Please enjoy the first mix of 2021 - a selection of astral electronic sounds. I've never been a sci-fi fan - up until my favorite blog Wait But Why published a series on Elon Musk and Space X. Also it seems like there's a lot of talk about alien revelations being the next big thing to expect after the pandemic - hence the inspiration for this mix.
And to celebrate the new year, I'm introducing a personal commentary for each track.
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Tracklist:
Alan Hawkshaw - Sky 2
Taken from the legendary 1979 album "Frontiers of Science" by British composer Alan Hawkshaw. A deep dive into 70s sci-fi soundtracks. I had no doubt that this was going to be the perfect opening for this mix.
V-Vm - The Death Of Rave 090
V/Vm is none other than British composer Leyland James Kirby - better known as The Caretaker. In 2006 he released a monster release of 200+ compositions intended as a requiem to the golden age of rave. It sounds dark, spastic and beautifully haunting.
Stars of the Lid - Gasfarming
One of the quietest tunes of 2001 drone classic "Tired Sounds of Stars of the Lid".
William Basinski - 4(E+D04(ER=EPR)
First heard on a Ryuichi Sakamoto mix for Warp Records. Astral.
Gas - Pop 4
Circular.
Sawako - Cloud No Crowd
Classic reverse moods from this Tokyo-based female composer.
In The Branches - Gravity
Endless guitar.
Mr. YT - Souvenir
The only beatless track included in the excellent 2017 "Brand New Day" EP.
Amba - Moonbathing
This track probably needs no introduction, but it's a good reminder of the uber talent of mr Tom Middleton.
Neuronphase - Rawdust
I wasn't sure whether to include this or Sawdust - essentially the same composition with some added drums. The progression sounds dangerously similar to Linkwood's "Love Lost".
Missing Soul - Regard (Ron Trent Remix)
Ron Trent is infinite
Larry Heard - Summertime Breeze
I had my Larry Heard passion moment around ten years ago. While the first half is as exotic and mysterious as it sounds, the sudden change in chord progression around the 3 min mark feels like a warm hugh from a distant friend.