na (uk): jarre
eMusic UK users may have noticed it already, but I just saw it yesterday: we got in Jean-Michel Jarre’s landmark Oxygene album.
Considered one of the greatest ambient records of all-time, Oxygene has sold more than 15 million copies since its release in 1976. It’s almost impossible to imagine it nowadays with the proliferation of synthesizers and electronic music, but at one time this was considered some of the most futuristic music out there. But what makes it great? Tough one to answer, but my guess is that what separated Jarre from his more avant-leaning contemporaries like Tangerine Dream and Kraftwerk was his soft, supple approach to melodies. Where Tangerine was a little bit fluffy and Kraftwerk was almost too hard-edged and avant-garde (their latest album around that time was Radioactivity, which while awesome was by no means a pop record), Jarre was somewhere comfortably in the middle. Oxygene took what made those groups so compelling to more cult audiences and gussied it up a bit, put the good stuff front and clear and rode it all the way to #2 on the UK charts. Not bad for a Frenchman.
Also: in the otherwise kinda unremarkable Equinoxe there is this amazing moment, which may only come with being bored to tears with the previous seven sections, but when the part eight begins, it slides quickly and easily into what my friend rightfully called “parlor music,” except, you know, electronic parlor music. If you’re seeking download suggestions, grab this and track two from Oxygene.
Hey Todd, great recommendation though I’m surprised it’s taken so long for you to see it! (currently #6 on the electronic monthly charts for me). I was also surprised how bland Equinoxe was compared to Oxigene.
We’ve had this a couple of weeks - sorry Todd, I should have guessed you’d be a fan - Madeleine’s been playing it in the office.
I re-listened to some Jarre recently and found it unbearably dated. But back in 1982 when I first heard Oxygene, it was a revelation to me. I didn’t have much luck finding other music with the same feeling (synth-pop, electro and industrial were too clunky) … until 1990 when I heard the KLF’s “What Time Is Love?” and The Orb’s “Little Fluffy Clouds” on the radio and discovered rave music.