Epitonic Newsletter: Vol. 4, No. 3 'Spage Age Bachelor Pad Music'
01/18/02
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Juan Garcia Esquivel, the grandaddy of space age bachelor pad music, died at his home in Mexico two weeks ago, on January 4, following a severe stroke. Esquivel was unquestionably one of the most enduring, entertaining, and eccentric pop icons of the last half century, and his influence can be felt across a broad range of today's musical genres. We offer this collection of wacky, loungy tunes in his memory.
"Magnetic Theme"
by
Korla Pandit
Turbaned keyboard impresario Korla Pandit has been an enigmatic icon on the shadowy edges of pop music since the mid '50s, crafting wonderfully campy, exotic, Eastern-flavored organ ditties that never cease to be utterly enthralling and delightfully weird.
"Long Life Love"
by
Stereolab
For over a decade, this loose-knit French-English ensemble's colorful, playful, spacey music has set the bar for experimental pop. One of the '90s' most influential and adored groups.
"Skeleton Bones"
by
The Coctails
The Coctails run the gamut from crazed Spike Jones-meets-Raymond Scott ramblings to warm happy pop songs to danceable jazzy numbers. They are guaranteed to brighten even the dourest of spirits.
"Stroker Ace"
by
Lovage
Nathaniel Merriweather (Dan the Automator) is the Serge Gainsbourg-lovin' producer behind Deltron 3030, Gorillaz, Dr. Octagon, and Handsome Boy Modeling School. Like a fine cognac, Merriweather (as Lovage) slips down easy and induces a warm feeling in your nether regions.
"Listen To The Music"
by
David Candy
David Candy takes you into an intoxicating, lighter-than-air world of bubbly '60s kitsch, discussions of Russian Suprematist artists, pudding recipes, and odes to San Paulo, Brazil. Ah, but who is David Candy, you ask. He's the one that you've always been waiting for. And now he's here with you...forever.
"Planet Vega"
by
Air
Kitsch electronic popsters Air came to fame in '97 with seminal releases on Mo' Wax in the U.K. and Source in France. In addition to their two full-length releases, the French duo produced the soundtrack for Sofia Coppola's disturbing teenage movie, The Virgin Suicides.
"The Lion and the Cucumber"
by
Vampyros Lesbos
Hey sexy, put on your go-go boots and get
ready to do it to this authentic swingin'
psychedelic '60s groove. Yeah baby, let your
love light shine!
"A Complex Shape In The Sky"
by
Tom Recchion
Tom Recchion constructs bizarre avant-experimental exotica that sounds like Martin Denny reinterpreted by an orchestra of robots with damaged wiring. Fascinating and enthralling.
"Punjabis, Pimps, and Players"
by
The Bros. vs. Shah vs. Automator
Lights, karma, action! Check out this curry
coated, funky cold Tandoori, straight from
Bombay's 'Brownsploitation' gangster flicks of
the '70s and early '80s. Restored and remixed
by Dan the Automator (of 'Dr. Octagon' fame).
"Aux Cyclades Electronique"
by
Bertrand Burgalat
Talk about music for the jet set. Esteemed French producer Bertrand Burgalat -- called by some the Phil Spector of Europe -- crafts lush, exotic, electronic pop with heavy hints of the Cocktail Nation ethos, spy soundtrack melodrama, drum and bass tension, and modern synth-loving indie rock. Grab your martini and get ready to get decadent.
"Ice Cold Lemonade"
by
Death By Chocolate
Death By Chocolate cooks up scrumptious, beguilingly original pop morsels. These nonchalant little celebrations of British candy culture set to simple, loungy pop tunes will definitely make your sweet tooth ache. There are definitely worse ways to go.
"Dirty Robot (Tofu 1.5 Remix)"
by
Arling & Cameron
Arling & Cameron excel at making everything-but-the-kitchen-sink, pop-savvy dance music. Kitsch, clever influences abound, some of them retro, some contemporary, coming at you so fast and furious most don't have time to register. But with their impeccable style and smirking humor, this dynamic Dutch duo makes all styles their own.
"Swing Lite - Alright"
by
Luke Vibert/BJ Cole
Legendary pedal steel guitar player BJ Cole teams up with avant-garde electronic producer Luke Vibert (aka Plug and Wagon Christ) to stimulate your non-conformist aural senses. If Salvador Dali had had an E-mu instead of an easel, he would have made tracks like this.
