portland, oregon

J. Greinke - Timbral Planes (Dossier Records - LP)

While ambient may always seem technological, futuristic, and devoid of organic sound, Jeff Greinke flips that idea on it's head on Timbral Planes. While the focus is on floating synth lines which create layers of atmosphere and beautiful fields of sound these mechanical sounds are contrasted with the use of hand percussion. Tribal sounding percussion instruments and ambient electronics are not two things that come to mind when describing the same record. Greinke however, integrates the two very well. This one is a little rarer but still not an expensive lp. Give it a few quality listens.

Spinnin'

http://www.lclark.edu/college/student_life/klc_radio/

click listen.
mondays 4-6 pacific standard time.
kraut dub ambient electro psych experimental.

Tolerance - Divin (LP - Vanity Records)

While this one isn't easy to find, a new bootleg version of it has just been released so you won't have to shell out the $200 bucks for a copy you have to ship all the way from Japan anymore. Tolerance was a band from Osaka who released 2 lps on Vanity records. Vanity was a label pioneered by Yuzuru Agi in 1978. Agi, a music journalist focused on releasing electronic music that heavily relied on experimentation. Falling somewhere between melancholic ambient and minimalist techno Divin is like a dark daydream. It feels beautiful and melodic and yet retains dark sensibilities. The instrumentation is sparse and full of space for reverbed drum machines and sharp synth tones. Hopefully we will be seeing more Vanity repressings in the near future...

Sean McCann - Chances Are Staying (Lp- DNT records)

Having just bought a new turntable, lately folks have been stopping by to listen or have been bringing over records they love. Chances Are Staying was lent to me and has struck my ear in a way that has prevented me from being able to take it off the turntable. A delightful mix or organic and synthesized instrumentals, some ambient, some with floating rhythmic textures. Both showcase McCann's brilliant songcraft. Whether he takes a freeform approach or a more melodically structured one the songs come out completely mesmerizing. While the songs are long and drone filled they also manage to be lush in a clear and vibrant way. Pick this one up before it goes out of print!