English Space rock outfit noted for a long string of independent homemade releases, starting in 1985. Here the Ozrics prove they have successfully made the transition to the digital age (i.e. no more cassettes) and work their way through a typically eclectic set of spacey neo-prog offerings. About as 'indie' as music can get.
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The Orb's Adventures Beyond the Ultraworld The Orb 1991 [Big Life]
Ambient house classic thematically based on a simulated space journey. Fans of 70s sci-fi prog-rock (check out 'Back Side of the Moon') will instantly recognise the sampled snippets from the era's seminal works. While none of this is exactly earth-shattering or original, it is extraordinarily (and respectfully) well done.
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Selected Ambient Works 85-92 Aphex Twin 1992 [R&S]
The first full-length album by electronic music genius Richard D James made under his Aphex Twin moniker. Met with overwhelming critical plaudits, the record is a milestone in techno ambience. In 1991 James commented that his aim was "innovation in the dynamics of Acid" - referring to a largely misunderstood type of house music.
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Millions Now Living Will Never Die Tortoise 1996 [Thrill Jockey]
Experimental post-rock instrumental band out of Chicago, Tortoise quite simply plays it better than most. Those wanting to pigeonhole the band often miss the mark, but fans of 70s Krautrock are almost certain to like what's here. Well-received by the critics, the album opens with the understated 21-minute workout 'Djed'. Certainly not overdone.
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Dead Cities The Future Sound of London 1996 [Virgin/Astralwerks]
British electronic duo Garry Cobain and Brian Dougans have a well-earned reputation for testing the limits of experimental music. Dead Cities is a relatively dark album thematically linked to a science fictional post-apocalyptic landscape. Cobain and Dougans re-emerged as the psychedelic Amorphous Androgynous in 2002.
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Music Has the Right to Children Boards of Canada 1998 [Warp/Skam]
Despite this Scottish duo's apparent disinterest in self-promotion, many cite this as one of the most significant electronic albums of the late-90s. There is, of course, nothing particularly new about using vintage synths to create snippets of music laced with psychedelic voice loops. Brothers Michael Sandison and Marcus Eoin just do it so well.
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Mezzanine Massive Attack 1998 [Virgin]
Prototypical trip-hoppers Massive Attack largely abandoned the soulful dance grooves of past efforts, replacing them here with a darker hypnotic sound. Elizabeth Fraser of the Cocteau Twins features on three tracks. Founding member Andrew Vowles was unhappy with the new sound and left the group shortly after the album's release.
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Hypnotic Underworld Ghost 2004 [Drag City]
Following a five-year hiatus Japanese experimental outfit Ghost came roaring back with Hypnotic Underworld. Combining elements of traditional Japanese folk music and electronica with occasional slices of searing guitar from Michio Kurihara, this album will surprise many with its Westernised accessibility. Turning Japanese… I really think so.
