Vortex [180 Gram White Vinyl]

Medical Records is proud to release its first reissue originating from the Pacific Northwest region of the USA in association with 2510 Records in Portland, Oregon. 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 was in junior high and developed a keen understanding of 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 original LP was 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 its 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 Sci-Fi soundtracks mixed with a healthy dose of almost proggy space/cosmic disco crossed with later-age Tangerine Dream. The track 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 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 collectors 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, and features exact reproductions of the front and infamous back covers. Contains bonus insert with in-depth interview with Paul Nelson by Else Teicher. Limited edition.