la vacante

Thievery Corporation - The Richest Man In Babylon (2002) [Reuploaded Link]

2009-06-17T05:39:00.000-07:00

Date Released: September 17, 2002
Origin: United States
Genre: Trip-Hop, Chillout, Acid Jazz, Downtempo, Dub, Lounge
Label: ESL Music, Inc / Eighteenth Street
Site: http://thieverycorporation.com
Tracklist:
1. Heaven’s Gonna Burn Your Eyes
2. Facing East
3. The Outernationalist
4. Omid (Hope)
5. All That we Perceive
6. Un Simple Histoire (A Simple Story)
7. Meu Destino (My Destiny)
8. Exilio (Exile)
9. From Creation
10. The Richest Man In Babylon
11. Liberation Front
12. The State Of The Union
13. Until The Morning
14. Resolution

Download Link: http://rapidshare.com/files/245533802/Thievery_Corporation_-_The_Richest_Man_In_Babylon.rar

Khonnor - Live from Saint Johnsbury, Vermont (2004)

2009-06-07T00:01:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 2004
Origin: United States
Genre: IDM, Electrofolk, Shoegaze, Soundscape
Label: Please Do Something
Site: http://www.typerecords.com/artists/full.php?id=24
Tracklist:
1. Basement Key 555
2. Crapstone
3. The eyes Of The Older Car Drivers Do Shine

Download Link: http://rapidshare.com/files/239359225/Khonnor_-_Live_from_Saint_Johnsbury__Vermont.rar

Khonnor - Softbo EP (2009)

2009-06-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

Release Date: January 20, 2009
Origin: United States
Genre: IDM, Abstract, Drum And Bass, Noise
Label: Moodgadget Records
Site: http://www.typerecords.com/artists/full.php?id=24
Tracklist:
1. Nibble-O
2. Pea Mag Gourmet
3. Kite Tits
4. Calico Dong Veil
5. An Ode To Gary Giggles
6. Infirmary 2
7. Huffin' Hollow

Download Link: http://rapidshare.com/files/239356967/Khonnor_-_Softbo.rar

Khonnor - Burning Palace (2006)

2009-06-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 2006

Origin: United States

Genre: IDM, Shoegaze

Label: Type Records

Site: http://www.typerecords.com/artists/full.php?id=24

Tracklist:

1. Burning Palace

2. Heat Convex Dreaming

Download Link: http://rapidshare.com/files/239348618/Khonnor_-_Burning_Palace.rar

Khonnor - Lost Pets (2003)

2009-06-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 2003
Origin: United States
Genre: IDM, Ambient, Soundscape, Shoegaze
Label: Please Do Something
Site: http://www.typerecords.com/artists/full.php?id=24
Tracklist:
1. Executioner The Rat
2. Rooms
3. Coffin Story
4. Cantelopps
5. Crab Foils (Fast Foils!)
6. I Was Everything You Wanted Until I Quit

Download link: http://rapidshare.com/files/238639359/Khonnor_-_Lost_Pets.rar

Khonnor - Handwriting (2005)

2009-05-31T11:17:00.000-07:00

The next ten posts you'll be able to download work of Connor Long, a 22 years old musician from USA who started to publish work when he was only 15. Besides his age, another thing that have surprised to critics, reviewers, fans and other musicians is that he has several names that can be defined as half the way between heteronyms and pseudonyms. Honestly, I think they can be defined more as heteronyms because each different name has a well-defined style and musical structure. So, when we talk about Khonnor, Grandma, I, Cactus, or Gaza Faggot, we are talking about the same person but a different musician. Hope you like these next EP's & albums.

Cheers.

Release Date: August 22, 2005

Origin: United States

Genre: IDM, Ambient, Electrofolk, Shoegaze

Label: Type Records

Site: http://www.typerecords.com/artists/full.php?id=24

Tracklist:

1. Man From The Anthill

2. Daylight And Delight

3. Megan's Present

4. Dusty

5. Crapstone

6. Kill2

7. A Little Secret

8. An Ape Is Loose

9. Phone Calls From You

10. The Stoned Night

11. Screen Love, Space And The Time Man

12. I Was Everything You Wanted Until You Quit

13. Tattletalent (Encore)

Download Link: http://rapidshare.com/files/238635173/Khonnor_-_Handwriting.rar

Loess - Burrows (2009)

2009-05-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

Release Date: May 5, 2009
Origin: United States
Genre: IDM, Abstract, Ambient
Label: Nonresponse
Site: http://www.myspace.com/loesswindandwater
Tracklist:
1. Lull
2. Schoen
3. Troper
4. Fascine
5. Tranter
6. Bud
7. Selkuth
8. Spetaelska
9. Nyckel
10. Thresh
11. Nomon
12. Cyanor
13. Hohn

Download Link: http://rapidshare.com/files/237863941/Loess_-_Burrows.rar

This is the new album from Loess. It is really great, amazing atmospheres, dark ambients and beautiful visual scenarios. Once again, better if listened with headphones; so close your eyes, construct unimaginable personal ecosystems and enjoy.

B. Fleischmann - Welcome Tourist (2003)

2009-05-26T00:01:00.000-07:00

Date Released: January 1, 2003
Origin: Austria
Genre: IDM, Abstract, Click & Cut
Label: Morr Music
Site: http://www.bfleischmann.com/
Tracklist Disc One:
1. 02/00
2. Guided By Beats
3. Pass By
4. Grunt
5. Until The Real Thing Comes Along
6. The Blessed
7. As If
8. Waiting For You To Come
9. A Letter From Home
10. Le Desire
11. Sleep

Tracklist Disc Two:
1. Take Your Time

Better if listened with headphones. Cheers!

Download Link: http://rapidshare.com/files/235232375/B._Fleischmann_-_Welcome_Tourist.rar

B. Fleischmann - The Humbucking Coil (2006)

2009-05-24T00:01:00.000-07:00

Date Released: January 1, 2006
Origin: Austria
Genre: IDM, Abstract, Click & Cut
Label: Morr Music
Site: http://www.bfleischmann.com/
Tracklist:
1. Broken Monitors
2. Gain
3. Composure
4. First Times
5. Phones And Machines
6. Static Grate
7. Aldebaran Waltz

Download Link: http://rapidshare.com/files/235210580/B._Fleischmann_-_The_Humbucking_Coil.rar

B. Fleischmann - Sidonie (1999)

2009-05-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

Date Released: November 1, 1999
Origin: Austria
Genre: IDM, Abstract, Click & Cut
Label: Morr Music
Site: http://www.bfleischmann.com/
Tracklist:
1. Sidonie
2. Sad Star
3. Whirr
4. Where Have You Been
5. Sleep

Download Link: http://rapidshare.com/files/235193868/B._Fleischmann_-_Sidonie.rar

B. Fleischmann - Pop Loops For Breakfast (1999)

2009-05-20T00:01:00.000-07:00

Date Released: June 1, 1999

Origin: Austria

Genre: IDM, Abstract, Click & Cut

Label: Morr Music

Site: http://www.bfleischmann.com/

Tracklist:

1. Slope

2. The Flow

3. Breakfast At The Ritz

4. Drops

5. The Red Saloon

6. Nightly

7. Le Matin

8. S

Download Link: http://rapidshare.com/files/233483736/B._Fleischmann_-_Pop_Loops_For_Breakfast.rar

B. Fleischmann - Nico (2001)

2009-05-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

Date Released: September 1, 2001
Origin: Austria
Genre: IDM, Abstract, Click & Cut
Label: Morr MusicSite: http://www.bfleischmann.com/
Tracklist:
1. Nico
2. Hyvä Päivä

Download Link: http://rapidshare.com/files/233401488/B._Fleischmann_-_Nico.rar

B. Fleischmann - Melancholie / Sendestraße - Two Concerts (2007)

2009-05-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

Date Released: March 20, 2007
Origin: Austria
Genre: IDM, Abstract, Click & Cut, Leftfield
Label: Sound Of A Hand Shake / Morr Music
Site: http://www.bfleischmann.com/
Tracklist Disc One:
1. Melancholie - live
Tracklist Disc Two:
1. Sendestraße - live

Download Link: http://rapidshare.com/files/233396178/B._Fleischmann_-_Melancholie___Sendestrasse_-_Two_Concerts.rar

B. Fleischmann - Late (2004)

2009-05-14T00:01:00.000-07:00

Date Released: August 24, 2004
Origin: Austria
Genre: IDM, Abstract, Click & Cut
Label: Morr Music
Site: http://www.bfleischmann.com/
Tracklist:
1. Tsip Tsap
2. lsdj
3. Facing It (duo 505 version)
4. Toru Okada
5. Wenig
6. Nochwas
7. Disko Und Bett

Download Link: http://rapidshare.com/files/230639682/B._Fleischmann_-_Late.rar

B. Fleischmann - Frisky He Said [Single] (2006)

2009-05-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

Date Released: May 2, 2006
Origin: Austria
Genre: IDM, Abstract
Label: a.n.o.s.t.
Site: http://www.bfleischmann.com/
Tracklist:
1. Frisky He Said
2. Gain (Instrumental)
3. From To (Single Version)
4. Broken Monitors (Single Version)

Download Link: http://rapidshare.com/files/230631067/B._Fleischmann_-_Frisky_He_Said.rar

B. Fleischmann - Angst Is Not A Weltanschauung! (2008)

2009-05-10T00:01:00.000-07:00

Date Released: December 9, 2008
Origin: Austria
Genre: IDM, Abstract,
Label: Morr Music
Site: http://www.bfleischmann.com/
Tracklist:
1. Hello
2. 24.12
3. Last Time We Met At A T&TT Concert
4. In Trains
5. Still see You Smile
6. Phones, Machines And King Kong
7. Playtime
8. Even Your Glasses Miss Your Eyes

Download link: http://rapidshare.com/files/230626900/B._Fleischmann_-_Angst_Is_Not_A_Weltanschauung_.rar

B. Fleischmann - A Choir Of Empty Beds (2000)

2009-05-08T00:01:00.000-07:00

Date Released: August 15, 2000
Origin: Austria
Genre: IDM, Abstract
Label: Fuzzy Box / IODA
Site: http://www.bfleischmann.com/
Tracklist:
1. Start
2. It's All So
3. Play The Big A
4. Open End
5. Buzz
6. Sono
7. Ircam
8. Chad F. The Tick And Sax Mix
9. Good Bye

Download Link: http://rapidshare.com/files/228802266/B._Fleischmann_-_A_Choir_Of_Empty_Beds.rar

Susumu Yokota - LO Compilation Mix (2006)

2009-05-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

Date Released: October 17, 2006

Origin: Japan

Genre: House, ElectroFolk, Dub Techno, IDM

Label: Lo Recordings/State51

Site: www.susumuyokota.org

Tracklist Disc One:

1. Auto Where To - The Chap

2. Volumatic Spacer Device - The Chap

3. Younger People - The Chap

4. Your Shinning Darkness - Susumu yokota

5. Voyeurism - Europa 51

6. Here Enuff - Toob

7. Blasted Wook - Luke Vibert

8. Clawing It's Way Back - Toob

9. Errors In My Mind - Cursor Miner

10. My Lovemixdown - Alexandroid

11. Edinorg - Alexandroid

12. Open - Rothko

13. Siemreap - Motohiro Nakashima

14. We Are Not Impartial - The Chap

15. Mountain & Valleys (Yokota Mix) - Red Snapper

16. The Loner - King Of Woolworths

17. Songs Of The Sleeping Forest - Susumu Yokota

18. Madam Ortance - Theodore

19. Europa 51 - Europa 51

20. Waters Edge - Susumu Yokota Rothko

21. My energy - Susumu Yokota

22. 1000 Wing Beats Per Second - Susumu yokota

23. Clear Space - Susumu Yokota Rothko

Tracklist Disc Two:

1. LockDon - hairy Butter Georges Vert

2. This Is Electro - Cursor Miner

3. Remember Elvis Rex - The Chap

4. Courage And Modesty - The Chap

5. Remote Control - Cursor Miner

6. Mr. G's Locked In Dub - Hairy Butter

7. Disco Gardens - Milky Globe

8. Space=Volume - The Chap Pier Bucci

9. 3a - Susumu Yokota

10. Grilling The Cheese - Cursor Miner

11. Battery Powered Joy - Cursor Miner

12. Moog Acid (Jackson Mix) - Jean Jacques Perrey Luke Vibert

13. Moog Acid (Plastician Mix) - Jean Jacques Perrey Luke Vibert

14. Cursor Miner Feels Good - Cursor Miner

15. Siva Dance - Susumu Yokota

16. 3c - Susumu Yokota

17. The Warp & The Woof (Secondo Mix) - Milky Globe

18. Woop Woop - The Chap

19. I Got Flattened By A Pig Farmer - The Chap

20. Ode (SCSI 9 Moscow Mix) - Milky Globe

21. Heavy Petting - Red Snapper

22. Rivers Become Oceans - Four Tet Rothko

Download Link: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=ZXLHACXO

Susumu Yokota - Magic Thread (2000)

2009-05-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

Date Released: January 1, 2000
Origin: Japan
Genre: Minimal, Ambient, IDM
Label: Leaf Records
Site: www.susumuyokota.org
Tracklist:
1. Weave
2. Reflux
3. Unravel
4. Circular
5. Spool
6. Potential
7. Fiber
8. Metabolic
9. Stitch
10. Blend
11. Melt

Download Link: http://rapidshare.com/files/227987686/Susumu_Yokota_-_Magic_Thread.rar

Yagya - Rigning (2009)

