Paragraphs and Principles
Label | Jelodanti Records – Jelo 21 |
Format | 2 x Vinyl, LP, Album, Limited Edition, Numbered |
Barcode | 2090505128505 |
Country | France |
Released | 20 Jan 2021 |
Genre | Rock, Pop, Folk, World, & Country |
Style | Avantgarde, Experimental |
'Paragraphs And Principles' is the most ambitious album yet by the experimental, maverick pop group Officer! The group has surprised itself with this dazzling yet almost dangerous collection of pieces that keep alive the glorious memory of composer Cornelius Cardew - comrade and champion. His work, while of its time, remains strangely contemporary. It is difficult music - mystifying perhaps, idealistic certainly, and contentious without doubt. That said, Cardew was also drawn to rousing, goose-bump melodies that wear their politics on their sleeves. Since his untimely and sinister death in 1981, the world has come full circle and Cardew's desire for rebellion, democratisation, rejection of crass popularism, and a revolution in politics, thought and approach have all become relevant once more. Officer!'s tribute to Cardew features several dynamic re-interpretations of his key works, as well new music that draws inspiration from his principles and philosophy. For this outing, Officer! is Mick Hobbs, Felix Fiedorowicz and Bill Gilonis alongside a stunning line-up of 30 performers from 8 countries. No one knows quite how this project came about - it's almost an international conspiracy, and certainly a closely guarded secret. We hope only that upon their unleashing, these fierce new sounds may be heard by as many ears as possible.
A1 | Three Rules And Eight Points | 2:51 |
A2 | Two Paragraphs | 4:20 |
A3 | The Song Of Ruthless Criticism | 2:09 |
A4 | The Song About Navigation | 2:57 |
A5 | The Croppy Boy | 4:02 |
B1 | Moscow Nights | 3:30 |
B2 | Make The Past Serve The Present | 3:37 |
B3 | Winter Potato #3 | 4:49 |
B4 | The Telephone Song | 1:58 |
B5 | The East Is Red | 3:07 |
C1 | Fish And Ships | 1:49 |
C2 | Albania, My Dear Comrade And Brother | 4:08 |
C3 | Unintended Music For Ensemble | 9:41 |
C4 | Red Flag Prelude | 3:48 |
Lacquer Cut By – André Perriat
Layout – Peter Hobbs
Liner Notes – Harry Gilonis
Mastered By – Noel Summerville
Mixed By – Jeroen Visser
Producer – Bill Gilonis
Producer, Mixed By, Cover – Mick Hobbs
Officer! was founded by Londoner Mick Hobbs. His roots were in the Rock In Opposition scene of the late 70s and early 80s. Initially he worked as bass player in The Work, where Bill was the guitarist (one of them). He became closely associated with This Heat and their Cold Storage Studio in Brixton, working with artists like Family Fodder, Catherine Jauniaux and Zeena Parkins. Felix was involved in Officer! recordings from the earliest days.
The band’s first album “8 New Songs By Mick Hobbs” came out in 1982 on cassette only. It was followed by the second album, “Ossification”. “Paragraphs and Principles” is the most ambitious album yet by the experimental, maverick pop group Officer!. The band has surprised itself with this dazzling yet almost dangerous collection of pieces that keep alive the glorious memory of composer Cornelius Cardew – comrade and champion. His work, whilst of its time, remains strangely contemporary. It is difficult music – mystifying perhaps, idealistic certainly, and contentious, without doubt. That said, Cardew was also drawn to rousing, goose-bump melodies that wear their politics on their sleeve. Since his untimely and sinister death in 1981, the world has come full circle and Cardew’s desire for rebellion, democratisation, rejection of crass popularism, and a revolution in politics, thought and approach have all become relevant once more. Officer!’s tribute to Cardew features several dynamic re-interpretations of his key works, as well as new music that draws inspiration from his principles and philosophy.
All arrangements and sample programming by Fiedorowicz, except: ‘Three Rules and Eight Points’: Pyper/Fiedorowicz, and ‘Fish and Ships’: Hobbs. Produced and engineered by Fiedorowicz/Gilonis/Hobbs.
Additional engineering by Luc White (A4, B1,B5), Jared Paolini at Tempo House, Baltimore (B2), Jeroen Visser (B1). Mixed by Ben Hobbs (A1, A2, A5, B3, B4, C1–4), Jeroen Visser (A3–4, B2, B5) and Martin Harrison (B1).
Recorded 2019–2021 in: Anidri, GR; Baltimore, US; Basel, CH; Broughton Hants, UK; Exoghi, GR; Guyencourt, FR; Lon- don, UK; Sutton Coldfield, UK; Wenffrwd, UK; and Zürich, CH.
Mastered by Noel Summerville at 3345 Mastering. Vinyl cut by André Pierrat.
Front cover installation by Mick Hobbs; design and layout by Peter Hobbs, Design adapted for vinyl format by Jelodanti.
Officer! is proud to dedicate this album to the memory of Joey Stack, who passed from this mortal earth on 2 August 2021.