Best Thom Holmes Podcasts (2024)

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The Japanese Shigin Vocal Tradition—and Electronics 1:20:02

10h ago1:20:02

1:20:02

Episode 126 The Japanese Shigin Vocal Tradition—and Electronics Playlist Track Time Start Time Introduction –Thom Holmes 04:46 00:00 1. Mix of Susumu Yokota, “Saku” from Sakura (1999 Skintone) plus Abe Shũfu II, “Mount Fuji” from Music Of The Shigin: Chanting To Chinese Poetry (1975 Folkways). Album of electronic music from the late composer Susumu…

1
BlazinRy: Backstage 1:32:00

1d ago1:32:00

1:32:00

BlazinRy: Backstage co-hosts Joe Dunkin and Ryan Holmes reunite for the second time in nearly 5 years! Featuring The Hot Mess Awards with The Wizard Thom Fogarty! Plus, the return of The Joke-Off! The boys discuss what's been going on in their lives, current events, and of course, paper towels. Join the party, it's the return of BlazinRy:Backstage!…

1
Trippy Trance Music Origins, Part 2 1:44:22

12d ago1:44:22

1:44:22

Episode 125 Trippy Trance Music Origins, Part 2 Playlist Track Time Start Time Introduction –Thom Holmes 05:01 00:00 1. Pete Namlook, “Power Supply II” from Namlook IV (1994 Fax +49-69/450464). “The music originated instinctively whilst being played live. There was no concept for the composition before, only a kaleidoscope of sounds stemming from t…

1
Trippy Trance Music Origins 2:04:30

28d ago2:04:30

2:04:30

Episode 124 Trippy Trance Music Origins Playlist Track Time Start Time Introduction –Thom Holmes 07:14 00:00 The KLF, “What Time Is Love?” from What Time Is Love? (Pure Trance 1) (1988 KLF Communications). Kopyright Liberation Front (KLF), a duo comprised of Jimmy Cauty and Bill Drummond. Cauty was born in Devon, England; Drummond was born in South…

1
Love Spells in Electronic Sound 1:53:04

1M ago1:53:04

1:53:04

Episode 123 Love Spells in Electronic Sound Playlist Track Time Start Time Introduction –Thom Holmes 06:48 00:00 1. Mystic Moods Orchestra, “Love Token” from Love Token (1969 Philips). Sound Effects, producer, sound director, Brad Miller; Vocals and vocal effects, The Mystic Moods. 04:33 06:48 2. Four Tet, “Love Cry” from There Is Love In You (2010…

1
Electronic Music for Babies 2:07:49

2M ago2:07:49

2:07:49

Episode 122 Electronic Music for Babies Playlist Track Time Start Time Introduction –Thom Holmes 09:56 00:00 1. Raymond Scott, “Lullaby” (14:06) and “Sleepy Time” (4:25) from Soothing Sounds For Baby Volume I: 1 To 6 Months (1964 Epic). Monophonic recording. Mine includes the insert. 18:30 09:56 2. Raymond Scott, “Tempo Block” (3:15) and “The Happy…

1
BlazinRy: Backstage 1:19:00

2M ago1:19:00

1:19:00

BlazinRy: Backstage co-hosts Joe Dunkin and Ryan Holmes reunite for the first time in nearly 5 years! Featuring The Hot Mess Awards with The Wizard Thom Fogarty! Plus, the return of The Joke-Off! The boys discuss what's been going on in their lives, current events, and of course, paper towels. Join the party, it's the return of BlazinRy:Backstage! …

1
Crosscurrents in Early Electronic Music of Canada, Part 2 2:22:48

2M ago2:22:48

2:22:48

Episode 121 Crosscurrents in Early Electronic Music of Canada, Part 2 Playlist Track Time Start Time Introduction –Thom Holmes 04:32 00:00 1. John Mills-Cockell, “On The Heath” from A Third Testament (1974 True North). John Mills-Cockell is a Canadian composer from Toronto who was a very early adopter of the original Moog Synthesizer. He was part o…

