Musique 365: Day 365: Zoolook – Jean-Michel Jarre

For one of the most innovative albums of the last 40 years, Jarre took samples of speech and song from 25 different languages, then sampled and looped them, weaving them in, so that they become an integral part of the music and rhythm (try the opening of ‘Zoolook’). The only recognised vocalist to appear is Laurie Anderson, whose enigmatic, unmistakeable tones dominate ‘Diva’. But the masterpiece is the monumental opening track which is hard to characterise as it moves from a calm and gentle opening section, through to a hi-energy peak, always with speech and song samples to the fore. An epic 12 minute journey.

Stand-Out Track: Ethnicolor

Musique 365: Day 344: We Can Create – Maps

Here is another example of a band who generate a seemingly boundless amount of energy in their music. Vocals are quite anonymous and are often in danger of being lost in the mix, but this draws your attention to the wider arrangements, which (for the most part) stand up to close scrutiny.

Stand-Out Track: Liquid Sugar

Musique 365: Day 341: Waiting For Cousteau – Jean-Michel Jarre

An album that promised so much, with an intriguing and well-devised trio of tracks called ‘Calypso’ to start with. This is followed though by a title track of nearly 47 minutes which consists of electronic noodling and doodling where little of note happens. For me, the album is notable for the first 22 minutes, but nothing thereafter.

Stand-Out Track: Calypso

 

Musique 365: Day 340: Voices – Vangelis

Vangelis is the master creator of sound landscapes. The twist for this one here is in the title – a focus on voices … and Paul Young has one that is worth hearing in a new musical environment.

Stand-Out Track: Losing Sleep (Still, My Heart)

 

Musique 365: Day 339: Vienna – Ultravox

My first brush with Midge and the boys came in 1983 when a friend lent me ‘Quartet’. I went out and bought a double-play cassette of ‘Vienna’ backed with ‘Rage in Eden’, which was recorded on tape so thin it was hardly there. The sound quality may not have been high but it received a lot of play time until it was finally chewed by a ravenous car stereo. Anyway, I digress … This is an album that is a prime example of early 80’s European electronic new wave, which (although famous for its title track) has other contenders for highlights. ‘Passing Strangers’ is almost singalong by nature, whereas ‘Astradyne’ is an atmospheric instrumental opener. The influence of Kraftwerk collaborator Conny Plank as producer comes shining through in the brooding and dark …

Stand-Out Track: Mr X

Musique 365: Day 322: Tomorrow’s Harvest – Boards Of Canada

It’s Boards of Canada. Remember them? The Scottish duo whose music is so far off the beaten track, you need a compass and a keen sense of direction to find your way back. Here is their latest offering. Again, it defies you to like it. But again, patience is a virtue here. Repeated listening will help. Devotees will recognise familar trademark samples, like the ‘ice cream van’ chimes (or so I call it) used in ‘White Cyclosa’.  However, try the opening track. It’s only 3 minutes and will give you a fair indication if you wish to explore further.

Stand-Out Track: Gemini

Musique 365: Day 269: Sakura – Susumu Yokota

Samples, loops and quite bare electronic landscapes. Welcome to the world of Susumu Yokota. If you liked ‘Grinning Cat'(see 26th April), then you won’t go far wrong with this one. Some tracks are so light and airy that they are hardly there (‘Hagoromo’) whereas others are almost dance-floor material (‘Genshi’). On the whole though, this is an album to lie down in a darkened room to and see what pictures the music conjures in your mind.

Stand-Out Track: Saku (an ambient, dream-like piece)

Musique 365: Day 265: Röyksopp’s Night Out – Röyksopp

Live album / EP from the Norwegian electro-duo which incorporates tracks from their two studio albums that existed at the time. A good showcase of their work.

Stand-Out Track: Alpha Male

Musique 365: Day 264: Rounds – Four Tet

Plenty of electronic doodling by Kieran Hebden with some of it rather grating on the ear, but given a second or third listening there are tracks that demand further attention …

Stand-Out Track: My Angel Rocks Back And Forth

Musique 365: Day 243: Poland – Tangerine Dream

The prolific masters of electronic music from the 70’s and 80’s, Tangerine Dream has had numerous line-ups and produced over 100 studio albums (!). In 1984, the line-up was Edgar Froese, Chris Franke and Johannes Schmoelling and this is one of their many live albums. I like the intro in Polish and the moody opening track (which goes through many transformations during its 20 minute running time). See what you think.

Stand-Out Track: Poland