Electronic albums play a huge role in my fascination with music. For me, synthesizers and drum machines aren’t better or worse than live drums and guitars. They’re just different. They make music much more imaginative for me. I think Nick Rhodes’ synth parts on those early Duran Duran albums were some of my first loves. Shimmery one moment, jarring the next. Rhodes’ keyboard flourishes changed the complexion of every song. This month, I’m featuring my Top 15 electronic albums along with one featured track.
Album: Pocket Symphony (2007)
Air built its momentum from soundtracks off of three Sofia Coppola films: The Virgin Suicides, Lost in Translation and Marie Antoinette. They are chill-out at times and dance floor-ready at other times. But all of their musical output is subtle, intricate and sophisticated no matter which end of the electronic spectrum they choose to lean into. Pocket Symphony is one of my favorite Air albums because it adds an unexpected layer of traditional Japanese instruments beyond the drum machines, synthesizers and assorted percussion instruments that are part of Air’s known arsenal. My favorite track off the album is “Mer Du Japon”.
Rather appropriately, many Air tracks create a sense of buoyancy and depth. On “Mer Du Japon”, it feels like we’re cruising along the surface of the Japanese Sea at breakneck speeds in one moment, diving deep toward the sea floor in another, and gasping for air in another. The koto, a Japanese floor harp, joins forces with the shimmery synth waves, pristine piano arpeggios and menacing bass line. The sound of waves sashaying along the shoreline can be faintly heard toward the end, signifying that our little trip has also come to an end. We have reached land.
“J'EN PERDS LA RAISON DANS LA MER DU JAPON.”