Monday, December 8, 2008

minimalism at it's finest... sounds easy, right?


well it's not. it takes tons of talent to make a minimalist album that retains the listener's interest throughout. unlike drone albums, minimalism usually tends towards one or two notes or chords and makes some kind of "song" or structure of sound for you to listen to. la monte young, tony conrad, notably phil niblock, and (my personal favorite minimalist composer) charlemagne palestine.


usually focussing on the piano and the octave structures therein, charlemagne palestine crafts minimalist compositions that feel more like experiments in sound, yet are absolutely gorgeous. rarely will you find 3 or 4 notes so engaging. here is his 1973 album (which was reissued in 1996, good luck finding either issue for cheap...) "four manifestations on six elements." this album is organic and pleasent to the ear, like elevator music in the guggenheim or background music to a surrealist movie about shapes. breathtaking in it's simplicity, yet utterly complex in idea, this album will open your eyes to a world that shows you it's not how many notes you play, but what you do with them. essential listening for anyone who is into drone or experimental music.
he's released music on michael gira's young god label and has connections to current 93. amazing stuff, yet so simple.


charlemagne palestine: four manifestations on six elements

part 1:


part 2:

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