1
Crosscurrents in Early Electronic Music of Canada, Part 1 1:56:52

3M ago1:56:52

1:56:52

Episode 120 Crosscurrents in Early Electronic Music of Canada, Part 1 Playlist Track Time Start Time Opening and Introduction (Thom Holmes) 10:36 00:00 1. Hugh LeCaine, “Dripsody: An Etude For Variable Speed Recorder” (1955) from Anthologie De La Musique Canadienne / Anthology Of Canadian Music - Musique Électroacoustique; Electroacoustic Music (19…

1
Phonographic Education—a Sound Collage 1:29:54

3M ago1:29:54

1:29:54

Episode 119 Phonographic Education—a Sound Collage Playlist Because this episode is a collage of recorded sounds, there are no start times for individual selections. Enjoy the collisions, densities, and words combined with music. Start time for collage: 03:55 Some of the musical selections heard in this collage: The London Philharmonic Orchestra – …

1
Electronic Keyboards in Jazz, A Recorded History, Part 2 of 2 3:01:44

4M ago3:01:44

3:01:44

Playlist Track Time Start Time Opening and Introduction (Thom Holmes) 11:57 00:00 1. Herbie Hancock, Herbie Hancock Demonstrates The Rhodes Piano (1973 Rhodes). A terrific flexi-disc produced by Rhodes and narrated by Hancock who tells an interesting story about his first encounter with the instrument on a Miles Davis session and then he walks the …

1
Electronic Keyboards in Jazz, A Recorded History, Part 1 of 2 2:39:55

4M ago2:39:55

2:39:55

Episode 117 Electronic Keyboards in Jazz, A Recorded History, Part 1 of 2 Playlist Length Start Time Introduction 05:42 00:00 1. Vernon Geyer, “Day After Day” from All Ashore / Day After Day (1938 Bluebird). Soloist, Hammond Electric Organ, Vernon Geyer. 02:22 05:42 2. Milt Herth Quartet / Milt Herth Trio, “Minuet in Jazz” from Home-Cookin' Mama Wi…

1
The Sounds of Motoring 1:50:12

4M ago1:50:12

1:50:12

Episode 116 The Sounds of Motoring Track Start Times Introduction 00:00:00 Motoring Soundscape 00:04:33 Closing 01:47:48 Playlist For this episode, I created a soundscape based mostly on vintage recordings from the Archive of automobiles, trucks, construction equipment, mopeds and motorcycles, buses, street sounds and a variety of police and ambula…

1
Radio Spirits in the Night 1:54:34

5M ago1:54:34

1:54:34

Episode 115 Radio Spirits in the Night Introduction Track Start Times Onda, “Part 1” 10:06 Onda, “Part 2” 28:22 Onda, "Seoul" 47:26 Onda, “Köln” 1:08:03 Onda, Lewisburg” 1:11:35 Onda, “Wroclaw" 1:19:47 Holmes. “3 Open Windows, 1 Small Antenna” 1:27:36 Playlist Aki Onda, “Part 1” (18:16) and “Part 2” (19:04) from “Transmissions From The Radio Midnig…

1
Refined Noise 1:46:26

5M ago1:46:26

1:46:26

Episode 114 Refined Noise Playlist Claus Böhmler, “Klangundkrach, Part 1” from Klangundkrach (1996) (2014 Slowscan). Recorded in Hamburg 1996. Edition of 270 copies. Böhmler was a German visual artist, video maker, and sometimes music artist. His website contains a great sampling of his visual work, texts, and writing about his work. There are not …

1
More Electronic Music for Astral Tripping 2:06:38

5M ago2:06:38

2:06:38

Episode 113 More Electronic Music for Astral Tripping Playlist Earthstar, “Part 1, Sirens” from French Skyline (1979 Sky records). Recorded at Klaus Schulze Studio, Hambühren, W. Germany in 1978 and 1979. Bass, Electronics, Norm Peach; Choir, Craig Wuest, Joan N., Marla T., Phil N.; Electric Guitar, Treated Guitar, Electronics (Tonewall), Dennis Re…

