LOWRIDE

I'm a fairly big Warp Records fan but, for whatever reason, I've never really listened to Autechre that much. Maybe it's because I couldn't figure out how to pronounce their odd name. Anyways, I was listening to their first album over the weekend and guess what? I like it. "Lowride" is a standout with its 808 sounding drums and cold synth melody.

Lowride

LOVE IS IN THE FEEL

In 1984 Roy Ayers released a largely unheralded album called, "In The Dark". This album definitely veers into questionable territory. Check out, for instance, the hilariously titled "Poo Poo La La". Or Roy getting his swagger on in "Sexy, Sexy, Sexy". He's caught up in a quiet storm crooner persona at times and it doesn't work. What is great about this album, however, is the heavy use of the Linn Drum Machine.

Here's album closer "Love Is In The Feel". Check out Stanley Clarke and Roy himself killing it on the drum programming.

Love Is In The Feel

AGUIRRE I

Werner Herzog is easily one of my favorite directors. Many of his films have the tendency to unfold in dream like patterns which in turn mesmerize the viewer. This process is amplified by the hypnotic music which typically accompanies his films.

Popol Vuh were an experimental German group who were closely associated with the films of Werner Herzog. They provided the perfect aural counterpart to Herzog's visual aesthetic. The group was founded by the reclusive multi-instrumentalist Florian Fricke in the early 70's. While a lot of their early work relied heavily on electronic experimentation (Fricke owned one of the first Moog synthesizers), Fricke later renounced electronic instruments and turned to a more acoustically oriented sound. In any case, their early work can be seen as an important antecedent to later developments in ambient music.

Here is the title track off of Herzog's stunning "Aguirre: The Wrath of God", which features prominently in the film and should conjure up images of the majestic Urubamba Valley.

Aguirre I