Let's get fired up....

new Stars of the Lid

Thx for the info

Cool! judging from the samples, more instruments will be prominent in the mix. Well, sounds good so far, what else can I say?



I'm really enjoying this. I was a bit turned off of the whole ambient dub stuff, I have Adventures beyond the Ultraworld and felt it was overrated. Maybe it's the constant sci-fi sampling that distracts me. But this is great, peaceful stuff.

for a second there i thought this link would take me to a leak, dont play with my heart like that.

This is okay. Certainly comparable to Venice or Harmony In Ultraviolet but the wonderful highs of those albums aren't really here. But I guess they all can't be classics.


After two listens (third in progress right now) this seems to be the weakest installment of the series so far. Not bad but nothing stands out quite like before.

Yeah, I was dissappointed.

Um, late on hearing Loscil-Plume but smitten. I haven't read all this thread, but I'm sure you guys threw it around in '06.

I don't know if this is already widely known or anything, but here's a good resource for some ambient stuff, if you sift through the post-rock and Built to Spill and whatnot.

http://community.livejournal.com/postrockxchange/347591.html

Hmm. Poked around in the nook and didn't find the fish for this... so I figured I'd up it. I do like this a lot as welll., sleek, elegant and nicely sequenced from front to back. Very, Very Nice.

Loscil - Plume (2006)

Wonderful record. I think I pimped it about 10 pages ago. Its Scott's best record by far.

Finally listening to this -- I like it.

I was afraid the whole 'rewired toy' thing would be overbearing, but thus far, it's tastefully done.

I'm glad to see that more people are giving that BT a chance. I agree with Ryan in thinking that it is quite tasteful, and far less clumsy and jarring than it could have been (for godsake, the man used a furby on the album...a FURBY!!!)

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Radicalfashion - Odori (Hefty, 2007)

1. Opening
2. Suna
3. Thousand (f/ Carl Stone)
4. Usunibi (f/ Carl Stone)
5. Ballet
6. Shousetsu
7. Shunpoudoh
8. Toh-Koh
9. Photo Dynasmo
10. Mask

I try not to get my knickers in a knot over every ambient release that comes my way, but god damn, if every release from here on out sounds like this, its gonna take a hell of a long time to untangle my pantaloons. Equal parts Fennesz ambient and Richter post-classical. Beautiful, stunning, gorgeous-- all of the usual glowing adjectives apply here, and then some. Highly recommended.

awesome!

hey philoctetes (or anyone else), do you use a mac? I just got one and and need to know what a good file zipper would be
to download off the net for a Mac.


fyi I'm getting an error message when trying to download. Though they may have a limit (I just downloaded that Denzel record you loaded in the electronic thread).

I'm just a regular PC guy myself, but that being said, i'd love to get a mac for Garageband alone.

As far as the Radicalfashion link, i'm not sure what that's all about. Maybe i accidently deleted the link. I'm still new to this whole Mediafire business. Ah well, sendspace it is. I'll fix the link and have in up in a few.

yeah, Garageband is a pretty interesting program. You can really get a lot out of it if you work on it long enough. Of course Ive only had it for a week. But I've figured out how to plugin my Moog softsynth on it already. I was surprised when I found out that it supported plugins, it saved me the hard-drive space (now i dont have to go out and download Logic or Tracktion just yet). So yeah, Garageband does seem pretty nifty.

And don't forget that Mac's are sexy little things. Makes my PC look barbarous in comparison.





fixed

hey avec, I'm on a mac. I've actually talked to A team about sending his some stuff I made (non ambient) through real instruments and garage band. anyone PM me if interested in hearing it. its not bad but doesnt have vocals yet. .....BUT I just use stufit or whatever it's called. asks you if you want to upgrade or purchase the whole time but you are never forced to. you can create your own zip file by "right clicking" and clicking create archive. no programs needed.

also. point 1. that october language CD is absolutly amazing. I think saying it doesnt have the highs of tim hecker is true but it feels more like a full 'ambient' cd. I love a completly cohesive ambient release but the tracks are different enough as well. has become one of my favorites of 06.

also 2. point 1.1. I am now downloading this radicalfashion thing but it seems kinda wild. I'm scarred.

for a file unzipper plus a really nice drop and zip utility.. go to alladin.com or just type stuffit in google. Theres a free version for the basis unzipping taks.

thanks for all the help guys. If anyone downloads this, let me know if it works or not. I was listening to this last night and figured it should be posted here, it's a classic. I may have already posted it before, I can't remember. Any ambient and drone fans should have heard this one already.

hxxp://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=download&ufid=9D44801326628A97


From Almost Cool.org:
Comprised of Carter Brown and Mark Nelson, the group plays a slow mixture of drone rock and ambient noise that never exactly falls on the happy side of the rainbow. In addition to showing off the darker side of several moogs, their instrumentation includes a 12 string guitar, tape loops, tons of old keyboards, and vocals (sometimes vocordered to nice effect). One of the more interesting things about the release is that there is no rhythm section at all on the album. There are no drums and no thump of a bass to speak off, just washes of finely layered sound (vocals included in the mix) that provide well over an hour of drifting time.