1
Merry Moog 2023--Holiday Music Performed on the Moog and other Synthesizers 1:45:58

6M ago1:45:58

1:45:58

Episode 112 Merry Moog 2023 Holiday Music Performed on the Moog and other Synthesizers Playlist Sounds Of Broadcasting 1, “Christmas Logos” from Sounds Of Broadcasting #6088 (1975? William B. Tanner Company, Inc.). Broadcast library track produced for the holidays. Produced using a Moog Modular Synthesizer. Hans Wurman, “Overture Miniature” from El…

1
Before and After Ambient, Part 2 2:26:30

7M ago2:26:30

2:26:30

Episode 111 Before and After Ambient, Part 2 Playlist Midori Takada, “Mr. Henri Rousseau's Dream” from Through The Looking Glass (1983 RCA Red Seal). 高田みどり (Midori Takada) is a Japanese composer and percussionist. She was a key figure in the Japanese ambient movement of the 1980s. Composed, performed, produced, Marimba, Gong, Cowbell, Recorder, Woo…

1
Before and After Ambient, Part 1 2:09:54

7M ago2:09:54

2:09:54

Episode 110 Before and After Ambient, Part 1 Playlist Erik Satie, “Vexations” (1893-94), First, we will hear two piano versions (1 and 4) of this short work that was intended to be played repeatedly in one sitting 840 times in succession. The piano version was performed by Jeroen van Veen on the album Satie, Complete Piano Music (2016 Brilliant Cla…

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Part 2 of The Distinctive Electronic Music of Oskar Sala and the Mixtur-Trautonium 2:01:40

8M ago2:01:40

2:01:40

Episode 109 Part 2 of The Distinctive Electronic Music of Oskar Sala and the Mixtur-Trautonium Playlist Oskar Sala, “Elektronische Tanzsuite (Für Mixturtrautonium Solo Und Mixturorchester (Tonband) In Fünf Sätzen)” (1955) from My Fascinating Instrument (1990 Erdenklang). 24:28 Oskar Sala, “Fantasie-Suite In Drei Sätzen Für Mixturtrautonium Solo” (1…

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The Distinctive Electronic Music of Oskar Sala and the Mixtur-Trautonium, Part 1 1:23:54

8M ago1:23:54

1:23:54

Episode 108 The Distinctive Electronic Music of Oskar Sala and the Mixtur-Trautonium, part 1 Playlist Oskar Sala, “Demonstration” from My Fascinating Instrument (1990 Erdenklang). Demonstration of the Mixtur-Trautonium by Sala, providing a sampling of the many various effects that he could create in real-time without magnetic tape tricks. In additi…

1
Crosscurrents in Early Electronic Music of Norway 1:42:06

8M ago1:42:06

1:42:06

Episode 107 Crosscurrents in Early Electronic Music of Norway Playlist Arne Nordheim, “Epitaffio” (1963) for orchestra and tape from Nordheim, Alfred Janson, Bjørn Fongaard – Response: Electronic Music From Norway (1970 Limelight). Limelight release with the delightful painting of flying ears on the cover, includes the same tracks as the original P…

1
Electronic Music of Dune 1:59:48

9M ago1:59:48

1:59:48

Episode 106 Electronic Music of Dune Playlist Toto, “Main Title,” “Robot Fight,” and “Dune (Desert Theme)” from Main Title / Robot Fight / Dune (Desert Theme) (1984 Polydor). A single produced from the soundtrack of the David Lynch film version of Dune (1984). Toto, with its big synthesizers, created most of the soundtrack, although Brian Eno, Roge…

1
The 2023 US Open Tennis Soundscape 1:42:48

9M ago1:42:48

1:42:48

Episode 105 The 2023 US Open Tennis Soundscape Playlist This podcast comprises an amorphous blend of sounds of the US Open tennis championships, vintage recordings of tennis instructions, a little electronic music, and lots of audio processing. All the sounds of the US Open grounds were made by me and include crowds, the fountain in front of Arthur…

1
Experimental Music for Pipe Organ, The Original Synthesizer 2:01:44

10M ago2:01:44

2:01:44

Episode 104 Experimental Music for Pipe Organ Playlist Bengt Hambraeus, “Doppelrohr II” (1956) from Cologne - WDR: Early Electronic Music (1992 BV Haast Records). All compositions are productions of the 'Studio für elektronische Musik des Westdeutschen Rundfunks Köln.’ The earliest work I can find that combines electronic music on tape with sounds …

