Two releases to stroke you into relaxation, followed by two that will poke you to pay attention!
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Stroke:
Artemis ventures more into Cocteau-Twins-land with this blissed out downtempo release. The addition of a real (and good!) drummer Cliff Tune (yes, his actual name!) is unusual in this genre, and leads to especially interesting rhythmical constructs (check out song #2)
http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/artemis-auralei/
Baroque trumpet and organ, which BBC magazine declares "whose every facet declares itself handsomely devised and superbly realised." Proof that amazing classical music recordings can happen without the major labels.
http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/jfa-sonatas/
Hard Rock without the singing. I persuaded Rocket City Riot to remaster their album without the singing, as I (and many other programmers) like to work to "heavy music". We'll also soon be releasing Rocket City Riot's first album in this instrumental fashion, as I find myself frequently flipping iTunes to this album when I need a mid-afternoon lift at work.
http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/rocketcity-snai/
Hardcore rap with a trigger tongue flow, tight electronic backgrounds mixed with gothic melodies and rock undertones. Hard 2 Die is an album of intensely complex tracks, distinct rhythms and smart hooks. Strong use of sound processing effects and countermelodies create interest and involve the listener without being overdone.
His name "Loc" is derived from Loco or Crazy, he got his name from the crazy years on the streets of Washington state. Growing up poor on welfare in a single parent household with a disabled brother, with no money whatsoever and the odds stacked up against him. Loc has now taken his "craziness" and channeled it into Love, Life and Music.
Loc's music is dark, deep, mysterious and utterly compelling. He writes and raps about real experiences, feelings you can relate to, and situations from everyone's life.
General Fuzz displays considerable talent in a variety of styles. This is his first album, the self titled General Fuzz and is the most consciously electronic. Let your mind go on a random walk, with a graceful journey through catchy melodic riffs and sexy filter sweeps.
Volume 2 consists of Daniel Estrem's transcriptions of 21 pieces from J. S. Bach's
Well-Tempered Clavier along with 5 works from other sources. The Well-Tempered
Clavier is generally regarded as one of the most influential works in the history of Western
classical music. Although it was written to demonstrate a new keyboard tuning method, Bach
composed a treasury of musical gems that have resonated with music lovers for generations.
These new versions for classical guitar reveal a poetic and moving interpretation of the
genius of Bach. There is a rich tapestry on the recording that speaks directly to the
intent listener.
Description:
minimalist piano with slashes of ambient electronics
The mind's natural rhythms are reflected in its sounds, symbols, and words. Calm brings a soothing and relaxing state of mind by following the mind's ebbs and flows and invites the listener into a meditation of mind.