Starting out with a track that is comprised of nothing but several layers of subtle feedback, the album then moves into sort of a creepy western-sounding number called "Accelerating On A Smoother Road." With only the strum of a guitar and some haunting noise in the background, the vocals sound even more lonely and stark than they would if they were the only element in the mix. The only song that could possibly be mistaken for something that is happy arrives in the form of the sixth track entitled "Soft Return." It has the same hazy drift of background noises, but a lighter guitar melody and some jingling bells that accompany the vocals give it almost an uplifting feel. It only lasts for so long, though, and then the disc goes right back into it's melancholy mode with "Sliding Glass" and "C. Of People."

Overall, it's kind of a seminal release for a first recording. Although drone groups had been around before Labradford (and many electronic artists had experimented in extremely minimal releases), they pulled off a cohesive album with some lyrical pieces that works quite well. Not only that, but they took a bunch of instruments known for their wacky sounds (like the moog) and encorporated them into the mix in a way that really works to create an encompasing feel that lasts over an hour (still their longest release to date). If you haven't listened to something of this nature, it might be best to ease into things lest you find yourself bored with what on first listen might seem rather repetitive. It's definitely a subtle recording, and somewhat testing, but if you're in a funk (and I can attest to this), it's an album that will echo your sentiments.

rating: GO BEARS!!!!

Don't be scared man. It really isn't so out there, it just does what it does really well. I really enjoy how there are various feels throughout the album. In parts, it is very much centered around classical piano, while in others, it focuses more on noise. Then there are lovely Caretaker-esque moments when every seems to change in some subtle way, and something which was lovely moments before becomes haunting and unsettling (ex. around the 3:00 mark of Suna.) And that's not even to mention the Books -ish vocal samples which are sometimes used on the latter half of the album. And yet, all of these disparate elements come together in a way that isn't nearly as overwhelming as it seems.

Tenderly embrace this album.

Avec, good call on the Labradford, i have El Luxo So (probably misspelled that), and i think it is pretty fantastic.

cool, give Prazision a try if you haven't heard it yet. It's a lot different than the vocal-less album that you have. E luxo So is a lot minimal and not as dark sounding as this one. Both are good but I like Prazision much better.

this radicalfashion is very kitchen sink-ish. not what was expected because, well I listened before your reply. I'm not so sure about it. it is tender like a chicken wing but comes poops out of memory just as fast. I might have to try it again when it gets warmer. doesnt support this winter whether well. also, I went back to jans jelinek's loop finding jazz records and it's alot better than I remember, like a super faded mum with a full head sound, there is no ambient silence but a small mask of noise. I like it alot, almost minimal house but too minimal to really count. good stuff.

I wouldn't call Odori kitchen sink-ish, since that implies that it is hastily thrown together. While there is a lot going on, i just don't see it as being that sloppy. But i do agree that this isn't a winter album. I'd say more of a spring album if anything.

As a side note, i just saw Pan's Labyrinth a little while back and i could totally see this as being the soundtrack for it. Not only does it have a slightly fantastical vibe, but it often reminds me of an extended lullaby of sorts. The film had the same effect on me.

Edit: For those who are curious, here is a track from the album as a sampler. It is not only my favourite track from the album, but it best demonstrates what Odori is all about.

Photo Dynasmo

Now and then I consider how great it would be to just go ahead and buy the entire Hefty Records catalog.

Dag Rosenqvist/Rutger Zuydervelt
Vintermusik
Machinefabriek 2007


01. Frost/Vries
02. Gras Som Bryts och Gar Av/Gras Dat Knakt en Breekt
03. Blasa Rok/Rook Blazen
04. Ljus i November/Licht in November
05. Tappad Vante/Verloren Want
06. Islossning/Ijsbreken

holy shit, thanks! this is a very limited release.


edit: this is great, too. for those that liked the Machinefabriek pick it up.

Stars of the Lid - And Their Refinement Of The Decline (Kranky, 2007)

1-01 Dungtitled (In A Major)
1-02 Articulate Silences Part 1
1-03 Articulate Silences Part 2
1-04 The Evil That Never Arrived
1-05 Apreludes (In C Sharp Major)
1-06 Don't Bother They're Here
1-07 Dopamine Clouds Over Craven Cottage
1-08 Even If You're Never Awake (Deuxieme)
1-09 Even (Out) +
1-10 A Meaningful Moment Through A Meaning(less) Process
2-01 Another Ballad For Heavy Lids
2-02 The Daughters Of Quiet Minds
2-03 Hiberner Toujours
2-04 That Finger On Your Temple Is The Barrel Of My Raygun
2-05 Humectez La Mouture
2-06 Tippy's Demise
2-07 The Mouthchew
2-08 December Hunting For Vegetarian Fuckface

So i've given this new Stars of the Lid album a once-thru so far, and it's pretty fucking fantastic. Fans of the band will not be disappointed. Like all leaked albums, i'm going to reserve my initial judgement regarding how this compares to the rest of their catalogue. In fact, i think i'm going to go back and rediscover their older stuff before listening to this new one again. From what i can tell, this album isn't as dark as TTSoSotL.