2009-05-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

Date Released: February, 2009
Origin: Iceland
Genre: Minimal Techno, Ambient, Leftfield, Dub Techno
Label: Sending Orbs
Site: ---
Tracklist:
1. Rigning Einn
2. Rigning Tvö
3. Rigning þrjú
4. Rigning Fjórir
5. Rigning Fimm
6. Rigning Sex
7. Rigning Sjö
8. Rigning Átta
9. Rigning Níu
10. Rigning Tíu

Download Link: http://rapidshare.com/files/227654094/Yagya_-_Rigning.rar

Yagya - Will I Dream During The Process? (2006)

2009-05-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

Date Released: 2006
Origin: Iceland
Genre: Minimal Techno, Ambient, Leftfield, Dub Techno, Deep House
Label: Sending Orbs
Site: ---
Tracklist:
1. Wind & Thunder
2. Choose
3. As It Is
4. But If These Words Are Heard
5. We Lose Ourselves
6. Thier Blood Is Black And Yellow
7. Like The Noise Of Great Waters
8. Change
9. A Very Long Daydream
10. When They Stood, They Let Down Their Wings

Download Link: http://rapidshare.com/files/227667385/Yagya_-_Will_I_Dream_During_the_Process.rar

Yagya - Rhythm Of Snow (2002)

2009-04-30T07:30:00.001-07:00

Date Released: February 5, 2002
Origin: Iceland
Genre: Minimal Techno, Ambient, Leftfield, Dub Techno
Label: Efa
Site: ---
Tracklist:
1. Snowflake 1
2. Snowflake 2
3. Snowflake 3
4. Snowflake 4
5. Snowflake 5
6. Snowflake 6
7. Snowflake 7
8. Snowflake 8
9. Snowflake 9
10. Snowflake 10
Download Link: http://rapidshare.com/files/227541301/Yagya_-_Rhythm_Of_Snow.rar

Murcof - The Versailles Sessions (2008) [Reuploaded Link]

2009-04-21T11:43:00.000-07:00

Date Released: December 9, 2008
Origin: Mexico
Genre: Glitch, Click & Cut
Label: Leaf Records
Site: http://myspace.com/murcof
Tracklist:
1. Welcome to Versailles
2. Louis XIV' Demons
3. A Lesson For The Future, Farewell To The Old Days
4. Death Of A Forest
5. Spring In The Artificial Gardens
6. Lully's Turquerie as Interpreted by an Advanced Script

Download Link (New):
http://rapidshare.com/files/226782255/The_Versailles_Sessions.rar

Murcof - Martes (2002) [Reupload]

2009-04-17T13:23:00.000-07:00

Date Released: June 25, 2002
Origin: Mexico
Genre: Glitch, Click & Cut
Label: Leaf Records
Site: http://myspace.com/murcof
Tracklist:
1. Memoria
2. Mapa
3. Mir
4. Mármol
5. Mao
6. Muim
7. Mes
8. Maíz

Download Link: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=C3POSRYH

Variation of Fish, 2007

2008-12-21T00:01:00.000-08:00

Alfredo Esparza - Variation of Fish, 2007

Variation of Dead Tree, 2007

2008-12-19T00:01:00.000-08:00

Alfredo Esparza - Variation of Dead Tree, 2007

Variation of A15, 2007

2008-12-17T00:01:00.000-08:00

Alfredo Esparza - Variation of A15, 2007

Variation of Abstraction X, 2008

2008-12-15T00:01:00.000-08:00

Alfredo Esparza - Variation of Abstraction X, 2008

Variation of Line With Rope, 2007

2008-12-13T00:01:00.000-08:00

Alfredo Esparza - Variation of Line With Rope, 2007

Variation of Pigeon With C, 2007

2008-12-11T00:01:00.000-08:00

Alfredo Esparza - Variation of Pigeon With C, 2007

Variation of Fisher, 2004

2008-12-09T00:01:00.000-08:00

Alfredo Esparza - Variation of Fisher, 2004

Variation of Abstraction V, 2008

2008-12-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

Alfredo Esparza - Variation of Abstraction V, 2008

Variation of Islands, 2007

2008-12-05T00:01:00.000-08:00

Alfredo Esparza - Variation of Islands, 2007

Susumu Yokota & Rothko - Distant Sounds Of Summer (2005)

2008-12-04T00:01:00.000-08:00

Date Released: October 25, 2005
Origin: Japan
Genre: Ambient, Downtempo, Experimental, IDM, Minimal

Label: Lo Recordings
Site: http://www.susumuyokota.org/
Tracklist:
1. Deep In Mist
2. Waters Edge
3. Path Fades Into Forest
4. Lit By Moonlight
5. Brook And Burn
6. Sentiero
7. Clear Space
8. Reflections And Shadows
9. Distant Sounds Of Summer
10. Floating Moon
__________________________________________________
Susumu Yokota, the name ring any bells? OK, bad jokes aside, I’m sure virtually everyone’s familiar with the workaholic behind the echoing lattices of delight that make up such recordings as Grinning Cat and Sakura, as well as the deep, jazzual and funky ‘80s house of albums like Zero. You might not know that he also runs his own record label, Skintone, and is an exhibiting graphic designer who makes all his own record covers; quite frankly, he’s probably the only person in the world who can rival Madlib for ludicrous amounts of diverse creative output. Now that’s cute, because the promo sheet under my beady eye compares Susumu’s “supernatural kind of funk” to California’s most blunted. Except they spell it Mad Lib, which sounds like a pendant to Stephen Malkmus’ Pig Lib, only for wackos (sign me up!).
Anyway, if you haven’t heard anything by Mr. Yokota, you’re missing out because he’s justly famous for being able to create wondrous atmospheres from the barest assortments of intertwined sounds, and he’s not afraid of being pretty or lush, either. A good place to start might be Symbol, which uses a very well-known selection of classical music as the starting threads, and which everyone except Wire magazine loved. My personal tip would be Grinning Cat, but for goodness’ sakes don’t start with The Boy and the Tree, because it’s all weird concussive dub gongs instead of bells on the breeze, and may dent your headspace.
Or you could start with this album right here, a fantastic display of all his internationally acclaimed production hallmarks. However, although Yokota is behind the boards, most of the music here is of Rothko’s making, and Rothko deserve more than a word or two by way of introduction. Initially consisting of nothing more than a trio of bass players and some FX (lofi gem In the Pulse of an Artery), the output of this loose collective around founding member Max Beazley moved through blissful ambient recordings (A Continual Search for Origins) towards the velvet intensity of A Space Between, where longtime collaborator and creamily voiced English poet/songstress Caroline Ross achieved equal billing, adding the folkish tones of her playing to Beazley’s ever-mellifluous bass fretwork, which has always been Rothko’s liquid spine. Along the way Beazley’s put out a slew of albums not mentioned above, found the time to collaborate with Four Tet on the gorgeous Rivers Become Oceans split 7” and released Wish for a World Without Hurt, a reaction to the events of September 11th that saw him work with static merchant Black Bear and produce music like nothing so much as the ashes of the impact site crying to themselves.
And to think I find it difficult to fit in a couple of reviews around my working week.
Yokota veterans will find themselves instantly at home on the warm broken beats of opener “Deep in Mist”, where Ross’ voice blossoms in wordless flight, and second track “Waters Edge”, which wraps her into tiny tonal chant cycles (a Yokota peccadillo) beneath gently oscillating rings and resonating piano notes huge and softly heavy as summer cloud banks. Rothko stalwarts need not be put off by the threat of pounding beats, as these only take the aural foreground on a minority of tracks, and are anyway more sinuous pulse than kick. Rest assured that things retain a silkily organic feel throughout, that there are still drifts into near-silent idyll, and that Beazley’s high tones are as gorgeously evocative of sunlight rippling on water as ever (with a particular mention perhaps being due for “Brook and Burn").
Everyone else can go out and get it safe in the knowledge that they are purchasing a collaboration by masters of their respective crafts, who in joining forces have created some of the best and most blissful music either have achieved. This is one of the ambient albums of this—and indeed most—years, and when I say ambient, I don’t really mean Eno’s airport soundtrack; apart from anything else, there is genuine songwriting and structure here. No, ambient, as in: You can do whatever you want while listening to it, but the music does not become background, it becomes part of you. One to slot next to Budd & Bernocchi’s “Fragments From the Inside” while blessing all musicians too productive to enjoy physical peace, who therefore need to create it in their minds, and let it sound like this.
A small body of such artists (Beazley amongst them) have been taking shelter from the underground cold at www.burningshed.com. I would humbly suggest that you go and peruse what they’ve got to offer, because it’s likely that you’ll find something there to cherish. I did.

Review taken from: http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/yokotasusumu-distant/
Download link: http://rapidshare.com/files/164454366/Susumu_Yokota___Rothko_-_Distant_Sounds_of_Summer.rar

Variation of Branches With Line And Cap, 2007

2008-12-03T00:01:00.000-08:00

Alfredo Esparza - Variation of Branches With Line And Cap, 2007

Susumu Yokota - Skintone Collection (2008)

2008-12-02T00:01:00.000-08:00

Date Released: January 15, 2008
Origin: Japan
Genre: Ambient, Downtempo, Experimental, Modern Classical, Minimal

Label: Lo Recordings
Site: http://www.susumuyokota.org/
Tracklist:
1. Kodomotachi
2. Amanogawa 1997
3. Card Nation
4. Illusion River
5. Live Echo
6. Purple Rose Minuet
7. Sentiero
8. Saku
9. Kawano Hotorino Kinoshitade 1998
10. King Dragonfly
11. Iconic Air
12. Holy Ground
13. A Heart-warming And Beautiful Flower Will Eventually Wither Away And Become Dirt
14. Hagoromo
__________________________________________________
For over 20 years Susumu Yokota has been creating a diverse body of work which, since 1998, he has released on his own Skintone label. While this work is lazily categorised as ‘ambient’, that name really is a disservice. Yokota’s music is rarely happy to find space in the background and tracks have much more movement of ideas within them than ambient music strictly uses.
Being a compilation is possibly the only fault of this disc as a listening experience, and it is a minor fault at that. The diverse nature of Yokota’s music means that the tracks jump about stylistically a little. ‘Card Nation’ from 2001’s Grinning Cat is ominous atmospherics under piano, violin and vocal snatches punctuated by heavily reverberated clangs and hisses. ‘Illusion River’ from 2001’s Will is pretty Rhodes glissandos and opera swoons under a raw, harshly cut drum loop, the tension between the two aesthetics continually shifting the focus of the track and providing considerable forward momentum. Traditional Japanese instrumentation finds its place in tracks such as ‘Live Echo’ (from 2002’s The Boy And The Tree) and ‘Sentiero’ (from 2005’s Distant Sounds Of Summer collaboration with Rothko). These are seamlessly blended with classical western instrumentation and contemporary electronics to great effect throughout. Whether creating a contemplative mood in ‘Kawano Hotorino Kinoshitade 1998′ (from 1998’s Image 1983-1998) or splicing samples into abstract shards to be recomposed in ‘A Heart-warming And Beautiful Flower Will Eventually Wither And Become Dirt’ (from 2007’s Love Or Die), Yokota avoids cliches and keeps every detail serving the whole exquisitely.
Every piece on this collection is musically noteworthy in some way. Compiler Ben Eshmade, of the program ‘Chiller Cabinet’ on Britain’s Classic FM has done a good job of creating a reasonable flow across the tracks. As mentioned, though, it is hard to listen to the entire disc and not notice the joins between disparate works. However, the strength of the material means that this leads to a desire to hear the original works in their entirety, where the flow and continuity that is core to this music can be heard and fully appreciated. As a compilation which opens up Yokota’s work to new audiences, sending them in search of his back catalogue, this is a great success.

Review taken from: http://www.cyclicdefrost.com/blog/?p=1662
Download link: http://rapidshare.com/files/164433048/Susumu_Yokota_-_Skintone_Collection.rar

Variation of Abstraction I, 2008

2008-12-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

Alfredo Esparza - Variation of Abstraction I, 2008

Susumu Yokota - The Boy And The Tree (2002)

2008-11-30T00:01:00.000-08:00

Date Released: October 29, 2002
Origin: Japan
Genre: Ambient, Downtempo, Experimental, Modern Classical, Minimal

Label: Leaf
Site: http://www.susumuyokota.org/
Tracklist:
1. The Color Of Pomegranates
2. Live Echo
3. Fairy Link
4. Grass, Tree And Stone
5. Secret Garden
6. Rose Necklace
7. Beans
8. Plateau On Plateau
9. Red Swan
10. Thread Leads To Heaven
11. Future Tiger
12. Blood And Snow
__________________________________________________
The Boy & The Tree is Yokota’s eleventh album in eight years. The man is not only one of the most prolific musicians of his generation, but also without a doubt one of the most imaginative. He has equally made his mark playing techno, ambient, jazz and electronica, always taking his audience by surprise while building a surprisingly consistent piece of work, making him one of the most respected composers around. Yokota’s follow up to last year’s blissful Ginning Cat and similarly excellent Will is yet another fascinating recording. Contrasted and impressionist, The Boy & The Tree is a delightful collection of radically atmospheric compositions, built around ephemeral sonic trances, in the tribal sense of the word. From the opening moments of The Colour Of Pomegranates to the closing bars of Blood & Snow, Yokota delves into ethnic sonorities, using traditional Oriental percussions and instruments combined with founds sounds to focus on the most fragile aspects of music and life and create one of the most haunting pieces of music heard in recent times. Yokota admits a certain fascination for nature, particularly feeding on the mystery of the island of Yakushima, a designated world heritage site home to hundreds of secular trees, situated in the south of Japan. He also names one of the most successful animated films in Japan history, Mononokehime, a mystical tale depicting the battle between animal gods, as a source of inspiration for The Boy & The Tree. Yokota’s delicate compositions resound with spiritual references. Chimes, prayers and lamentations all contribute to the hypnotic effect of this record, while the tone of the flutes, tables and stings, intrinsic unworldly elements in the constructions, deflects the electronic characteristic of the record by injecting some vital energy at the heart of each track. Ethereal voices are integrated in the lush soundscapes in astonishing fashion, never really being prominent, yet exercising an incontestable pressure on the music by stressing the ephemeral nature of life. Yokota’s mastery at carefully organizing sounds together and crafting intriguing melodies is more obvious here than on any of his previous releases. It seems as if each component has a dedicated role to play, affecting the general mood of the listener while not entirely connecting with the physicality of its source, be it human. Yokota has perhaps produced with this album his most intimate work. Moreover, perhaps will it prove to be too intricate and intense for some. There is no doubt however that The Boy & The Tree is his most soulful and best record to date. A must.

