The Air that I Breathe…
Let me start off by saying that I consider myself to be a music junkie. To that, let me add that I am a very mellow, laid-back, don’t really give much of a damn kinda guy. So it should come as little to no surprise that I LOVE electronica, ambient, chill-out, shoegaze, or any other number of the sub-genres that exist. Some of my faves? Thanks for asking and taking an interest – it makes me feel special. I thought that Ulrich Schnauss’s A Strangely Isolated Place was the best album of 2004. And I do mean the best of all albums put out that year. I carry it with me everywhere I go. Another one that I always have on me is Talkie Walkie by Air. Their newest offering, Pocket Symphony, is slated for a March 5th release. Let me share how I first encountered this duo.
Sometime in the early part of this century, before I was smart enough to ask a very important question on February 29, 2004, my then girlfriend made me a mix CD. On that CD was a curious little ditty entitled “The Word ‘Hurricane’” from the soundtrack (ok, the score if you want to be all nitpicky about it) for The Virgin Suicides. It was an intriguing number but didn’t really resonate with me. Fast forward to waiting in a theater for a movie to start in 2004 (yes, I do remember the movie – it was Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban *sticks out his tongue*). You know those annoying “segments” before the previews where you, the audience, are assaulted by ads for new musical artists and upcoming TV shows and commercials trying to make the armed forces look cool? During one of those, the announcer introduced me to Air’s “Cherry Blossom Girl.” I was smitten instantly. I turned to my friend’s husband (who is a music lover of all genres as well) to see his thoughts. The song didn’t even register on his radar; it was background noise. But not for me. It was the start of a journey to absorb, to take in, to breathe as much Air as I could…
I’m not going to entertain you with my thoughts on every Air CD that I have been able to listen to, but I will tell you this – Talkie Walkie is my favorite. I was wondering when I’d hear something new from them…and in the form of an email, my question was answered. There is an organization that is artist run called Art For Progress that has put together an album release/listening party for Air’s latest, Pocket Symphony, in addition to showcasing indie artists of the electronica, downtempo, ambient, chill-out vibe. The event, Tripnotica, is being held at The Delancey this Sunday night. There’s only a $10 admission, but for that $10, I get to not only listen to the new Air CD, but I also get to check out some unknown talent and just lounge in the vibe. I haven’t even put my cash in the hands of the cashier, but I consider it money well spent already. I plan to be out for the whole shebang since I am lucky enough to have President’s day off. You’ll probably be hearing all about it sometime after I return from my chilled out stupor. But I’m ready for a hypnotic trip…no narcotics here, baby. What am I high on? I’m going to be getting high just off the Air that I breathe…
so, how was tripnotica?!