Gaming World Forums
General Category => Entertainment and Media => Topic started by: The Riddler on July 16, 2008, 02:16:55 pm
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Instead of sticking with, what I believe has become a stale format of topic on GW, the this-is-my-genre-here-are-artists, I've decided to change it up a bit. This week I'm giving you 5 albums to relax to. They're not necessarily obscure, but thought I'd try this and see what it's like. Gives a bit more of a specific point of discussion.
5. Beach House - Devotion
Site (http://www.beachhousemusic.net/) | Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beach_House_(band)) | MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/beachhousemusic)
(http://gamingw.net/pubaccess/37876/200px-BeachHouseDevotion.jpg)
Described as dream pop by pretty much everywhere I've looked, this is the second album of this band. It's a very atmospheric album and much fuller than their first one. It can be almost haunting and dark at times, but "Wedding Bell" strikes in with such an upbeat sound that the vocals seem almost out-of-place before settling in really nicely. My favourite song has to be the last though, after a friend pointed it out, "Home Again". It's a truly relaxing song and I've went to sleep with this album on more than a few times now.
4. Grouper - Dragging A Dead Deer Up A Hill
MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/grouperrepuorg/)
(http://gamingw.net/pubaccess/37876/k90628wf0fd.jpg)
This album is very recent and probably the most obscure on my list. It's also my favourite album of the year so far. The vocals are very mystical, and at times can be haunting, but ultimately float over the superbly fragile guitar in the background. The artists has had two previous drone albums, so there are some elements of that creep in from those albums, especially the distinguishable recording technique. But for me, it just adds to the sound and atmosphere of the album.
3. Air France - On Trade Winds/No Way Down EPs
MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/theairfrance/) | Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_France_(band))
(https://legacy.gamingw.net/etc/www.klicktrack.com/assets/shops/sy/releases/yours0022/images/yours0022_200x200.png)
I've decided just to bundle these two EPs together since it's a total of 35 minutes for both, and it's all the band have released. I just recently discovered them, and they're best described as "bliss pop". It's just such a cheery, upbeat set of EPs that I can't get enough of. The vocals are so wonderfully melodic, and the layers of instruments create an absolutely brilliant dreamy atmosphere. From the first EP, the song "Beach Party" is perfectly titled, as it sounds exactly like it is and all the added touches and background melodies in "Collapsing on Your Doorstep" make it my favourite from the second EP. Very upbeat.
2. Sufjan Stevens - Seven Swans
Site (http://www.sufjan.com/) | Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sufjan_Stevens)
(http://gamingw.net/pubaccess/37876/200px-Seven_Swans_album_cover_-_Sufjan_Stevens.jpg)
To describe this album in 5 words, I would use: One man and his banjo. Although there is some percussion and strings in the album, the banjo takes the lead and, combined Sufjan's incredible voice, this album is such a relaxing journey. Most of the songs consist of just a delicate riff repeated and it creates such a simple set of tracks that I never get tired of. The album's main subject matter is faith but this is not Christian rock or Christian folk. It's just Sufjan's chosen subject matter for this album. I don't see why it should, but please don't let that affect your opinion of this album. He is not preaching to you. As for the songs I think Sufjan is a master of progression and buildup to the almost choir-like choruses and the choice of instruments in each song has been carefully whittled down to the essentials. "The Dress Looks Nice On You" is a personal favourite and a portfolio for stripped down acoustic music, and "In The Devil's Territory" shows what he can do with composition and just a few extra layers. I think this is an absolutely essential acoustic album.
1. Air - Moon Safari
Site (http://www.pocket-symphony.com/) | Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_(band)) | MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/intairnet)
(http://gamingw.net/pubaccess/37876/moon%20safari.jpg)
There are few greater pleasures in my life than going to sleep with this album in the background. Except waking up and pressing play again. I can't get enough of this album. It's so light and airy, with so many perfectly tweaked instruments and melodies layered on top of each other to create a slice of delicious ambient cake. The album starts out with crashing waves which progresses into a funky bass riff before moving onto a fantastic keyboard solo and then ending in dreamy synth. And that's all in the first song, "La Femme D'Argent". But the band are more than capable of creating incredible catchy, tuneful pop songs in "All I Need" and "Kelly Watch the Stars", as well ending the album in what I can really only describe as space-jazz, with "Le Voyage De Penelope". This album will relax you like no other.
