A M B I E N T
Ambient music is a broad category and includes music which is commonly
relaxing and non-invasive, often defining a 'soundscape' (the musical
equivalent of a landscape). Mostly, ambient music is electronic or piano
based, featuring cyclic rhythms and the lengthy evolution of a pattern or
theme.
Example: Biosphere, Banco de Gaia.
A T M O S P H E R I C
Atmospheric music (a.k.a. space music) is a sub-section of ambient which is
most usually expansive and cinematic in feel. Inclusion of natural sounds (waves,
wind, rain, etc.) to compliment the melodies are not uncommon. The borders
between atmospheric, new age and minimalist ambient are ill defined and often
overlap.
Example: Eric Serra, Ken Davis.
B L I S S P O P
Purely as a convenience for the purposes of this site, bliss pop is not a
recognised musical style. It is used here to identify that section of pop music with
an airy, blissful feel. A prerequisite is the lack of annoying choruses or gimmicks.
I don't like a lot of this, so take only a little notice :)
Example: The Beloved, Enigma.
C H I L L O U T
Chill out is a very general description when applied to music. It suggests that you will
find this music good to relax to. It only excludes music which is energetic and attention
grabbing. On this site you will find it applied most commonly to compilations and artist
albums containing wider ranges of styles or a general approach.
Example: William Orbit, the Cafe del Mar collections.
D U B
Dub music in the context of this site, is everything with roots or influences in the
reggae scene. This can mean anything from a traditional Carribean sound, to a more
experimental variation such a British ragga (fast tempo with rap lyrics) or Skunk
dub (a laid back bass lead sound associated with exotic cigarettes).
Example: Spectre, the Serenity Dub collections.
D R U M A N D B A S S
The more sincere offspring of the commercial and hyped Jungle sound, Drum and Bass is
characterised by the ingenious reversal of the role of percussion in a song. The rhythm
is fast, often very much so, and contains eccentric patterns of mid and high range texture
with an occasional thundering bass hook. The drum textures are often synthesised
and filtered giving many unusual phasing and shifting effects. Recently Drum and Bass has
taken a turn new turn. Many examples are now to be found interwoven with smooth jazz
influences ending up remarkably refined and intricate.
Example: Good Looking records, Moving Shadow records.
E L E C T R O N I C A
Electronica sits between techno and ambient and is symbolised by its defiance of
established musical rules. Rather obviously, this music is electronic in source and
plays heavily on the possibilities of the technology. Strange scrunchy sounds and
uncommon interpretations of the natural or the traditional are common. This genre
represents the greatest challenge to the newcomer, as it is often rather advanced
and extreme. The those who persevere, the rewards are great.
Example: Aphex Twin, Black Dog, Future Sound of London.
E T H N I C
Within the range of this site, ethnic music is that which draws heavily from
cultural and religious heritage, often featuring the readings or songs from
minority cultures. The fusion between the ancient or traditional and the sounds
of new musical technology is a common theme here.
Example: Banco de Gaia, Deep Forest (not reviewed).
E X P E R I M E N T A L
As you might expect, experimental is less a genre and more a state of creation.
It features almost all genres listed here and represents the leading edge. Much of
what is classed as experimental today, becomes a genre or influence in the future.
Needless to say, this can be hard going for beginners, but like electronica is often
most rewarding over time.
Example: Autechre, Ninja Tunes records, the Lo Recordings collections.
J A Z Z F U N K
Jazz funk is a hybrid genre reflecting its influences. In the context of this site, it
is that music which takes the original jazz and seventies funk sounds and reinterprets
them, often within the definition of another genre (ambient jazz, funky techno, etc.).
In the UK particularly jazz funk is commonly performed live, and has extended in to
many prominent areas of the music scene. Not to be confused with trip hop or latin
sounds, there is a considerable grey area between the three.
Example: Red Snapper, the Compost Records or Wall of Sound collections.
L A Z Y H O U S E
Almost a non-genre, lazy house is the small area of house music covered by this site.
Reflecting subtly the house sound, lazy house is much slower and relaxing. It is not
for dancing to, and rarely contains the soulful diva or verse chorus structure. More
often it is house portrayed as a retrospective element within other works. In the
recent past it could be said that this genre has died. I haven't come across any in a
while now.
Example: DIY, Gas, early Alter Ego.
M I N I M A L I S T
Minimalist ambient or proto-ambience is a musical extreme. Defined by its almost
total lack of rhythm and melody, minimal ambient is a quite sizeable challenge for
the listener. Unlike many other forms of ambient it requires concentration to gain
the greatest effect. Common themes are floating, falling, eerieness, vastness and
awe. It is a difficult musical style to master both as listener and musician.
Example: Brian Eno, the Sombient 'Drones' collections.
N E W A G E
This is the musical soundtrack to the new age religions, beliefs and lifestyles. It
contains many musical references to metaphysics and the return of ancient cultures.
Unfortunately, as valid as these ideas may be, new age music is often shallow and
gimmicky concentrating on the references more than musical quality. Extreme care is
recommended when choosing new age music, as good examples are hard to find.
Example: Sonic Ambience, Golden Claw Musics, Ken Davis.
T E C H N O
Techno is technology music, and supossedly emerged from Detroit, although purists
will argue a European origin. The range of techno as a genre is enormous, featuring
a host of sub-genres and variations. Definable as individuals are the Belgian, German,
London, Detroit, Festival and Balearic sounds, but for the purpose of this site, all these
are thrown together under the loose description of beaty, bouncy, sometimes dancey and not house.
Example: Orbital, Eat Static, Underworld.
T R A N C E
As a deviant of the european techno sound, trance emerged as a repetetive pulsing,
throbing sound, often featuring elements of the acid house movement, although in
more measured quantities. The pace is often frenetic and the mood almost unanimously
optimistic. Although plagued by commercial replicas, some refined and worthy examples
exist. It is these that are covered by this site.
Example: Opik, much on the Planet Dog label.
T R I P H O P
A genre initially defined by marketeers, trip hop is trippy hip hop and covers a range
of hybrid styles which draw from the hip hop beat. Almost anything with a hip hop
beat could be called trip hop, but due to the commercial implications of the genre's
origins, many people want to be seen to be not trip hop. Recently Trip Hop has got harder
and punchier. The UK number one for the Chemical Brothers, 'Block Rockin' Beats' is typical
of this new avenue.
Examples: Red Snapper, The Crystal Method, many many collections.