Asian Dan

Bibio’s “Ambivalence Avenue” caught me off guard this past fall. I am familiar with his past work but this album is the perfect blend of introspective lo-fi electronica with beautiful guitar work. Exactly what I need in these banger times. “All The Flowers” and “Lover’s Carvings” are perfectly written pop songs that I just can’t stop listening to. “Ambivalence Avenue” is up there for album of the year for me (Check out the blog next week for all my obligatory end of the year/decade lists to see who made it, as well as a few lists from some guests)

Stephen was kind enough to answer a few questions for Asian Dan giving us all a peek into his musical mind, naming some of his favorite guitar compositions by the likes of Steve Reich and Tortoise as well as explaining his musical philosophy.

[audio:http://diestruktur.com/asianmandan/music/Dec%202009/Bibio/Bibio/Ambivalence%20Avenue/03%20All%20The%20Flowers.mp3]
Bibio – All the Flowers

[audio:http://diestruktur.com/asianmandan/music/Dec%202009/Bibio/Bibio/Ambivalence%20Avenue/07%20Lovers’%20Carvings.mp3]
Bibio – Lover’s Carvings

Asian Dan Q&A: BIBIO

1. Who is Bibio?

Bibio is Stephen James Wilkinson from Wolverhampton, England.

2. What are your influences, musical or otherwise?

Imperfections in technology like spherical aberration in lenses, wobble on tape, distortion in valves, crackles on vinyl. Also, beautiful common occurrences in nature like flickering shadows caused by overlapping leaves wagging in a gentle breeze. The smell of damp foliage. The sound of wind through leaves and the chorus of bees, lawnmowers and blackbirds.

What was your first musical memory?

Learning ‘Silent Night’ on my brother’s old bontempi electronic organ.

3. You set the guitar in a very interesting and refreshing context. When did you pick up guitar?

I started to learn guitar chords at the age of about 11 or 12.

Who are some guitar heroes?

Dave Murray (Iron Maiden), Kevin Shields (My Bloody Valentine),Jeff Parker (Tortoise), Joao Gilberto, Joe Pass.

Who are some non-guitar musicians/composers you love that inspire your playing?

Steve Reich, Boards of Canada.

[Read more]

2009 is quickly coming to a close and I have been thinking lately a lot about how many great albums came out this year, from Miike Snow, Grizzly Bear, Phoenix, and Tiga. But I think Bibio’s. “Ambivalence Avenue” is making its way up to the number 1 spot for me. I cannot get enough of his whole vibe and aesthetic – it is just gorgeous and perfect pop tunes. If anyone pioneered this whole “chill-wave” genre it is Bibio.

Lone takes on Bibio’s “All the Flowers” a minute long tune that I feel is pop perfection – check out how Lone just adds a simple beat and brings a totally new vibe to the tune.

[audio:http://diestruktur.com/asianmandan/music/Nov%202009/10%20All%20The%20Flowers%20(Lone%20Remix).mp3]
Bibio – All the Flowers (Lone Remix)

The summer has faded and the fall is now upon us. In my search for some introspective/chill fall tunes I finally gave Washed Out a listen and am quite impressed. I enjoy his lo-fi, DIY electronic productions vibe that channel a smooth, musical sensibility that I feel Breakbot has pioneered and brought to the forefront of electronic music.

[audio:http://diestruktur.com/asianmandan/music/Sept%202009/01%20Belong.mp3]
Washed Out – Belong

[audio:http://diestruktur.com/asianmandan/music/Sept%202009/Washed%20Out%20-%20Feel%20It%20All%20Around%20(Toro%20Y%20Moi%20Remix).mp3]
Washed Out – Feell It All Around (Toro Y Moi Remix)
Via Pitchork

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I just got hold of the new Bibio album (which came out in June – on Warp of course) and I am blowin’ away. It is the perfect mix of downtempo, chill, thoughtful/introspective beats mixed with some amazing guitar work that reminds me of Jim O’Rourke. I cannot stop listening to “Lovers’ Carvings”.

[audio:http://diestruktur.com/asianmandan/music/Sept%202009/07-bibio-lovers_carvings.mp3]
Bibio – Lovers’ Cravings

Enjoy these tunes on a lovely stroll on a crisp fall afternoon 🙂