Review taken from: http://www.themilkfactory.co.uk/reviews/yokota_boy.htm

Download link: http://rapidshare.com/files/164397214/Susumu_Yokota_-_The_Boy___The_Tree.rar

Variation of A Mister With A Floors'shirt, 2007

2008-11-29T00:01:00.000-08:00

Alfredo Esparza - Variation of A Mister With A Floors'shirt, 2007

Susumu Yokota - Live Or Die (2008)

2008-11-28T00:01:00.000-08:00

Date Released: January 29, 2008
Origin: Japan
Genre: Ambient, Downtempo, Experimental, Modern Classical

Label: Lo Recordings
Site: http://www.susumuyokota.org/
Tracklist:
1. For The Other Self Who Is Far Away That I Can Not Reach
2. A Slowly Fainting Memory Of Love And Respect, And Hatred
3. The Loneliness Of Anarchic Beauty Achieved By My Ego
4. A Heart-warming And Beautiful Flower Will Eventually Wither Away And Become Dirt
5. The Sin Of Almighty God, Respected And Believed By The Masses
6. That Persons Hearsay Protects My Free Spirit
7. The Things That I Need To Do For Just One’s Love
8. The Scream Of A Sage Who Lost Freedom And Love Taken For Granted Before
9. A Song Produced While Floating Alone On Christmas Day
10. The Now Forgotten Gods Of Rocky Mountain Residing In The Back Of The North Wood
11. The Sacred Ceremony Conceived By Chance From An Evil Lie
12. The Destiny Of The Little Bird Trapped Inside A Small Cage For Life
__________________________________________________
Susumu Yokota returns with another glibly titled album (Love or Die) with ornately titled songs (“The Destiny of the Little Bird Trapped Inside a Small Cage For Life”, “A Heart-warming and Beautiful Flower Will Eventually Wither Away and Become Dirt”) that pairs classical melodies with Spartan, Japanese house beats. Also the modus operandi of his 2004 full-length Symbol, it’s not an entirely strange pairing, echoing as it does the melodic theatricality and mechanical functionality of Ryuichi Sakamoto’s early 80s soundtrack work, but the twist here is that the contrast between the high-culture melody and functional rhythm is heightened through the use of lush samples — not shop-worn synthesizer patches — for the orchestral instruments. Production quality has advanced so much since the halcyon days of early pop-electronics that the overlapping textures of the album can be contrasting where Sakamoto had to elicit contrast through ingenious arrangement.
It’s on the tracks which exploit the textural contrast and dramatically play the carbon-copy drums off the high-fidelity orchestral samples — like “For the Other Self Who Is Far Away That I Can Not Reach” — that the album comes closest to vibrancy. When the melodies are interpreted digitally (“The Loneliness of Anarchic Beauty Achieved By My Ego” and “That Persons Hearsay Protects My Free Spirit”) that contrast disappears and the songs more obviously belong in the contemporary Japanese canon. On these tracks the melodies are composed to compliment the sparse backing rhythms, but it’s to their detriment as these routine songs demand much less attention. When the tension of hearing classical western melodies filtered into minute repetitions is gone so too is the reason to be fascinated with Love or Die.
Yokota is an accomplished and prodigious composer, releasing one or two full-lengths every year for nearly a decade, but the vague identity of his songs – never mind the albums – is not overcome just by giving them unique, oblique names which seem like fey, Asian versions of Emo song titles. Where so much of Symbol coasted on the intense drama of the source material, drawing as it did from some of the greatest – and most overwrought — music ever composed, Love or Die is by comparison wan, thin and worst of all meandering. The album doesn’t demand attention by having a dramatic arc and simply drifts from one polished vista to another. It could be worthwhile to listen and meditate on the emptiness at the core of the electronic-music sect that considers embracing the contemporary world a betrayal of artistic vision, but as a lively musical experience Love or Die falls flat and lives in limbo between the two actions of the title.

Review taken from: http://www.panpot.ca/reviews/renderAlbumReview.php?id=177
Download link: http://rapidshare.com/files/164157081/Susumu_yokota_-_Love_Or_Die.rar

Variation of Line With Water, 2007

2008-11-27T00:01:00.000-08:00

Alfredo Esparza - Variation of Line With Water, 2007

Susumu Yokota - Image 1983 - 1998 (2004)

2008-11-26T00:01:00.000-08:00

Date Released: April 20, 2004
Origin: Japan
Genre: Ambient, Downtempo, Experimental, Modern Classical, Jazz

Label: Leaf
Site: http://www.susumuyokota.org/
Tracklist:
1. Kaiten Mokuba
2. Tayutafu
3. Fukuro No Yume
4. Wani Natte
5. Sakashima
6. Morino Gakudan
7. Nisemono No Uta
8. Daremoshiranai Chiisuanakuni
9. Kawano Hotorino Kinoshitade
10. Yumekui Kobito
11. Amai Niyoi
12. Enogu
13. Amanogawa
__________________________________________________
This fascinating collection of wayward instrumentals reveals an entirely different side to this exceedingly talented experimentalist. Reaching as far back as 1983, Images draws on the most minimal of Yokota's decidedly minimalist canon, highlighting stark solo compositions that often subsist on nothing but a beautifully stated coda and some very pregnant pauses. With its carnivalesque strut and gauzy, distant tones, opener "Kaiten Mokuba" sets the languid pace; the impossibly delicate acoustic strains of "Tayutafu" follow and the broken-toy mangle of "Fukuro No Yume" comes after that. In accordance with the album's chronological sequence, Yokota's work becomes more intricate over time, but none of the tracks here ever veer from this album's implicit schema: deceptively simple melodies, Steve Reich-like repetition, and a penchant for organic, cloud-covered instrumentation. Intoxicating.
Review taken from: http://www.emusic.com/album/Susumu-Yokota-Image-1983-1998-MP3-Download/10914653.html

Download link: http://rapidshare.com/files/164102367/Susumu_Yokota_-_Image_1983_-_1998.rar

Variation of Live The Experience, 2007

2008-11-25T00:01:00.000-08:00

Alfredo Esparza - Variation of Live The Experience, 2007

Susumu Yokota - Sound Of Sky (2002)

2008-11-24T00:01:00.001-08:00

Date Released: January 30, 2002
Origin: Japan
Genre: Ambient, Downtempo, Lounge, Jazz

Label: Universal/Polygram
Site: http://www.susumuyokota.org/
Tracklist:
1. Sea Blue
2. Nothing Time
3. Three Ripple
4. Crash Marble
5. Wind Wave
6. Sky Blue
7. King Of Darkness
8. Form An Idea
9. Right To Be Free
10. Make Peace
11. Sky And Diamond
__________________________________________________
Sound of Sky is filled with deep and jazzy house music. Japanese producer Yokota's album takes breakbeats and regular house beats and combines them with trumpet, vibes, bells and a few subtle vocals to create a very relaxing album. The opening track, "Nothing Time," is a great fusion of trumpet and breakbeats that proceeds at a mid-paced tempo. "Sky Blue" takes the voices of children and meshes them with crisp house beats, while "Crash Marble" bears an odd rhythmic resemblance to the Clash's "Rock the Casbah." Yokota has been producing music for many years, from techno to house to more experimental sounds, which can easily be heard in the piano work on "King of Darkness," and in the occasionally eerie synth sounds of the other tracks. As deep house goes, this is good material; he varies the tempo and the sounds he uses but still holds it together as a coherent album. It's also a very relaxing release that's easy to listen to at home. (Exceptional)

Review taken from:

http://www.exclaim.ca/musicreviews/generalreview.aspx?csid1=38&csid2=848&fid1=12177
Download link: http://rapidshare.com/files/164071251/Susumu_Yokota_-_Sound_Of_Sky.rar

Variation of FBC 49, 2007

2008-11-23T00:01:00.000-08:00

Alfredo Esparza - Variation of FBC 49, 2007

Susumu Yokota - Wonder Waltz (2006)

2008-11-22T00:01:00.000-08:00

Date Released: June 13, 2006
Origin: Japan
Genre: Ambient, Downtempo, Experimental, Modern Classical
Label: Lo Recordings

Site: http://www.susumuyokota.org/
Tracklist:
1. 1000 Wing Beats Per Second
2. My Energy
3. Capital Daisy
4. Siva Dance
5. Pegasus 150
6. Don’t Go To Sleep
7. Merrygoround
8. Robed Heart
9. Strma A Uzka
10. Eternity Is The Beginning Of The End
11. L’etranger
12. Rainbow Dust
13. Your Shining Darkness
14. Holy Ground
__________________________________________________
Susumu Yokota is undeniably a genius of modern music. Originating from Japan's minimal techno scene he has strived to create compositions of such complex depth and at the same time dazzling simplicity. His most praiseworthy work however has taken on a more abstract quality and still very much in his prime he has created three classic albums that defy comparison. Grinning Cat saw Yokota depict the Alice In Wonderland story through atmospheric soundscapes while The Boy And The Tree and his master work Sakura follow a similar path creating multi layered sounds out of sampled and live percussion and strange noises never before heard by the human ear. The result can barely be described as music but touches on a kind of ugly beauty that is absolutely captivating. Wonder Waltz is his recent album on Lo Recordings and while it still has his trademark touch it is nowhere near as interesting. Listening to the three previously mentioned records can be a frustrating experience as they never quite give you what you think you want and quite often what you think you want is some sort of beat or rhythm to emerge out of these soundscapes to bring some form to the abstract. This album proves that you shouldn't trust those form searching instincts as he gives you exactly what you have craved for years and it is disappointing. There is too much form here and the result is a little ordinary. When I say ordinary I mean by Yokota's standards, as this is far better than most other down tempo music trickling out of the tired 'chill out' scene. There are however glimmers of Yokota's genius throughout the album, the finest moment being Pegasus 150 with its eastern horns and vocal harmonies floating over a beat sampled entirely from galloping horses hooves. Another highlight comes with Robed Heart, a beautiful violin piece accompanied by a delicate percussion beat and vocals sung in English which sees yet another departure for Yokota. So on the whole this is a solid album with many genuinely rewarding moments but seen in the context of his back catalogue Yokota proves that it's not always best to get what you want.

Review taken from: http://www.chimpomatic.com/reviews/?id=256
Download link: http://rapidshare.com/files/163838970/Susumu_Yokota_-_Wonder_Waltz.rar

Variation Of Mayran, 2008

2008-11-21T00:01:00.000-08:00

Alfredo Esparza - Variation Of Mayran, 2008

Susumu Yokota - Symbol (2005)

2008-11-20T00:01:00.000-08:00

Date Released: July 19, 2005

Origin: Japan

Genre: Ambient, Chillout, Downtempo, Experimental, Lounge, IDM, Modern Classical

Label: Lo Recordings
Site: http://www.susumuyokota.org/

Tracklist:

1. Long Long Silk Bridge

2. Purple Rose Minuet

3. Traveller In The Wonderland

4. Song Of The Sleeping Forest

5. The Plateau Which The Zephyr Of Flora Occupies

6. Fairy Dance Of Twinkle And Shadow

7. Flaming Love And Destiny

8. The Dying Black Swan

9. Blue Sky And Yellow Sunflower

10. Capricco And The Innovative Composer

11. I Close The Door Upon Myself

12. Symbol Of Life, Love And Aesthetics

13. Music From The Lake Surface __________________________________________________

Having made an almost perfect musical statement with 2000's 'Sakura', Susumu Yokota is often accused of not living up to that album's sprawling scope and diffused ambience. Marking his 25th album (25!) Yokota has decided to answer those critics with a record that combines the detached aura of 'Grinning Cat' with the directness of his more truculent offerings, claiming it to be his "masterpiece". Built around hordes of classical samples (Puccini, Debussy, Mahler and Beethoven amongst them) 'Symbol' is a grand document that raises two pertinent questions; is it pretentious and is it any cop? The answers; probably and certainly. Opening with 'Long Long Silk Bridge' it's easy to stare cynically at the crate load of Juniper scented strings Yokota conjures up, dipping in and out as over-wrought choirs take to the stage with bare floorboard beats underfoot, but somehow it all works wonderfully. Yokota is barely finished on this prologue epic before he sends the listener into another huge arrangement ('Purple Rose Minuet') that sets harpsichords against some eerily echoing Japanese vocals, again to startling effect. Although his panache for bloody stupid song titles pervades throughout ("The Plateau Which the Zephyr of Flora Occupies"/"Fairy Dance of Twinkle and Shadow"), you get the feeling it's not as po-faced as you are first led to believe with a playful spirit evident on most tracks. Closing with the effeminacy of 'Music from the Lake Surface', 'Symbol' is undoubtedly overblown but in Yokota's affable hands it becomes an indulgent treat. Lovely.

