The Propellerheads establish their loop-based retro electronica sound with Decksanddrumsandrockandroll. The album name sums up the sound of this album. It is full of loops, samples, and drum machines, but also manages to rock on many cuts. Decksanddrumsandrockandroll has a spy theme. The cut, “History Repeating”, sung by Shirley Bassey, sounds like it could be… Read More Propellerheads – Decks and drums and rock and roll
This album is unusual for SynthTopia. Instead of being synth heavy electronica, the tracks are almost entirely acoustic instruments. But they are acoustic instruments most of us have never heard before, playing in a style that fits right in with the modern pop-rock electronica sensibility. And it is, of all things, a Concept Album. We… Read More Blue Man Group – The Complex
This is the last recording in Brian Eno’s seminal Ambient series, and after 20 years, it still sounds beautiful and disturbing. Brian Eno originated the modern idea of ambient music. In his series of 4 ambient albums, Eno established the modern idea of a shifting audio environment, free of the constraints of melodies or song… Read More Brian Eno – Ambient 4: On Land
Robert Miles’ 1996 album is a set of upbeat, melodic trance cuts. These are targeted to a mainstream dance audience, and are filled with catchy melodies. These tunes sound great at the club, but are equally at home at the dance floor as the are in the chill-out room. Miles uses piano prominently in many… Read More Robert Miles – Dreamland
Alison Goldfrapp & Will Gregory channel both the past and the future on Felt Mountain. This album is part electronica, part cabaret, and part vintage soundtrack. Throw in some “Eraserhead” for good measure. The first thing you notice on this album is Alison Goldfrapp’s unique singing style. She sounds like Shirley Bassey doing a James… Read More Goldfrapp – Felt Mountain
Banco de Gaia has a unique approach to electronica. He mixes samples and sounds of traditional instruments together with electronics. His approach, though, does not have the ready-for-radio sound of some world electronica. Gaia’s music is more complex, even reflective. There are many interesting cuts on this album. Heliopolis, the opener, is a standout, as… Read More Banco de Gaia – Maya
Orbital’s self-titled debut collects some of their earliest singles, and though the cuts are nearly 15 years old, they hold up well. This cuts on this album capture the sound of early British house and techno. For the most part, the cuts on this album could be played at any dance or techno bar and… Read More Orbital by Orbital
BT tests the faith of his fans with his album Emotional Technology. The artfulness of his production technique is great as ever. BR has been very innovative in his use of computers to edit audio, single-handedly inventing a style of rhythmic audio manipulation that has spawned many imitators. He uses his tricks throughout Emotional Technology,… Read More BT – Emotional Technology
Opera Sauvage is a warm, mysterious blend of popular electronic music that sounds as good today as it did when it was released over twenty years ago. Vangelis is known for taking simple materials and orchestrating them beautifully. Opera Sauvage is a good example of his abilities in this area. It is full of beautiful… Read More Vangelis – Opera Sauvage
