Jori Hulkkonen – The Spirits Inside Me

Would be awesome to get a remastered vinyl 2x12" of this bad boy!!

I wish this Pearl would be remastered, as "Selkäsaari Tracks" was. An important Arrival in my life...

Though THE SPIRITS INSIDE ME starts off with the wobbly tech of "Nitewalking," the track soon sways into abstract downtempo territory. But there are surprises in store: the delicate "Äärirajoilla" brings the back the beats, while "6.12" introduces a hint of jazz. The moody tech-house returns on "The Street Near Your Place" (and in more uplifting form on "You Don't Belong Here"). But the game shifts dramatically with the out-and-out disco-house groove of "Red Tape District," a sure-fire dancefloor hit. Similarly, "7 Nites, 7 Dayz" draws upon then-labelmate's St. Germain style of blues-sampling house. Needless to say, it's pretty awesome. "Kemi" starts to close out the album on more relaxing downtempo, though it's really the hidden track that brings things out on a peppy little note. The spirits are strong here.

imagine a frosty, snowy winter evening . you return home after long busy day, or maybe you just stroll down some small lonely street without hurry. although you know these places since childhood, everything seems a bit mysterious this evening, it's like a frozen kingdom only kings and their servants are absent. snowflakes fall slowly and silently, leaving you completely alone with your thoughts. your mind steadliy sinks into the sweet sweet late night unconsciousness..

for me this is the soundtrack to this scenery, at least first 4 tracks. from then on the mood switches to a sunnier tone as we are treated with good 'ol raw "classic house" tracks ( this is basically a compilation of Jori's early work). the last track Kemi is definetely a standout. it's the name of Jori's hometown and it really feels like finally returning home while lstening to this great album closer. overall this album is quite unique as it captures house spirit with a frosty nordic touch and dare I say it's the only example of such attempt I've heard (maybe Jori's peer Vladislav Delay but his work is more abstract and ambient-ish and dub-ish..)

Some of Mr. Hulkkonen's best work is found on this album.

In fact, this album Is his best work so far. Every single song is a transcendental trip to the outer limits of Beauty itself. This album cannot be glorified enough, I can't even begin to imagine how Mr. Hulkkonen has come out with a certain tune at a certain moment in conjunction with a certain snare hit etc.

All I can say, is that this CD holds the essence of musical genius, oozed and compressed in nine deep house songs.