Dec 2nd, 2008 · On her latest release, Shake Away, Lila Downs explores her mother's indigenous Mexican roots. The resulting folkloric soundscape includes unexpected flashes of blues, country twang and even klezmer music. Hear a session recorded by World Cafe.
Oct 28th, 2008 · Local Colombian music permeates the soundscapes crafted by the band Aterciopelados. But what gives the group's music its universal appeal is something less tangible: a quality of dry-eyed optimism that proves both persuasive and reassuring in these troubled times.
Aug 5th, 2008 · The sounds of Azeda Booth are full and lush, exploratory and eclectic, and perfect for listening on headphones. In Flesh Tones, the Canadian band's first full-length album, is a beautiful foray into dreamy, hypnotic electro-rock, full of vast atmospheric soundscapes and introverted laptop music.
Jul 23rd, 2008 · It's easy to get lost in the eclectic soundscapes of Ohio-based band Trouble Books' fourth self-released album, The United Colors of Trouble Books. The album plays out like a wandering trip through a 13 year-old's subconscious, set to beautifully unique experimental music. The gorgeous mix of meandering instrumental arrangements, expansive ambience, and wonderfully earnest vocals creates a sort of spacey chamber pop that seems to float wherever the wind may take it.
Jun 16th, 2008 · The Austin-based instrumental quintet My Education composes wordless songs through vast, gorgeously orchestrated soundscapes. From squealing electric guitar wails to screeching viola yelps, the band's music has all the vocals it needs, drawing its narrative tension from ambient dischord.
May 13th, 2008 · For their self-titled, debut release, Tallahassee, Fla. band The Woods decided to package all the CDs in the pages of old books. With an initial "pressing" of just 40 discs, the group glued together the pages of used thrift-store books, cut a hole for the CDs and stamped the band's name on the cover with a typesetting machine. It's the same kind of inspired care they took with the music itself. The Woods is an enchanting collection of songs rooted in acoustic folk music, with pleasantly unpredictable turns toward more experimental soundscapes.
Apr 14th, 2008 · Nine Inch Nails leader Trent Reznor spent most of the 1990s belting out misanthropic anthems for young people decked out in dark eyeliner and combat boots. On Ghosts I-IV, Reznor drops the singing and puts his thick soundscapes in the center ring. It's a whole new world.
Oct 2nd, 2007 · In Floratone's "The Passenger," Bill Frisell's guitar sits front and center, teasing out references to gritty desert rock, Spaghetti Western soundtracks and even the slinky upstroke strums of dub and reggae. Inventive studio tricks add languid, ethereal atmosphere.