I am often times asked about the music I listen to while getting ready to produce an album. Sometimes people ask if I choose a particular work for inspiration during the composition/recording process. While I can't honestly say that I specifically look to be inspired, it does indeed happen of it's own nature. For this CD, I find myself listening to a great deal electronica, which is about as far removed from the music we are working on for this release.

So, without further banter, here is some of the music that has been filling my head during the whole process:


VNV Nation: Empires



While I am often quoted as calling this the most profoundly depressing album I have ever heard, it tends to have the opposite effect on me. Almost a healing experience really, this is indeed the CD to listen to if you have any notions of loneliness, fear, conflict, or anger. To put it in a word: Therapeutic.



The Chemical Brothers: Exit Planet Dust



Simply because it grooves, and ya' need to goove!



Joe Satriani: Super Colossal


.
What, like you are surprised or something? Never since Crystal Planet have I played a Satch album so much! Great album while you are waking up in the morning!



Meshugga: Nothing



Math Metal. You can't beat it, and if you aren't listening to this album, you really, really need to. I actually use this CD for a meditative purpose. It helps center my thoughts before I enter a long stint in the studio, and keeps me focused when I feel stressed.



Juno Reactor: Labyrinth



My fave electronica composer along with VNV Nation, this CD simply hits all the marks when it comes to it's eclectic world-music combinations. Great when you are writing Flamenco one day, and Funk the other.



VNV Nation: Matter+Form



Another CD I find great meaning in. Songs like "Endless Sky" really hit me hard, and remind me of how important the "now" really is.



Massive Attack: Protection



There is something rather sweet and lonely about the title track. It always puts me a in a mood for contemplating the importance of being there for those important in ones life.



Dragonforce: Sonic Firestorm



It's just some good, honest fun!!!!



Van Morrison: Magic Time



The opening tenor sax solo to "Stranded" is what gets to me every time. A strong haunting and alone feeling are so wonderfully expressed that each time I hear it, it's as though it was for the first time.



Carcass: Heatwork



Still one of my top 10 Metal records to date, I always go to this for what I like to call "Intellectual Aggression." Great melodic writing like this always puts me in the mood to compose intricate melody lines without loosing any emotional content.



Enigma: Le Roi Est Mort, Vive Le Roi



If there was ever a work of music to span nearly every emotional state in an almost transcendental manner, it's this one. This is also a great CD to study musical layering, especially that of regional juxtaposition in language and world music.



Billy McLaughlin: Fingerdance



One of my favorite guitar players (from Saint Paul even!), this album never ceases to entertain me. Thought provoking, and some of the best playing you will ever hear!



Manitas De Plata



The Flamenco Legend. Need I say more?



Journey: ESC4P3



Yeah, I know.


So there you have it. A few selections from alongside the CD player.

Till next time.....

-Paul
March 21st, 2007