Some of my fave music from the iTunes Store

I've used iTunes ever since it was called SoundJam, and while in recent years I've mostly fired off MP3s in Winamp, my recent adventures in Mac Pro'ing have brought me back to iTunes 8. I recently got a gift certificate to splurge with (a fascinating and somewhat dark story I'll have to save for another time), and dove in.

I went looking for sonic rarities, cover versions, and eclectica. Here's my picks which I'd encourage you to check out, should you be wantin' to stock up on choice tunes @ iTunes or wherever else these are available. Click on any of the links to listen to a sample in iTunes:

Ott – "Rogue Bagel"

Ott is bad at naming his tracks. They don't carry the memorable abstraction of The Orb, but thankfully, he's highly proficient at making beautiful, psychedelic, dubby music. I originally heard of this lushness from Squirrel Wood, and it surprised me because Ott has collaborated closely with Shpongle, who I <3. This slice of "Rogue Bagel" is 8.5 minutes of bouncy, melodic delight. It pays off 2:36 in, when the exotic female voices bring back Karma-era Delerium's magic for the now. Leaps of variation, subtle changes that put the many lazy producers out there who cower under the "minimal" banner to shame.

Zoom Karaoke's "Wuthering Heights"

Most karaoke versions make me mad because they disgrace the original instrumentation, replacing sturdy snares with flimsy General MIDI claptrap and turning the absence of vocals from an opportunity to contribute into an awkward nightmare. This rendition is surprisingly good — not 100% but close enough to get some of Kate Bush's quirky dynamics ready for your voice. The guitar solo towards the end is a particular highlight. No, I haven't recorded my version yet.

Jan Hammer – SNAPSHOTS 1.2

Like Miami Vice and the sounds of the 80s? Even if you don't, Jan Hammer's still at it. To give perspective, this album was released in 2000, in itself a reedition of its true 1989 debut, but even though some of the tones (esp. the drums and Korg patches) sound retro by their sheer overuse in that era, the melodies are timeless. Highly recommended if you like the Deus Ex soundtrack and very melodic, layered techno-pop. Even tho the connection isn't the most apparent at first due to Hammer's reputation as a prog jazz player as opposed to a demoscene geek, the meat's in the music. If you want more Hammer, his 2008 soundtrack to Cocaine Cowboys also sounds like a product of the 80s.

Raul Di Blasio – "Boheme"

I was so OMG OMG OMG!!!! excited when I spotted this. I was kicking myself mentally because I wondered how I missed it the first time around — in 1997. Let me give you context: Di Blasio is Latin America's Yanni, a virtuoso keyboardist. (He even looks similar, 'cept he ties his long hair back in a ponytail.) And "Boheme" is the title track from one of the most fabulous ethno-techno albums ever, by Deep Forest. Put the two together and you get this rework, which is both propulsive and delicate. Turnabout accordions support Di Blasio's lively piano chording, congas provide an organic warmth. Fave parts include: when the drums suddenly get panned left @ 1:16 (unconventional yet a nice surprise), the graceful break @ 2:22, and the echoed piano @ 3:04. From the beginning, it draws you in with emotion and keeps unfolding. One of the best melodies I've ever heard, and this just makes it better.

Claudio Simonetti – "Blade Runner"

Blade Runner's "End Titles", originally by Vangelis, is one of those elusive tunes whose descending melody is eloquently simple to sing, but which is endearingly hard to improve upon. Many dancefloor artists have tried, putting that melody atop a doesn't-do-justice 4/4 kick drum and generic gated patterns. Ouch. But this version is different, you see: it's not just by some DJ, it's by Claudio freakin' Simonetti of Goblin "some of the greatest horror soundtracks of all time" fame! He takes this in a surprisingly TAAW direction, perhaps influenced by their Axel F remake as the guitars crunch and a breakbeat descends like a spinner upon the cold LA streets. Beginning wisely with the familiar timpani and picking a pan flute/whistle-ish lead instead of the fat saw, the iconic melody picks up full steam with a nod to riffy 70s progrock (Goblin's home base). The best part? Simonetti's wildly original synth solo which starts @ 3:07. They just don't make 'em like this anymore, unless you count…

Atlas Plug – "Crimson Phoenix"

I don't know what the heck an Atlas Plug is, I know it's the pseudonym of esteemed video game composer Tom Salta, and I also know this track kicks ass. While put together more recently, it'd be a logical choice to mix into from Simonetti's "Blade Runner". Orchestral strings arc over a tough breakbeat, repeated urban vocal snippets get hypnotic, and BT-style stutter edits (1:36) provide delicious variance. Close your eyes and you'll see futuristic vehicles racing over the deserts and seas, while a deep voiceover speaks for their quest. Sad that this album was overlooked when it was originally released, but a prime joy of having music online is that it's so accessible to discover gems from just a few years, or even decades ago.

What are your recent fave tunes? Do tell!

Tagged as: General