This alone kinda says it all.
If you're not familiar with Khan, all I can say is he really never
rests. Born Can Oral (possibly the best name EVER, in my opinion), raised
in Frankfurt to Turkish-Finnish parents, Khan is an extremely prolific
producer - to put it mildly. Describing him as a restless vagabond is
not really quite enough. He's a world resident (currently based in Berlin,
after previously residing in New York, Mexico, Cologne and Finland)
who has produced electronic music under at least 10 pseudonyms and collaborations
(including Bizz OD, 4E, El Turco Loco, Captain Comatose, Kid & Khan).
So for his first album for Tomlab, "Who Never Rests" only begins to explain
the persona of Khan, yet at the same time, presents a very complete
picture of the musician and man today.
Who Never Rests is a celebration of a man who is in full control
of his sound and vision.
With his previous albums on Matador, the journey
was just starting.
"1-900 GET-KHAN" was the first chapter of the story.
Khan launched the persona of a male hustler, selling himself to the
audience by performing in a pair of underpants with "KHAN" stitched
on the ass. It certainly got the party started!
Then with "No Comprendo",
Khan produced a living-homage to the artists that inspired him, collaborating
with Diamanda Galas, Andre Williams, Kid Congo Powers, Brigitte Fontaine,
Julee Cruise, and Stereo Total's Francoise Cactus. It's a true work
of sheer class and innovation. Might sound cheesy, but if you listen
to it, you'll get the drift.
But then Khan started focusing on collaborations.
He toured and produced with Kid Congo Powers (The Gun Club, Bad Seeds,
The Cramps) and released "Bad English" (Transsolar). He recorded as
Little Annie and The Legally Jammin (with Christian Jendreiko). And
he recorded and toured as Captain Comatose ("Going Out" and "Up in Flames")
on Playhouse as the last standing disco band: one giant disco party!
Now the party isn't really over...it's just mutated into a celebration
of Khan. "Honey, it's been a journey to the moon and back..." he sings
on "Favor After Favor", and that summarises Who Never Rests
pretty well. Khan has lived all over the world, worked with his heroes,
started the party and got the T-shirt. Now he's quite literally found
his voice. Six years ago, he had other people sing his songs and now
it's him - solo. Unashamed. Upfront. Honest. All or nothing. Khan times
20!
He's finally worked out where his home is: within himself. For those
who have that eternal search for needing to belong, you'll know what
he means. He'll never rest because his restless soul is in his blood.
A Turkish-Finn, raised in Germany and performs in English? Sure. For
Khan, this is who he is. Believe that.
So yet there is another progression in Khan's sound and style. "Who Never
Rests" drips with sleaze and sophistication. There's a party, and Satan's
standing in the corner, soakin in sexy sweat, drinking champagne with
the gothic bunny himself.
("Take it Out on M", "Strip Down", "On the
Run", "Favor After Favor", "U Like 2 Party") Khan's a torch singer in
a greasepaint carny clown suit, ready to strap you in and take you to
Hell. But don't worry, he'll bring you back in one piece after he has
his way with you. ("Who Never Rests", "Hey Lil' Sister", "Excommunication",
"The Shining").
Khan's journey is one that isn't about to end so you
better just sit back and enjoy the ride.
To experience this fully, you
need to see Khan at his live finest. He performs solo or in the trio
Khan of Finland, featuring Boris Bergmann on piano and Mark Boombastik
as human beatbox.
Coming to a village of the damned near you... "Will
there be gardens? Will there be entertainment all night?" Well, this
is Khan, so I should think so...
- JK Mingo -