David Torn's Cloud About Mercury- First Impressions

[Sean]

This week my friend Vaylor heard David Torn's Cloud About Mercury for the first time. He wasn't really familiar with David until he started digging and then realized he's heard him on a lot of albums over the years. We look at some and I suggest some projects David was part of besides this one. Of course, the Achilles' heel is Bruford's dated Simmons electric drum sounds. That said, this album just wouldn't be what it is without them, and we acknowledge that.

Any fans of this album? What is it about it that appeals to you? When did you first hear it?



"Vaylor is all about ECM. Sean is torn about drum sounds (get it?) We make a brief stop in Oslo by way of Los Angeles."

[markwoll]

My first Torn album.
I bought it as a used cd a long time ago. The Bruford connection made it a buy at the time.
A real eye opener.
3 Minutes of Pure Entertainment is one of my absolute favorite pieces of music.

[polmico]

Of course, the Achilles' heel is Bruford's dated Simmons electric drum sounds.

Could not disagree more. I want to say that they sound organic, and I likely deserve some hoots for saying so. But they do! For the music being made, they make absolutely sense (which, as you say, you acknowledged). Bruford never sounded better with electronic drums than on this set. In fact, I'm not sure electronic drumming ever sounded better than I this set (I suspect I should revisit some '00s Crimson right away!).

[proggy_jazzer]

Yeah, the e-drums never bothered me on this side at all. Something about Torn's sound and the overall ECM-ishness of the production makes it sound all of a piece to my ears. Love this record.

[Zeuhlmate]

Following Bruford I heard this album when it was released.
I like it, and Brufords tuned percussion fits the music, allthough I prefer him on a regular kit.

[Boceephus]

This is a perfect album. I’m okay with Bruford’s E-drums. It works.


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[Dave (in MA)]

In general I'm not a fan of e-drums, but this and the first Earthworks albums are examples of where they're put to good effect, with the ABWH live album at the extreme opposite end of the scale, IMO.

B.L.U.E. did a great job with 3MOPE.

I recall reading that both Bruford and Levin had bugged Torn about the possibility of remixing the Mercury album to make the bass more prominent. I'd like to see that happen.

Around the time I bought this album I happened to hear this show that featured it, plus a lot of other interesting stuff including an in-studio Torn improv:
https://www.newsounds.org/story/6487...table-composer A well-played cassette of this show is somewhere in my stash of little-used cassettes.

[StarThrower]

I need to give it a fresh spin. But I played the whole album in the car three years ago after buying the ECM reissue and I really dug the music and the sound of the record. Two weeks ago I was in a used bookstore and I found a copy of Polytown. I've never been disappointed with anything on the CMP label and this one was no exception.

[Kcrimso]

E-drums used to bother me but not anymore as I feel they are integral part of the sound of the album.

[interbellum]

I recall reading that both Bruford and Levin had bugged Torn about the possibility of remixing the Mercury album to make the bass more prominent. I'd like to see that happen.

Would be interesting to hear. And if they would find a good recording from on of the live-shows with Mick Karn replacing Levin I would be delighted!

[TheNefariousHED]

It's always a treat when tracks from CAM shuffle up. Of its era more than timeless, but still a worthy listen. THOSE DAG-NABBED ELECTRONIC DRUMS!!

[Dave (in MA)]

Would be interesting to hear. And if they would find a good recording from on of the live-shows with Mick Karn replacing Levin I would be delighted!

https://www.innerviews.org/inner/torn1.html. Levin was brought in to substitute for Karn in the first place.

[Zeuhlmate]

Would be interesting to hear. And if they would find a good recording from on of the live-shows with Mick Karn replacing Levin I would be delighted!

David Torn: guitars/effects/electric koto
Mark Isham: Trumpet/Keyboards
Bill Bruford: Drums/ Electronic Percussion
Mick Karn: bass

[markwoll]

Super nice video, thanks!

[interbellum]

David Torn: guitars/effects/electric koto
Mark Isham: Trumpet/Keyboards
Bill Bruford: Drums/ Electronic Percussion
Mick Karn: bass

I watched this tv-show when it was aired in Germany and got a copy on DVD. But the quality isn't what one would release officially (copy of copy of ...), so maybe the original recording lies in an archive at the WDR somewhere.

[gearHed289]

I remember this from the 80s. Was WAY into 80s Crim at the time, and my bro-in-law was a Bruford disciple, so we were all over anything with Bruford and/or Levin. It's been a LONG time since I listened to this. On my list...