For those wondering, Carl Craig’s seminal 1995 debut album, ‘Landcruising’ returns in this definitive single CD reissue. Now expanded with bonus material from his time with Blanco Y Negro it also includes the full 1995 album as released on Blanco Y Negro, a journey through moody synthscapes, intricate rhythms, and visionary techno sound design.

It also now comes with four rare alternate versions and remixes of the single, ‘Science Fiction’, including: ‘Paperclip Edit’ (on CD for the first time), ‘Kenny Larkin Remix’, ‘Flight Through The Unknown’ and ‘From The Top’ (on CD for the first time).

And it also features new liner notes written by Bill Brewster plus a CD booklet including a selected UK discography and sleeve notes.

Originally released at a turning point in techno’s evolution, ‘Landcruising’ saw Craig redefining the genre with cinematic ambition, emotional depth, and Detroit’s unmistakable pulse. A masterclass in minimalism and melody, ‘Landcruising’ helped to reshape the idea of what techno could be. It’s a time capsule from the golden age of Detroit innovation, yet its sound remains as future-facing and emotionally resonant as ever.

1. MIND OF A MACHINE
2. SCIENCE FICTION
3. A WONDERFUL LIFE
4. TECHNOLOGY
5. THEY WERE
6. LANDCRUSING
7. EINBAHN
8. ONE DAY
9. HOME ENTERTAINMENT
10. SCIENCE FICTION (PAPERCLIP EDIT) (BONUS TRACK)
11. SCIENCE FICTION (KENNY LARKIN REMIX) (BONUS TRACK)
12. SCIENCE FICTION (FLIGHT THROUGH THE UNKNOWN) (BONUS TRACK)
13. SCIENCE FICTION (FROM THE TOP) (BONUS TRACK)

A rare gem, Landcruising is an electronic concept album that is a dark, cool and subtly immense piece of work. It is perfectly suited to its subject matter, created for - or inspired by - night-time driving. From the click of Craig’s seat belt at the start of the album, you are on a journey across dark, strange lands, through amber-glow urban sprawl and lost concrete realms. The sounds reflect perfectly the artificiality of the built environment - complex road systems, dark sinister architecture, the loneliness of cities.

Originally released at a turning point in techno’s evolution, Landcruising saw Craig redefining the genre with cinematic ambition, emotional depth, and Detroit’s unmistakable pulse. A city that I know all too well, having lived on its outskirts now for 33 years, I first heard (and loved) this album shortly after its original release and to my mind today it is still aging rather well, unlike many electronic albums.

If you want your music to not just entertain but to become a soundtrack to your life, this could be for you. If you also love driving, then Craig’s album is as essential for your car as the steering wheel.

Landcruising has the ability to turn an otherwise mundane journey into an memorable (cinematic) experience. I would go so far as to say that all contemporary vehicles should come with this album as standard.

Official Purchase Link

www.carlcraig.net