Vortex (MR-024), by Paul Nelson

Vortex (MR-024)

by Paul Nelson

supported by

more...

	/

Streaming + Download

Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

Purchasable with gift card

$8 USD or more
Full Digital Discography

64

releases

Get all 64 Medical Records releases available on Bandcamp and save 60%.

Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality downloads of Cloudland Canyon (MR-091), FEHLERLINIE (MR-090), Formula Abstracta (MR-088), Omnibus (MR-085), The Remains of a Gone Optimism (MR-084), Ahead (MR-083), Unlimited Risk (MRT-016), GREEN (MRT-015), and 56 more. , and , .

Purchasable with gift card

$181.80 USD or more (60% OFF)
Limited Edition 180gram Colored Vinyl
Record/Vinyl + Digital Album

Includes unlimited streaming of Vortex (MR-024) via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

Sold Out

1.	Automated Man 05:32	buy track
2.	Vortex 1 04:54	buy track
3.	Vortex 2 05:42	buy track
4.	Labyrinth 05:05	buy track
5.	Vortex 3 04:09	buy track
6.	Vortex 4 06:30	buy track
7.	Vortex 5 05:03	buy track

about

Medical Records is proud to release it’s first reissue originating from the Pacific Northwest region of the USA in association with 2510 Records in Portland. MR-024 is the one and only release by Portland’s Paul Nelson. “Vortex” was released in 1981 on Paul’s own Optiman Systems Inc imprint. Paul grew up around Portland and had a strong background in music and music theory. He built a PAIA synthesizer when he in junior high and developed a keen intuition into analog synthesis. Eventually he purchased a MiniMoog and was very influenced by Alan Parsons, ELP, and ENO. Armed with more gear as time went on (Sequential Circuits 600 sequencer, Oberheim DS-2, etc), Paul was offered an opportunity to record his own album which led to the Recording Associates sessions during which “Vortex” was born. The LP was also half-speed mastered at JVC Studios in CA. 1000 copies were originally pressed and self-distributed by Paul. The opening track “Automated Man” which also happens to be the only track with vocals, is a slab of genuine electro greatness with it’s sharp synth hooks and vocoded vocals. The LP takes many twists and turns with many tracks of sequenced pulsations, electronic drums, and rhythms reminiscent of the Sci-fi soundtracks mixed with a healthy dose of almost proggy space/cosmic disco crossed with later-age Tangerine Dream. “Vortex 2” is a perfect example of the above description with imagery of a Blade Runner esque chase scene meets Carpenter at his most upbeat. “Labyrinth” takes more a more relaxed synth odyssey approach with slower percussion and a spacier vibe overall. The rest of side 2 “Vortex 3-4-5” is a magnificent build up of ambient soundscapes that morph into a slow cosmic burner and fades out again into the darkness to close the LP. All tracks have been restored and remastered by Paul Nelson for this release. For many years this LP could be found in the PNW in record bins but over the last decade, it has been become quite rare which has led to it fetching rather high prices on the collector’s market. Medical Records is thrilled to introduce the world to this work of art again. For fans of library synth, sci-fi soundtracks, and other more sequenced electronic acts such as Tangerine Dream, Axxess, and minimal synth. This reissue is presented on high-quality 180gram splatter paint on opaque white vinyl. Features exact reproduction of the front and infamous back covers. Contains bonus insert with in-depth interview with Paul Nelson by Else Teicher. Limited edition.

credits

released November 20, 2013

license

about

Medical Records Seattle, Washington

Purveyors of minimal synth, cosmic disco, wave (cold/new), dream/gaze pop, and futuristic music

medical-records.org

contact / help

Contact Medical Records

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this album or account

If you like Vortex (MR-024), you may also like:

Incipience 2: Prerelease - Educated Man
by Images In Vogue

supported by 9 fans who also own “Vortex (MR-024)”

I have loved Images In Vogue from a very long time. To have these in my collection is too marvellous. Sinister Pete
go to album
Incipience 1: Studio Tracks 1981-1982
by Images In Vogue

supported by 9 fans who also own “Vortex (MR-024)”

The glorious 80s... ©ough©ool
go to album
RR7349
by S U R V I V E

supported by 9 fans who also own “Vortex (MR-024)”

Perfect sounding, all-synth music with detailed instrument list Paso stranger
go to album
No.
by Soft Riot

On their 10th record, the Glasgow-based group serves up more wonderfully menacing, gothy synthpop, perfect for dungeon dancing. Bandcamp New & Notable Aug 19, 2023
go to album
Deception Island 2
by NNHMN

Deliciously bleak synthwave from Germany with jagged, sawing lead lines, throbbing rhythms, & ghostly vocals. Bandcamp New & Notable Nov 2, 2020
go to album
This Place
by Retiree

featured on Bandcamp Radio Jun 9, 2015
go to album
Love's Secret Domain (30th-anniversary edition)
by Coil

supported by 9 fans who also own “Vortex (MR-024)”

The title track still makes me swoon, decades later. Moses Moore
go to album