John Foxx-Metamatics (1980) Getting Lots of Airplay

I’ve been a fan of John Foxx for many years.  His minimalistic approach on Metamatics was influential to me beyond words.

I recently purchased a limited edition Metamatics on CD to replace the vinyl that had gone missing over the years.  A week ago I was blasting it in my project studio when my son came in to have a listen.  Without prompting it has become the most played album in our home and car.  He has claimed it as his own and now says I want to hear CD1 or CD2(bonus tracks).  Naturally, as with most 5 year old boys play it again, again, and again is par for the course.  To most people this would seem a problem since we live in a world where access to hundreds/thousands of tracks is possible via iPods and other Mp3 devices.  Nonetheless, with every listen I am reminded why he was influential to artist like Gary Numan. I’m also reminded over and over again about what a great influence he was and is to me still.   I have had other influences and still do, but John Foxx is at the top of the stack

His minimalist approach is not only evident in the music but also the gear he used.  He reportedly only used 8 tracks for the tracks.  The primary synthesizer was an ARP Odyssey, Roland CR-78, Elka String Synthesizer, MXR doubler/flanger, Roland Space Echo 301, and a Minimoog occasionally.

The synth work on this album is impeccable and the string sounds he achieved are to me, legendary. If you get some time listen to this album, do so. The futuristic and Ballardian aspects have never been more apparent to me than here.

The engineer is Gareth Jones of Depeche Mode and Daniel Miller fame.  Brilliant!

Billy Currie (Ultravox) claimed that they didn’t get along because John Foxx was too artsy.  I bet today he cannot deny how important Metamatics has become and how well it has stood the test of time.

He is currently in the studio working with Benge (the great synth collector and artist)  I look forward to that.