Labradford - Mi Media Naranja (Kranky, 1997)

I've owned this record since 2003 and have listened to it well over a thousand times. This is in my handful of records that never gets old. On my deathbed, when I'm compiling my Top 100 albums of all time, this will be pretty high on the list.

Richmond, VA-based Labradford creates lovely ambient music. Incidentally, they were making these sounds long before the birth of the "drone" tag. With twangy western electric guitars, waxy organs, subtle string arrangements and tasteful vibes and percussion, they create hypnotic and accessible drone that actually borders on pop. If I were turning someone on to the genre, I would surely start with this. Using thematic elements reminiscent of anything from Morricone's soundtracks for Leone to Badalamenti's scores for Lynch, This duo have been turning heads since the early 90's.

This is one of the most beautiful pieces of music you'll ever hear.

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