Posts Tagged: ACL 2014

ACL 2014: Sound Propositions

As has become my habit, I’m sitting down to reflect on the last year on New Years Day. I can’t reflect properly on the year until its actually over, and so I resist writing my End of Year list until

ACL 2014: Sound Propositions

As has become my habit, I’m sitting down to reflect on the last year on New Years Day. I can’t reflect properly on the year until its actually over, and so I resist writing my End of Year list until

ACL 2014: The Top 20 Albums of the Year

This year’s #1 pick united the staff, and will be seen by many as the obvious choice.  But surprises abound deeper down the list, no more so than our #2 pick, which challenges the entire definition of “album.” The 20

ACL 2014: The Top 20 Albums of the Year

This year’s #1 pick united the staff, and will be seen by many as the obvious choice.  But surprises abound deeper down the list, no more so than our #2 pick, which challenges the entire definition of “album.” The 20

ACL 2014: The Year’s Best Album Covers

Album covers are a funny thing. Some take months of planning and fine tuning while others spring up in the spur of the moment with no editing required. This year’s crop of covers features this spectrum of approaches, but, as

ACL 2014: The Year’s Best Album Covers

Album covers are a funny thing. Some take months of planning and fine tuning while others spring up in the spur of the moment with no editing required. This year’s crop of covers features this spectrum of approaches, but, as

ACL 2014: Top Ten Modern Composition

Listening again to these albums, we’re reminded of the aching beauty that graces modern composition.  From “Atomos VII” to “going backwards to recover what was left behind”, from “The Musk Ox” to “pino” to “you are not alone, dear wolf”,

ACL 2014: Top Ten Modern Composition

Listening again to these albums, we’re reminded of the aching beauty that graces modern composition.  From “Atomos VII” to “going backwards to recover what was left behind”, from “The Musk Ox” to “pino” to “you are not alone, dear wolf”,

ACL 2014: Top Ten Field Recording & Soundscape

Field recordings and soundscapes do much more than reflect the sounds of nature.  They also delve into local culture and artificial sound environments; they serve as travelogues, historical statements, and calls to political action.  An environment once captured is never

ACL 2014: Top Ten Field Recording & Soundscape

Field recordings and soundscapes do much more than reflect the sounds of nature.  They also delve into local culture and artificial sound environments; they serve as travelogues, historical statements, and calls to political action.  An environment once captured is never

ACL 2014: Top Ten Experimental

The Experimental section is our home for improvisors, alchemists, and pioneers.  These composers are never satisfied with the status quo.  They seek to push music forward, and they prefer progress to popularity.  Some may eventually receive a small amount of

ACL 2014: Top Ten Experimental

The Experimental section is our home for improvisors, alchemists, and pioneers.  These composers are never satisfied with the status quo.  They seek to push music forward, and they prefer progress to popularity.  Some may eventually receive a small amount of

ACL 2014: Top Ten Electronic

Electronic music isn’t just for dancing, although there’s plenty of dance music included in our year-end list.  The list also includes childlike lullabies, dense sonic fuzz, and smooth, languid excursions.  The eclectic selection below represents a cross-section of our tastes.

ACL 2014: Top Ten Electronic

Electronic music isn’t just for dancing, although there’s plenty of dance music included in our year-end list.  The list also includes childlike lullabies, dense sonic fuzz, and smooth, languid excursions.  The eclectic selection below represents a cross-section of our tastes.

ACL 2014: Top Ten Drone

The extended tones of drone can undulate and loop or attack like disturbed bees; they can lull one to sleep or startle one awake.  Both types of drone are represented in this year’s picks.  Some familiar names are present, joined

ACL 2014: Top Ten Drone

The extended tones of drone can undulate and loop or attack like disturbed bees; they can lull one to sleep or startle one awake.  Both types of drone are represented in this year’s picks.  Some familiar names are present, joined