Karlheinz Stockhausen was one of the most important composers of the 20th century, and one of the very first to cultivate the electronic music medium; born in 1928 in Mödrath, Germany, a small town near Cologne. By the time he was 4, his mother suffered a nervous breakdown and was institutionalized. By the age of 8, Karlheinz showed signs of musical brilliance. Tragically, in 1941, his mother was euthanized by the Nazis, and his father later killed serving in Hitler's war; in his late teens, Stockhausen himself was a stretcher-bearer for the Germans, witnessing horrific atrocities. After the war, he hoped to become a music teacher, studying with Frank Martin in Cologne, at the Musikhochschule. In 1952, inspired by the music of Olivier Messiaen, he went to Paris, where his creativity and genius exploded. In just a few years, Stockhausen became one of Europe's leading, and controversial, avant-garde composers. His music is emotional mathematics, cerebral and sophisticated. "Dr. K- Sextet," performed by The California Ear Unit and released in 1994, is a gentle introduction to the very complex and brilliant Stockhausen.
Buy: Amazon.com
Genre: Classical / Experimental
Artist: Karlheinz Stockhausen
Song: Dr. K - Sextet
Album: The California Ear Unit
Can
Can, an experimental electronic rock band from West Germany, was founded in 1968 by David Johnson (flute), Holger Czukay (bass), Michael Karoli (guitar), Irmin Schmidt (piano), and jazz drummer Jaki Liebezeit. As a group, Can largely finished its run by 1980, though its surviving members remain active and influential. "Sing Swan Song," from the 1972 release Ege Bamyasi, is a sonorous, well-kept secret waiting to be told and screaming with integrity. The production is beautiful, resonant, and very much alive.
Buy: iTunes
Genre: Rock
Artist: Can
Song: Sing Swan Song
Album: Ege Bamyasi
Legendary producer, artist, composer Brian Eno was born in Woodbridge, Suffolk, England. Eno is a self-described non-musician and one of the founders of glam band Roxy Music. His production credits are vast and groundbreaking: Collaborations include David Bowie, Talking Heads, Laurie Anderson, and Devo. Eno also teamed up with producer Daniel Lanois on U2's The Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby (along with Steve Lillywhite). The 1985 release "Thursday Afternoon" is 1 hour and 51 seconds of mystical brilliance. Turn all electronic devices off except your music box, breathe, and listen.
Buy: Amazon.com
Genre: Electronic
Artist: Brian Eno
Song: Thursday Afternoon
Album: Thursday Afternoon
Kraftwerk
Kraftwerk, one of the most significant sci-fi ambient bands, was founded in 1970 in Düsseldorf, Germany, by Florian Schneider (flutes, synthesizers, electro-violin) and Ralf Hütter (electronic organ, synthesizers). Today, the group is a quartet led by Hütter. Elegant, engaging melodies are a trademark of these electro avatars. Their musical tentacles reach into much of today's new music. "Computer Love," from the 1981 album Computer World, is a Nostradamusly documented irony, as we all live glued to our computers. (Coldplay respectfully pays homage to "Computer Love" in their single "Talk.") Download "Computer Love."
Buy: iTunes
Genre: Electronic
Artist: Kraftwerk
Song: Computer Love
Album: Computer World
Lykke Li
Swedish import singer/songstress Lykke Li was born to artistic parents in Stockholm. Her voice feels like beautifully delicate crystal icicles. "Time Flies," from her recent EP Little Bit, is a sweet melody dipped in hopeful love. She is interest-sparking ... Currently touring; try to catch her.
Buy: Amazon.com
Genre: Alternative
Artist: Lykke Li
Song: Time Flies
Album: Little Bit EP
Tour: MySpace
Paul Oakenfold / Dele Sosimi
Producer/remixer/bag-of-tricksman Paul Oakenfold was born in England. Oakenfold cast a spell on the house music/hip-hop scene, becoming a highly sought-after DJ. As an A&R man, he discovered and signed Salt N' Pepa as well as DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince. In 1993, Oakenfold was an opening act for U2's Zoo TV world tour. Credits include Tim Burton's Planet of the Apes, Swordfish soundtrack, Moby, and actress Brittany Murphy. Oakenfold's remix of London Afro-funk band Dele Sosimi's "Turbulent Times" should be played respectfully loud.
Buy: iTunes
Genre: Dance
Artist: Paul Oakenfold / Dele Sosimi
Song: Turbulent Times (Oakenfold Remix)
Album: Bottletop Presents Sound Affects: Africa
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