Alright mates, how are we? 

Joe here from your favourite record shop above a furniture store, Vinyl Underground. I’ve been wanting to write about some of my favourite labels and records for some time, and now we have the VU Basement Blog I couldn’t think better place to start than with in my opinion one of the most consistent, high quality, unique and beautiful music labels to look for when you’re record shopping, Music From Memory. 

Founded with the aim of digging up forgotten Ambient / Experimental gems from the late '70s and '80s, as well as showcasing new and established talent, this label has become a go-to for anyone looking to explore the depths of sound. So we’re gonna have a look through a couple of my personal favourite releases to get you started, or highlight something you may have missed. 

Gigi Masin - Talk To The Sea

The first time I was introduced to the label was with their second release back in 2014 around when I first started working at VU, the most incredible ‘Talk To The Sea’ by the legend that is Gigi Masin, who’s 1986 album ‘Wind’ was actually my introduction to this kind of sound and often regarded as a landmark album. ‘Talk To The Sea’ is a compilation album packed with a mixture of both previously released rarities and a good amount of never heard before pieces. If you aren’t familiar with him, start here! Masin’s use of minimalistic arrangements paired with evocative melodies make this album another standout not just in his career, but in the wider ambient genre. If you’re ever looking to unwind or set a calming tone, this is an absolute must. From the very first track you’re transported to a dreamy coastal atmosphere, weaving seamlessly between sounds and moods. A truly special experience to get lost in.

Favourite tracks - ‘Snake Theory’, ‘The Nylon Dollar’, ‘The Word Love’, ‘Call Me’. 

MFM002 - 2014

Roberto Musci - Tower Of Silence

Next up, the more experimental sounds of Roberto Musci – Tower Of Silence, a compilation of the artists work between 1983-97. I’m not sure how many customers and friends I've recommended this album to, but it’s not enough. This next bit is a short story about the album copied from the VU website. “Musci set out to travel across India, Asia and Africa extensively between 1974-85. Throughout this period of travel, he would make many field recordings as well as collect and study many traditional and indigenous instruments that he would then later combine with synthesisers and electronics on his return to Italy. Combining personal documents of music and sounds deeply connected to the history and cultures of those lands, with his own explorations and experiments with cutting-edge sound technology Roberto Musci would develop through his music a very unique and at times wholly mystical space, where ancient and modern would evolve into a new musical language.” Maybe my love for this album came from that most interesting combination of elements mentioned above I wasn’t familiar with, each track certainly has an individual feel and story to it. Another unique trip on the MFM catalogue. 

Favourite tracks - ‘Nexus On The Beach’, ’Tamatave’, ‘A Tale For C’, ‘Lullabies... Mother Sings... Father Plays…’  

MFM014 - 2016

Virtual Dreams: Ambient Explorations I & II

For a more recent MFM release, I have to go to ‘Virtual Dreams: Ambient Explorations In The House & Techno Age, 1993-1997’. Encapsulating the ambient sounds that flourished during the transformative years of House and Techno from 1993 to 1997 as the European producers found their place alongside the classic Detroit and Chicago records. Here you'll find electronic soundscapes, off kilter rhythms and a sense of exploration that invites listeners to immerse themselves in the sonic experience. It’s a great representation of how ambient music intertwined with dance culture, highlighting the creativity and innovation of the time. Including tracks from LFO, Richard H. Kirk, Move D, The Primitive Painter and so many more… Pretty impressive I'm sure you agree, as it would be for MFM’s milestone 50th release. Instead of picking a few favourites here just go play it from start to finish and thank me later! 

MFM050 - 2020

Also at time of writing, the second Virtual Dreams compilation: ‘Virtual Dreams II (Ambient Explorations In The House & Techno Age, Japan 1993-1999)’ has landed in store, and it’s been on the turntable ever since. Another magical journey, this time focusing on Nipponese producers and their unique take on the ‘Listening Techno’ as it is known in Japan. 

Favourite tracks, so far - ‘Phoenix At Desert’, ‘Flutter’, ‘Poisson D'Avril (Galaxy Dub)’, ‘Escape’

MFM072 - 2024 

Alongside the vinyl, digital and CD releases, they have a quality mix series on Soundcloud you can find here. Some personal favourites in the series include Tornado Wallace, Phil Mison & Kuniyuki Takahashi. Similarly to the label, these range from Ambient to House and the weird and wonderful worlds in between! 

Finally, a big thank you and utmost respect to the label owners Tako Reyenga and Jamie Tiller for their finely tuned ear and meticulous attention to detail that has remained unwavering since the very first release. From the beautiful sleeve artwork to the dedication in finding these gems, every aspect of their releases has been conducted at the highest level. Jamie, sadly no longer with us but his legacy will live on through MFM and beyond as a forever lasting page in the history of music. 

Well if you’re still reading, big up, we are now friends. I will be doing more of these in the future (unless the boss tells me to stick to the day job) sharing more quality labels and records I love, and hopefully you will too. 

In the meantime, get digging on the VU website where you’ll find plenty of MFM releases for purchase - right here.

And check out my Spotify Playlist for some of the tracks mentioned above as well as loads more beauties to get lost in from the label - Joe Selects… Music From Memory

Cheers! 

Joe