1
Crosscurrents in Early Electronic Music of Japan 2:01:24

10M ago2:01:24

2:01:24

Episode 103 Crosscurrents in Early Electronic Music: Japan Playlist Experimental Music of Japan (1968 Victor) Album produced and recorded at the NHK Electronic Studio and supervised by K. Akiyama and W. Uenami. The tracks have been slightly reordered to represent the correct chronology of the works. Toshiro Mayuzumi and Makoto Moroi, “Variations Su…

1
The BBC Shipping Forecast Soundscape 1:47:50

11M ago1:47:50

1:47:50

Episode 102 The BBC Shipping Forecast Soundscape Playlist Thom Holmes, “The Shipping Forecast Soundscape” (2023 Thom Holmes). This single soundscape consists of random selections of BBC Shipping Forecasts from the past two years plus electronic sounds and audio treatments. BBC Shipping Forecasts are ©copyright BBC and located at the BBC Radio 4 Web…

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Crosscurrents in Early Electronic Music in Italy—Part 2 1:33:36

11M ago1:33:36

1:33:36

Episode 101 Crosscurrents in Early Electronic Music in Italy—Part 2 Playlist Pietro Grossi, Studio Di Fonologia Musicale Di Firenze (S 2F M) Pietro Grossi, Marino Zuccheri, “Progetto II e III” (1961) (1961 RAI). Pietro Grossi began experimenting with electronic sound while visiting the RAI in the early 1960s. During this time, he became fascinated …

1
Crosscurrents in Early Electronic Music: Italy—Part 1 2:11:06

12M ago2:11:06

2:11:06

Episode 100 Crosscurrents in Early Electronic Music: Italy—Part 1 Playlist Berio, Maderna, Nono, Zuccheri, RAI Studio di Fonologia Musicale (RAI), Milan Luciano Berio, “Mutazioni” (1955) from Prospettive Nella Musica (1956 RAI Radiotelevisione Italiana). The first complete tape work by Berio at the newly founded RAI studio, which he was running wit…

1
Crosscurrents in Electronic Tape Music in the United States 2:41:48

12M ago2:41:48

2:41:48

Episode 99 Crosscurrents in Electronic Tape Music in the United States Playlist Louis and Bebe Barron, “Bells of Atlantis” (1952), soundtrack for a film by Ian Hugo based on the writings of his wife Anaïs Nin, who also appeared in the film. The Barrons were credited with “Electronic Music.” The Barrons scored three of Ian Hugo's short experimental …

1
Women in Synthesis, Part 1: Managing Their Musical Identities 1:41:06

1y ago1:41:06

1:41:06

Episode 98 Women in Synthesis, Part 1: Managing their Musical Identities Playlist Daphne Oram, “Four Aspects” from Oramics (2007 Paradigm Discs). This piece was composed in 1960 after Oram left the BBC Radiophonic Workshop and was running her own start-up. Four Aspects uses the Oramics instrument that she invented. It demonstrated her interest in c…

1
Crosscurrents in Elektronische Musik of Germany 2:28:12

1y ago2:28:12

2:28:12

Episode 97 Crosscurrents in Elektronische Musik from Germany Playlist Josef Anton Riedl, “Studie 1b, 1a” (1951) from Zeitgenössische Musik In Der Bundesrepublik Deutschland 3 (1950-1960) (1982 Deutscher Musikrat). Early example of German tape composition, categorized as musique concrète as it includes more than purely electronic sounds, but the edi…

1
Crosscurrents of Musique Concrète 1:55:22

1y ago1:55:22

1:55:22

Episode 96 Crosscurrents of Musique Concrète Playlist Pierre Henry, “Final Du Concerto Des Ambiguités (Final Of The Ambiguities Concerto)” (1950) from 1er Panorama De Musique Concrète (1956 Ducretet Thomson). Composition, tape editing, and audio production by Pierre Henry. Work realized in the studios of Radiodiffusion-Télévision Française (RTF). P…

