Alongside the dazzling, luminous producer figures of pop history, sound engineers have always led a shadowy existence. The recording professionals rarely shone, but were and are unconditionally committed to sound. But Scott Walker’s world fame is definitely connected with the name Peter Walsh, Conny Plank’s work was hermaphroditic, between production and engineering. Fortunately, word has got around in the meantime about how direct the influence of these »craftsmen of sound« is. This compilation explores the influence of one of these characters on a scene, a city, an entire region. The history of the pop city of Seattle cannot be imagined without Kearney Barton. When Barton died eight years ago, he left an archive of 7,000 tapes. On them everything and everyone who ever set foot in Barton’s studio. Among them are illustrious guests: The Wailers recorded here just like Quincy Jones or Ann Wilson from Hearts. But even the smallest band, the smallest project, he recorded with the same dedication. This mega-project, which was led by former Sub Pop employee Dan Trager, who himself learned the art of music recording from Barton, is dedicated to this dedication. The result is a fascinating testimony of the times, which brings together 29 tracks from the tapes: from Baptist choir to Balalaika orchestra. And the longer and deeper you listen to this record, the more the title of the record makes sense; Barton was an architect who constructed the scaffolding for a city.
SUMAC & Moor Mother
The Film
Thrill Jockey