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Ben Cardew

@bencardew.bsky.social
585 followers 171 following 495 posts

Music writing / music podcasting / who knows? linenoise.substack.com/ soundcloud.com/line-noise-podcast

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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
On the newsletter this week: “Even when I went to clubs, I was alone.” - an interview with u.r.trax. Plus reviews of new music from Matthew Herbert; Anna Butterss, John Raymond and Ben Lumsdaine; Ex:Re; Arthur Hnatek and Peel Dream Magazine. linenoise.substack.com/p/even-when-...?
linenoise.substack.com
“Even when I went to clubs, I was alone.” - an interview with u.r.trax
Plus Matthew Herbert, Ton Steine Scherben, Ex:Re; Arthur Hnatek and more
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
what with Mercury Rev re-releasing Boces and all, how about you read my Quietus piece on the album? And WHAT an album it is.... thequietus.com/opinion-and-...
thequietus.com
A Circus Of Colour & Light: Mercury Rev's Boces 25 Years On | The Quietus
If much modern guitar music has the feel of a black and white thriller then Mercury Rev’s Boces, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, is The Wizard Of Oz, remade in 3D with 5.1 sound, scra...
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Ya conocemos el cartel del @primavera-sound.bsky.social 2027 e invitamos a Pau Cristòfol, booker, y a Alba Molleda, encargada de Redes Sociales, para desgranar el cartel. Hablamos de Fointanes DC, Turnstile, Chemical Brothers, Skrillex, Doechii, Hayley Williams y más www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkZX...
youtube.com
Desgranando el cartel de Primavera Sound 2027 | RPS MUSIC
YouTube video by RPS_MUSIC
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Among the various @primavera-sound.bsky.social 2027 talk, not enough has been made of the fact that Pole is doing a set based on his first three albums! It's the dub techno bible!
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
On a bumper edition of the Line Noise podcast, I spoke to British dance music royalty, in the shape of Dave Angel, a producer who made his recorded debut in 1990 and who released a greatest hits, in the form of Classics, 30 years ago. soundcloud.com/line-noise-p...
soundcloud.com
Line Noise 282 - Dave Angel Interview: UK Techno Legend on New Album A Time and Place, Eurythmics + more
On this bumper edition of Line Noise, Ben Cardew speaks to British dance music royalty, in the shape of Dave Angel, a producer who made his recorded debut in 1990 and who released a greatest hits, in
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
¿Cuál es el mejor cartel de la historia de Primavera Sound? Celebramos las 25 ediciones del festival con el ranking definitivo. www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMrW...
youtube.com
¿Cuál es el MEJOR cartel de la historia de Primavera Sound? 🥇| Tier List | RPS MUSIC
YouTube video by RPS_MUSIC
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
On the newsletter this week: Too many DJs - or saying no to the DJ-ification of modern life. “I am getting fed up with seeing DJs literally everywhere…” linenoise.substack.com/p/too-many-d...
linenoise.substack.com
Too many DJs - or saying no to the DJ-ification of modern life
Plus BFTT, Starcleaner Reunion, Mike Nasty, Popol Vuh and more
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Line Noise 281 - Axel Boman Interview: The Story Behind Tell it to the Mountain. For the Line Noise podcast, I spoke to Axel Boman about glaciers, exhaustion, hiking and house music, as he looks forward to his new album with Superpitcher, Tell It To The Mountain. soundcloud.com/line-noise-p...
soundcloud.com
Line Noise 281 - Axel Boman Interview: The Story Behind Tell it to the Mountain
Ben Cardew spoke to Axel Boman about glaciers, exhaustion, hiking and house music, as they look forward to his excellent new album with Superpitcher, Tell It To The Mountain, the first to be released
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
qu'est-ce-que c'est?
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
On the newsletter: Boom-Chick-Wobble: 10 Dance Tracks Built on Absolutely Ridiculous Noises. “One of my favourite genres of dance music is that of ridiculous noise with a beat. Sometimes bass noises, often they mimic animals and sometimes just plain bizarre…” linenoise.substack.com/p/boom-chick...
linenoise.substack.com
Boom-Chick-Wobble: 10 Dance Tracks Built on Absolutely Ridiculous Noises
Plus Takuya Nakamura, Shelley Parker, OR, miaw, Gazella and more
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Always a good idea!
