OHM: The Early Music Gurus of Electronic Music - 1948-1980

This three-CD, 42-track compilation, spanning 1937-1982 (though largely comprised of performances
from the '60s and '70s), includes pieces by many of the big names in experimental electronic
music: John Cage, Pauline Oliveros, Steve Reich, Terry Riley, Karlheinz Stockhausen, Milton
Babbitt, Laurie Spiegel, Robert Ashley, LaMonte Young, Morton Subotnick, and Iannis Xenakis.
That alone would make this anthology impressive, but there are also contributions from composers
who have made some impact with rock and pop recordings (Brian Eno, Klaus Schulze, Holger Czukay
of Can, Jon Hassell), along with some names that are not commonly discussed in highbrow serious
music circles (Raymond Scott), some composers not always associated with electronic music
(Olivier Messiaen, Edgard Varese), and a host of names that aren't too well known beyond the
avant-garde community. What is most impressive about this set, however, is that is not only
serves as a reasonable overview of pre-1980 electronic music, but also is much more accessible
in content to non-experts than many such compilations would have been. Contrary to the
stereotype of serious electronic music as being difficult to listen to, many of the pieces are
quite engaging for novices and electronic specialists alike. That's not to say there aren't
plenty of more jarring or abstract pieces with minimal ambience or cut-up assemblages, or even
occasional tracks that most listeners might find downright annoying (such as MEV's cacophonous
"Spacecraft," mercifully placed at the very end of the first disc). On the whole, however, the
set achieves the effect of both educating and entertaining, and is likely to expand the audience
for a music that is too often unwilling to offer inviting introductions that might incite
listeners to explore further. The 98-page booklet includes detailed track descriptions and
comments, usually by the composers/performers themselves. — Richie Unterberger

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