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I'll think of a few electronica/hip hop albums to add when I'm less tired but I'll just quickly say I totally agree with you about Seven Swans. Basically my chillout album of choice.
Sister almost kills it for me though. Something about the screechy guitars takes me out of the mood.
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I've always wanted to check out Air, I like sleeping/relaxing to bands like Isis because it is kinda like a journey and I real enjoy that shit when I'm sleeping/dreaming.
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dude Beach House is BEAUTIFUL.
What a great voice and spacey music a la flaming lips.
In fact this band has like a lot of flaming lips subtleness while being destinctly unique by itself.
Sweet stuff, excellent recoomend.
As for Grouper, kind of boring imo. I mean, I like it but doesn't really move me, so I deleted the album afterwards. It tends to post rock to me, and we all know how good post rock is at being boring.
Haven't heard Air France yet, might check up later, but the myspace site aint working.
As for Sufjan, well I got some of his stuff, I like some of it but he releases so much fucking stuff I simply cannot be assed to know what he's up to.
and dunno Air.
I'll throw some electro-chill music:
Hood (album: Cold House)
Bonobo (album: Dial 'M' for Monkey)
Blockhead (any album)
Mice Parade (any album)
Her Space Holiday (any album)
Landing (album: Seasons) (dreamcore)
White Rainbow (album: Zome)
Vincent Gallo (albums: When & Recordings of music for a film)
Seaworthy
Amina
Tim Hecker (album: Radio Amor) (noise chill)
The Sword Project
Tortoise
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I got that Bonobo album from the zoo, so I'll give it a listen and I'm gonna check out the other stuff. I'm sure I've heard of White Rainbow somewhere, but I can't think where.
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so basically everything is chill-out as long as it isn't energetic or too emotional.
I found beach house too boring, I could never get through the CD. which means I didn't listen to the last song, so I guess I'll give the end of the CD another listen. I was neutral towards the vocalist
I guess I'll post about Fleet Foxes here since no one else on the forum ever has. if nothing else their stuff is really soothing and great to listen to right before you sleep. they've got soft harmonies, and the songs contain natural imagry. I prefer the Sun Giant EP
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Fleet Foxes do have some sweet harmonies. The only thing I don't dig is that the songs don't really feel like they are about much. I've only heard the new album though, so maybe Sun Giant was better in that respect?
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nah most the lyrics aren't about much, some of it bordering on "we're just bringing this up cuz it sounds cool and natural". still nice and relaxing tho
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Fleet Foxes actually played with Beach House at one of my local venues but I missed the gig.
I prefer Beach House, I think the vocals are much better. Although Fleet Foxes' album is pretty relaxing.
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Her Space Holiday (any album)
The end. This is the correct answer.
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I saw JOJOFACE at "last post" and I KNEW it was going to be about Her Space Holiday.
I'm not sure why, I'm under the impression it is a scene thing but shrug
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you will never know.
also
Arms And Sleepers - Black Paris 86 is really, really good to relax to.
The American Dollar - The Technicolour Sleep is also really calming. In an oddly hopeful and happy way. It's really nice.
And anything from Iambic² is A+ relaxation in my book.
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Capitano, Beach House, so fucking great.
Excellent recommend.
Gila and Heart of Chambers my fav from the album.
Master of None is also a favorite of the other rrecord, got it, gonna listne tomorrows.
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Capitano, Beach House, so fucking great.
Excellent recommend.
Gila and Heart of Chambers my fav from the album.
Master of None is also a favorite of the other rrecord, got it, gonna listne tomorrows.
Yeah, no kidding. I've been listening to Beach House pretty much non-stop and it is some really great stuff. Thanks for posting it dude. Hey, do any of you know where I can get their self-titled? I can find Devotion everywhere but I have a lot of trouble finding self-titled albums, especially when the band names are pretty common words like Beach House.
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Linda Lööf
http://www.myspace.com/lindaloof
(http://a579.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/63/m_895516cd2cda1ca2cf77021e04dfa0e2.jpg)
This girl just added my band and she is actually pretty good! A pleasant surprise in the usual onslaught of bands adding bands. Definitely fits into this topic as her stuff is real chill.