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
I reviewed the new - gorgeously unsettling - Agnes Obel record for @pitchfork.com and I even got away with a Deep Forest reference. “For music that is so unashamedly beautiful, there is something distinctly unnerving about The Meaning of Flowers…“ pitchfork.com/reviews/albu...
pitchfork.com
Agnes Obel: The Meaning of Flowers
Read Ben Cardew’s review of the album.
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
I wrote about this a few years ago, now I think about it. djmag.com/features/how...
djmag.com
How Deep Dish's 'Junk Science' pushed house music into new territory
After six years of standalone productions and remixes, Ali “Dubfire” Shirazinia and Sharam Tayebi’s 1998 debut LP as Deep Dish marked a transition for the duo, crafting a rock / house fusion that shou...
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
yeah when the song goes from large to HUGE!!!!
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
totally prefer the instrumental too. Stay Gold really didn't need a vocal, it has a wonderful space to it and the vocal gets in the way.
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
PS It is apparently their first ever joint interview. I didn't realise that!
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
On the Line Noise podcast, a special head to head with @mikeparadinas.bsky.social + Frank Naughton. The interview is to celebrate the release of re-release of Tango N’Vectif, which was composed by both Paradinas and Naughton. It’s their first joint interview in years. soundcloud.com/line-noise-p...
soundcloud.com
Line Noise 280 - µ-Ziq: The Making of IDM Classic Tango N’Vectif
This week on Line Noise, we have a very special head to head featuring Mike Paradinas - aka µ-Ziq - and Frank Naughton - also aka µ-Ziq, in the early days. The interview is to celebrate the release
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Dear @president.ie. I am not sure who is responsible but whoever designed the new(ish?) Irish passport definitely deserves a raise. It looks amazing! The dog is a lovely touch.
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
For the first ever Line Noise Files, I went deep into Super Discount, one of the most inspirational, graceful and eccentric records of the French Touch movement, on video. www.youtube.com/watch?v=9H9_...
youtube.com
Etienne de Crécy & French Touch: The Story of Super Discount - Line Noise Files #1
YouTube video by RPS_MUSIC
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
On the newsletter today: Beyond Flat Beat: 5 Essential Mr. Oizo Masterpieces. From inadvertent hit song to experimental film via screeching electro and tortured disco Mr Oizo - has one of the most fascinating histories of the French Touch … linenoise.substack.com/p/beyond-fla...
linenoise.substack.com
Beyond Flat Beat: 5 Essential Mr. Oizo Masterpieces
Plus Dianka, Manami, Fundido & Nieri, 300SkullsAndCounting
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
On the newsletter this week: A mysterious devotion - three songs to fall in love with Jah Wobble. “Sometimes you don’t even know when you fall in love…” Plus reviews of new music from Sully, Andy Stott, Sam Alfred, Sir Hiss, Djrum and gyrofield  linenoise.substack.com/p/a-mysterio...
linenoise.substack.com
A mysterious devotion - three songs to fall in love with Jah Wobble
Plus Sully, Andy Stott, Sam Alfred, Sir Hiss, Djrum, gyrofield and more
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
On the Line Noise podcast this week: Nikki Nair’s Sick Dimension of house. I spoke to defiantly different US producer @nikkinair.bsky.social about DIY spirit, Pepe Bradock, humour, love, the wonder of Bang Face, Instagram self promo + more.  soundcloud.com/line-noise-p... @nikkinair.bsky.social
soundcloud.com
Line Noise 278 - Nikki Nair’s Sick Dimension of house
Ben Cardew spoke to defiantly different US producer Nikki Nair about DIY spirit, Pepe Bradock, humour, love, the wonder of Bang Face, Instagram self promo, Set The Roof, Hudson Mohawke and his new(ish
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
On the newsletter this week: If Daft Punk’s 2006 Coachella concert was the moment that the American public was introduced to live electronic music, then Orbital’s 1994 Glastonbury gig was the spark that sent British dance music into orbit. linenoise.substack.com/p/orbital-gl...
