Artist Spotlight: The Cocteau Twins

It's hard to find a short bio on the Cocteau Twins because they were so influential. Here is something from AllMusic.com:

"A group whose distinctly ethereal and gossamer sound virtually defined the enigmatic image of the record label 4AD, Cocteau Twins were founded in Grangemouth, Scotland, in 1979. Taking their name from an obscure song from fellow Scots Simple Minds, the Cocteaus were originally formed by guitarist Robin Guthrie and bassist Will Heggie and later rounded out by Guthrie's girlfriend Elizabeth Fraser, an utterly unique performer whose swooping, operatic vocals relied less on any recognizable language than on the subjective sounds and textures of verbalized emotions."

And from their website:

"They were a phenomenon. Not necessarily the kind that plays to stadiums or fills MTV's timeslots or even sells millions of records. Rather, the kind that quietly causes a fundamental shift in perception, exerting a seminal influence that is universally felt if not always seen."

I recommend checking out "Heaven or Las Vegas", and then "Treasure."

Artist Spotlight: Chris Opperman

I discovered Chris Opperman whilst - yes, WHILST - wandering around the internet back in 1998. Highly recommended. Here's a snippet from his wikipedia page:

"For all of his multiple-genre excursions into rock and jazz, Opperman nonetheless sees himself first and foremost as a classical composer. 'If Beethoven were alive today,' says Opperman, 'he would be pushing the envelope with his musicians, utilizing the latest technology, and embracing many styles of music to create his own inimitable sound. That’s the standard I am striving to achieve.'"

That's how I want to be.

Artist Spotlight: Yellow Magic Orchestra

"The trailblazing force behind the emergence of the Japanese techno-pop sound of the late '70s, Yellow Magic Orchestra remains a seminal influence on contemporary electronic music -- hugely popular both at home and abroad, their pioneering use of synthesizers, sequencers and drum machines places them second only to Kraftwerk as innovators of today's electronic culture."

Artist Spotlight: Michael Hedges

Michael Hedges (1953-1997) was a brilliant, unique guitarist. Although sometimes associated with the Windham Hill label and all it implies, Michael doesn't really fit into a box. His music covers a wide range of styles and draws from influences such as Varèse, Webern and Stravinsky; he considered himself a composer who happened to play the guitar.

If you want to hear more of Michael Hedges I recommend the album "Oracle." Here (innerviews.org) is an interview with him from 1990.

Artist Spotlight: Harold Budd

Harold Budd is an artist often played on the show. Over a careering spanning nearly 40 years, he has released numerous solo albums and collaborated with - among others - Brian Eno, Daniel Lanois, Andy Partridge (XTC), and Robin Guthrie (Cocteau Twins.)

I was first introduced to his work via his avant-garde/jazz album "The Pavillion of Dreams." Produced by Brian Eno, the highlight for me is the 18 minute track "Bismillahi 'Rrahman 'Rrahim" which features Marion Brown on alto saxophone over a bed of slow flowing chord progressions.

If you are interested in hearing more I recommend "The Pavillion of Dreams" or the soundtrack to the movie "Mysterious Skin."