Alpha: Stargazing

We're overdue for a couple of new posts around here, so here goes a couple of favorite discs from the early '00s.

First up, a truly under appreciated gem from 2004, Alpha's Stargazing. There aren't enough great things to say about this album, if you're got a think for lush, low-key, vocal electronic.

The songs here are almost all downtempo, and many of them feature some gorgeous, and very understated vocal performances (see: "Once Around town", "Lipstick at the Asylum" and "Saturn and Rain"). If you played this album in a dentist's office, no one would need novicaine. It's just straight-up relaxation.

LINK:
Alpha: Stargazing

Animal Collective: Strawberry Jam

Haven't had a chance to listen to this one yet, but the solo album from Animal Collective member, Panda Bear, that came out earlier this year was excellent. Critics typically fawn over this group, and their albums are always worth a listen.

LINK:
Animal Collective: Strawberry Jam

Savath & Savales - Rolls & Waves

Here's an fantastic EP from Scott Herren (a.k.a. Prefuse 73) moniker / side-project, Savath & Savales. Most S&S material might be described as "Ambient Spanish electro-folk," but this particular release leans more heavily on glitching and sound gadgetry that's normally associated with the Prefuse releases. Don't expect instrumental hip hop though, these cuts show off Herron's calmer side. That said, you can still expect beats.

DOWNLOAD:
Savath & Savales - Rolls & Waves EP

The Field - From Here We Go Sublime

Currently listed on Metacritic as the #1 most well-reviewed album of 2007 (and, unbelievably, the 5th best score since 2000) this new release from The Field is being heralded as a new direction for ambient techno. From Here We Go Sublime is dense, yet minimal, and in manages to liberate itself from the typical fleshing-out of techno music, while also restraining the formula that often makes the genre so predictable.

If you only listen to one electronic record in 2007... this might be the one. It's only April though.

DOWNLOAD:
The Field - From Here We Go Sublime