Prefuse 73, Preparations: so good

Once I really got into Prefuse 73, it was, for a time, the only thing I could listen to. Because it sounds so good, and nothing else sounds quite like it, save the attempts of numerous hopefuls at the mpc forums, who do their best, but never quite attain the MPC mastery of Scott Herron. The new album is far from a departure from form: just more great melodies formed from stretched vocal, string, bass, and noise samples, and infused with a wide array of interesting sounds to stimulate your ears. The only really "new" thing about this release is that the drums sounds better here than on any other Prefuse 73 release, like he's finally settled upon the perfect crisp snare sounds and deep bass kicks to accompany his tunes. Many critics have noted the album's return to form, citing Surrounded by Silence and Security Screening as disappoining diversions from the classic Prefuse sound. I agree that those albums were a diversion, but disagree that they were disappointing, as I think they are on par with all of Herron's work.

Prefuse 73 is one of those artists that truly inspires others to create. Once anyone starts really to listen, it's difficult not to become fascinated with the MPC and it's infinite possibilities, and I feel pretty sure that his work has strongly influenced many young musicians to themselves attempt to master the device. It was definitely the thing that motivated me, and, though I've come far in my MPC skills, listening to Prefuse 73 leaves me with the humble conclusion that I will probably never have the time, dedication, and pure talent necessary to reach the level of skill demonstrated by Herron, who is, in all likelihood, the device's greatest master.