Jam & Spoon's "Tripomatic Fairytales" Book by KM7 & TIM STARK: Celebrating 30 Years of Electronic Music Excellence
Autumn 2023 Release Marks a Milestone in Electronic Music History
In the ever-evolving realm of electronic music, certain albums shine as beacons of innovation and creativity. "Tripomatic Fairytales 2001" by Jam & Spoon is undeniably one such masterpiece. As we approach the 30th anniversary of this iconic album, fans, and music enthusiasts alike are in for a treat with a commemorative book and a remastered edition of the LPs, slated for release in autumn 2023.
A Trailblazing Masterpiece
"Tripomatic Fairytales 2001," released in April 1993, marked a pivotal moment in electronic music history. It was the first artist album to introduce a groundbreaking sub-genre, setting the stage for the trance music phenomenon. Singles from the album, including the timeless "Stella," catapulted the LP to instant success under the SONY Music label.
Influence and Recognition
The impact of "Tripomatic" resonates to this day. MIXMAG, a prominent music publication, ranked it as the 21st Most Influential Dance Music Album of All Time. Meanwhile, DJ Mag recognized "Stella" as the standout track within the genre's first 25 years.
The Vision Behind the Commemoration
The idea to celebrate the 30th anniversary of "Tripomatic Fairytales 2001" came from Arny Bink, owner of Holland's Black Hole Recordings. The album had played a significant role in his and Tiësto's Magik Muzik record shop during the '90s. It was not until 2018, at the Amsterdam Dance Event, that Jam El Mar and Arny finally met and embarked on a joint venture to commemorate the beloved album.
Art Meets Music: A Collaborative Effort
The commemoration project brought together the original "Tripomatic" artist Klaus Mai and Jam El Mar, along with author Tim Stark. Klaus Mai, known for his KM7 design bureau, created the iconic "Tripomatic" artwork. Together, they envisioned expanding the artwork into a coffee table-sized book, creating a visual gallery that would be the ultimate tribute to the album. Over three years, Klaus designed dozens of new pieces inspired by the original artwork, providing a rich tapestry of visuals within the book's pages.
Unveiling the Backstory
To complete the project, author Tim Stark delved into the fascinating backstory of "Tripomatic Fairytales 2001." Through articles and interviews, Stark uncovered the cultural, social, and political climate in Germany during the album's creation and the profound influence it had. Conversations with Jam El Mar also offered insights into the album's inspirations, some reaching back 30 years, and the loss of Mark Spoon in 2006.
A Musical Tribute
The commemoration is not limited to visuals and stories. It also includes a 4xCD album titled "Tripomatic Fairytales - 30 Years." This collection features remastered versions of the three "Tripomatic" LPs (2001, 2002 & 3003) and a disc of reworked tracks from "2001." Collaborating closely with Jam El Mar, Black Hole Recordings A&Rs Arny Bink & Mark Meeuwissen worked with various remixers over several years to provide a fresh perspective on what "Tripomatic 2001" might sound like if produced today. Remixers include Paul Daley (formerly of Leftfield), Pig&Dan, Jerome Isma-Ae, M.I.K.E. Push, Whebba, and more. Spanning genres such as trance, techno, dub, and more, this album offers a captivating reinterpretation of the original.
A Multimedia Salute
"Jam & Spoon's Tripomatic Fairytales by KM7 and Tim Stark" is a multifaceted multimedia tribute to a groundbreaking album that forever changed the electronic music landscape. It will be available through all major booksellers in autumn 2023. This release promises to be a momentous event, celebrating the enduring legacy of an album that left an indelible mark on electronic music.
