Mick Karn - Three Part Species (20th Anniversary Edition)

Karn's fluid, expressive fretless bass playing helped define Japan's sound, bringing an unconventional melodic sensibility to landmark albums including 'Gentlemen Take Polaroids' & 'Tin Drum'. Through his subsequent work with 'Rain Tree Crow', his partnership with Peter Murphy in 'Dalis Car' & an adventurous solo catalogue, Karn continued to explore the possibilities beyond traditional song structures. Originally released in 2006 on his own MK Music label, 'Three Part Species' is Karn's seventh solo album & a compelling expression of that independent spirit. Drawing together electronica, jazz, hip- hop & art pop, it moves between intricate rhythmic passages & spacious, atmospheric compositions, its shifting moods held together by a quietly assured musical vision. The delicate piano & ambient textures of 'Floating Home' & 'Chocolate Was A Boy' sit alongside the Middle Eastern inflections of 'Pitta Pop', revealing a composer equally attuned to subtle detail & unexpected turns. Throughout, Karn's instinct for melody gives this exploratory music an inviting, deeply human character. Written, mixed & produced by Mick Karn, the album also features Becky Collins, who contributes lyrics & vocals to 'All You Have'. This 20th anniversary edition presents a fourth side comprising three bonus tracks: the single versions of 'Of & About' & 'All You Have', alongside 'The Edge Of Charm'. An absorbing chapter in the work of a singular musician, 'Three Part Species' rewards the time spent in its company.