Electronica

[Punchy]

So's the theramin and several forms of synthesisers which are still being used in several forms of the genre today. Electronic doesn't just cover digital samplers and Apple iMacs.

So you're saying "Good Vibrations" is electronica because it has a theramin? Yes was an electronica band because they used synths?

If you want to get technical electronic music was started by Stockhausen and other modern avante-gaurd composers in the 70s. They manipulated tape and used primative synths to create new sounds.

[jessecuster3]

So you're saying "Good Vibrations" is electronica because it has a theramin? Yes was an electronica band because they used synths?

If you want to get technical electronic music was started by Stockhausen and other modern avante-gaurd composers in the 70s. They manipulated tape and used primative synths to create new sounds.

If you really want to get technical, it was actually started by John Cage in the 1950's.

[Punchy]

He would fall in to the "other avante-gard" composers realm although I guess I didn't realize it was as early as the 50s.

[jessecuster3]

There is actually a really fasinating documentary called Modulations that came out in 1998 that is all about the history and origins of electronic music. You can find some more info about it here: http://www.caipirinha.com/index1.html
Under the Films section.

[Jonathan Bogart]

Electronic music devices were being built as early as the 1910s, and being used by avant-garde composers as early as the 1930s. Randolph Scott, the maverick American composer (his work is quoted repeatedly in the Looney Tunes cartoons), created a piece of electronic music in 1949 that sounds uncannily modern.

(Edit: Make that Raymond Scott, and the piece is "Cindy Electronium." That's what I get for posting before coffee.)

On the other controversy, I believe that hip-hop and the "electronica" field are two sides of the same coin, like soul and rock in the 50s and 60s. They both have roots in disco and experimental production techniques. In other countries, particularly England, there's no dividing line between them. Grime (the most exciting version of British hip-hop) came out of garage (pronounced "garridge"), which came from rave culture.

Electronic acts I like? The Broadcast, Jamie Lidell, Ladytron, MIA, and the Notwist are favorites, though they all draw from other musics as well.

[Jared H.]

I typically hate electronica but I've recently purchased a couple of electronica discs I dig. One it an Aphex Twin disc that is pretty good.

"Selected Ambient Works Vol I," I'd wager(I've owned a lot of his cd's, but this is the one most gravitate towards).


If you like some actual songwriting in your techno, might I reccommend "Underworld"?

Freestyle modern poetry as song-lyrics. Makes for some neat songs.


As for the person who likes D&B: Dieselboy's "Dungeonmaster's Guide" and LTJ Bukem's "Progression Sessions" are quite good. The first is more pulse-pounding, the latter is a bit more trippy/melodic. But that's my favorite thing about D&B: you can some insane breakbeats/snare rush with a very relaxing melody on top.

[Leslie Lee III]

I DJ on occasion. Progressive Trance and Breaks: www.johnhyperion.com for mixes.

The genres aren't silly at all, this music is too diverse to label it all "electronica" (which is a genre unto itself). Jonathan Lisle is nothing like Concord Dawn is nothing like Muppetfucker is nothing like Misstress Barbara. With all the tracks and acts out, it'd be impossible for any DJ to find anything without the sounds being broken down into easy to use categories.

[Punchy]

"Selected Ambient Works Vol I," I'd wager(I've owned a lot of his cd's, but this is the one most gravitate towards).


If you like some actual songwriting in your techno, might I reccommend "Underworld"?

Freestyle modern poetry as song-lyrics. Makes for some neat songs.


As for the person who likes D&B: Dieselboy's "Dungeonmaster's Guide" and LTJ Bukem's "Progression Sessions" are quite good. The first is more pulse-pounding, the latter is a bit more trippy/melodic. But that's my favorite thing about D&B: you can some insane breakbeats/snare rush with a very relaxing melody on top.

It's an EP called 'Come To Daddy' that I bought in London actually.

[Cayman]

I suggest The Last Resort by Trentemoller and maybe some Boards Of Canada.

[Cayman]

Hey Beef! Long time no see.

I miss RadioSeven, they used to play all types of electronica. I mean its still around, but somehow became harder to navigate ever since they stopped direct streaming. And since the whole site's in Swedish, I can't figure out how to join or anything.

Some electronica I like: Bodies Without Organs, Da Buzz, Alcazar, Alice Deejay, E-Type, Lasgo, Milk Inc, and Ian Van Dahl.

I love BWO. They are so fun.

[Cayman]

"Selected Ambient Works Vol I," I'd wager(I've owned a lot of his cd's, but this is the one most gravitate towards).

One of my favorite albums. Good to dream to.

[Jared H.]

It's an EP called 'Come To Daddy' that I bought in London actually.

Ever see the music video to the title track? Creepy stuff.

IMO, "Flim" is the best song on that EP. Very melancholy/nostalgia-inducing.


And Cayman: I wholeheartedly agree. I used to have these "sanity sessions" where I'd lay on the floor, put on that CD or another similar, toss a ball up and down, and try to relax from the stress of the day. I'd also let my imagination run free during those times. For that reason, it became one of my all-time favs.

[Punchy]

"Flim" is the reason I bought the record. My favorite jazz group The Bad Plus covered it on their first record. It's a fantastic version, you should check it out.

[zombie]

Here's what PopMatters considered the best electronic music of 2006, if anyone's interested.