Air, behind Air, before Air.

Today's music relaxed yesterday.

This weeks playlist for your listening pleasure  (click open in new tab!)

Air, the French electronic duo, responsible for the 'best comedown music ever' or so we've all been told by some eager soul at some stage. The dreamy electro chill sound of Air is truly a treat for those who remain ignorant to their existence.

What lay before Air? I always wondered what had inspired Air as when I first heard them, they were a breath of fresh ........ I have since discovered a number of bands, who may or may not, definitely did or most certainly did not influence them depending on who is bending your ear.

The first band I researched along this line were Tangerine Dream. A bunch of starry eyed Krautrockers straight out of Germany incidentally enough. Their music was labelled 'New Age Music' to the chagrin of the band who disliked the term. They have released over a hundred studio albums. I wish you well in beginning your journey. The last year of their so called 'Virgin Years' saw the release of the album 'Hyperborea'. I have included the title track on this album for its sheer dreamy brilliance. The 8 minute journey is one best enjoyed alone. Tangerine Dream used play some of their indoor concerts in total darkness, the only lights in the arena being the flashing LEDs on the bands equipment.

Pictured above is Jean Michel Jarre. I included the picture as he just looks so cool. Jarre like the duo behind Air is French. He is recognised as a pioneer of synthpop and ambient new age. His music seems an adequate expression of what one might imagine what the halycon days of Paris in the seventies were like. I have included a live performance of 'Magnetic Fields Part 2' from the 'Magnetic Fields' album, released in '83 and reaching 6th in the UK charts. The contrast to Tangerine Dream is obvious, it is a little lighter and a little poppier.

Also included on the playlist are 2 tracks by Jean Jacques Perrey an early exponent of the key board predecessor of the synthesizer. Born in 1929 he released an album as recently as 2 years ago.

Air are a modern treasure a truly different and interesting band floating in a sea of JLS inspired mediocrity. I think it is interesting to see the vague similarities in the work of these artists who went before them. I hope you enjoy the playlist. If you have any questions etc