Quote:
Originally posted by Ohoen
Alright then, since nobody has any world music suggestions I'll try to expand in another arena. I've long been a fan of Boards of Canada and Aphex Twin, and based on recommendations here I bought the Bola FYUTI double LP and am loving it. I also have Matmos' "A Chance to Cut Is a Chance To Cure" coming in the mail. Any suggestions for more? I tend to lean toward things that have a stable beat/melody rather than just experiments in soundscapes but I'm willing to stretch a bit. |
That Bola album is excellent. I highly recommend his first album on Skam, "Soup," and his recently released album on Peacefrog (yes, on Peacefrog) called "Voile" under the alias Jello.
And then if you're new, start with the basics:
- Aphex Twin (SAW2, RDJ album, etc.)
- Autechre (Everything)
- Plaid (Anything except Trainer)
- Reload (A Collection of Short Stories)
- Atom Heart (anything)
etc.
I would advise you to stay away from the masses upon masses of Autechre imitators (Arovane, Funkstörung, Phonem, ad nauseaum) and go straight to the source (in particular, start with Tri Repetae++ and Chiastic Slide and LP5 or Amber - these records are
essential and represent the absolute pinnacle of IDM in my opinion). Actually, I
will highly recommend one Ae-ripoff record, the 2001 album "Solid State" by Funckarma on Djak-up-Bitch. Beautiful and amazingly written with live instrumentation.
Global Communication is another brilliant and beautiful IDM originator whose works I recommend you stockpile. 76:14 can be had nearly anywhere, but their other albums will be tough to find.
The only two Boards of Canada records you need (IMO) are Twoism (recently re-released) and Hi Scores. Stay away from everything else.
Also stay away from new Aphex Twin. And don't go for new Autechre (Confield, Gantz Graf, Draft 7.30) until you're familiar with the old work.
Orbital's "In Sides" is another one of my favorite older proto-IDM albums that is very easy to get into and very easy to enjoy. I'm listening to it right now, actually.
Those old Jega records on Skam are brilliant, but it's not like you'll ever find (real) copies for purchase so that's kind of a stupid recommendation.
Same with everything by Gescom. Well, you probably can find the CD reissue of Keynell, which is one of the finest half-hour excursions into intelligent dance music I have ever heard. And you'd do well to find MP3s of the Keynell remixes on Warp. Their sheer beauty is unmatched.
You could try some Pole, if you like reggae. (Though that edges more towards "experiments in soundscapes" than anything else)
Um.
Lustmord vs. Metal Beast is an amazing record by Lustmord - not IDM - and Metal Beast - yes-IDM - which is woefully underappreciated. Soundscapes, yes, but also amazing IDM beats and melody. They mix together wonderfully.
There's the rather newish crowd of folks on Schematic and Chocolate Industries and Merck - these guys are, in my opinion, good but nowhere near groundbreaking. They're all American and they're all just sort of rehashing material covered years ago by Autechre and ilk. But they're not bad if you're really eager to hear more. (Phoenecia gets my highest recommendation...)
I am Head-Fi's resident electronica trainspotter. I am omniscient and all-knowing. Listen to me.
Hope this helps,
- Chris
