of several of these pieces with Poppo and the GoGo Boys at 8BC and Danceteria etc back in the mid 80s were mesmerizing. Sad to say we lost touch after I moved away form NYC and I think he passed away some years ago as he had a lot of health issues. He totally produced this album (and cassette etc) out of his own pocket.