On the topic of emotional response/content of idm-
I've never experienced a lack of emotional response from idm- but that's
my definiton of idm, that it must be more stimulating than 120bpm quarter
notes, and must move me. BUT, when I think about it, I realize that there
are other musics (plenty Intelligent, but not Dance, generally) that leave
me with tears streaking down my face. An electronic handshake to anyone
else out there who has ever risen higher listening to Dead Can Dance,
some Vangelis, or Miles Davis (pre 70's). And I know that many of you
qualify, so *shake*!
A little closer to home, I recently purchased AA's "Tales.." cd. There
was a discussion recently on this list about the actual content/merit of
this recording. Tai thought it sounded like a 'natural sounds' sampler,
and Jon disagreed. I also disagree. But perception is a slippery thing;
we've each followed different paths to get to idm. I came through
Bird, Tangerine Dream, and years of making my own music. From this
standpoint, MY standpoint, AA is a sonic wonderland. "Swab" moves my
butt. "Mountain Goat" has more feeling behind it than any other idm
tune I can think of, off hand... etc. And as for "Fat Cat":
in the late '80s, PG's "Passion" was a unique recording, and is untouched
still IMO. "Fat Cat", which samples it, is the cash-money-crop.
"Fat Cat" is not a really great song; but "Passion" changed my life,
and I view AA's use of "Passion" as a tribute to PG's work.
Whew. b.