Review taken from: http://www.boomkat.com/item.cfm?id=17650 Download link: http://rapidshare.com/files/163555823/Susumu_Yokota_-_Symbol.rar

Variation of Dead Cat, 2008

2008-11-19T00:01:00.000-08:00

Alfredo Esparza - Variation of Dead Cat, 2008

Susumu Yokota - Grinning Cat (2001)

2008-11-18T00:01:00.000-08:00

Date Released: June 26, 2001
Origin: Japan
Genre: Ambient, Downtempo, Experimental, IDM, Glitch
Label: Leaf Records
Site: http://www.susumuyokota.org/
Tracklist:
1. Imagine
2. King Dragonfly
3. Card Nation
4. Sleep Eye
5. Lapis Lazuli
6. Balloon In The Cage
7. Cherry Blossom
8. Love Bird
9. Fearful Dream
10. Tears Of A Poet
11. So Red
12. Flying Cat
13. Lost Child
__________________________________________________
Unless I somehow learn how to read Japanese, I'm a long way from understanding the Susumu Yokota story. My introduction came via a compilation track called "Azukiio No Kaori," a delicate slice of drifting ambient beauty striking enough to convince me to buy last year's Sakura. No regrets, believe me; it wound up being one of my favorite records of the year. Poking around online, I discovered that Yokota had been making music since at least 1992, and his releases numbered in the dozens. Most of his productions were house and techno variations geared toward the dancefloor, and most were only available as imports.
I've since purchased a double LP of his called 1999 (found it in a cut-out bin, oddly enough), and I could tell from the cheap, garish cover it was one of his dance releases. It's fascinating to me to think that the same person responsible for Sakura also created this. The music, at first pass (and there have not been many since), seemed stiff, without personality, and silly without the attendant humor. It's obvious that 1999 is a DJ tool and not an album, as the tracks are beyond repetitive, with no real end or beginning. This utility only served to put more distance between me and the music.
More than anything, Yokota's 1999 made me realize that I have a lot to learn about dance music, and my living room is probably not the best classroom. But it didn't affect the strong affinity I feel for Yokota's home listening material, a connection only strengthened upon hearing Grinning Cat. Where Sakura found Yokota exploring the sonic properties of the reverberating guitar, Grinning Cat focuses heavily on piano. The acoustic keyboard treatments vary from looped lullaby fragments, fuzzy with white noise on "Sleepy Eye," to the more traditional "Tears of a Poet," which seems like incidental film music from the 40's. Some of the piano parts are definitely sampled, with the loops cut in an intentionally jarring and disorienting manner. Others featuring winding melodies stretching across several bars which are surely played by Yokota.
The thematic unity of the piano aside, this record finds Yokota moving in ten different directions at once. It's almost as if these pieces were composed as singles, such is the varied feel. "Imagine" is a minimal affair, haunting and sad, with a floral melodic pattern set against samples and looped vocals. And then "King Dragonfly" comes right back with flanged drum programming, tribal clapping music and buoyant piano flourishes. "Card Nation" could be using a sampled Chopin Nocturne as its centerpiece, but it surrounds the tight keyboard loop with deep electronic percussion and distended Popol Vuh-style choir.
Grinning Cat runs the rhythmic gamut as well. "Cherry Blossom" chugs along on a 4/4 bass thump, dripping almost unbearably poignant shards of stained piano tone on top. "Love Bird" uses only handclaps and a shaker to set the tempo for the simplest melody on the record, Windham Hill as imagined by a computer. "So Red" takes a stab at laptop jazz, with tightly programmed snare rolls and a double bass ostinato.
The beautiful thing about this many-headed beast of a record is the possibilities for future directions. Yokota has a deep well of inspiration to draw from, and is extremely comfortable with a staggering array of styles. I may never begin to know and understand exactly where he's coming from, but I'm content to explore this patch for now. We'll see where I can go from here.

Review taken from: http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/record_review/23371-susumu-yokota-grinning-cat
Download link: http://rapidshare.com/files/163731634/Susumu_Yokota_-_Grinning_Cat.rar

Variation of Diaspora XXIII, 2007

2008-11-17T00:01:00.000-08:00

Alfredo Esparza - Variation of Diaspora XXIII, 2007

Susumu Yokota - Laputa (2003)

2008-11-16T00:01:00.001-08:00

Date Released: 2003
Origin: Japan
Genre: Ambient, Downtempo, Experimental, IDM, Modern Classical
Label: Skintone

Site: http://www.susumuyokota.org/
Tracklist:
1. Rising Sun
2. Lost Ring
3. Gong Gong Gong
4. Iconic Air
5. Light Of The Sun
6. Grey Piano
7. 23 Degrees Dream
8. Hidden Love
9. Trip Eden
10. True Story
11. Dragon Place
12. I Am Flying
13. Dizzy Echo
14. Heart By Heart
__________________________________________________
Susumu Yokota’s 2000 album Sakura was a landmark for ambient music. Fluid, ethereal and breathlessly beautiful from start to finish - it stands as possibly the best long player of the decade so far. Yokota’s two subsequent ambient releases - Grinning Cat and The Boy and the Tree - continued his restless search for new sounds, but paled next to their predecessor. Both records failed to flow as smoothly and effortlessly as Sakura - but still contained enough lushly beautiful songs for us to keep listening. Yokota has frequently spoken of his need to make music in relaxed conditions - and up until now, his records have certainly possessed a calm, meditative quality. On Laputa, things take a darker turn – it would seem that Yokota now makes music to soundtrack his worst nightmares. Once an artist whose music sought to soothe, he is now covering more chaotic and disturbing emotional terrain. On some tracks, this makes for a frustrating, jumbled listening experience. “Gong Gong Gong” is as uncomfortable as a night spent tossing and turning – any attempts to drift into a blissful sleep are disrupted by sharp blasts of static and manic, chattering laughter. “Dizzy Echo” piles frustratingly random noise on top of loud bell-ringing: needless to say, it’s about as enjoyable as being awoken with a bucket of cold water. On songs like these, it’s easy to yearn for the return of the old, peaceful Yokota. It would be foolish to give up so easily, though. Hidden among these tests of endurance, Yokota treats us to some of the most beautifully molten sound he’s concocted since his high-watermark. “Grey Piano” is an all-too-brief dark lullaby – a gentle piano melody coated in chilling synth effects. “Degrees Dream” combines organ washes, ripples of distorted guitar and a mysterious, detatched vocal to mesmerizing effect. These moments of greatness are well worth weeding out. And there’s plenty more, too: witness the terrifying alien voices counter-pointing one of Yokota’s sweetest melodies on “True Story”. And the alarming single note hammered throughout “Hidden Love”, underpinning delicious layers of strings and keyboards. This is ambience with a sharp edge. “I am Flying” provides some welcome relief: light, airy piano chords chime peacefully – giving the listener a brief moment of respite from the sinister soundscapes elsewhere. True, this album is best appreciated on a stereo with a program function: at 55 minutes and 15 tracks, a little home editing makes it significantly more palatable. But, it remains a towering achievement – frustrating at times, but still a gripping mood piece from one of the greatest living sculptors of sound. Yokota towers above his peers: always moving forward, even in his sleep.

Review taken from: http://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/susumu-yokota/laputa.htm
Download link: http://rapidshare.com/files/163577452/Susumu_Yokota_-_Laputa.rar

Variation of Flooding Space, 2008

2008-11-15T00:01:00.000-08:00

Alfredo Esparza - Variation of Flooding Space, 2008

Susumu Yokota - Acid Mt. Fuji (1994)

2008-11-14T00:01:00.000-08:00

Date Released: 1994
Origin: Japan
Genre: Ambient, Chillout, Downtempo, Experimental, Lounge, IDM
Label: The Leaf Label

Site: http://www.susumuyokota.org/
Tracklist:
1. Zenmai
2. Kinoko
3. Meijiingu
4. Saboten
5. Oh My God
6. Tambarin
7. Oponchi
8. Ao-oni
9. Akafuji
10. Alphaville
11. Tanuki
__________________________________________________
I am so tired, so I really apologize for this time review… but at least you got an small one: “An overlooked ambient techno classic, this album (Yokotas first venture into modern electronic music) showcases his unique talent for composition and atmosphere.”

Review taken from: http://acrocosm.blogspot.com/2008/08/susumu-yokota-acid-mt-fuji.html
Download link: http://rapidshare.com/files/163532072/Susumu_Yokota_-_Acid_Mt._Fuji.rar

Variation of Memorable V, 2008

2008-11-13T00:01:00.000-08:00

Alfredo Esparza - Variation of Memorable V, 2008

Susumu Yokota - Sakura (1999)

2008-11-12T00:01:00.000-08:00

Date Released: November 30, 1999
Origin: Japan
Genre: Ambient, Chillout, Downtempo, Experimental, Lounge, IDM
Label: The Leaf Label

Site: http://www.susumuyokota.org/
Tracklist:
1. Saku
2. Tobiume
3. Uchu Tanjyo
4. Hagoromo
5. Genshi
6. Gekkoh
7. Hisen
8. Azukiiro No Kaori
9. Kodomotachi
10. Naminote
11. Shinsen
12. Kirakiraboshi
__________________________________________________
"Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" has been a huge hit in more than thirty countries, but it failed miserably in Japan. Apparently, the Japanese consider public displays of wealth embarrassing, so the money-grubbing show never had a chance. Failed culture translation can work both ways, of course. Here in America, it's generally considered embarrassing for grown adults to read comics whose heroines are scantily clad prepubescent girls with stripper-sized tits. At least we all agree on Cheap Trick and the Beastie Boys.
I'm thinking about these kinds of differences right now because I'm trying to get to the root of my fascination with the gentle electronic music coming out of Japan. Though they're working in dramatically different styles, I think it's safe to say that artists like Nobukazu Takemura, Aki Tsuyuko, Neina and Susumu Yokota share a sensibility. Each is capable of crafting subtle music that's not afraid to be warm and pretty, but they shade the tender melodies and childlike naiveté with hints of violence and loss. With now-familiar techniques like malfunctioning technology (Neina's Oval-style glitch is the sound of the digital world colliding with nature) and clipped vocal fragments (Takemura's "Kepler" traps Tsuyuko's innocent voice inside a machine), the pretty music becomes something more balanced and complex.
Susumu Yokota made his name in Japan as a House DJ and producer, and this functional background could explain why his ambient music is the most outwardly "pleasant" of the artists mentioned above. Sakura is his latest home-listening entry, a placid display of slow, careful movement with a few unexpected twists.
Much of this album features Yokota's dreamy, processed guitar as a distinctive sound tool. On the lush, cascading "Saku" and "Tobiume" he drowns the electric strings in reverb, and the plucked melodies are hard to trace to their source. The faint guitar melodies work well against the synthetic drones, offering a subtly percussive counterpoint to the electronic tapestry. On "Genshi," Yokota pulls out his this-old-House tools, wielding a gentle, steady kickdrum and shimmering high-hat to push along a gurgling guitar pattern reminiscent of Manual Göttsching. Adding further variation to the six-string texture, "Hagoromo" loops an acoustic guitar pattern to hypnotic effect.
Despite its use in the above tracks, this is by no means a "guitar album," not even in the Fripp & Eno sense of the word. Each of the elements, the guitars, the occasional beats, the vocal samples (heartbreaking on "Azukiio No Kaori," which reminds me of Nobukazu Takemura's amazing remix of "Proverb" on Reich Remixed) and the flowing synthesizers, are used to further the dreamy, contemplative mood. There are a few missteps, most notable the oddly jazzy "Naminote," which seems to strive for Amon Tobin territory but mucks up the flow of the album considerably. Still, this is a worthy artifact from what seems to be an incredibly fertile scene.

Review taken from: http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/record_review/23370-susumu-yokota-sakura

Download link: http://rapidshare.com/files/162757733/Susumu_Yokota_-_Sakura.rar

Variation of Memorable IV, 2008

2008-11-11T00:01:00.000-08:00

Alfredo Esparza - Variation of Memorable IV, 2008

Thievery Corporation - DJ-Kicks (1999)

2008-11-10T00:01:00.000-08:00

Date Released: May 18, 1999
Origin: United States
Genre: Trip-Hop, Chillout, Acid Jazz, Downtempo, Soft Trip-Hop, Dub, Lounge
Label: K7

Site: http://thieverycorporation.com
Tracklist:
1. Tropicando - Thievery Corporation, Baxter, Les
2. Rebirth - Thievery Corporation, Kunz, Bernd
3. Beija-Flor - Thievery Corporation, Forge, P.
4. Mother Africa Feeding Sister India/2001 - Thievery Corporation,
5. Rainbow - Thievery Corporation, Bangs, Chris
6. Success - Thievery Corporation, DJ Cam
7. Emerald Alley - Thievery Corporation, Senor Roody
8. Exploration - Thievery Corporation, Dingle, M.
9. Coming from the Top - Thievery Corporation, Thievery Corporatio
10. Ponteio - Thievery Corporation, Lobo, Edu
11. Guiro Electric - Thievery Corporation,
12. Fedime's Flight - Thievery Corporation, Leisering, Stefan
13. Janine - Thievery Corporation,
14. Imperial - Thievery Corporation, Carey, Dan
15. Transmission Central - Thievery Corporation,
16. Mathar - Thievery Corporation,
17. Reign Dub - Thievery Corporation,
18. It Takes a Thief - Thievery Corporation, Garza, Rob
__________________________________________________
Artists & titles selected by Washington, D.C. based DJ's Thievery Corporation (Eric Hilton & Rob Garza). Features many great lounge / chill-out moments, including cuts from Les Baxter, A Forest Mighty Black, Jazzanova & many more.
It seems Studio K7 do no wrong when its comes to their widely adored DJ Kicks series. The German label has showcased the record-selecting talents of DJs and producers from around the world, and in doing so has become a reliable brand name for quality home listening. This installment has Thievery Corporation, Washington, D.C.'s masters of the mellow groove, flexing their skills. The mood across the disc's 18 tracks is decidedly laid-back, but eclectically so. Les Baxter's '60s cinematic lounge sets the scene, but the second track is a quick fast-forward into modern lounge, as provided by Kraut-chillers A Forest Mighty Black. The vibe spans the gamut from sitar-and-tabla world beat (Up Bustle & Out) to dubby (Rockers Hi-Fi), but in the end, it's the Corp's own works that are the true standouts. This is easy listening for the hipster set; background music for the space-age dinner party.

