Author: ojdo

  • How to autoreload packages while using them in IPython

    I use IPython to interactively use and debug code that I edit in a text editor at the same time. Unfortunately, Python does not automatically reload packages and functions after an initial import foo, simply for performance reasons. Fortunately, there is a solution: the IPython extension autoreload does what its name says: either all (how…

  • Boogie Belgique – [2013] Nightwalker (Vol. 1)

    Boogie Belgique – [2013] Nightwalker (Vol. 1)

    Vintage remixes done right. Wow, simply wow. Before encountering this album, I thought that remixing old vinyl recordings necessarily leads to repetitive hip hop background tracks. But this release, presented by netlabel Dusted Wax Kingdom, fortunately breaks with this rule. Modern sounds seamlessly blend with old audio samples.

  • Auditive Escape – [2013] Profound

    Auditive Escape – [2013] Profound

    Convincing downtempo trip hop. Ok, “convincing” might sound a bit too corporate for this lush piece of an album, flirting with ambient genre elements. French artist Jean Patier really knows how to turn the knobs to create deceptively simple chill out tracks. Read on for my two (from 10) favourite tracks and the release link.

  • How to use custom colours in LaTeX

    How to use custom colours in LaTeX

    I will post short minimum working examples (MWEs) of minimal LaTeX documents, showing a certain feature in action. Though the well-maintained LaTeX Wikibook is a much more extensive resource than a collection of such examples could ever be, they show directly compilable examples compared to isolated snippets. I start simple: custom text colours, using different…

  • cantaloup – [2006] tonight it shows

    cantaloup – [2006] tonight it shows

    Acoustic post pop. Airy sound scapes made from guitar carpets and synthetic strings, mixed with mellow vocals make for a soothing ambient album. If these 8 calm tracks are not enough, have a look at cantaloup’s Bandcamp profile, where he has released several albums since.

  • Various Artists – [2009] Netaudio 2009 – Acroplane and The Centrifuge

    Various Artists – [2009] Netaudio 2009 – Acroplane and The Centrifuge

    Classic netaudio sampler. Nowadays, netlabel Acroplane release new albums on Bandcamp. Unfortunately, they did not move all their releases there. Fortunately, their back catalogue is archived at my favourite well-known place. This compilation has 18 diverse tracks from chiptunes over breakcore to glitchy IDM.

  • entertainment for the braindead – [2008] hydrophobia

    entertainment for the braindead – [2008] hydrophobia

    Acoustic dilettante post-something. At least that’s how the Julia Kotowski from Cologne describes her exquisitely melancholic songs. Honest, without fancy effects, simple and heart-warming is her music. This album is a collaborative release by the two netlabels aerotone (out of business, unfortunately) and aaahh-records (up and rockin’). 2 of the 10 songs await you below.

  • Colourful light wallpapers

    Colourful light wallpapers

  • Th.e n.d – [2009] Schizophrenic Birth

    Th.e n.d – [2009] Schizophrenic Birth

    Minimal downtempo goodness. Berlin artist Th.e n.d. seems to prefer quality over quantity. This EP, released 2009 at the Acustronica netlabel, only contains 3 tracks. Yet every track is distinct in style and remarkably well produced. Unconventional sound combinations and laidback tunes are the common theme.

  • Aydio – [2009] Deltitnu EP

    Aydio – [2009] Deltitnu EP

    Laid-back trip hop with grooves. Where conventional trip hop serves monotonous boredom, Aydio excels with groovy bass lines, atmospheric guitar samples and a blend of vintage and modern soundscapes. 4 tracks or 20 minutes worth of great background music await you.

  • Schaustelle Pinakothek der Moderne

    Schaustelle Pinakothek der Moderne

    From April to October 2013, Pinakothek der Moderne had to close for renovation. During that time, a temporary exhibition space called Schaustelle was erected. Here is my take on the construction:

  • The Additive – [2010] The Additive

    The Additive – [2010] The Additive

    Edgy techno dance music. Berlin artist Addictive is brought to us by the renowned Italian techno netlabel Sostanze Records. 7 tracks, each more than 5 minutes long, speak for themselves: endless beats and slow transitions.

  • Just Plain Ant – [2009] Dig Deep

    Just Plain Ant – [2009] Dig Deep

    Fresh hip hop. I don’t listen to a lot of rap music. In fact, this is the first review to populate the tags hip hop and rap here. This album has it all: opulent instrumental tracks, multiple vocalists, detailed music backdrops. It shows what hip hop can be like: fresh, so fresh…

  • Garmisch – [2013] Fishes

    Garmisch – [2013] Fishes

    Swedish indie pop. Better late than never for me to join in to praise Garmisch for their excellent third album. Excellent as in professionally recorded and produced, craftily written and solidly executed. 9 7 9 exceptional tracks await you…

  • This blog now uses HTML5 for audio

    This blog now uses HTML5 for audio

    Though this might not sound interesting, but today I made an important step: I switched from using an old, but trusty Flash-based audio player plugin to the current state of the art for embedding audio into HTML: the HTML5 Audio element. What’s in for you? Finally, the audio tracks can be listened on all mobile…