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t h e   x y l   f i l e

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The Xyl File is a "greatest hits" compilation of Chuck van Zyl's studio work from 1985 - 1986 previously released on the Xyl tapes Runway, Nuclear Winter, and Scanner. van Zyl is adept at mating his music with his titles and maintains a clear focus throughout his compositions. "Low Glide" reminds me of Jean - Michel Jarre with its pulsating crystalline sequences but it does not succumb to the pop format of Jarre's music. "The Theory Changes The Reality It Describes" is a restful, slow - moving, abstract piece similar to the Nightcrawlers' tape images of cold dark environment, bringing to mind Amon Duul II at their spaciest. To round off this collection, van Zyl brings in the UFO's for a landing on his "Runway." The Xyl File is an excellent introduction to the wide range of Chuck van Zyl's interstellar musical pilgrimages. Henry Schneider -- I/E   Winter 1992

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