quoted 9 lines 'Virtual State' is one of the albums most rewarding of close listening that> > 'Virtual State' is one of the albums most rewarding of close listening that
> > I can think of offhand, bar none.
> > Oh, and I recommend 'The Number of Magic,' Kirk's newish solo album, to the
> > original poster. Has considerably more distortion than much of his recent
> > work (clean production has been one of his trademarks lately), and continues
> > in the drumkit-sample rhythm track style he's been working in.
>
>would you say these are much better than `digital lifeforms'? if so, i'll
>try to get them from the local 2nd-hand shop.
IMO, _The Number of Magic_ is one of IDM's top highlights for the year. Of
course, I have to admit to liking _Digital Lifeforms_ as well. But the
former seems to have a bit more personality. The first two tracks hit you
right off the bat -- both funky with a lighter edge than most other recent
Kirk. He also throws in a lot of nice sounds, and of course, is a master at
weaving them together. Track 3 is something I could hear being on either of
the Sandoz projects as it's got that distinct Kirk groove. Another
highlight of the album is the touch ethnic flavoring -- where so many
artists these days are hitting you in the face with it, Kirk's subtle,
well-manipulated sampling invokes a more ethereal feel (as tracks 5, 6 & 7
attest). Track 8 diverges a bit into jazzy territory and the disc finishes
up with a mid-tempo funky chill. All in all, I think _TNoM_ is one of his
more diverse works -- it is both up-beat and slow, melodic and
experimental..but always grooving.
_Virtual State_, to me, has more of an experimental feel. I haven't
listened to it in a while, but from what I recall, it lacks the structure as
some of his other later works. This is not to say that it isn't good though
-- sounds are diverse and coming at you from many angles, which truly does
make for "close" listening.