Episode #24: Loungin'

This episode is dedicated to all things that fall under the giant umbrella of downtempo electronic music, or what I like to simply call “lounge” music. However, as we all know, things are never that cut and dried, especially in the realm of music. This genre, frequently referred to as trip hop, is often used as a catch-all that covers micro-genres from ambient breakbeat to acid jazz. I prefer to use the term “lounge” to refer to this large (and admittedly) ambiguous swath of music that evokes a particular ambiance or mood.

Lounges, as they have grown in popularity in the last 20 years or so, seek to obtain that illusive yet oh-so-desirable “chill” vibe. Hence, the extremely dim lighting and music that, while it won’t necessary drive you to the non-existent dance floor, does in fact keep your head nodding.

While this list does not boast all the latest examples of what could be categorized as lounge music, I sought to capture minor variations in downtempo electronic or lounge music of some of my favorite artists. Some artists here, like Mr. Scruff, and the unfortunately lesser-known Joe Beats, Jel and Reanimator, employ more straight-ahead elements of hip hop while adding layers that feature psychedelic elements such as strings, pianos/organs, or vocal samples with reverb effects. Federico Aubele clearly comes from the Thievery Corporation school of things (he’s on their ESL Label) with breathy Spanish lyrics sung over a heavy bass line complemented by guitars and accordions sprinkled throughout. Blockhead and skateboarding legend Tommy Guerrero utilize a good dose of horns and guitar, respectively, to give their sound a little something different that makes you sit up and take notice.

And of course, I couldn’t leave out the Godfather of trip hop, DJ Shadow. His “Building Steam With a Grain Of Sand” exemplifies why this sound is so infectious. He paints a complex aural picture with piano loops, eerie vocal samples, drum machines and record scratches backed back a driving hip hop beat. It’s a haunting and dark atmospheric music, but gripping nonetheless. Not far from Shadow in style and musical leanings is RJD2. Before his recent shift to a more indie rock style where he now sings and plays guitar, his classic soul and funk samples were always on point and his 2002 Deadringer album still stands up as one of my favorites of all time.

Anyway, give it a listen and I hope you enjoy.

Track listing:
1) She’s My Lover (4:38) – Kid Loco
2) Tricky Turtle (4:42) – Blockhead
3) Building Steam With a Grain Of Sand (6:41) – DJ Shadow
4) La Esquina (3:08) – Federico Aubele
5) Bonce (5:00) – Mr. Scruff
6) Everything You Know Is Wrong (3:09) – Reanimator
7) Andy Kaufman (1:59) – The Joe Beats Conspiracy
8) The Good, The Bad and The Chutney (4:07) – Kalyanji & Anandji
9) Incorporate Anthem (4:02) – RJD2
10) Soul Miner (3:05) – Tommy Guerrero
11) John Brown’s Birthday Suite (3:30) – Jel
12) Rebirth (4:14) – A Forest Mighty Black
13) Sound of Everything (4:02) – Quantic
14) 24 Carat Blag (4:09) – Herbaliser