Last week saw the release of Spaciousness, a new compilation album from Jon Tye’s Lo Recordings, which seeks to look into the various forms that ambient, deep listening, new age and post classical music can take.
Comprised of 14 brand new tracks, the release takes in music from Jon Tye himself alongside Ulrich Schnauss, Houndstooth affiliate Abul Mogard, Vanishing Twin’s Cathy Lucas, Japanese producer Susumu Yokota, Teleplasmiste and London-based ambient gathering New Atlantis’ India Jordan and Yamaneko, amongst others.
To celebrate the release and the passing of over 20 years since Lo Recordings’ first record, Jon Tye has delved back into the label’s back catalogue to highlight some of the most obscure and unlikely output from a label that has given us music by Aphex Twin, Luke Vibert, Blur, Thurston Moore and Squarepusher, amongst many others, since its founding. Keep reading below to check Jon’s picks and thoughts on each tracks, and head here to purchase and check out Spaciousness.
Jon Tye’s Lo Recordings Playlist
Derek Bailey – ‘Root’
"Amazing sonic barrage from the late Derek Bailey, his contribution to the Thurston Moore ‘Root’ project. I will always remember Derek playing at the Scratch Night, looking completely unfazed by the loud and deep drum and bass tracks he was playing over."
The Chap – ‘Remember Elvis Rex’
"An early track that demonstrated what a superb art rock machine they would become."
Vincent Oliver – ‘Cluods in the Haed’
"What a strange and engaging track from the young Mr Oliver."
Luke Vibert and Jean Jacques Perrey – ‘Moog Acid’ (Jackson Mix)
"A real treat… so much talent in one room."
Hairy Butter – ‘I Came When I Heard’ (Mr G Mix)
"I wasn’t sure whether to pick this or the DJ Godfather Mix – both make you want to ‘bounce that booty’.
The Present – ‘Symbols on High’
"From The World I See… crazed genius Rusty Santos goes deep."
Fischerspooner – ‘To The Moon’
"WTF? Fischerspooner on Lo Recordings… strange and wonderful."
MLO & David Thomas – ‘Fish Shack’
"In some ways this is the track that started Lo. My first collaboration, so good I just had to do more. Pere Ubu were one of my favourite bands ever and working with David was a real honour."
Warn Defever – ‘I Want You To Live 100 Years’
"One of the most unlikely Lo releases and one of my favourites. Unique and strangely moving."
Ceephax – ‘The Turk’
"Gotta love a bit of Ceephax acid. Taken from the Acid Quakers 1000 EP. A real cracker."