Labradford, E Luxo So (side A)

The more ambient music evolves in digital and primitive directions, the more distinctive 1999's E Luxo So sounds.  The palette, which ranges from a string quartet and a piano to what sounds like a digital sampler, always has a lush, rich quality, full of dark low-mids.  The piano sound is especially haunting and beautiful, and the electric guitar and organs also contribute to the classic tone of the recording.  Some pieces still feature Labradford's characteristic Morricone-tinged guitar lines, but the parts that emphasize piano and strings sound more like a late-80s Roedelius album.  While the tonality and arrangements hint at the new-age side of Roedelius, E Luxo So avoids even the hints of cliché that could turn up on his piano albums.  The blurry black and white image on reverse stock paper looks great and fits the music perfectly.