1
Early Intersections of Rock and Electronic Music 2:11:43

1y ago2:11:43

2:11:43

Episode 95 Early Intersections of Rock and Electronic Music Playlist Frank Zappa, The Mothers of Invention, “The Return of the Son Of Monster Magnet (Unfinished Ballet In Two Tableaus)” from Freak Out! (1966 Verve). Bass, Guitarrón, Soprano Vocals, Roy Estrada; Drums, Jimmy Carl Black; Guitar, Vocals, Arranged By, Written-By, Leader, Musical Direct…

1
Electronic Drone Music 2:12:04

1y ago2:12:04

2:12:04

Episode 94 Electronic Drone Music Playlist Yves Klein, “Monotone-Silence Symphony” written in 1947. I could not find any recorded versions of this piece, so I produced this realization of my own to capture the feel and nature of this drone work. Klein conceived this as performance art in which an orchestra would only play a single note, continuousl…

1
New Arrivals to the Archives—Part 2: Noise Music, Improvisations, and Atmospheres 2:04:30

1y ago2:04:30

2:04:30

Episode 93 Playlist for Part 2 Noise and Improvisations I found a mother lode of noise and experimental music hiding in the crates of my local New York record store. Corum, “Effigy Mounds: Ceremonial Music For Spore Alter” side a from Effigy Mounds: Ceremonial Music For Spore Alter” (2014 Psychic Sounds). Effigy Mounds is the second album of the Be…

1
New Arrivals to the Archives—Part 1: Early and Symphonic Electronic Music 2:04:48

1y ago2:04:48

2:04:48

New-Old Recordings Making it into the Archive. Playlist Symphonic Electronic Rock Symphonic electronic is always a favorite of listeners of the podcast. I note these additions, including a scarce soundtrack recording of interest. Jeff Bruner, “Try To Escape,” “Night Saucer,” “Larry And Diane Go To Hell,” “On The Beach,” “The Investigator,” “Vic's F…

1
The Silent Episode 1:43:44

1+ y ago1:43:44

1:43:44

Episode 91 The Silent Episode Playlist Morton Feldman, “Intersection” (1953) from First Recordings: 1950s (1999 Mode). Feldman, like Cage, had already been a proponent of including silence in his pieces. Feldman was a part of the Project of Music for Magnetic Tape (1951 to 1954), an artist’s collective founded by Cage to explore experiments in magn…

1
The Electronic Music of Ryuichi Sakamoto 2:17:52

1+ y ago2:17:52

2:17:52

Episode 90 The Electronic Music of Ryuichi Sakamoto Playlist Ryuichi Sakamoto and Alva Noto, “Second Dream” from The Revenant (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (2015 new regency Music). Composed, performed, and produced by Alva Noto, Ryuichi Sakamoto. 1:13 Ryuichi Sakamoto and Taylor Deupree, “Jyaku” from Disappearance (2013 Commons). Piano, Ele…

1
The Theremin Part 2: Recordings After 1970 2:52:02

1+ y ago2:52:02

2:52:02

Episode 89 The Theremin Part 2: Recordings After 1970 Playlist Ultimate Spinach, “(Ballad of The) Hip Death Goddess” from Ultimate Spinach (1968 MGM Records). This American psychedelic rock band was from Boston, Massachusetts, although they had a sound that had more an affinity with the free spirit of San Francisco. The Theremin has a prominent par…

1
The Theremin Part 1: From the Beginning to 1970 2:09:48

1+ y ago2:09:48

2:09:48

Episode 88 The Theremin Part 1: From the Beginning to 1970 Playlist Leon Theremin, “Deep Night” (1930 Les Actualités françaises). Soundtrack from a short, early sound film of Leon Theremin playing an RCA production model Theremin. Zinaida Hanenfeldt, Nathaniel Shilkret, Victor Salon Orchestra, “Love (Your Spell is Everywhere)” (1930 Victor). RCA th…

