Just thought I'd mention a few things I've acquired recently that I
haven't seen mentioned yet, or which haven't been given their due.
Aphex/Hawtin fans will dig the new Single Cell Orchestra 12" "Angelic
Science" EP on Jonah Sharp's Reflective Records. Trance and ambient
with Aphexesque sounds.
I'm not sure if I've posted this before or not, but Experimental
Records' "Mind Expansions" compilation is one of the most incredible
things I've heard this year. Every track is sublime. Includes
previously unreleased tracks and tracks only available on
Experimental vinyl. Artists include Shape Changer, Aurasfere (Dennis
Ferrer), Bio Dreams, Morgan, Cyan, etc. Not the most recognizable
names in the world, but not because they don't deserve the attention.
I've only had time to listen to one of the new Instinct Ambient CDs,
but the Terre Thaemlitz disc, "Tranquilizer," is excellent.
Comparable to KLF's "Chill Out" in the way it conjures up an
imaginary environment for which to serve as soundtrack. Nice use of
piano and acoustic guitar on a couple tracks.
Unlike the folks who've previously posted about it, I think Juno
Reactor's "Luciana" is quite good. Obviously, a 60-minute piece is
not something you can find time to listen to all that often, but it
builds wonderfully throughout its duration. Minimal, engulfing,
suspenseful.
Finally, Orb fans shouldn't hesitate to buy "FFWD." I like "Pomme
Fritz" quite a bit, but "FFWD" is probably the better of the two.
That's it for now. I have much more, but those are the things on my
mind at the moment.
Al.