1-900-Get-Khan is more than just a collection of songs charting the harsher side of downtempo breakbeat and minimalist techno. Similar to
David Holmes' Let's Get Killed,
Khan's first album for the American super-indie Matador is the soundtrack to a European's attraction for the seamier side of New York. While the cover is set up with ads for a personal section, the title itself is also a functioning 1-900 number, available for $2.99 per minute. The songs inside are well-produced, though a few too many imply the illicitness with simple add-ons like a descending bassline or vibraphone twinkles. Still, "Jet Lounge Blues," "Nowhere" and "Body Dump" showcase the effect of
Khan's thematic scope -- the latter track even features
Julee Cruise intoning lines like "carpet fibers don't lie." An extension of his 1997 recording Silent Movie, Silver Screen,
1-900-Get-Khan is an excellent invisible soundtrack. ~ John Bush