IDM Mailing Archive

On Thu, 7 Sep 1995, Richard Barnett wrote:

quoted 2 lines hmmm... i picked up `digital lifeforms' on the basis of comments like this

> hmmm... i picked up `digital lifeforms' on the basis of comments like this > but it doesn't really do anything for me.

Digital Lifeforms takes time, and it doesn't really get rolling until track five or so. I didn't really hear it until I threw it on in the background while I was concentrating on something else. Distracting the analytical half of my mind seemed to give the disk the chance it needed to really make an impression. It's easily one of my favorite IDM albums now. The tones on the second half of the album are very pure/electronic and his rhythms are both loose and evolving. All of RHK's work is similar in this respect; nothing really jumps out on the first spin, but it's subtlety and complexity gradually reveal themselves over time. I STILL don't know exactly what it is about _The Conversation_, but there's SOMETHING very haunting about it.

quoted 3 lines similarly, the black dog productions album `bytes' will probably disappear

> similarly, the black dog productions album `bytes' will probably disappear > from my collection; it's too complex and fiddly, and none of the layers > seem to carry any distinctive tune.

I agree. I've listened to _Bytes_ over and over again, trying to figure out why people think it's so interesting. I still haven't. I love _Spanners_, though. _Throbbing Pouch_ takes a little time, too, and it's better overall than _At Atmos_.

quoted 3 lines Re: _Virtual State_ and _Number of Magic_

> Re: _Virtual State_ and _Number of Magic_ > would you say these are much better than `digital lifeforms'? if so, i'll > try to get them from the local 2nd-hand shop.

I wouldn't say they're better than Sandoz, but they're both beautiful records. If you see them used, pick them up!

quoted 4 lines `mama 6' -- journeyman (n tone) : very similar to the first woob album

> `mama 6' -- journeyman (n tone) : very similar to the first woob album > (not surprising considering that paul frankland [i think that's his > name] is common to both); vocal samples, drifting ambients, some beats; > tracks up to 20 minutes.

What's the deal with the second Woob album? Is it out yet? What about the new Autechre EP? Mod Lang claims it's not out yet.