Blog #22 - Do yourself a favour and listen to these 5 Trip - Hop Classics

Trip-hop has become one of my favourite genres of music this past year. The 90s-born sound is based on early sampling techniques used in Hip-hop in order to create slower, more atmospheric music for relaxing and lounging. Trip-hop SOUNDS incredible by that I mean that not only is it a fantastic genre but the sounds themselves sound amazing. The mix is half the song with Trip-hop, expect silky smooth basslines and satisfying electronic sounds that pan from left to right creating a sense of 3d sound. Half the time, trip-hop music does not have lyrics; when they do, it is rarely pumped up with high-energy lyrics. To my knowledge, the genre is somewhat dormant nowadays but fortunately, some fantastic groups and bands during the 90s and 2000s gave us some terrific tracks, with acts like Portishead, Air, and Massive Attack providing massive contributions to the genre. Below I have a list of 5 fantastic Trip-hop tracks. Light an incense, turn up your sound system, pour a drink and enjoy.

Le voyage de Pénélope - AIR

Starting with French electronic duo Air with this absolute classic that I have had on repeat recently. Translated to mean Penelope’s journey this lyricless track does not need them. The whirring electronic keys fill the speakers and create a truly timeless sound. This song makes you feel like you are travelling alone at night speeding along the highway with the speakers turned up and city lights rushing past your window. This is not the only song on this list from Air’s Moon Safari Album which should become obvious since it really is one of those fantastic front-to-back albums.

La femme d'argent - AIR

The second Moon Safari track on this list is translated to mean The Silver Woman. The song slowly fades into existence with atmospheric rain sounds surrounding you and a hypnotic bassline soon complimented by an electric keyboard. The song sounds sophisticated and almost like the past’s interpretation of the future. Maybe that is why the track is called The Silver Woman. With silver being a possible analogy for the future. Listening to this song makes me feel like I should be dressed sharply with a pair of sunglasses at some airport somewhere in Europe. Being over seven minutes in length the song is an epic piece with peaks and troughs in sound all building towards an epic and multilayered finale. Five songs is a short list so even having two by Air off the same album felt greedy, I really encourage everyone to give the album a listen. Moon Safari has some solid hits and good vibes throughout.

Protection - Massive Attack

Massive Attack might just be my favourite Trip-hop act. I have had many of their tracks on repeat for the past few months I seriously recommend anyone listening to Massive Attack they are awesome. Protection is the perfect third song on this list, combining the atmospheric mix, and electronic sounds of Air with soulful lyrics and more hip-hop elements heard in the next two tracks. Protection has been a consistent favourite of mine these past few months, the song simply sounds amazing and despite going for almost eight minutes it does not get old. Once again I seriously recommend Massive Attack they have made a lot of incredible music.

Since I Left You - The Avalanches

This next song Since I Left You is a real upbeat gem and a treat for the ears. The song makes me feel like I’m somewhere sunny and beautiful having a drink alfresco amongst friends with people everywhere all upbeat, socialising, and laughing. The song has awesome production, beautifully sampled strings and orchestral music over a classic Hip - Hop drum beat paired with some pitched-up and chopped-up vocals. It combines some of my favourite elements of Hip - Hop production with incredible summer vibes. The Avalanches are a group originally from Melbourne which is really cool since every other act on this list is European.

Glory Box - Portishead

Possibly the best-known track on this list is the last. Glory Box by Portishead is an amazing song and my introduction to the Trip - hop genre. This song has all the main staples of the genre, soulful female vocals, atmospheric production, sampling and lo-fi elements. The song features a dirty almost bluesy guitar over sophisticated strings which makes you feel like some kind of bad ass wealthy person. Portishead pioneers the Trip - hop genre with Glory Box being essential listening.

I will have to eventually write more about Trip - hop and share more of my favourites. The genre whilst loved is not as popular as I think it should be, this music is just too good as far as I’m concerned. I’d really be interested to see modern interpretations of the genre. All the songs shared today are quite old now. I feel like with the internet and the large fan bases of hip - hop and music production online there is bound to be a huge audience for new Trip - Hop. If you have any song or band recommendations please let me know, I’m always looking for new music and always interested in a chat about it. Have a great day.