You should know of a band called The Cinematic Orchestra. It’s like this:
You know those guys who seemed really cool to you 10 years back in that scene you were in? You know, like, that hardcore scene with all those bands you were a n00b in? Or that hip-hop thing you were into, or whatever?
Well, those guys – the coolest ones – dropped out of the scene ‘cause they were into “deeper” stuff – looking for some meaning, looking for greater expression, etc.
Also, those coolest guys were probably badasses on their respective instruments; guitars, drums, flutes, lutes, what-have-you.
Ok, now, wrap that whole scenario up in your mind and remove any and all traces of pretension… No thick framed glasses for “style’s sake,” no cheap thrills for obscure references, no mantras or anything like that.
That’s The Cinematic Orchestra*. Or they were just jazz nerds who loved Pink Floyd more than Rush.
Why Should You Know Them?
The Cinematic Orchestra makes some of the coolest music I’ve ever listened to. Honestly. From atmospheric, heavily layered luscious strings to staccato jazzy break-beats, to beautifully orchestrated melodies in odd time signatures that feel right.
These guys make smarty pants music accessible. They bring proficiency and artistry to regular people without the pretense or weird clothes. It’s like putting Bach in a carpenter’s apron (the grizzled old leather type) and making him watch old school detective movies in black and white with no sound on repeat… and giving him a really really good drummer.
You’ll probably get the feeling that this music is quite smart, but you don’t need a Dream Theater shirt or a G3 Tour ticket stub on your wall to fit in, you know?
Also, great f*cking drumming! Srsly.
Ultimately my love for them is like this: they’re making exceptional music; they’re plying their craft; they’re making music like a craftsman builds a house… and they’re artisans of the craft.
Where To Start
Ma Fleur – I think you need to start here. It’s got To Build A Home (link below) on it and loads of others. It’s a masterpiece.
The Crimson Wing – This is the soundtrack for a Disney movie that looks awesome. And this soundtrack is amazing. It makes big guys I work with get kinda teary-eyed.
Every Day – Another great one. Features the All Things to All Men track (linked below). Very good.
Some Links & Videos
- A KILLER track feat. Roots Manuva showcasing some UK hip hop. I dare you to not bob your head – All Things To All Men
- A long chillout track for you to get some work done to – Everyday
- A little more motivity in this one for you – Flite
- Deep and sorta moving. For the Flamingos movie soundtrack – Arrival of the Birds
- With a singer lady – Breathe
- And if you really really need to be moved… This is the most amazing track; probably top 5 song of all time for me. It features Patrick Watson on the vocals. And the video is tragic and meaningful and yadda yadda and you’ll prolly cry – To Build A Home
* I can’t guarantee any of this. In fact, I totally made it up, but it works for me. You?
{ 1 trackback }