I was looking forward to this one. just got done downloading but I'm not in an ambient mood right now. will save this one for tonight/tomorrow. thanks alot though A team.

so I lied, I have been listening to this a little and it is really beautiful. I am only a couple songs in but this thing is full of swells of emotion and I really like it. wonderful winter night sound track, starring out the window. its a depressing/sort of uplifting collection of songs...at least the ones I've gottent through. really good stuff.

Glad everyone could hear that new Machinefabriek record. The guy is amazing. I need to check out Jasper TX who he is collaborating with here. You all should just buy this release, as the packaging is fantastic. I bought mine at aquariusrecords.com for 15 bucks.

No way in hell i'm downloading that Stars of the Lid record. I can't wait until my copy arrives and I can properly digest it on a good stereo system.

I just put my order in for this today at Kranky, along with the Deerhunter cd. But I may give this a sample a little later.
It won't kill me to just get a taste...

Edit: has anyone heard Boduf Songs? How is it?

More Ghostly Goodness - News From The Ghostly Front

New Faces - The latest offering in our digital EP series highlights up and coming talent from the Ghostly roster. The EP features exclusive tracks from MANHUNTER,JDSY, WISP (Sublight), THE REFLECTING SKIN

Preview it at http://www.ghostly.com/digital/

So this new Stars of Lid is just plain awesome. Now I am hardly finished with the first disc, so it is hard to say where this stacks up against their other albums, as for now this is just fantastic.

I've been listening tot hat Childs album. Holys hit it is one of the best things I've ever heard..

Here is a link to the Boduf Songs "Lion Devours The Sun"

So, I have now given it five or six listens, and the new Stars of Lid is frickin' incredible. oh those swooshes!

Anyone care to re-up the Aphex Twin Ambient Works Vol. 2? I've been trying to find it for a long time but to no avail. This is my favorite thread ever.

Today I purchased Brian Eno On Land, and I think I realized my life is changing. Ambient music makes me think incredibly deeply. It makes me realize things about myself and the world around me, and it makes me want to share those things. I did a whole lot of photography out in the below 0 weather in the forest taking pictures of the way the branches in the trees coordinate. Then I got home and I'm getting as much as I can. It seems like there is way too much, how do you sort the great from the so so? I like Stars of the Lid and I like Tim Hecker, and suprisingly Lustmord (who my friends and I joked about without ever actually listening to) is awesome.

edit

Here's another link for Stars of The Lid's new one:

I've been sampling the new SoTL and it's just fantastic; can't wait for my copy.

Marsen Jules -- Herbstlaub ("autumn leaves")

minimal looped samples of orchestral music, with synth layers added. overall a pleasant
and invigorating album.

hxxp://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=download&ufid=D1E6B29F370BDAE9

so this stars of the lid didn't hold up for me super long. I might need to let it get a little deeper but it was sorta "wow, this is pretty good and is gonna be amazing" to "well this isn't really turning into what I thought, it still sounds like I'm waiting for it to click" I think I gotta give up on it for a little. I hope keith Fullerton Whitman puts out a nother studio john.

Now Playing:


Radicalfashion - Odori

I like this. The use of piano and electronics makes me think of Ryuichi Sakamoto, or maybe that's just because this guy is Japanese too. The preview track on the Hefty website made me expect a much more bumpy ride than this turned out to be. The loops and occasional beats never get too repetitive, and it all comes together really nicely. This is the sort of thing I wish Nobukazu Takemura would get back to doing.



Radian - Juxtaposition

Bass and drums, mostly, pretty standard post-rcok blueprint fed through a lot of effects. Not a lot happens here but I like the clean efficiency of it all.

didnt enjoy this much the first time through, but I still have a copy that I'll throw in once I get around to it.

I think this Milieu has been overlooked a bit

I purchased a copy of it and think it's great for drifting away at night. Infraction also sent me a promo
of Beautumn which I like a lot. Think I'm going to be doing business with them again soon!


also got this yesterday in the mail Susumu Yakota -- Sakura
it's also fantastic.

What work of Beautumn were you sent? Any chance you could share with your ambient friends? I've been pimping him for the longest time, and yet i have next to none of his stuff.

This is wonderful.

What is Infraction?

Infraction is a record label which is the home to such ambient artists as Milieu, Tetsu Inoue, and Beautumn, among others.

Speaking of which, this is for avec and others who might find this of interest:


Beautumn - White Coffee