Review taken from: http://www.music-city.org/Thievery-Corporation/DJ-Kicks-708850/
Download link: http://rapidshare.com/files/162420481/Thievery_Corporation_-_DJ-Kicks.rar

Variation of Memorable III, 2008

2008-11-09T00:01:00.000-08:00

Alfredo Esparza - Variation of Memorable III, 2008

Thievery Corporation - Radio Retaliation (2008)

2008-11-08T00:01:00.000-08:00

Date Released: September 23, 2008
Origin: United States
Genre: Trip-Hop, Chillout, Acid Jazz, Downtempo, Soft Trip-Hop, Dub
Label: Eighteenth Street

Site: http://thieverycorporation.com
Tracklist:
1. Sound The Alarm
2. Mandala
3. Radio Retaliation
4. Vampires
5. Hare Krisna
6. El Pueblo Unido
7. The Forgoten People
8. 33 Degree
9. Beautiful Drug
10. La Femme Parallel
11. Retaliation Suite
12. The Numbers Game
13. The shining Path
14. Blasting Through The City
15. Sweet Tides
__________________________________________________
The beautiful people are restless. Radio Retaliation retains the glazed-velvet façade, groin-grabbing bass beats, talented guest vocalists and nicely balanced international spice of Thievery Corporation's four prior albums, but this time producer-DJs Rob Garza and Eric Hilton, judging by their lyrics, are pissed. Closer in sound and sense to 2002's reggae-driven The Richest Man in Babylon than to 2005's psychedelightful Cosmic Game, Retaliation is a multinational dancefloor call to arms. There's definitely a party going on, but only after everyone has debated the ballot versus the bullet with their neighborhood MoveOn cadre.The fightin' words of Fela Kuti, Manu Chao and the Clash echo the loudest through Thievery's righteous (if relatively quiet) riot. Fela's son, Femi, could be quoting his father when he sings of, "Guns and debt/ Life and death/ IMF" over Afrobeat rhythms in "Vampires"; Jamaican crooner Sleepy Wonder rages and croons against Babylon atop the Sly and Robbie inspired riddims of the title track and "Sound the Alarm"; and Go-Go godfather Chuck Brown is all about "takin' back the power, gonna share the wealth" in "The Numbers Game."Luscious instrumentals like "Mandala" (featuring Anoushka Shankar's sitar), "Retaliation Suite" (acid afrojazz), and "The Shining Path" (shimmering lounge-adelica) are the less-retaliatory flip side to Thievery's sonic uprising. Likewise, Brazilian singer Seu Jorge's "Hare Krisna" (a plea for inner peace) and chanteuse LouLou's "Sweet Tides" once again find the Corporation smack dab in the eye of a quiet storm, making music so elegantly designed that any corporation would want to attach it to a car, a perfume or a hotel lobby, so universal is Thievery's appeal.

Review taken from: http://www.emusic.com/album/Thievery-Corporation-Radio-Retaliation-MP3-Download/11278917.html

Download link: http://rapidshare.com/files/161502845/Thievery_Corporation_-_Radio_Retaliation.rar

Variation of R.W.' portrait, 2008

2008-11-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

Alfredo Esparza - Variation of R.W.' portrait, 2008

Thievery Corporation - Versions (2006)

2008-11-06T00:01:00.000-08:00

Date Released: May 16, 2006
Origin: United States
Genre: Trip-Hop, Chillout, Acid Jazz, Downtempo, Soft Trip-Hop
Label: Eighteenth Street

Site: http://thieverycorporation.com
Tracklist:
1. Tarana – Ustad Sultan Khan
2. Habanos Days – Damian
3. This Is Not A Love Song – Nouvelle Vague
4. Beloved – Anoushka Shankar
5. Who Needs Forever – Astrud Gilberto
6. Desert – Emilie Simon
7. Lemon Tree – Herb Alpert
8. Originality – Thievery Corporation Ft. Sister Nancy
9. In Love – Fear Of Pop
10. The Girl’s Insane – The Januaries
11. Strange Days – The Doors
12. Revolution Solution (TC Remix) – Thievery Corporation
13. Shiva(TC Remix) – Thievery Corporation
14. Khalghi Stomp – Transglobal Underground
15. Angels – Wax Poetic Ft. Norah Jones
16. Nothing To Lose – Isabelle Antena
17. Cada Beijo – Bebel Gilberto
18. Dirt Little Secret – Sarah McLachlan
__________________________________________________
Michael Balzary, known to many as Flea from the Chilli Peppers, was once quoted as saying that when he hears a good bass line it makes him want to fuck. Thievery Corporation’s latest release “Versions” blends fat bass lines, melodic swells and yes, the desire to procreate for pure gratification when one hears the music. Driving south from LA to San Diego on the 5 South past San Clemente you pass the nuclear power station that is featured in many movies such as the Naked Gun. These two cone shaped nuclear reactors are to one a reminder of a pair of heavenly mammories. If Thievery Corporation was a pair of breasts they most certainly would be this pair – the most explosive set of tits in the world. Nearly 7 years after their first remix album “Abductions and Reconstructions” Thievery Corporation unleashes “Versions.” A new collaboration of rare and sublime remixes of songs by The Doors, Sarah McLachlan, Astrud Gilberto, Nouvelle Vague, Wax Poetic with Norah Jones, Anoushka Shankar, and Transglobal Underground, among many others. “Versions” signals a return to form for the duo Rob Garza and Eric Hilton. Released in 2005, “Cosmic Game” as a whole did not embody the sound that clearly defined Corp’s prominence. There were however some notable moments from Perry Farrell and David Byrne on the record. “Versions,” the 18-track collection showcases Thievery Corporation’s versatility and studio production talent to transform music by a wide range of artists into sonic gems baring the distinct Thievery sound.The opening track of “Versions” sets the tone with a haunting remix of Ustad Sultan Khan’s “Tarana” that glides along lazily through a haze of atmospherics. The sultry tones of Nouvelle Vague’s Camille leaves one dreaming of walking through an ominous forest at night yet calmed by the swells of a flute and the almost unearthly hum of a sitar. “Who Needs Forever” featuring Astrud Gilberto stands out as the strongest track on the album. This track sees you seated in a red leather booth wallowing in the blur of whiskey and then suddenly plucked out by a jazzy moving bass line that would bring death back to life – this coupled with the provocative tone of Astrud Gilberto’s voice is reminiscent of Thievery’s defining moment -- The Mirror Conspiracy.Corp’s brand new track “Originality,” a sub-heavy collaboration between Thievery Corporation and Sister Nancy, is a reggaelicious smoke infused anthem for the ages. On Angels, Nora Jones, an unlikely collaborator, surprises. Her voice glides through a rhythm- heavy underwater trance that brings back strong visions of Smoke City’s Underwater Love. Garza and Hilton managed to amass some of today’s sweetest songbirds and successfully couple them with an adventurous and compelling mix of their seminal electronic beats and bass lines. Versions stands to see Thievery once again spread their exotic blend of music which like rain absorbs moisture and then spreads its goodness for all to thrive.

Review taken from: http://www.kevchino.com/review/thievery-corporation/versions/872
Download link: http://rapidshare.com/files/158563591/Thievery_Corporation_-_Versions.rar

Variation of Dead Horse, 2007

2008-11-05T00:01:00.000-08:00

Alfredo Esparza - Variation of Dead Horse, 2007

Thievery Corporation - The Cosmic Game (2005)

2008-11-04T00:01:00.000-08:00

Date Released: February 21, 2005

Origin: United States

Genre: Trip-Hop, Chillout, Acid Jazz, Soft Tripo-Hop, Downtempo

Label: ESL Music, Inc / Eighteenth Street

Site: http://thieverycorporation.com
Tracklist:
1. Marching The Hate Machines (Into The Sun) (Ft. The Flaming Lips)
2. Warning Shots (Ft. Sleepy Wonder & Gujan)
3. Revolution Solution (Ft. Perry Farrell)
4. The Cosmic Game
5. Satyam Shivam Sundaram (Ft. Gunjan)
6. Amerimacka (Ft. Notch
7. Ambición Eterna (Eternal Ambition) (Ft. Verny Varela)
8. Pela Janela (Through The Window) (Ft. Gigi Rezende)
9. Sol Tapado (The Covered Sun) (Ft. Patrick de Santos)
10. The Heart’s A Lonely Hunter (Ft. David Byrne)
11. Holographic Universe (Ft. Gunjan)
12. Doors Of Perception (Ft. Gunjan)
13. Wires & Watchtowers (Ft. Sista Pat)
14. The Supreme Illusion (Ft. Gunjan)
15. The Time We Lost Our way (Ft. Loulou)
16. A Gentle Dissolve
__________________________________________________
What makes a great collaboration? At its worst, the collabo is a marketing tool and predictable, at its best, a creative detour and a catalyst for inspiration. For Thievery Corporation's fourth full-length of original material, the group turns increasingly to the aid of some handsome strangers to distill their prime influences of African diaspora music into a modern beat dub. The Corporation, the duo of Rob Garza and Eric Hilton, draws up an eclectic guest list and merges it into a characteristic chill-out collage. While the Flaming Lips, South Asian superstar Gunjan, and David Byrne anticipate a meeting of major minds, the results are admittedly subdued and subtle. Similar to how recent celeb-fest Handsome Boy Modeling School wrapped odd orgies in the loveage of Paul and Dan, the Corporation weaves each artist into its recognizable patchwork. Each contribution blends neatly together, and creates a cohesive whole.
The Cosmic Game unfolds in a steady and consistent manner, much like a mixtape segmented neatly by mood and theme. "Marching the Hate Machines (Into the Sun)" opens the album with a notable appearance from an Air-headed Wayne Coyne. Like Yoshimi sipping Virgin Suicides, the Corporation crafts hollow atmospheres, lonely guitar leads, and twinkling keyboards. The peaceful backing provides a counterpoint to the confrontational title and upfront lyrics: "Let's start by, making it clear / Who is the enemy here / And we'll show them / That it's not them / Who is superior." The song's chorus continues on to dream an abstract Armageddon for the negative ones, a bold statement from a group associated more with chill-outs and sessions. Given the current political rhetoric, the schism in social discourse, and the group's base in Washington, D.C., the tension is more appropriate than out-of-place. However, the Corporation sticks to its tried and true moves, and bathes Coyne's critique in such cozy warmth that the assault feels more like a well-oiled Trojan Horse.
Similar to how the Corporation molds a track around Coyne's recent maturation to slick-psych, the production throughout the album is tailored around the guests. The hard-breaking "Warning Shots" is unusually aggressive for the two, but its knocking drums, punchy guitar accents, and Tech9 loop back Sleepy Wonder's underwater toasting with necessary heat. The feverish gargle in the first half of the song also works within the context of the album by detonating the ambivalence established in the opening track. Gunjan's warm voice gradually weaves in and replaces Sleepy's rasp, transitioning to the soothing cool-down of the lightly tripping "Revolution Solution". In contrast to the complete immersion of its guests into the music on "Shots", the Corporation provides sparse backing for Perry Farrell, whose voice functions as an instrument, channeling Horace Andy through a modern Madchester beat dub. Singing now in a subdued tone, filling out the lower end of his range and displaying a throaty tenor not often heard, Farrell sounds convincing. Admittedly, when he sings, "I hope for comfort / But I never felt safe", his beat down Babylon sermon sounds like fodder from the privileged hippie camp, but crisp production supports Farrell's diatribe dance with just the right amount of substance.
The title track "The Cosmic Game" strips vocals and any specific rhetoric, functioning as a moment of respite that actually brings the album into focus. Although each voiceless track functions as a similar transition piece, "Game" reintroduces the group's career-long exploration of South Asian, Caribbean, and Afro-Latin roots. The quiet "Shiva" follows as Gunjan stretches out on one of her several features, fusing modernist reading with sleek mod production. Notch, featured on the Corporation's last album, takes a step deeper into the pocket by heavily buttering his toasts on "Amerimacka"; his critical warning shot is lover's rock smooth, but runs roots deep: "If she had only stood for love / That would have been enough / But now we all burn in her plan". Although "Amerimacka"'s critique parallels the tone of the first section of Game, it contrasts with the Corporation's trademark subtlety; Dark Days drums swaying below slow-mo bass, and keys and strings washed in echo are the group's bread and butter. The effects become tired toward the end, because they are used repeatedly and often in a predictable manner -- echo is often in triplet and eighth increments -- but this seems more a product of digitized quantizing than any fault of the duo's creativity. Although the majority of the album does not contain such thematic consistency as the opening salvo, the whole's abstract exploration of ambivalence and soft funk suits the group well.
The Corporation proceeds to sail down the Atlantic coastline for a party cruise. "Ambicion Eterna" breezes through with minimal hand percussion and soft vocals courtesy of Vermie Varela. The group ventures further south with the nu-brasilo-beat "Pela Janela". The duo avoids the common mistake of giving into drum machine four-on-the-floors, but instead allow live percussion to carry the bump, loping bass to do the dance, and wafting vocals to set the mood. Continuing the tour is "Sol Tapado", which breaks berimbau similar to how Cornershop funkified raga, while DC virtuoso Patrick de Santos moves the crowd with casual rhythm. Nimble bongos and bouncing bass trace the Corporation's path back to Nigeria as Shako David Byrne struts his tail feather through "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter." Horns punctuate the melody, keys wash and echo throughout, and Byrne's flat intonation modernizes Afro-Beat, making one of the more progressive collaborations of the album.
The album closes with punches and caresses that ultimately bring Game in for a rocksteady landing. Gunjan sways in and out of "Doors of Perception", a guiro driven raga racer, as Sista Pat delivers throaty incantations over "Wires and Watchtowers'" pumping drums and echoing horns. Gunjan returns one last time on "The Supreme Illusion" to deliver quawwali-like pipes to dutty dancehall beatdowns and skull-snapping breaks. The final descent is gentle, as "The Time We Lost Our Way" cools out with muted trumpets and acoustic guitars. The Bacharach-Morricone vibe gives the composition a cinematic quality that leads naturally into the soft closer, "A Gentle Dissolve."
Thievery Corporation succeeds on The Cosmic Game by using collaborations to build on an established repertoire of instrumental music. Vocals have held an increasing presence in the group's work, but the Corporation uses each voice as an instrument, namely Gunjan, to push for newer sounds. The submergence of superior talents, like the oft-mentioned Gunjan, into the Corporation's palette is unfortunate for the guests, considering their ability to stand as centerpieces. However, for Thievery's purposes, the results are a fine distillation of their record interests. The overall quality of the work does not amount to the group's finest work, but considering the juggling act required to coordinate such talent, the Corporation sets forth on the best foot once again.

