John Christian Weber writes:
quoted 2 lines Some of the best IDM artists have almost completely abandoned rhythm and>Some of the best IDM artists have almost completely abandoned rhythm and
>beats in their latest releases.
I agree, it is a bit disappointing to see a lot of the top artists frowning
on moving your booty. Especially Orb who did it *so damn well*. At least
Orbital hasn't jumped ship yet.
However, I wouldn't say that FSOL has completely left the boat, there are
still a few crunchy bits on Lifeforms, although it defintely isn't another
Accellerator.
I do think that the "ambient" trend has been embraced too tightly by the
majority of artists out there. The recent example of Love & Rockets
deciding to do an "ambient" album rather than concentrating on the swing
thing that they did so well is disappointing. It seems there is a building
full of ambient artists now, and only a handful worth listening to.
Look on the bright side. This leaves the genre wide open to be blown open
again. After seeing Ani Difranco put on the best and tightest concert I've
witnessed this year with an accoustic guitar and a drummer on a mission, I
am left wondering what possibilities lie in the realm of non-electronic
dance music. I would have killed to have seen SPK put on their "unplugged"
techno set at Megadog last year, and Crash Worship is gaining in
acceptance.
I think I'm babbling now. The summary is that we shouldn't moan for
artists awash in the Seas of Eno, but dribble in anticipation for someone
to pick up that drumstick and wail.