The GIMIX tape

This promo cassette tape was first released in an edition of 500 copies on July 24th, 2000. These cassettes are clear, with white text printed on them. The outer case has a clear shell, with a white J-card that has black text on the spine and back. Copies were sold at independent records stores, as well as at live shows.

In late 2020, a small handful of leftover unsold copies were discovered; these were signed on the back of the J-card by Robbie and Tony, and the shop Sound Merch sold them. A few of them were sold unsigned by Modular Records founder Steve Pavlovic.

From Google's Gemini:

The Elusive Echoes of "Since I Left You": Unpacking The Avalanches' "Gimix"

Before the shimmering, sun-drenched soundscapes of Since I Left You captivated the world, there was Gimix. This isn't just a collection of B-sides or demos; it's a vital artifact in The Avalanches' mythology, a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the sonic alchemy that would define their groundbreaking debut. Released initially as a limited cassette in 2000, and later as a promo CD, Gimix served a crucial purpose: to wrestle back control from the bootleggers who were prematurely sharing unfinished versions of their magnum opus. What it delivered was so much more.

Imagine stumbling into a dusty attic, filled with forgotten vinyl, crackling radio broadcasts, and snippets of conversations. That's the sonic landscape of Gimix. Clocking in at around 46 minutes, it's less a traditional album and more a meticulously crafted DJ mix, a swirling vortex of sampled sounds that hint at the brilliance brewing within Since I Left You. Here, familiar melodic fragments and rhythmic pulses from their debut album rub shoulders with a dizzying array of unexpected sources.

Madonna's "Holiday" might collide with a snippet of Bob Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone," while the infectious energy of De La Soul's "A Roller Skating Jam Named 'Saturdays'" could seamlessly melt into a groove reminiscent of Roy Ayers. This isn't just random sampling; it's a deliberate and playful deconstruction and reconstruction of musical history. The Avalanches demonstrate an uncanny ability to find the hidden connections between seemingly disparate genres, weaving them together with a lo-fi charm that feels both nostalgic and utterly contemporary.

Listening to Gimix is like peering through a sonic keyhole into the intricate architecture of Since I Left You. You can identify embryonic versions of tracks that would later become iconic, stripped down and presented in a different context. It offers a fascinating insight into their creative process, revealing the raw materials and the initial stages of their sample-based artistry. It's a testament to their dedication to digging deep, unearthing sonic gems, and transforming them into something entirely new.

Beyond its role as a pre-release antidote to bootlegs, Gimix stands on its own as a compelling listening experience. It captures a specific moment in time, a snapshot of The Avalanches' boundless creativity before the polish and refinement of their debut fully took hold. There's a certain rawness and spontaneity to Gimix that is undeniably appealing, a sense of playful experimentation that feels less constrained than a traditional album format.

The limited nature of its release, particularly the original cassette, has only amplified its mystique over the years. It's become a coveted item for die-hard fans, a tangible piece of The Avalanches' early history. The 2021 clear cassette reissue offered a new generation a chance to own a physical copy, further cementing its legendary status.

In a world saturated with meticulously produced and commercially driven music, Gimix remains a testament to the power of sampling as an art form. It's a reminder that music can be built from fragments, that beauty can be found in the unexpected juxtaposition of sounds. It's the sound of a band on the cusp of something truly special, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the sonic universe they were about to unleash upon the world. If you ever get the chance to hear it, Gimix isn't just a mixtape; it's an essential piece of The Avalanches' puzzle, a vibrant echo of the magic that was to come.