Review taken from: http://www.popmatters.com/music/reviews/t/thieverycorporation-cosmic.shtml
Download link: http://rapidshare.com/files/157889053/Thievery_Corporation_-_The_Cosmic_Game.rar.html

Variation of Spines, 2008

2008-11-03T00:01:00.000-08:00

Alfredo Esparza - Variation of Spines, 2008

Thievery Corporation - The Richest Man In Babylon (2002)

2008-11-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

Date Released: October 1, 2002

Origin: United States

Genre: Trip-Hop, Chillout, Acid Jazz, Downtempo

Label: ESL Music, Inc / Eighteenth Street

Site: http://thieverycorporation.com
Tracklist:
1. Heaven’s Gonna Burn Your Eyes
2. Facing East
3. The Outernationalist
4. Omid (Hope)
5. All That we Perceive
6. Un Simple Histoire (A Simple Story)
7. Meu Destino (My Destiny)
8. Exilio (Exile)
9. From Creation
10. The Richest Man In Babylon
11. Liberation Front
12. The State Of The Union
13. Until The Morning
14. Resolution
__________________________________________________
I love the missus for many reasons. There’s the sex. And there’s a certain laconic brilliance that shines like a Maglite in a moviehouse sometimes.
We were driving back from the beach. She’d just gotten her license reinstated. She’d been behind the wheel for an hour or two, and hadn’t quite gotten back into it yet. She needed a nap. I took over and put on the new Thievery Corporation album; just loud enough to know something was on. I didn’t want to keep her awake, and I didn’t feel much like paying attention. Before she nodded off, she said:
“This is what the cool people listen to.”
We’re going straight to hell, kids. If there’s hell below, we’re all gonna go. We’re going to boil in a bubbling cauldron of the oil from the pores of Sebadoh fans. And some of us will be so good at ironic, detached assimilation that we’ll affect an enjoyment of hell. We might never figure out whether we’re in heaven or hell. Which, if one believes the existentialists, is a pretty solid working definition of hell.
Our legacy? We’ll force a lot of Fugazi and Blackalicious on our kids, which will no doubt bore them to conniptions. They’ll be more interested in Neptunes and Green Day, having no more reason to reject them than we have to give the condescending stinkeye to Tommy James. (Our young’uns won’t give a shit about The Apples In Stereo, either.) And then there’ll be a more interesting, less easily defined legacy, passed on through discs like The Richest Man In Babylon. Provided this once great nation doesn’t rot through completely, this record will take over for Herb Alpert and “The Girl From Ipanema.”
It’s hipster Muzak, in other words. All ESL records are essentially “beautiful music” with a dash of urban flava, and can be enjoyed as such. Some can be probed for menacing subtext. Not Thievery Corporation. Break out your Physician’ s Desk Reference and Blue States can be melancholy, Thunderball can be paranoid, etc. This DC crew brings the straight tapioca.
The Corp goes slightly “exotic” now and again. There’re smoky leads from weary sounding women. And there’s a tabla.
The Richest Man In Babylon is strictly background fare. If you run a coffeeshop, you’re cooking with gas. If you’ve got a paper to write or tables to wait, it can pad out your skull. But I can’t imagine desiring to experience it through headphones. Even if I were a cool person. I imagine I’d be busy hitting on other cool people.
Shit, it’s less dull than Tortoise.

Review taken from: http://www.dustedmagazine.com/reviews/405
Download link: http://rapidshare.com/files/157467910/Thievery_Corporation_-_The_Richest_Man_In_Babylon.rar.html

Variation of Moneda Corriente III, 2008

2008-11-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

Alfredo Esparza - Variation of Moneda Corriente III, 2008

Thievery Corporation - The Mirror Conspiracy (2000)

2008-10-31T00:01:00.000-07:00

Date Released: August 22, 2000
Origin: United States
Genre: Trip-Hop, Chillout, Acid Jazz, Downtempo
Label: ESL Music, Inc.

Site: http://www.thieverycorporation.com
Tracklist:
1. Treasures
2. Le Monde
3. Indra
4. Lebanese Blonde
5. Focus On sight
6. Air Batucada
7. So Com Voce
8. Samba Tranquille
9. Shadows Of Ourselves
10. The hong Kong Triad
11. Illumination
12. The Mirror Conspiracy
13. Tomorrow
__________________________________________________
Thievery Corporation's 1996 debut, Sounds From the Thievery Hi-Fi, was a must-have for martini-drinking lounge lizards everywhere. Plundering a bazaar of cosmopolitan sounds, it established this swank, mod-suit-wearing D.C.-based duo as the Thomas Crowns of sampling. Four years on, DJs Rob Garza and Eric Hilton continue their global pillaging with the hypnotic Mirror Conspiracy -- think James Bond chilling with Lee Perry and Antonio Carlos Jobim in a spliffed-out twilight zone. Only this time out, sampling takes a back seat: The duo relies on live instrumentation, taking in Jamaican reggae's reverb and echo, Far Eastern psychedelia and sitars, and bossa-nova horns and exotica. Where Sounds was dub-heavy, Mirror Conspiracy is infatuated with vintage Brazilian rhythms; on "Samba Tranquille," rousing Latin percussion rumbles over slow beats and spacey electronic riffs. Thievery's maturing flirtation with sultry female vocalists Bebel Gilberto (stepdaughter of that original girl from Ipanema) and Lou Lou (a sexy France Gall-like French chanteuse) could well propel this pair out of the club underworld. On the surefire lounge classic "Lebanese Blond," Pam Bricker's stoned-sexy vocals suck you in faster than the narcotic highs she lovingly details. Mirror Conspiracy is the perfect soundtrack for those who aspire to the elegantly roguish, Vespa-riding, Italian-soft-porn-loving international set.

Review taken from: http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/thieverycorporation/albums/album/206415/review/5945855/the_mirror_conspiracy
Download link: http://rapidshare.com/files/157443874/Thievery_Corporation_-_The_Mirror_Conspiracy.rar.html

Variation of Diaspora LXXXI, 2008

2008-10-30T00:01:00.001-07:00

Alfredo Esparza - Variation of Diaspora LXXXI, 2008

Thievery Corporation - Sounds from the Thievery Hi-Fi [Extra Tracks] (2006)

2008-10-29T00:01:00.000-07:00

Date Released: January 24, 2006
Origin: United States
Genre: Trip-Hop, Chillout, Acid Jazz, Downtempo
Label: Eighteenth Street

Site: http://thieverycorporation.com
Tracklist:
1. A Warning (Dub)
2. 2001 Spliff Odyssey
3. Shaolin Satellite
4. Transcendence
5. Universal Highness
6. Incident At Gate 7
7. Scene at the Open Air Market
8. The Glass Bead Game
9. Encounters in Bahia
10. The Foundation
11. Interlude
12. The Oscillator
13. Assault On Babylon
14. .38.45 (A Thievery Number)
15. One
16. Sun, Moon, and Stars
17. Sleeper Car
__________________________________________________
Rare groove duo Thievery Corporation may fall under the general classification of electronica, but their album Sounds from the Thievery Hi-Fi, like much of their music, is such a confluence of subgenres that techno fans might not find what they're looking for in it. This record is electronic in that nearly everything heard on it has been tweaked in the studio, but almost all of the actual synth sounds on Sounds from the Thievery Hi-Fi lay in the background. Each song is carried by recordings of actual instruments, either live or sampled, mixed to create the arc of the specific track. Add a smattering of vocal samples, and the result is the love child of Massive Attack and Mondo Grosso, a trip-hoppy, acid jazz mutant that will make you want to dance, have sex, or lounge by the pool (if you're not left walking in confused circles, trying to figure out which one). That seems to be the CD's only real weakness: the seams that bind the various influences involved in the music can be a bit ragged, leading to some songs that come off as awkward rather than eclectic. The amalgamations throughout most of the disc are quite effective, however. The track "Scene at the Open Air Market," for instance, sounds like the melody is played on a xylophone, before switching to perhaps an accordion, eventually coming to sound like a mixture of lounge music, rhumba, and Eastern European folk -- but sexy. The samples of a man yelling reggae-style shout-outs during "2001 Spliff Odyssey," however, are mostly just distracting from the ultra-smooth groove, and can feel like interruptions. In the end, assuming that almost everyone who picks up Sounds from the Thievery Hi-Fi is a fan of trip-hop, acid jazz, club/dance, or electronica, then it is essentially a record for everybody. Its only real fault is that, occasionally, it edges toward being a record for nobody. [This version of Sounds from the Thievery Hi-Fi includes the bonus tracks "Sun, Moon, and Stars" and "Sleeper Car."]

Review taken from:

http://www.alibris.com/musicsearch?qsort=&page=1&matches=9&browse=1&qwork=400815406&mtype=M&full=1
Download link: http://rapidshare.com/files/158187161/Thievery_Corporation_-_Sounds_From_The_Thievery_Hi-Fi.rar.html

Variation of Walking elephant, 2007

2008-10-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

Alfredo Esparza - Variation of Walking Elephant, 2007

Various Artists - 3D Concepts | Miles Tilmann/Loess/Low Profile Society (2004)

2008-10-27T00:01:00.000-07:00

Date Released: November 29, 2004
Origin: Verious Countries
Genre: IDM, Ambient, Drone,
Label: Toytronic
Site: http://www.toytronic.com
Tracklist Disc 1:

1. Middle Fields – Miles Tilmann
2. The Big Swim – Miles Tilmann
3. Through The T - Miles Tilmann
4. Particle 3 - Miles Tilmann
5. Smallest Flam - Miles Tilmann
6. Mid Point - Miles Tilmann
7. Retinue – Loess
8. Sofar – Loess
9. Viscer – Loess
10. Alt.Tone.Two – Loess
11. Sixt – Loess

Tracklist Disc 2:
1. In - Low Profile Society
2. Example 2 - Low Profile Society
3. Example 3 - Low Profile Society
4. Example 4 - Low Profile Society
5. Example 5 - Low Profile Society
6. Example 6 - Low Profile Society
7. Example 7 - Low Profile Society
8. Example 8 - Low Profile Society
9. Out - Low Profile Society
10. Example 10 - Low Profile Society
11. Example 11 - Low Profile Society
12. Example 12 - Low Profile Society
13. Example 13 - Low Profile Society
__________________________________________________
Double cd compiling the very limited Miles Tilmann, Loess, and Low Profile Society marble vinyl EPs with 4 bonus new and unheard tracks from Low Profile Society. Loess deliver 5 tracks employing ambient principles for a foundation, with rhythmic elements softly extending themselves to enrich proceedings with a beautifully smoothed-over rendition of futuristic sounds. The opening “retinve” strengthens itself with a reliance on only the simplest of principles, a muted industrial percussive line loops itself for background while soothingly stretched synths and whispered basslines surround the rendition for an almost haze-driven listening experience. “alt.tone.two”, meanwhile, suddenly discovers a world of bass, more sparkling night-time ambience sets the scene while a dub-driven revolution of stabs and a skanking pace remind of Denmark’s excellent Dub-Tractor. Chicago’s Miles Tillman, meanwhile, starts proceedings with “Middle Fields” - a gorgeously layered construction of beatless textures, a dense display of warmth that brings to mind work by Brian Eno, Shuttle 358 and even the more ambient stretches of Casino vs Japan. “The Big Swim” follows in glorious form, a gentle pitter-patter in 4/4 form overlayed with more life-affirming edits of multi-coloured ambience, creating a sort of soothing tap of the feet that the likes of Christian Kleine are so good at extending with apparent ease. Low Profile Society, meanwhile, get a full disc to themselves, expanding on ambient themes to blissed-out shores previously visited by Arovane at his most spacious. 24 tracks across 112 minutes of music over two CDs.

