Propperly Chilled

February 8, 2006 5:08 AM

Properly Chilled, "a great guide to the downtempo music scene/lifestyle, spotlighting not only the essential release reviews, label/artist profiles and other data on the genre but also exclusive DJ mixes and all kinds of other goodies" (via). Check out the totally free, totally chill Radio Jazztronica #3 mix from DJ Chicken George. It's 55+ minutes of "unpredictable, energetic and heart-felt" downtempo that packs a serious punch. Did I mention it's free?
posted by JPowers (19 comments total)

How can it be unpredictable, energetic and punch-packing when it's downtempo chill music? That's like, the "most exciting Muzak ever recorded!"
posted by klangklangston at 7:06 AM on February 8, 2006

Downtempo in the world of electronica/dance music just means it has a slower bpm than is typical for dance music, usually between 70 and 120 bpm. Zero 7, Portishead, Massive Attack are all considered 'downtempo' but I wouldn't necessarily consider them 'chill'.

"Chill Out" music on the other hand can be any tempo. I have some 'chill out' records that are over 130 bpm, but they don't have a beat, and so have a much more ambient, floating feel, even though they aren't technically "downtempo".

Digitally Imported has a very good chill-out station. For good downtempo CD's, a highly recommend Back to Mine a series of Downtempo CDs mixed by famous DJs and producers. Faithless's entry is my personal favorite.
posted by empath at 7:22 AM on February 8, 2006

Personally I find myself tuning in to SomaFM's Secret Agent station daily. It's a little more eclectic than the average chill/downtempo station, but then that's one of the things I like about it.
posted by clevershark at 7:26 AM on February 8, 2006

This is a super link. Thanks a bunch. I miss Secret Sound Service terribly. Secret Agent is good, but it was no s-s-s.
posted by boo_radley at 7:47 AM on February 8, 2006

I know what you mean... even though there are still plenty of techno stations on the net I miss Massinova to this day.
posted by clevershark at 8:17 AM on February 8, 2006

That's like, the "most exciting Muzak ever recorded!"

So slow music = Muzak?
posted by iamck at 9:08 AM on February 8, 2006

Not all Muzak is slow. Most notably, there're a couple of albums from the grunge scene rendered entirely into Muzak (Temple of the Dog, Badmotorfinger) by the musicians who worked at the Muzak factory during the day. Muzak's actually a system of arrangement and transcription.
posted by klangklangston at 9:27 AM on February 8, 2006

I've just been getting into the downtempo/triphop/lounge/chillout/electronica scene of late, and my strong recommendations include Bent, Lemon Jelly, and Lali Puna.

There's some new commercial for a Nissan Murano with floating stingrays that employs a song of this style, but I can't put my finger on exactly which band/song it is. Anyone seen it know?
posted by Mach3avelli at 9:55 AM on February 8, 2006

Very cool, thanks for the link.
Speaking of www.somafm.com, I have been in love with Groove Salad for a while now. It's quite tasty.
posted by blastrid at 10:08 AM on February 8, 2006

Yesh, awesome linkage. Thanks.
posted by Lynsey at 10:39 AM on February 8, 2006

I've been a fan of downtempo for a while now, but I have a question....

Is there a scene of some sort? I'd like to get out and meet some of the people who are into this genre, but I don't really know where to look/who to talk to for events. I'm in L.A., so I don't think it'll be too hard, but if anyone has any advice let me know.

And, no, I don't care enough to plaster this question up at ask.mefi.
posted by quite unimportant at 10:42 AM on February 8, 2006

I thought all the "downtempo" producers moved on to plush advertizing firms making music for all those luxury car commercials at 30 grand per 30 seconds...
posted by afx114 at 10:53 AM on February 8, 2006

quite: Short Answer -- Yes.

In DC (where I am), ground zero for this is the Thievery Corporation's 18th Street Lounge.

Just check the local nightlife listings for 'Lounges' and look for artists and djs you recognize. You aren't going to hear this stuff at mega-clubs.
posted by empath at 11:05 AM on February 8, 2006

quite-- check out the "little temple" on Virgil (I think) near Los Feliz. They have some nice downtempo night/DJs.
posted by cell divide at 12:50 PM on February 8, 2006

also for your consideration, Bovine Transmissions
posted by analogue at 1:09 PM on February 8, 2006

Chill Out Or Die America

(decent compilation but the title's the best)
posted by jcruelty at 1:16 PM on February 8, 2006

Finally, a general anesthetic that's 100% safe.
posted by jjg at 2:55 PM on February 8, 2006

(Pepsi) Blu 102.9
posted by dirigibleman at 5:56 PM on February 8, 2006

Thanks, cell divide. You just jogged my memory. I knew there was a place around that way, but damned if I could remember the name of it.
posted by quite unimportant at 1:19 AM on February 9, 2006