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  ***As with all ZA albums, the tracks are continuously collaged and must play without a pause. Playing from the embedded player often causes a break between sections. It is best to download the whole album!***
  
  S M A R T C A N D L E
  
  "I HAVE SOMETHING TO PLAY OVER THAT THOUGH" M.J. McLean
  
  The first track is in 11/8. From there it cuts relentlessly through a series of trebly vignettes. Some phasing and tape speed manipulation, some nice melodies, some rhythms and bass. All the mellotron bits come from one "F#" that Tony Price sent us. There is a sort-of Sun Ra cover in the middle. It ends with a reprise of themes that have yet to happen (Sterling's Coda), but this works really well if you accidentally listened to side 2 first...
  
  We were working it out ad fueled by day-old doughnuts and coffee.
  
  Side two is named after Sterling Morrison. It was a attempt to wring a whole side out of a single riff. The main riff is in Emaj and it is still winning! Carl did that whole tune at home with the exception of the bass and "drums" bits done mith McLean (who had not heard the rest of the tune yet).
  
  The title is from the name of a cheap Roman Candle firecracker we bought. There is a holiday in May when you can buy these around. The cover image is a handful of them!
  
  SMART CANDLE MAY NOT BE HIFI BUT IT IS HI-MOOD ... more
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