NELSON, PAUL - Vortex

"Vortex was released in 1981 on Paul Nelson's own Optiman Systems Inc imprint. Nelson 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 intuition for 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 LP was also 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 remin