Bill Laswell - The Acid Lands (LP)

Bill Laswell, the renowned bassist, producer, and composer, presents "The Acid Lands," a captivating exploration of sound that blends free jazz, dub, and avant-garde elements. Released on October 15, 2020, via Sub Rosa, this album is a collaborative effort that pays tribute to the legendary William S. Burroughs, featuring fragments from his novels "The Western Lands" and "Junkie."

Recorded in late 2019 and early 2020, "The Acid Lands" is a unique fusion of musical genres and literary homage. Bill Laswell, along with Iggy Pop, who takes on the role of narrator, and the Opening Performance Orchestra, have crafted an album that is both innovative and deeply rooted in the spirit of Burroughs' work. The album includes three tracks: the title track, an ambient mix-translation of the title track, and "Naming the Seven Souls - Mix-Translation," which features samples of Burroughs reading his own work.

The album's production is a testament to Laswell's expertise, with additional recording, mixing, and mastering done at Orange Music in West Orange, NJ. The gatefold sleeve, complete with a black paper die-cut inner sleeve, adds a tactile dimension to the listening experience. "The Acid Lands" is not just an album; it's an immersive journey through the minds of some of the most influential figures in music and literature. With a runtime of just under 46 minutes, this album is a concise yet powerful exploration of sound and narrative.