Dr Calculus
Designer Beatnik is the only album by English electronic act Dr Calculus, a duo of Stephen Duffy and former Pigbag trombonist Roger Freeman. Released in August 1986 through 10 Records, it was produced by Duffy and Freeman with Paul Staveley O'Duffy. Dr Calculus were inspired the emergent ecstasy culture in London and, in January 1985, released the single "Programme 7", leading to the record's production.
Inspired by 'cut-and-paste' music and fashion, Designer Beatnik is considered a work of funk, rock and experimental music that mixes dance rhythms, rap, found noises, brass and horns, prominent beats, and spoken dialogue and voiceovers. Largely instrumental, the record largely avoids vocal melodies, with nonsensical lyrics being recited by friends of Duffy and Freeman. Aiming to achieve a French New Wave-inspired sound, the duo used the cut-up technique to collage texts from numerous writers. Several of Freeman's former Pigbag bandmates contribute to the recording.
In June 1986, the album was preceded by the single "Perfume from Spain", which mixes numerous genres with Sleng Teng rhythms. Neither the single nor Designer Beatnik itself charted in the United Kingdom, with the album receiving a polarised critical reception. Following its release, Duffy returned to more conventional music. Designer Beatnik has since been discussed as a precursor of acid house and ambient house.
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