I usually don't get involved in these discussions, but I just have a quick
note that really is pretty inconsequential.
The thing that I find to be the "problem" with ambient is that it easily
rides that fine line between being "good: because it's inspired and
stimulating to listen to" and "good: just because it's so darn
aesthetically pleasing". For example, I think Paul Schutze is great,
really original and interesting to listen to, but a lot of the time I just
want to listen to something that sounds good, and so (say) the new
Autocreation will end up on my stereo instead. Not as inspired, but
enjoyable nonetheless. At least for me. =)
In contrast to Pomme Fritz, which is great and all, but I just don't want
to listen to it.
How is one guy's hold-down-a-note-for-an-hour song better than another
guy's hold-down-a-note-for-an-hour song? Maybe Harold Budd can't play piano
at all and the bits we hear on the CD's are just the bits when he gets
lucky. At any rate, it's possible to go way too far with this.
Each piece of music must be judged on its own merits...
Right?
--Jeff