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Try Soulseek Chef I got it from there. Soulseek is terrific at getting the most obscure or indie music. It even finds music by bands only "myspace known"
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Beach House are pretty fucking excellent, and I PM'd you chef about that first album. I thought I'd add another few to the list, as I listened to a few albums recently for the first time and liked them:
Charlotte Gainsbourg - 5.55 - Really great album, imo, music by Air, vocals by C.G.
Blonde Redhead - 23 - I'm sure DS or someone recommended this in my shoegaze topic, but I just got round to listening to them, and they're brilliant.
M83 - Before the Dawn Heals Us - Awesome album, really awesome. To be honest not the most relaxing, but is in some parts. Can be very epic. But the album is brilliant.
I couldn't access her profile Couch, I don't have a myspace unfortunately.
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ahahaha Oops that was some moms profile. Post is edited with correct one.
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Just listened to As We Celebrate Our Fall by her. It's amazing. I really love it. I wish she had an album.
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I have all Blonde Redhead albums except 23..
Melody of Certain Damaged Lemons is the best but I don't think it is a chillaxing band.
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23's the only one I've heard, it was pretty relaxing. I mean, it's not ambient background music or anything but it's pretty soft in places. I could sit back and chillax to it.
EDIT: Album I'm listening to now - Telepopmusik - Angel Milk - Pretty damn awesome. I am chillaxing to it right now.
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Green Carnation - The Acoustic Verses
Alcest - Souvenirs d'un autre monde
Lake of Tears - Forever Autumn
anything by Yann Tiersen, I prefer his album with Shanon Wright
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Moon Safari is great, it's one of my favorite chillax albums as well. And yeah, I also think 23 has its chillaxing moments even though Blonde Redhead is too much rock to be called a chillout band imo. Also, you really need to get 23, Shep. Blonde Redhead are playing here next week, I might go see them.
Man, there are so many albums I listen to when I want to chill out. I don't even know where to start or what to recommend but I can't really be bothered thinking about that now so I'll just say what I have been listening to lately.
Elsiane - Hybrid (myspace (http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=84993985))
I bet some people think this is gay because of the vocals (a bit like Joanna Newsom I suppose) but I have been listening to Elsiane's debut album Hybrid pretty frequently lately and I like it a lot. It's very relaxing and has a distinctive sound which I like. If you are into trip-hop/electronica/downtempo whatever this shit is called, you might like this!
The Cinematic Orchestra - Ma Fleur (myspace (http://www.myspace.com/thecinematicorchestras))
Maaaaaan, I have loved this album ever since it was released last year and recently I have started listening to it more again. Even though there are some kinda average songs on the album, I still prefer it to Every Day and Man With a Movie Camera. Man, To Build a Home is so fucking good, it's probably one of my favorite songs ever. I really recommend this album.
Emancipator - Soon It Will Be Cold Enough (url=http://www.myspace.com/emancipator]myspace[/url])
Another trip-hop/electronica artist, not too similar to Elsiane though. I think it's a bit more chillaxing actually, and has less vocals and is more instrumental. I dunno, this album just clicked with me right away.
Alpha - Come From Heaven (myspace (http://www.myspace.com/alphastargazing))
Unfortunately their myspace only has songs from their newest album (I haven't heard) and Come From Heaven was released 10 years before. :( Anyway, I just recently started listening to Alpha but I like what I hear, very nice electronica.
Actually I decided to post about a few other favorites too.
ANYTHING BY NICK DRAKE (myspace (http://www.myspace.com/nickdrake))
Not sure if Nick Drake is what some people would expect when you mention chillaxing music but Nick Drake is very relaxing to me. It's just really soothing and whenever I feel like listening to something nice and chillaxing, Nick Drake is the way to go.
Saltillo - Ganglion (myspace (http://www.myspace.com/saltillo))
This is one of my newer favorites since I only discovered this album last year. To be completely honest, there are plenty of tracks which aren't really that chillout but even so, whenever I think about something to relax to, Saltillo is definitely one of the artists I think of! I have mentioned them before and I'll mention them again. Listen to the song Giving In on their myspace, it's awesome.