linenoise.substack.com
Orbital Glastonbury 94 was the UK’s Daft Punk at Coachella moment
Plus Black Bananas, Jazztronik, Skalah & Novelist
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
I also reviewed the new Floating Points for @djmag.com. “From ‘Tron: Legacy’ to Classical Ibiza, the worlds of orchestral and electronic music have become increasingly common bedfellows. And yet there have been few genuinely essential records to come out of the crossover.” djmag.com/reviews/floa...
djmag.com
Floating Points - Mere Mortals
Music Reviews ALBUMS Release date: | Ben Cardew An imperfect union
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
I reviewed the new Saul Williams for @djmag.com. “‘Leap Life’ is a mulligatawny soup of a record: rich, wholesome and packed with dense flavour, the kind of album to be chewed upon, savoured and considered, rather than wolfed down whole.” djmag.com/reviews/saul...
djmag.com
Saul Williams - Leap Life
Music Reviews ALBUMS Release date: | Ben Cardew Full-on flavour
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Intrigued by this, I just clicked on one of their articles. The first sentence made me want to die a vicious death. "The 1960s were probably the greatest decade for music. Even if you disagree, there’s no denying they certainly were the most important."
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
On the newsletter this week: “I gave you my heart but not my fire” - an interview with Sébastien Tellier. Also includes the line “I'm the Kiss and the Beast”, which is one of the greatest things anyone has ever said to me. linenoise.substack.com/p/i-gave-you...
linenoise.substack.com
“I gave you my heart but not my fire” - an interview with Sébastien Tellier
“I'm the Kiss and the Beast”
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
On the Line Noise podcast this week, an interview with Sébastien Tellier, in which we talk about sheep in the head, relighting the fire, domesticated life, Eurovision, working with Daft Punk's Guy-Man and his fantastic new album Kiss The Beast, among many other things. soundcloud.com/line-noise-p...
soundcloud.com
Line Noise 276 - Sébastien Tellier
Ben Cardew spoke to the wonderful Sébastien Tellier about sheep in the head, relighting the fire, domesticated life, Eurovision, working with Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and his fantastic new album Ki
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
On the newsletter this week: “I put my weapons to the floor” - an interview with Colleen. The French producer speaks to Line Noise about learning to swim, feeling free, letting down your guard and a lot more in a very charming and in-depth interview. linenoise.substack.com/p/i-put-my-w...
linenoise.substack.com
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
For the Line Noise podcast, I spoke to Femi and Ife from Ezra Collective about Tony Allen, The Shrine, live versus recorded, the band’s new album Here Because of Hope, drummers and drumming, at the Cruilla festival in Barcelona.  soundcloud.com/line-noise-p...
soundcloud.com
Line Noise 275 - Ezra Collective
Ben Cardew spoke to Femi and Ife from Ezra Collective about Tony Allen, The Shrine, live versus recorded, the band’s new album Here Because of Hope, drummers and drumming, at the Cruilla festival in B
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
On today’s newsletter: Disco for funerals - PiL’s Metal Box and the grim power of freedom. “What’s the greatest British disco album? With all respect to Hot Chocolate, the answer might be PiL's Metal Box, 1970s Britain reflected through a rotted disco ball.” linenoise.substack.com/p/disco-for-...
linenoise.substack.com
Disco for funerals - PiL’s Metal Box and the grim power of freedom
The Sex Pistols were a slap in the face; PiL were a kick to the groin
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
On the newsletter this week: Le Patron Est Devenu Fou! - Super Discount at 30 It seems oddly, ineffably French that one of the best albums of the French Touch era isn’t really an album at all. Or not in the way that we commonly think of them, anyway. linenoise.substack.com/p/le-patron-...
linenoise.substack.com
Le Patron Est Devenu Fou! - Super Discount at 30
Plus Dave Angel, Marina Herlop, Arca and more
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
On the Line Noise podcast this week: Zora Jones on 50 Bullets to the Heart, her amazing new album. I spoke to Zora Jones about the sting from 400 bees, going off grid, singing in Spanish, playing LIVE live and more, as she looks ahead to her wonderful new album. soundcloud.com/line-noise-p...
soundcloud.com
Line Noise 273 - Zora Jones on 50 Bullets to the Heart, her amazing new album
Ben Cardew spoke to Zora Jones about the sting from 400 bees, going off grid, singing in Spanish, playing live live and more, as she looks ahead to the release of her wonderful new album 50 Bullets To
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Seriously, how does anyone cope with him?