1
Telephone Love 1:24:20

1+ y ago1:24:20

1:24:20

Episode 87 Telephone Love Playlist June Carol Lodge, Telephone Love from the 12” 45 Telephone Love (1988 Pow Wow). Produced in Jamaica and featuring Reggae singer, actress and fine artist Lodge. 6:17 Laurie Anderson, “Telephone Song” from United States Live (1984 Warner Bros.). United States Live was recorded live at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, …

1
Merry Moog 2022 2:26:34

1+ y ago2:26:34

2:26:34

Episode 86 Merry Moog 2022 Vintage Holiday Music Performed on the Moog and other Synthesizers Playlist Frank Luther with Zora Layman, “Christmas Bells” from Christmas In Song (1939 Decca). This is the original 78 RPM release featuring a vocal quartet, bells, and music played on the Hammond Novachord. 0:38 Frank Luther with Zora Layman, “Christmas D…

1
Rain Music 1:49:47

1+ y ago1:49:47

1:49:47

Episode 85 Rain Music Playlist Dean Evenson, “Thunder Intro” from Forest Rain (1993 Soundings of the Planet). 0:28 Ulrich Schnauss, “Molfsee” from Far Away Trains Passing By (2002 City Centre Offices). Written and produced by German artists Ulrich Schnauss. Schnauss is also a current member of Tangerine Dream, joining in 2014 and working with a ren…

1
Psychedelic Japan, Part 3 1:28:20

1+ y ago1:28:20

1:28:20

Episode 84 Psychedelic Japan, Part 3 Playlist Boredoms, “Super Going” from Super æ (1998 Birdman). Boredoms (ボアダムス), alternatively known as V∞redoms, is a Japanese experimental/noise/space rock/tribal drumming band from Osaka, founded in 1986 by Yamatsuka Eye. Known for their extended jams and heavy drumming, it is remarkable that they had some mai…

1
The Ambient Spaceship Soundscape 1:13:52

1+ y ago1:13:52

1:13:52

Episode 83 The Ambient Spaceship Soundscape Playlist This soundscape is divided into the following sections: 1:13-6:50--Hyperspace sleep chamber, where the sound of a clock and synthetic white noise reminiscent of crickets are always present to soothe the unconscious minds of the sleeping crew members. 7:00-17:24--Mechanicals room 17:25-22:18--Brid…

1
Psychedelic Japan, Part 2 1:36:52

1+ y ago1:36:52

1:36:52

Episode 82 Psychedelic Japan, Part 2 Playlist Wha Ha Ha, “On the Floor” from Wha Ha Ha (1983 Recommended Records). This group released three records in 1981, all in Japan. Recommended Records, the UK-based record maker, released this compilation of tracks taken from all three of those records. The group Wha Ha Ha ended at that point but its four pr…

1
Psychedelic Japan, Part 1 1:52:01

1+ y ago1:52:01

1:52:01

Episode 81 Psychedelic Japan, Part 1 Playlist Flower Travellin’ Band, “Satori Part 2” from Satori (1971 Atlantic). Japanese rock band formed in 1970 which broke up in 1973 and reformed in 2008. Guitarist Hideki Ishima is a founding member. Moving from Sapporo to Tokyo in the mid-sixties, he played with the Group Sounds band The Outlaws from 1966 to…

1
Electronic Music for Astral Tripping 1:33:22

1+ y ago1:33:22

1:33:22

Episode 80 Electronic Music for Astral Tripping Or, Better Music Through Pharmacology Playlist Hal Blaine, “Flashes” from Psychedelic Percussion (1967 Dunhill). Drums, Hal Blaine; Electronics (Moog), Paul Beaver; Keyboards, Organ, Electric Piano, Mike Lang; Percussion, Emil Richards, Gary Coleman. 2:22 Raymond Scott, “LSD”public service announcemen…

1
The US Open Sound Piece, 2022 51:28

2y ago51:28

51:28

Episode 79 The US Open Sound Piece, 2022 This is my annual exploration of sounds from the US Open Tennis tournament, held in New York at the end of each Summer. Playlist The sound piece is organized into six sections, each around a different approach to processing sound. Names of players captured in this piece include: Carlos Alcaraz, Rafael Nadal,…

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