As a longtime fan of nearly every genre of electronic music (well, maybe not gabber or happy hardcore, but still...), I have to say that downtempo has definitely warmed my ears the last few years. Some people confuse trip-hop with downtempo, and frankly, a lot of descriptions depend on who you talk to and where you're living, but I usually think of downtempo as being a bit more abstract, sometimes vocals but if so, sampled and/or looped vocals (not always, however). When I think of a downtempo label, the first one that comes to mind is Ninja Tune. I find that a lot of downtempo stuff has hip-hop elements melded with jazzy stuff, but I also think downtempo has as much to do with a certain type of groove and lifestyle -- namely, smoking pot/ganja/kind buds (et all) and downtempo DEFINITELY plays a big role and enhances the musical vibe. That said, I don't think it's necessary that you smoke the ganj to enjoy downtempo, but the two do go hand in hand. I like stuff from Fila Brazillia (they have yet to release a bad album), Kruder & Dorfmeister (which includes offshoots such as Tosca and Peace Orchestra) Thievery Corporation, pretty much anything on Ninja Tune (Mixmaster Morris/Irresistible Force, Amon Tobin, Jazzanova, Up Bustle & Out, Funki Porcini, DJ Food etc.). I think David Holmes' stuff borders on downtempo and it's not that jazzy. Nightmares On Wax is another good one (he even has an album titled "Smoker's Delight" from '95). And then we haven't even begun to approach the similarities between downtempo and IDM or experimental stuff (aphex twin, autechre, squarepusher), stuff i got into before downtempo reared its friendly head. And you know, you can never go wrong with The Orb, chillmaster supreme. Boards Of Canada are like downtempo and IDM combined and pretty much rule, as well.
I'm sure there's stuff that I'm forgetting. And besides recloose, theorem and some of the others you mentioned, I'm sure there's more out there even in 313 land. btw, whatever happened to "raves" or "parties" that included "Chill-Out Rooms?" Used to be there was always a "cool-down" room, but not so much anymore, which i think is too bad. that be all timmmiP (with a new email address and everything.....) Date: Mon, 19 Jun 2000 09:56:00 -0400 To: <313@hyperreal.org> From: "Roberto Ty" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Definition of Downtempo Message-Id: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> How would you describe Downtempo? I've seen Recloose and Hogans mentioned, = and I am familiar with their music, which is very jazzy. Downtempo=3Djazzy?= _______________________________________________________ Get 100% FREE Internet Access powered by Excite Visit http://freelane.excite.com/freeisp