Mute, 2003
This self-titled album is a welcome departure from Pole’s trio of similar-sounding numbered releases, of which CD 1 is the best example. Some of these tracks are downright funky, melding dub, hip-hop, and glitch under smooth, articulate rhymes by Fat Jon. Further demonstrating his ability to diversify, Betke teams with Thomas Haas on saxophone and August Engkilde on upright bass for a handful of tracks. Although this is an album full of collaborations, Betke’s ear for texture shines through. And his deep basslines are still capable of bringing down the house.
This is the kind of album that I wanted to like more than I actually liked. Download or burn; there are some worthwhile tracks but it’s not worth $16. I mean, he’s trying to be sure, but a lot of it ends up pretty blaise.