Ólafur Arnalds - Eulogy for Evolution (myspace (http://www.myspace.com/olafurarnalds))
Going to continue with another recent favorite since this album was released in 2007. There's really not much to say about the music, it's just really beautiful music with piano. Ólafur Arnalds released a new EP this year but seriously, it doesn't even come close to Eulogy for Evolution.
Ulver - Shadows of the Sun (myspace (http://www.myspace.com/ulver1))
More 2007 albums. Shadows of the Sun was easily one of the best albums of last year. This is not going to be everyone's cup of tea because it's not the happiest music around and the vocals can turn you off but if you are into electronic and ambient music, at least give this one a try.
Ef - I Am Responsible (myspace (http://www.myspace.com/ef))
Needs some post-rocks. But Ef is seriously great, they have unique sound unlike 99% of post-rock and make really nice relaxing music. I'll say this first, Ef's best song is without a doubt Hello Scotland which is on their first album (it's on their myspace, listen to it) but since we are talking about albums here, I Am Responsible is way more cohesive.
I think Shep listed a few good ones too. Bonobo, Mice Parade and especially Landing are all good. I have Outside Closer by Hood and it's pretty nice but I haven't listened to it in a long time because pretty nice is the only thing which comes to my mind when I think about it. I have never really gotten into Tortoise even though I have tried, they have decent stuff but are mostly boring to me. I got an album by Blockhead too but I don't seriously remember anything about it so I'm going to listen to it later. Sufjan Stevens is good too but I never really treated it as chillax music in the least! Anyway, I still have many more albums which I like a lot but those are some good ones, not really my overall favorite list or anything though, was just naming albums which popped up in my mind.
Also I'm gonna check out Beach House.
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Where was all the Beach House love back when I posted this (http://www.gamingw.net/forums/index.php?topic=5201)? :( All I got to that was a couple of half-assed replies one comparing them to fucking VAMPIRE WEEKEND (no offense to Render but I don't see how the two sound alike.. at all). But yeah, excellent band. Glad they are finally getting the response they deserve not seen in my thread earlier!
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same albuim cover basically
also I just DO NOT LIKE them, I tried devotion again and it was annoying as hell. I like all the bands they're being compared to though, flaming lips etc. I actually don't really like the vocals and something about it kinda hurts the front of my head
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HAHA sorry Quest. Thing is, I'm on vacations right now and therefore checking out new tunes. That was on April and I simply don't check stuff during uni months. But thanks for pointing out anyway.
And I CAN see the NICO comparison to Victoria's voice. V's voice seems more like a cross between Flaming Lips's Wayne Coyne and Nico. It has Nico's sort of accent with the dreamy Coyne edge.
To me Beach House sounds as if Flaming Lips's Yoshimi has grown older and while submerging herself underwater inside a bath tab, she gets tubular memories of mesmerizing lonelyness.
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Wow, thanks DS. The only one I've even heard of from that list is Nick Drake and I love him. And since you recommended Blonde Redhead in the other topic I'm gonna check most of that out. Thanks.
To me Beach House sounds as if Flaming Lips's Yoshimi has grown older and while submerging herself underwater inside a bath tab, she gets tubular memories of mesmerizing lonelyness.
That is amazing.
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Another album that might interest you guys is Star of Ash's album The Thread. Basically it's Ihiriel's band and much more relaxed than some other stuff she's been in. Everything was composed on the piano and then she added guitars and such. It's a rather interesting album.
I always thought it was very weird that she's married to Ihsahn yet she makes this beautiful soft music (I know Ihsahn was in Peccatum but they still had some heavier moments and he was basically just helping his wife on those albums from what I know).
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Where was all the Beach House love back when I posted this (http://www.gamingw.net/forums/index.php?topic=5201)? :( All I got to that was a couple of half-assed replies one comparing them to fucking VAMPIRE WEEKEND (no offense to Render but I don't see how the two sound alike.. at all). But yeah, excellent band. Glad they are finally getting the response they deserve not seen in my thread earlier!
Are Vampire Weekend really all that bad? Their cover of Exit Music wasn't bad.. http://stereogum.com/okx/
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Beach House sound absolutely nothing at all like Vampire Weekend. I mean, at all. Vampire Weekend aren't bad, they've got a few catchy tunes and some potential for a good second album. They've just got far too many filler tracks on their album.
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shpongle (http://youtube.com/watch?v=bQyR-FXJCLk) or bust.