It was with a giddy disbelief that we heard the first moments of Beyond The Valley Of Ultrahits here at Jagjaguwar HQ. We've always had absolute confidence in Richard Youngs' pop know-how, and have been delighted to hear it hidden in the nooks and crannies of his minimal, avant experimentations. But never did we think we'd see this acumen actualized as it is on Beyond The Valley Of Ultrahits, released on vinyl and digitial formats on July 19.

"Make a proper pop album." Thus was the simple dare handed to Richard Youngs from his friend Andrew "Paz" Paine during their weekly Sunday meet-up. Ever the modest master, Youngs said in accepting this friendly challenge that he merely endeavoured to capture the "beats and hooks" of contemporary pop. He's never attempted to disguise his gift for catchy musical phrases, though they may have come by way of careening, pleading, soothing or challenging multi-tracked voices.

We present the results here as Beyond The Valley Of Ultrahits. Among bright, hypnotic loops, Youngs' voice finds its inner Bowie. But let it be known: this collection of house-inspired gems displays much more than a capacity for pop emulation. It's a confirmation of his craft and prowess, no matter the terrain.

With enviable grace, Youngs sets his sights on the pop world and claims it as his own. His heretofore unknown love of Pet Shop Boys and the Madchester sound is reimagined via his unique avant sensibility and atmospheric wand strokes. Originally released in 2009 as a very-limited CD-R on Paine's Sonic Oyster label, Jagjaguwar is honoured to present Beyond The Valley Of Ultrahits, remastered and on vinyl for the first time.

more info here:
http://www.jagjaguwar.com/onesheet.php?cat=JAG177

free mp3 is Love In The Great Outdoors:
http://www.scjag.com/mp3/jag/loveinthegreatoutdoors.mp3

nice artwork:
http://www.jagjaguwar.com/press/richardyoungs/JAG177.jpg

To celebrate the release of Beyond The Valley Of Ultrahits, Richard will perform a very special, double-edged set at London's Luminaire on Sunday July 25. Half of the evening will be a set of "greatest hits" from his glorious catalogue, and the second half will feature a performance ofBeyond The Valley Of Ultrahits in its entirety. This is not be missed if you are within a continent or two of London.

Richard Youngs Dates:

June 21 Lisbon, Portugal - Teatro Maria Matos w/ David Maranha and Manuel Mota

July 25 London, England - Luminaire - Greatest Hits/Beyond The Valley Of Ultrahits
http://www.wegottickets.com/event/81446