I was concerned about shipping from Canada to the UK, but the records were packaged great and arrived without a scratch. Great communication. Some items were second hand, the gradings were perfectly accurate. Very pleased, would recommend!
Sam Gendel
Cookup
Regular price
$27.99
Sale price
$37.99
Unit price
per
Label: Nonesuch Records
"Sam Gendel’s ascension to beloved ambient-jazz savant has been fueled, in part, by the inexhaustibility of his output. His prolific catalog foams with free-improv sessions, bedroom recordings, a three-and-a-half-hour archive dump, and a bevy of collaborative projects showcasing his stuttering guitar playing and wistful, narcotic approach to the saxophone. A limber, unselfconscious sense of intuition runs through his many detours and discursions, and his work consistently blurs the line between conception and completion. In Gendel’s world, meaning emerges amid limitless swells of sound. “Putting out a ‘normal’ album just doesn’t work for me,” he said recently. “I’m more interested in throwing ideas out and seeing where the ceiling is.”
Gendel’s newest release is a covers album in which he reimagines R&B hits from the ’90s and early ’00s, a framework that provides him and collaborators Phil Melanson and Gabe Noel a remarkable amount of freedom inside seemingly fixed structures. With his woozy, wandering saxophone anchoring the record’s soothing soundscapes, Gendel interprets songs by Aaliyah, Erykah Badu, Boyz II Men, and others with a lucid and improvisational touch, bending them into almost unrecognizable shapes. It’s an engaging albeit low-stakes effort from an artist unafraid to splatter fresh paint across a familiar canvas.
Gendel’s no stranger to putting his own spin on classic songs. In 2020 he released Satin Doll, an album where he repurposed jazz standards in his own upside-down fashion. He treats the tracks on Cookup in a similar way, maintaining the melodic integrity of his source material while also revealing foreign tones and textures. On “Differences,” his insouciant horn takes liberties refashioning Ginuwine’s vocal runs as Noel’s bass undergirds the rhythm and Melanson’s electronic percussion squeezes into tight pockets. Another highlight is his impressionistic take on Mario’s “Let Me Love You,” where Gendel’s dazzling sax work stretches the track’s melodic core to its furthest limits.
The album is less persuasive when songs adhere too closely to their original forms. There’s a rush of gratification when “Crazy in Love” and “Didn’t Cha Know” appear, but the cleanness of the renditions makes them feel like your average, capable cover song, ones you might hear while walking past a street performance or scrolling through TikTok. Gendel’s virtuosity announces itself more forcefully when he veers into weirdness, like on a deranged, sputtering take of Soul for Real’s “Candy Rain,” or when eerie forest sounds surround his celestial playing on “In Those Jeans.” This messy fingerpainting suits Gendel’s loose and instinctual style better than mimesis. Cookup soars when the players’ interpretations converge into new creations, and the source material becomes a portal to a new dimension. The vestiges of old melody may remain, but Gendel’s best reimaginings illuminate subtle resonances and hidden pleasures." Pitchfork
Customer Reviews
Overall rating: 4.8 / 5 from 269 reviews.
I got the mystery tape box specifically the "your getting tons of tapes" tier and it didnt disappoint at all packaged securely overdelivered in the best way in terms of content and didnt take long to get here ,it was exciting to finally see what i got, genuinely made my day when it came in the post, a massive 22 tape package and so far every tape ive listened to has been really really good! Quality all the way, and if anyone was on the fence about getting it, well dont be, go for it you wont be disappointed . Major respect to whoever curates the box, excellent choices!! I Usually never leave reviews of things but this was worth doing it for. I will definitely be buying this again no doubt about it and yeah just awesome really, very happy with it :)
It took a long time to arrive ( mainly because i put the wrong address😅) but overall its an amazing track. Thanking Cory from inner Amazing website and will buy more records from here.
Yuji Ohno, You & Explosion Band - Original Soundtrack From Lupin III (Japan Import)
The vinyl itself is very beautiful, and the sound is very punchy and clear! Of course all the tracks slap hard. Really great pressing, really great album!
I discovered the Bless Vol. 1 compilation a few years ago. Some of my favorite lo-fi artists were featured on it, and last year I reached out to the label hoping to get some of their releases. Cory got in touch with me and personally made sure the record arrived safely. It sounds incredible, and the editions are beautifully produced. Now I'm eagerly waiting for Vol. 1 Greetings from Argentina!
Solid pressing, beautiful, artwork and a sturdy case.
Amazing album. No filler. Her catalogue is to be discovered.