Review taken from: http://www.boomkat.com/item.cfm?id=16016

Download link Disc 1: http://rapidshare.com/files/153476479/Various_Artists_-_3D_Concepts__Disc_1_.rar.html
Download Link Disc 2: http://rapidshare.com/files/153569809/Various_Artists_-_3D_Concepts__Disc_2_.rar.html

Variation of Medusa's Head, 2008

2008-10-26T00:01:00.000-07:00

Alfredo Esparza - Variation of Medusa's Head, 2008

The North Sea - Archaic Spines (2007)

2008-10-25T00:01:00.000-07:00

Date Released: November 20, 2007
Origin: United States
Genre: Folk, Fusion, Experimental
Label: A Silent Place / IODA
Site: http://www.thenorthseamusic.com
Tracklist:

1. Splendor
2. Oh Velveteen
3. Silent Order Of The Shrouded Tombs
4. We Salute The Sandblasted Turrets
5. The Feather’d King, The Bluejay Queen
__________________________________________________
Brad Rose, the man behind the Digitalis and Foxglove labels returns with another solo album, on another beautifully presented ha limited edition imprint. Archaic Spines is an album that utilises only a bouzouki and a hint of vocals, spreading five celestial ragas over forty minutes of improvisation. Unlike the open tuned raga variations we've come to expect from the Takoma lineage, these pieces tend to be strummed with droning open strings as you'd find in classical sitar music. For all the nods toward Eastern harmonic patterns and improvisational structures Rose remains plugged into American folk music and psychedelia - with typically imaginative, fanciful song titles like 'Silent Order Of The Shrouded Tombs' and 'The Feather'd King, The Bluejay Queen' being suggestive of the trance-inducing mediaeval mysticism Rose is aiming for with his extended string workouts.

Review taken from: http://www.boomkat.com/item.cfm?id=69433
Download link: http://rapidshare.com/files/154684669/The_North_Sea_-_Archaic_Spines.rar.html

Variation of Inferno, 2008

2008-10-24T00:01:00.000-07:00

Alfredo Esparza - Variation of Inferno, 2008

The North Sea - Exquisite Idols (2007)

2008-10-23T00:01:00.000-07:00

Date Released: May 7, 2007

Origin: United States

Genre: Folk, Fusion, Experimental. Leftfield

Label: Type Records / Morr Music GBR

Site: http://www.thenorthseamusic.com
Tracklist:

1. Eternal Birds
2. Guiwenneth Of The Green Grass
3. We Conquered The Golden Age
4. Take It From Me Brother Moses
5. Cover Me With Knives
6. Children Of The Ashes
7. And The Solstice Disappeared
8. Feather-cloaked Silver Priestess
__________________________________________________
We'd certainly forgive you for thinking this whole 'Free Folk' business had reached saturation point, and frankly was starting to sound a bit 2005. Well, here's something to rejuvenate your interests - and ours for that matter. The North Sea is the recording moniker of Digitalis Industries supremo Brad Rose, who over the last few years has been bringing together some of the most consistently compelling artists in the field of avant-garde psychedelics, artists such as Hush Arbors, Tom & Christina Carter, Gown and James Blackshaw. It would be perfectly reasonable then to deduce that Rose must know a thing or two about this particular strain of underground music, and "Exquisite Idols" (Rose's first solo album proper) demonstrates this amply. This isn't the first time Rose has appeared on Type, many of you will remember his monumentally far-out collaboration with fellow folk-drone travellers Rameses III (on last year's "Night Of The Ankou"), but Exquisite Idols is an entirely different proposition which centres around experimental approaches to traditional song structures. The work of Keith Wood (aka the aforementioned Hush Arbors) would actually provide a close reference point for this album. Rose and Wood share a similar approach to skewing the traditional and re-spinning it as something eerily otherworldy. Take the 15th century styling of 'We Conquered The Golden Age' for example: it absorbs the archaic drone of Tara Burke's Fursaxa recordings and incorporates it into upbeat, half-murmured outsider-ish song craft. 'Take It From Me Brother Moses' condenses this idea even further -with two short minutes of banjo-led, goodtime Americana all recorded with a hazy, homespun quirkiness. "Exquisite Idols" is not entirely divorced from Type's customarily experimental mindset: 'Eternal Birds' is filled with creaking, elongated chords, clattering percussion and lo-fi field recordings, while 'Cover Me With Knives' sets gamelan-like percussion against swirling noise loops. Not only does "Exquisite Idols" weigh in as another fine addition to Type's increasingly broad catalogue, it's a reminder of what made this new wave of folk music sound 'free' in the first place. Magic.

Review taken from: http://www.boomkat.com/item.cfm?id=31904
Download link: http://rapidshare.com/files/154709212/The_North_Sea_-_Exquisite_Idols.rar.html

Variation of Flooded Field, 2008

2008-10-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

Alfredo Esparza - Variation of Flooded Field, 2008

Lights Out Asia - Eyes Like Brontide (2008)

2008-10-21T00:01:00.000-07:00

Date Released: August, 2008
Origin: United States
Genre: Shoegaze, Downtempo, Post-Rock, Ambient
Label: n5MD
Site: http://www.lightsoutasia.com
Tracklist:

1. A Day Towards Other Days
2. Radars Over The Ghosts Of Chernobyl
3. X-33
4. Psiu! Puxa!
5. The Wrong Message Could End You
6. MIR
7. Garmonia
8. If I Die, I Wish You A Horrible Death
9. Six Points Of Fire
__________________________________________________
n5MD trio Lights Out Asia are old hands when it comes to marrying post-IDM electronic ambience and ethereal, shoegaze-inspired songwriting. Their 2003 album Garmonia has come to be very highly regarded within the field, and five years on the dreamy textures of Eyes Like Brontide find the band on fine form. Combining brief, two-minute dream-pop miniatures with full-blown ten minute epics, the album's narrative keeps you locked in, delivering highlights such as the reverb drenched 'Radars Over The Ghosts Of Chernobyl' and the impeccable, otherworldly falsetto of 'If I Die, I Hope You Die A Horrible Death'. Intent on going out with a bang, 'Six Points Of Fire' builds up over the course of eleven minutes, combining digital soundscaping with soaring guitar before eventually arriving at a combustive crescendo, rammed with high density noise and metallic overtones.

Review taken from: http://www.boomkat.com/item.cfm?id=136066&highlight=136078

Download link: http://rapidshare.com/files/154415517/Lights_Out_Asia_-_Eyes_Like_Brontide.rar.html

Variation of Memorable II, 2008

2008-10-20T00:01:00.000-07:00

Alfredo Esparza - Variation of Memorable II, 2008

Lights Out Asia - Tanks And Recognizers (2007)

2008-10-19T00:01:00.000-07:00

Date Released: July 17, 2007
Origin: United States
Genre: Shoegaze, Downtempo, Post-Rock
Label: n5MD
Site: http://www.lightsoutasia.com/
Tracklist:

1. Roy
2. Ring Of Stars
3. Four Square
4. Oh! Toronto
5. March Against The Savages
6. Lilies Of The Subway
7. Art Divided By Science
8. Drift/Fade
9. Spiti Elefas
__________________________________________________
Wisconsin post-celestial-shoegazer trio Lights Out Asia delivers their sophomore full length and debut for n5MD titled Tanks and Recognizers. This follow-up to their critic and fan favorite Garmonia (sun sea sky) pushes their sound far forward with a palpable intensity by giving a seemingly subliminal nod to some of the more electronically minded ethereal bands of the mid 80s to early 90s like Breathless, Chapterhouse, My Bloody Valentine or even the more emotionally rich moments of Colourbox. Lights Out Asia who is actually influenced more by a more current crop of like-minded artists such as Mogwai, Massive Attack, and Robin Guthrie’s various works, blend them all, the erstwhile and contemporary, with an updated style, feel and modern expansiveness. Tanks and Recognizers is a cinematic and ambitiously crafted album which could easily fit into any indie rock or electronic music collection. Soaring, floating, and moving forward as it pulls you in to its hopeful heart consuming ebb and flow of electronics, guitars and lofty vocal yearning. Tanks and Recognizers is that perfect album for those days when the horizon and sky are of the same hue and for those moments where every perspective is so gorgeously blurred.

Review taken from: http://www.n5md.com/discography.php?catno=148
Download link: http://rapidshare.com/files/154437193/Lights_Out_Asia_-_Tanks_and_Recognizers.rar.html

Variation of Memorable I, 2008

2008-10-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

Alfredo Esparza - Variation of Memorable I, 2008

Lights Out Asia - Garmonia (2003)

2008-10-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

Date Released: 2003

Origin: United States

Genre: Shoegaze, Downtempo, Post-Rock, Ambient

Label: n5MD

Site: http://www.lightsoutasia.com/

Tracklist:

1. Knockknock
2. You’re All On Display
3. Chapters Of A Red Sky
4. Promontory Cemetery
5. Absence Of Oceans
6. Hail Russia Live
7. Garmonia
8. Farewell Humphrey Bogart
9. Sigil
10. God Help Us
11. Not Every Day’s A Victory
12. Untitled
__________________________________________________
Lights Out Asia’s Garmonia is a middle-of-the-night car ride soundtrack. It's the songs you imagine yourself composing when scrolling through all the different patches on an awesome keyboard you can never afford. It’s an embryonic journey of mellow tunes that would not feel out of place on an episode of The X-Files. The samples and atmospheric music combine together to create a great nighttime soundtrack that may remind you of Enigma, Sigur Ros, and Depeche Mode. This reverb-soaked meditation is a great disc to work, drive, or make sweet love to. It’s hard to believe that music this ethereal could come out of the frigid wastelands of Wisconsin, but it does. Perhaps it’s something about the icy stillness of –25 degree days, or the way the once-soothing lake turns to a hardened sheet of glass. Whatever the reason, Lights Out Asia has created a great disc that could become the soundtrack to your life.

Review taken from: http://www.tlchicken.com/view_story.php?ARTid=2055
Download link: http://rapidshare.com/files/154587836/Lights_Out_Asia_-_Garmonia.rar.html

Variation of Starry Night, 2007

2008-10-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

Alfredo Esparza - Variation of Starry Night, 2007

Julian Fane - Our New Quarters (2006)

2008-10-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

Date Released: October 6, 2006
Origin: Canada
Genre: IDM, Shoegaze, Modern Classical
Label: Planet Mu Records / Revolver
Site: http://www.myspace.com/julianfane
Tracklist:

1. Our New Quarters
2. New Faces
3. Youth Faces
4. The Moon Is Gone
5. Downfall
6. Jonah The Freak
7. Break And Enter
8. Rattle
9. Among The Missing
10. Plastics For A Heart
__________________________________________________
For this follow-up to his acclaimed Special Forces album, Vancouver-dweller Julian Fane has placed far greater emphasis on more conventional song structures than its predecessor, with vocals taking a central role at every turn. Fane's voice bears more than a passing resemblance to that of Thom Yorke, and the Radiohead frontman's solo outing, The Eraser provides an obvious reference point. But while Yorke's album was an exercise in minimalism (by his standards at least) Our New Quarters positively exudes epic ambition. The title track sets the tone, with its quietly dramatic Sigur Ros-style post-rock, only for subsequent tracks 'New Faces' and 'Youth Cadet' to introduce shattered electronics and rasping beats. All these elements are distilled to greatest effect on 'The Moon Is Gone', the most successful marriage of Fane's song craft and electronics here. Almost as good, the neon synths and fiery beats (sounding like they've been lifted straight off Bjork's Homogenic album) of 'Rattle' provide another highlight. However, the haunting piano chords and whispered falsetto on 'Downfall' suggest Fane is at his most powerful when he switches his electronic gadgetry off and plays it straight. It's absolutely magnificent stuff, managing to sound profoundly emotive without resorting to histrionics.

Review taken from: http://www.boomkat.com/item.cfm?id=29438
Download link: http://rapidshare.com/files/151284955/Julian_Fane_-_Our_New_Quarters.rar.html

Variation of Abstraction XXIX, 2008

2008-10-14T00:01:00.000-07:00

Alfredo Esparza - Variation of Abstraction XXIX, 2008

Julian Fane - Special Forces (2004)

2008-10-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

Date Released: September 6, 2004

Origin: Canada

Genre: IDM, Shoegaze, Modern Classical, Ambient

Label: Planet Mu Records / Revolver

Site: http://www.myspace.com/julianfane

Tracklist:

1. Disaster Location
2. Safety Man
3. Freezing In Haunted Water
4. Sea Island
5. Stasis
6. Darknet
7. Book Repository
8. Birthday Boys
9. Taoist Blockade
10. Coronation
11. In Space
12. Exit New Year
__________________________________________________
Rather fittingly for this time of year, the cover shot for Julian Fane's first CD is of a wintry scene. The contents within are also suitably warming comfort for this time of year on this emotive and tuneful record. Fane is a Canadian although the recognisable influences are mainly Icelandic, the childlike innocence of Múm is the obvious comparison to make. Yet Fane takes a more direct approach to melody. The tinkling chimes of 'Stasis' are a prelude to a mini symphony, 'The Birthday Boys' and 'Freezing In Haunted Water' are rich with lush and dreamy keyboard washes. 'Book Repository' is a rare but welcome excursion into eerie Piano Magic territory and 'Taoist Blockade' is a brilliant evocation of Oriental melancholy. The only weakness is Fane's rather timid vocals. He needn't worry though, for 'Special Forces' is blessed with enough persuasive charm to melt an iceberg.

Review taken from: http://www.leonardslair.co.uk/fane.htm

Download link: http://rapidshare.com/files/151303130/Julian_Fane_-_Special_Forces.rar.html

Variation of Abstraction XXIII, 2008

2008-10-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

Alfredo Esparza - Variation of Abstraction XXIII, 2008

Eedl - Everse (2007)

2008-10-11T00:01:00.000-07:00

Date Released: October 19, 2007
Origin: Spain
Genre: IDM, Leftfield, Glitch
Label: spa.RK / Finetunes
Site: http://www.myspace.com/eedl
Tracklist:
1. Zyx
2. Spectrum
3. Beli
4. Windstille
5. Müsli
6. Slumber
7. Dim5
8. Cauma
9. False Reprise
10. Left High And Dry
11. Seeking Too Far
12. Deppart

__________________________________________________
Since the turn of the century, IDM as a genre has seemed to be a pissing contest between various sound designers to see who could elicit the most crazy sounds out of their software and glitched-up hardware. This has shifted over the past year, as artists have broken out of this rut and developed their sound saturation skills into quality song writing. Everse, the latest release by EEDL on sp.ARK records, follows this trend.
The sounds on Everse follow traditional IDM conventions, with light pads, syncopated glitch rhythms, and sharp leads. Eedl, like many current artists, wrangles what could be boring, machine-like sounds into solid songs that consistently remain engaging. Make no mistake - this record still retains a robotic quality; however, EEDL is able to inject thought-provoking emotive qualities into every track.
While Everse doesn't break any new ground in the field of quirky electronics, it does its best to mature the genre. Standout tracks like "Musli" and "Seeking Too Far" remain stuck in the listeners head, eliciting a calmness and providing introspective journey into sound.

