In a sense they defined European "world music," from unearthing Juana Molina and Konono No.1 in the 2000s to stunning releases right up through last year's Aksak Maboul. "Made To Measure," begun in 1984 by CRAMMED DISCS — the veteran Belgian label that has always introduced music with a razor-sharp sensibility — apparently started out with the concept of imaginary theater and film music. On this Vol.1, Aksak Maboul, led by label owner Marc Hollander, plays a sort of supervisory role; "Odessa" (sample2) is probably the most DJ-friendly cut, while San Francisco's Tuxedomoon contribute "Verdun" (sample1), from the soundtrack to a Dutch film about the famous WWI battlefield. The track by Israeli post-punk band Minimal Compact was created for a dance performance by choreographer Pierre Droulers, and Belgian electronic musician Benjamin Lew, who also has releases on Sub Rosa, offers a piece used as music for a fashion show. Concepts along the lines of the so-called imaginary soundtrack pop up here and there, but this may well be one of the first to present it in such a thoroughly conceptual way. The series went on to involve Jim Jarmusch, John Lurie, Rei Kawakubo and Yohji Yamamoto. A record that radiates the label's singular taste and intelligence. (Original Japanese text by Shhhhh)