Really big fan. It’s a solidly built player and I think the aux-in recording function and ability to pair Bluetooth headphones/speaker is really unique, especially on the same device. I can’t speak to the Bluetooth pairing as I haven’t tested it out. I specifically was looking for an aux-in recording cassette player and this fit the bill perfectly. I tested this function and it sounds really great without completely losing the charm of a mic recording.
best album since funcrusher plus
It was packaged perfectly! Everything that it came in was great, too! HOWEVER, the page for this product does have a preview of all the songs ASSUMED to come with the album. This is not the case. This album comes with everything EXCEPT: September Rain (English Version) With the previews available, I thought it'd be there. I was apparently missinformed. That is the ONE AND ONLY issue I have with my purchase. I wish they gave you the EXACT track list on the webpage. But like I said, that'd the only issue I had. Everything else was great.
Unbelievable record. Sonically exciting and intriguing.
I've been looking for an original copy of this album for a while at a price and quality that I was happy with. I was thrilled to find this on your website and couldn't pass up the opportunity to support you and support my unhealthy collection.
Quality tape and case. Love the music. Perfectly chill mix. Will definitely be back for more.
Excellent, can not recommend highly enough. My new go-to for Japanese import vinyl. Reasonable price, fast ship time. Will definitely be telling all 1 ½ of my friends interested in vinyl about Inner Ocean.
Yuji Ohno, You & Explosion Band - Lupin The 3rd: Hit Collection (Japan Import)
🔥🔥🔥
After receiving a damaged record, I was sent a new one in good condition! Overall great customer service and shipping, thanks to Cory!
Literally too hot, gotta thank my neighbours for not complaining while this these blaze through the walls 🔥
Gas Lab is fast becoming one of my favourite producers
Illa J makes unreal beats , love his catalog of tunes
love discovering new artists !
This album is truly fantastic. I have the cassette as well, it's so dynamic and interesting to listen to on both the turntable and in my case the player with headphones! blips is also just a very talented artist and incredibly kind person, sent me a short to make up for the shipping delay with the vinyl. I can't say enough nice things about inner ocean and the artists on here. Interesting work from very talented people, great deals on buying multiple tapes and records, professional and kind customer service, I've honestly never had a bad transaction from inner ocean and I look forward to my next purchase! Thanks all!
The whole Midnight Glow series is amazing. So chill.
Legit and amazing quality!!! These are my very first two vinyl albums and I just love how these two turned out! Would definitely recommend Inner Ocean Records to those who enjoy collecting vintage Japanese albums.
amazing condition and amazing service! i recommend to everyone
I truly love this genre of music and I'm so glad to have one of my favorite CityPop artists in my collection.
Shipped promptly, arrived quickly, and was in good condition. I played it and it sounded great. Perfect transaction. What more could I ask for??
Most beautiful cassettes on earth as always. Every Inner Ocean release is an instant classic and everything I’ve ever ordered (cassettes, vinyl, merch) always comes quick and very well packaged. Best record label out!
Absolutely PHENOMENAL transaction, adding a piece of Casiopea history to my collection. Shipped fast, packed well, and Always a pleasure to do business with. Not my first Inner Ocean order, and FAR from my last! Again, many thanks to the IO crew!
Sounded amazing!!
Parfait !
I’m so glad to be able to have my favorite casiopea album on vinyl and it play wonderfully. Would say it got here quickly but alas the Canadian post strike happened not too long after I ordered it. But all in all I will definitely be ordering more from here.
Favorite Miki album. The added posted was wonderful surprise. Inner Ocean Records shipping and customer support is top notch. Can’t wait for my next purchase!
This is my first entry into the Lofi Snacks series after bumbling into the Inner Ocean label on Bandcamp and looking up their website. And my, what can I say other than it has been a delight! Really fresh vibey beats that sound great digitally on on my desk cassette player. The art is also fantastic and I love the print on the cassette itself. I've had this album on repeat since it arrived Monday. Look forward to exploring more of the Inner Ocean catalogue.
Absolutely love this album, everything in the record seemed untouched and the vinyl plays well! Very satisfied with the order.
One of the best places to order vinyl
V/A - Urusei Yatsura Music Capsule (Japan Import)
Store owner replied: Thank you so much!
One of the greatest records in my collection! There are few legendary records that scratch the sonic itch this one does. Love the addition of the obi strip. Inner Ocean delivers greatness yet again!
Yellow Magic Orchestra - Solid State Survivor (Japan Import)
Store owner replied: What a solid selection! (pun intended) Thanks so much for supporting our store!
Packaged neatly and came in amazing condition.
Tatsuro Yamashita - Big Wave (Japan Import)
Store owner replied: Thanks so much for your continued support!!!
Always good experience getting in Inner Ocean Records. Well packaged, so arrived in mint condition. Excellent catalogue of dope and beautiful music.
Fantastic collection of hard to find tapes that help the work day go by
Simple and useful looper to create endless sounds. Fits my workflow perfectly!