Review taken from: http://www.igloomag.com/doc.php?task=view&id=1645&category=reviews
Download link: http://rapidshare.com/files/151234803/Eedl_-_Everse.rar.html

Note about Susumo Yokota

2008-10-10T06:16:00.000-07:00

I know that some of you have been looking for some post about this artist on the blog. I have some material of him but unfortunalety, right now, I am not able to post it, this because I have to follow a programmed schedule and all October posts are already made (they'll just be appearing automatically each day at 00:01 hours, -Mexico City time-) but, as a hint, I can tell you that finishing the Thievery Corporation posts (end of October, beginning of November), the next ones will be those of almost all Yokota's discography (which is huge). So, thanks a lot for your recurrent visits to this site, and for your patience about Susumu's posts.

If you want to request any album or artist that follow the trend of this site, feel free to let me know what you want in any of the post through the comments link (I read all of them) and I'll try to upload what you want as soon as possible.

Thank You.

Variation of Three Drunk Monkeys, 2008

2008-10-10T00:01:00.000-07:00

Alfredo Esparza - Variation of Three Drunk Monkeys, 2008

Swandive - Anyone On The Air? (2000)

2008-10-09T00:01:00.000-07:00

Date Released: August 22, 2000
Origin: Switzerland
Genre: Trip-Hop, Downtempo, Alternative
Label: Earforce
Site: ---
Tracklist:
1. Fall
2. On The Air
3. Thorn
4. Killer
5. Too Far
6. Oblivion
7. Today
8. A Kind Of Escape, Part I
9. A Kind Of Escape, Part II
10. Bipol
11. Gold
12. Venus
13. Perfect
14. Being In Two Places At The Same Time
15. Narvik - Kirkenes

__________________________________________________
Swandive was a Swiss trip hop band who was founded in 1995 by Marco Neeser (Sky Antinori), Lorenz Haas and Ann Kathrin Luethi (Annakin). In 1999 Ivan Engler and Ali Salvioni joined the band.They were very successful in Switzerland, gave concerts abroad (Germany, France, Czechoslovakia and Austria) and went on tour with the bands Faithless and Olive.They broke up in 2002. New bands of the Swandive members arose - the singer's new project is called Annakin (www.annakin.net), Marco Neeser founded Division Kent (www.division-kent.com).
This is by far, a must have album. All tracks are softly constructed and are just like a great bite in your mouth, full of tastes, textures and contrasts. Hope you enjoy it.

Review taken from: https://www.tradebit.com/filedetail.php/2910306-anyone-on-the-air
Download link: http://rapidshare.com/files/148718750/Swandive_-_Anyone_On_The_Air_.rar.html

Variation of Rangers Under Shadow, 2008

2008-10-08T00:08:00.000-07:00

Alfredo Esparza - Variation of Rangers Under Shadow, 2008

Swandive - Intuition (1997)

2008-10-07T00:01:00.000-07:00

Date Released: 1997
Origin: Switzerland
Genre: Trip-hop, Drum & Bass, Downtempo
Label: Earforce
Site: ---
Tracklist:
1. Left
2. Solitary Swimming
3. Demunication
4. Inner Man
5. Nutopian Days
6. If I Scream
7. The Game
8. Losing My Religion
9. Bathroom Pain
10. Finally
11. As You Are
12. Innocent
13. Exit 101

__________________________________________________
First LP of two, of this great Swiss band. This album came out just when Trip-hop scene flooded all the musical genres in the middle of the 90’s. Great tune, strong lyrics and powerful percussion lines give this album a delicious flavor. This release became more or less famous for the REM cover “Losing my religion”. A nice depressive version of the US band’s single.

Just before releasing their second album “Anyone on the air?” they spitted away. Such a shame but at least, the leave behind they rapture two amazing creations. Enjoy this first delivery.

Download link: http://rapidshare.com/files/148681933/Swandive_-_Intuituion.rar.html

Variation of Moneda Corriente II, 2008

2008-10-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

Alfredo Esparza - Variation of Moneda Corriente II, 2008

Murcof - Cosmos (2007)

2008-10-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

Date Released: September 24, 2007
Origin: Mexico
Genre: Glitch, Click & Cut
Label: Lear Recors
Site: http://myspace.com/murcof
Tracklist:
1. Cuerpo Celeste
2. Cielo
3. Cosmos I
4. Cometa
5. Cosmos II
6. Oort
__________________________________________________

While Murcof (Fernando Corona) didn’t invent the concept of sample-based electronica, or even the use of classical samples in electronica (the lineage can be traced back to the original musique concrète-ers), he set the standard for a specific kind of sample-tronica five years ago with his debut Martes. By mixing the beats and glitches of electronic minimalism with the orchestral drama of 20th century classical, he spurred the creation of a new kind of home listening market populated by Marsen Jules, Max Richter, Deaf Centre and Ryuichi Sakamoto in various collaborations.Murcof’s new album is the soundtrack for an audiovisual project called Cosmos, and it's a grand departure from his earlier work. Martes sat perfectly on the crest of a classical-sampling wave when it was released on Leaf in 2002, sounding fresh and lush in the midst of the dry clicks and cuts minimalism of the day. But the Mexican’s trajectory has since veered from the path he set down. He’s retained the lush textures (now real instruments playing sequences composed specifically for the album), and some of his earlier beat orientation, but his ambitions have become engorged with classical monumentalism.The six tracks on Cosmos are bombastic compared to Murcof’s previous output, and even makes the sombre Remembranza (2005), apparently a tribute to his dead mother, seem lightweight. The operatic opener, 'Cuerpo Celeste', is a shocker (interpret that how you will): Nine minutes of heavy, dark drones periodically drowned out by pipe organs and choir sample assaults. If you make it to the end of this one, the next few tracks will be a relief, but not for too long. The grandiosity arcs near the end of the album, setting the scene for the disturbing finale, 'Oort'. The style of Cosmos is indeed, as Leaf PR suggests, closer to Hungarian composer György Ligeti (best known for the opera, Le Grand Macabre, and Kubrick soundtracks 2001: A Space Odyssey, The Shining etc), Coil, or even Sunn O))) than Murcof. Corona has plunged determinedly into macro modern-composition territory and left micro-electronica far behind.Now based in Barcelona, the Tijuanan has just embarked on a tour to support the new album, playing shows in the Planetariums of Europe. Which brings us back to the main point. The album is part of an audiovisual show: a show that involves video projections of sublime heavenly bodies in the comfort of a dome designed specifically for that purpose. Perhaps the majesty of the projections above will render the soundtrack less overblown? Tone it down somehow? We can only hope. A recent live show of Raster-Noton label boss Carsten Nicolai (Alva Noto) also had a kind of sci-fi bombast to it. Perhaps this new melodrama is a way out of the micro cul-de-sac, and a sign of things to come.

Review taken from: http://www.residentadvisor.net/review-view.aspx?id=4842
Download link: http://rapidshare.com/files/148394297/Murcof_-_Cosmos.rar.html

Variation of Calabacitas, 2008

2008-10-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

Alfredo Esparza - Variation of Calabacitas, 2008

Murcof - Utopía (2004)

2008-10-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

Date Released: June 28, 2004
Origin: Mexico
Genre: Click & Cut, Glitch
Label: Leaf Records
Site: http://myspace.com/murcof
Tracklist:
1. Ulysses
2. Maíz (Der Abschied von Dawson City mix)
3. Memoria (Sutekh's Trisagion mix9
4. Urano
5. Maíz (Icarus mix)
6. Ulysses (Fax mix)
7. MO (a.mo.re - aeroc mix)
8. Una
9. Muim (Colleen mix)
10. Ultimatum

__________________________________________________
Fernando Corona is a producer from Tijuana who is one of the central figures in Baja, California's Nortec Collective. He started by releasing Matmos-ian traditional Mexican cut-ups as Terrestre, and in 2002, he debuted with the album Martes under the name Murcof. Along the way he's remixed, cut vinyl as the mastering engineer for the Static Discos label, and scored the independent film Nicotina. He's a busy guy with a lot of talent, this Fernando Corona. Remember the name.
With Martes, Corona took fragments of 20th Century classical by composers like Morton Feldman and Arvo Pärt and combined the tense arrangements with micro beats. It was an interesting record with an unusual sound, but it wasn't ultimately great; something about the loops and repetition of Martes didn't seem to gel. Corona's conception called for freedom and openness, music unconstrained by the snap-to grid. For that we would have to wait another 18 months.
The 12-inch single "Ulysses", released earlier this year, delivered completely on Martes' promise and immediately built anticipation for the next Murcof full-length, due by the end of 2004. On both "Ulysses" and the B-side "Urano", Corona ditched samples to write and record his own charts, melding percolating minimalist beats with his subtly dissonant and open-ended phrases for strings. On this CD, Leaf has rewarded those without turntables by compiling the two tracks from the "Ulysses" 12-inch, two previously unreleased tracks, and seven remixes of material from Martes.
Beyond the exceptional "Ulysses" 12-inch, both unheard tracks here are good but sound like holdovers from the Martes sessions. "Una" loops and chops a short section for strings and sets the melody against an undercurrent of catgut groans and plucks. It's like a duet between two instruments from the violin family-- one set to play "music" and the other focusing on "sounds." "Ultimatum", which foregrounds the drum programming and uses bits of piano and violin more as seasoning, is probably the funkiest track Corona has released as Murcof.
The remixes are mostly strong, with the two best coming from familiar names. Jan Jelinek's "Der Abschied von Dawson City Mix" of "Maiz" is an excellent meeting of the minds that finds Jelinek using clipped fragments of plucked violin and double-bass slides for his own jazzed-up rhythmic ends. Deathprod's take on "Ulysses" leaves little of the original identifiably intact, but creates the kind of vast, doom-laden half-speed drift that will be instantly familiar to those familiar with his excellent Morals and Dogma.
Colleen's mix of "Muium" is inspired and imaginative, as Cécile Schott burrows deep inside the original track, emerging with handfuls of individual notes that are stretched into drones and reassembled into weird melodies. On the beat-friendly tip, Sutekh's "Triasgion mix" of "Memoria" is highly danceable and driving techno infested with squirming samples pushing in several directions simultaneously, while fellow Nortec Collective member Fax (Ruben Tamayo, not Pete Namlook) offers a dubby and comparatively warm take on "Maiz".
Fernando Corona's distinctive stamp is clearly affixed to every note of his originals, so his music lends itself to the remix treatment. But most exciting on Ulysses are the two new tracks that (hopefully) point the way toward the next Murcof album. What Corona brings to the table is something depressingly rare in electronic music: a fresh ear. Like Ekkehard Ehlers, Corona seems to hear music differently, allowing him to compose tracks that sound like no one else.

Review taken from: http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/record_review/20198-utopia
Download link: http://rapidshare.com/files/148160800/Murcof_-_Utop_a.rar.html

Variation of Reconstruction VII, 2004

2008-10-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

Alfredo Esparza -Variation of Reconstruction VII, 2004

Murcof - Martes (2002)

2008-10-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

From the recent Tango infused beats of The Gotan Project to Chile's deep techno pioneers Ojo De Apolo, the music of South America has been slowly creeping into the public area in recent days.
One thing that were particularly glad to see down South is the recent exposure of Mexican record labels like Mil, Static Discos and The Nortec Collective, who are showing that even Mexico can compete with the rampaging electronic music hordes who currentlydominate the US and European music scenes.
Originally a part of Tijuana's noteworthy Nortec Collective, Fernando Corona has splintered off recently to record his own music under the Murcof moniker. Having gained our attention with an excellent 4 track EP on San Francisco's Context Free Media label last year (three of those tracks appear here as well), Tony Morley's Leaf label has seen fit to release a full length of his work here in the UK.
Taking a page out of the minimal electronic music book penned by labels like ~scape, Chain Reaction and Context Free Media, Corona has pieced together a fantastic collage of micro-house with classical overtones that are both harmonious and otherworldly. Whereas some electronic artists flirt with classical music in their own compositions, such as Aphex Twin, Sun Electric or Ulrich Schnauss, this my friends, is the real deal.
Check the brilliant mix of plucked strings and Korg organ pad on "Mir" for example - each painstakingly edited together like the accents on a score of parchment; or the sense of dread that sneaks up on you in "Mo". The sense of mix placement and space is fantastic - alternating textures of lush ambience and cold minimalism that tickle the ear on headphones and embraces the body on a speaker system.
Corona not only has a great sense of melody but seems to have a real understanding of how traditional instruments can retain their beauty within the cold, harsh world of electronic music. Check out the layered mix on "Mum" where he pieces together ambient piano, strings, a solo female vocalist and some grinding electronics that all sit perfectly on top of a beat that wouldn't be out of place on a Pole CD, or Wagon Christ's work on Rising High.
For those seeking a unique take on classical music or for adventurous DJs out there who are looking to spice up their mix with something truly special, Martes should be an essential purchase.
An absolutely wonderful and highly original work.

Review taken from: http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/release/qfdp/
Download link: http://rapidshare.com/files/147166951/Murcof_-_Martes.rar.html

Variation of Parian De La Cosecha's Parking, 1999

2008-09-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

Alfredo Esparza - Variation of Parian De La Cosecha's Parking, 1999