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Decided to listen to a Frank Zappa playlist. Song 1: Astoundingly awful. 2: Incredibly beautiful. 3: Just about passes as a pun. 4: ABSOLUTELY not funny. 5: Slightly annoying jazz funk. 6: Clever clever blues knock off. 7: Fabulous baroque rock. 7: Possibly the worst song in existence.
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
I spoke to Saul Williams ahead of the release of his new album, Leap Life. We spoke about the role that music plays in Williams’ life, trusting the moment, shamanism, headphone listening, Sun Ra, Paris + more. We also discussed his role as a preacher in Sinners. www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAgi...
youtube.com
Saul Williams on poetry, technology, Leap Life, Sinners and more | Line Noise
YouTube video by RPS_MUSIC
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
I wrote a tribute to Kavinsky for Crack magazine, examining his impact on music and culture. “French producer Kavinsky, who has died at the age of 50, was an artist who seemed to manifest his dreams into reality.” (Hat tip @www.zensounds.de) crackmagazine.net/article/long...
crackmagazine.net
Dreams in Neon: Remembering Kavinsky
From the unforgettable 'Nightcall' to his lasting impact on modern pop and electronic music, we celebrate the singular vision and enduring legacy of French producer Kavinsky.
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
I have asked to interview them many times! And they are NOT up for it!
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
excellent! Let me know how you get on when you do. The Quietus ran a brief excerpt if you want a taster: thequietus.com/culture/book...
thequietus.com
Jet Propulsion Laboratory: Ben Cardew on The Pivotal Role of Stereolab's 'Super-Electric' | The Quietus
Ben Cardew's new book, Space Age Batchelor Pad Music: The Story Of Stereolab In 20 Songs, recounts the tale of Stereolab in 20 songs that represent certain vital aspects of the band’s make up (from ro...
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
I totally agree. Bang is an absolute tune and I can't believe Blur essentially disowned it.
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
this is a very good point. Thank you
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Today on the newsletter: Not Daft, no Punk - Best of the French Touch underground, 1995 to 2000. My rules are: no Daft Punk, nothing too obvious and nothing I have covered at length on my Substack before. I hope you enjoy it. And let me know your favourites. linenoise.substack.com/p/not-daft-n...
linenoise.substack.com
Not Daft, no Punk - Best of the French Touch underground, from 1995 to 2000
Plus Zora Jones, Diagonals, The Dark Wizard and more
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
.... and so, for the first time in my life, I have met both the British Prime Minister (seemed charming, very professional) and the Leader of the Opposition (also seemed nice - not sure what happened there.)
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
My guest on the Line Noise podcast this week is Inès Boullant - better known as u.r.trax - who came to the RPS studio at @primavera-sound.bsky.social to talk sneaking into clubs at 14, annoying her Parisian neighbours, blowing up during Covid and “anti club music”. soundcloud.com/line-noise-p...
soundcloud.com
Line Noise 272 - u.r.trax
Inès Boullant - better known as French dance destroyer u.r.trax - came to the RPS studio at Primavera Sound ahead of her first live festival gig to talk sneaking into clubs at 14, annoying her Parisia
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Spiral Jetty is lovely!
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
thank you! I won't ignore the mixes! I have time. And the inclination.
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
interesting to hear! Like who, for example? What would you recommend?
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
On the newsletter today: The question is more enjoyable than the solution - Sasha & Digweed’s Northern Exposure reviewed. Warning: contains progressive house, proto trance, US breakbeats, Apollo 440 AND Deep Forest. linenoise.substack.com/p/the-questi...
linenoise.substack.com
The question is more enjoyable than the solution - Sasha & Digweed’s Northern Exposure reviewed
Progressive house, proto trance, US breakbeats and Deep Forest unite!
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Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
On the newsletter this week: “It's never not funny” - an interview with Matmos. Includes Björk, fire, the Pavarotti of plastic pillboxes, Hit Em, gay energy and disgruntled Italian audiences. linenoise.substack.com/p/its-never-...
linenoise.substack.com
“It's never not funny” - an interview with Matmos
Plus Actress, Drew Ashby, TDF, GB, Vanishing Twin and more
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