Caro (Randy Jones) has been a mover and shaker (and inspired many to move and shake) since moving to Seattle 12 years ago, but he's just now releasing his debut album. The Return of Caro (on Orac, the label he co-founded with Kon Gabbro in 2000) is not only worth the wait, it's going to cause serious ripples in the global underground-electronic network.

The album is the culmination of Jones's involvement in our techno and electro scenes as a DJ, producer, visual artist, and audiovisual software designer. The Return of Caro is poised to join Bruno Pronsato's Silver Cities as another jewel in Seattle's experimental-electronica crown.

The disc auspiciously begins with "Ah, Ah, Ah," a skewed, sexy, slo-mo house prelude to the sublime pleasures of the dance floor and boudoir. "Can't Tell Why" nudges you deeper into Saturday-night hedonism with a windshield-wiper-rhythmed squelchfest/torch song sung with aching poignancy by Jones. (Among white soul electronicists only Jamie Lidell tops him.) "My Little Pony" is a disturbingly seductive microhouse jaunt that's getting love from DJs like Michael Mayer and Matthew Dear. "OVNIto" pays bizarre respects to mambo king Perez Prado while "My Little Castle" spins synapse-zapping permutations on Chicago-style acid house. No mere collection of haphazardly cobbled-together tracks, Return is a well-rounded album of scrupulously written and arranged pieces that hold up to repeated listens.

"I made [Return] with DJs in mind first, and then people at home," Jones says. "I mean, I basically made this record for me to listen to and play at parties, and I have... confidence that what's good music for me in that regard will be good for others. I listen to it at home all the time. I couldn't put my own music on for doin' it, though. That would make me feel like an utter tool. I can imagine Giorgio Moroder getting busy to his own music, and I'm okay with that. He gets a free pass. Prince, too."

Jones views Return as a showcase for his full range of production abilities, but it's not an ultimate sonic statement.

"My production style is always mutating, and hopefully improving. The next album could sound very different, though there will be some constant [elements that] will connect all the work. I can see more live sounds and collaboration happening. It's a common progression, and after spending a year in the studio, you can understand why."

To capitalize on Return's success, Jones hopes to tour America and Germany this year. "It really works well for us that our music is so much better known [in Europe]. We can go enjoy the partying that goes on in a place like Berlin without getting wrapped up in it." DAVE SEGAL

Caro plays Fri June 24 with Bruno Pronsato, Jerry Abstract, Ted Dancin at CHAC Lower Level, 1621 12th Ave, 388-0521, 9 pm–2 am, $5, 21+.