solvent

Apples + Synthesizers
$15.98
Here's one that sneaked up on me. I'm not certain when I purchased "Apples + Synthesizers" by Solvent, but it's been a while. I remember listening to it, thinking it was OK and putting it away never to be played again. I guess I just wasn't in the right mood, or maybe I was too busy. Who knows? Then recently, a lady friend and I went on an extended auto trip. We loaded up an iPod with about 700 songs, most of which were electronica stuff I enjoy listening to. One of the CDs was the A+S disc. We put the iPod in shuffle mode and played it through the car stereo. I'd recognize most of the songs, but when I'd hear one I particularly liked and couldn't identify the artist I'd ask my companion "Who is this?" Again and again, the answer was "Solvent." Hmmmmmmmm. The songs were outstanding. Quite excellent and enjoyable! How could I have so misjudged this album? When we got back, I put the CD on my home stereo system and had another listen. It's an excellent CD, without question, but the individual songs have a high degree of generic similarity. When I try listening to the entire CD from start to finish, I begin to experience audio fatigue about 2/3 through the disc. I experience the same thing with, say, the Beach Boys; I love the individual songs but a full CD is just too much of a good thing. Evidently, that must have been what happened with my first listen to the A+S disc. When I play the songs interspersed with other artists (such as on the iPod shuffle), the Solvent selections stand out as excellent. Very interesting.

In any case, Solvent reminds me of the synthesizer bands I used to listen to in the early 1980s, except the music is better. Catchy. Melodic. Interesting rhythms. Nice ear candy. Solvent music tends to have a strong domineering beat and soft melody lines. About half of the tracks have variously distorted voices. Nice mix. I'd toss out "Introduction to Science," which is really just an introduction to the disc. "Think Like Us" is my favorite track. Other exceptional tracks include "My Radio" and "For You." "Operating Ease," "Remote Control," and "Science With Synthesizers" follow. The other songs are good, but nothing particularly of note. After listening again and again, I'd still say Solvent songs sound best when mixed in with other music. The individual songs can then sound quite bright and refreshing. When listening to Solvent song after Solvent song, fatigue sets in. For this reason, I'd rate the CD only four stars, although it's quite a good album.

Gary Peterson

Solvent Extraction Principles and Practice, Revised and Expanded
$199.95
A complete and up-to-date presentation of the fundamental theoretical principles and many applications of solvent extraction, this enhanced Second Edition includes new coverage of the latest developments in solvent extraction processes, the use of solvent extraction in analytical applications and waste recovery, and computational chemistry methods for modeling the solvent extraction of metal ions.

Demonstration Tape 1997-2007
$18.98
excellent exploration into voice distortion electronica and some pretty slick beats. overall, a great tool for djs to work into a set yet subtle enough for late night chillery. solid compilation!

StazOn Solvent Ink Stamp Cleaner 2 Oz.
$4.16
StazOn All-Purpose Cleaner is lemon scented, acid-free, and perfect for cleaning all kinds of ink, including solvent. To use this cleaner, simply rub tip lightly against rubber stamp, and wipe off excess solution with a damp cloth. Repeat for stubborn stains. Caution: Keep away from children.