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Last updated on Oct 6,2024, updated monthly. |
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 1 . Portishead - Sour Times"Sour Times" by Portishead, released in 1994, is an iconic trip hop track. Built around a sample of Lalo Schifrin's "Danube Incident" from the Mission: Impossible soundtrack, the song features dark, melancholic sounds and explores themes of disillusionment and solitude, carried by Beth Gibbons' ethereal voice. Directed by Alexander Hemming, the music video uses footage from the band's short film "To Kill a Dead Man". "Sour Times" has appeared in media including the TV series "The Vice" and "Warehouse 13", as well as the films "Assassins" and "Killing Time". The music video is directed by Alexander Hemming. Writer(s) : Geoff Barrow, Otis C Turner, Beth Gibbons, Adrian Francis Utley, Henry Roscoe Brooks, Lalo Schifrin Publisher(s) : Chrysalis Music Ltd Featured on the 1994 album Dummy
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 2 . Thievery Corporation - Lebanese Blonde"Lebanese Blonde" by Thievery Corporation, released in 1998, is an iconic lounge and electro track. Rob Garza and Eric Hilton founded the group in 1995, inspired by dub, bossa nova, and jazz. The song, featuring the sensual voice of American jazz singer Pam Bricker, evokes a relaxing and dreamy atmosphere. The title refers to Lebanese hashish and gained popularity after being included in the soundtrack of Zach Braff's film "Garden State". A symphonic version of "Lebanese Blonde" was released in 2020 by Thievery Corporation, with Elin Melgarejo replacing Pam Bricker on vocals. Writer(s) : Robert Manuel Garza, Eric Hilton Publisher(s) : Garza Y Hilton Musica
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 3 . Portishead - All mine"All Mine" by Portishead, released in 1997, stands as another trip hop staple, blending orchestral elements with electronic beats. The song, with lyrics depicting a possessive, obsessive relationship, highlights Beth Gibbons' unique voice amidst a rich, atmospheric instrumental arrangement. The accompanying music video draws inspiration from a 1968 Italian music show and the series "The Outer Limits", featuring a young girl singing in front of an orchestra. The music video is directed by Dick Carruthers. Writer(s) : Adrian Utley, Geoff Barrow, Beth Gibbons Publisher(s) : Chrysalis-Music-Ltd
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 4 . Olive - You'Re Not Alone"You're Not Alone" by British group Olive, released in 1996, skillfully blends trip hop and electronic music. The track achieved great success in Europe, topping the UK charts. The song is built around a pulsating bassline and Ruth-Ann Boyle's expressive vocals, creating a sense of comfort and support. After her success with Olive, Ruth-Ann collaborated with artists like Enigma, contributing to several of their albums, including "The Screen Behind the Mirror" and "Voyageur". The music video is directed by Pascal d'Hoeraene. Writer(s) : Antony Taylor Firth Robin, Tim Kellett Publisher(s) : Unknown Publisher, Sony/Atv Music Publishing Allegro (Uk) Featured on the 1997 album Extra Virgin
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 5 . Air - Playground Love"Playground Love" is a collaboration between Air and Gordon Tracks, a pseudonym for Thomas Mars of the French band Phoenix, for the soundtrack of Sofia Coppola's film "The Virgin Suicides" in 2000. Accompanying a scene where the main characters dance at a prom, the song, with its languid melody and delicate orchestral arrangements, perfectly captures the nostalgic and melancholic essence of the film. Fun fact: Thomas Mars later became Sofia Coppola's husband. The music video is directed by Sofia Coppola. Writer(s) : Nicolas Godin, Jean Benoit Dunckel, Nicolas Godin, Jean Benoit Dunckel Publisher(s) : Revolvair, Delabel Editions Featured on the 2000 album The Virgin Suicides
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 6 . Zero 7 - Destiny (w/ Sia, Sophie Barker)"Destiny", released in 2001, is a track by the production duo Zero 7 featuring the enchanting voices of Sia and Sophie Barker. The song is characterized by its gentle melody and lush arrangements, typical of Zero 7's downtempo style. Alongside her work with Zero 7, Sophie Barker has a prolific solo career with albums like "Earthbound" (2005) and "Seagull" (2011). Sia gained global recognition in the 2010s with hits like "Chandelier", "Elastic Heart", and "Cheap Thrills". The music video is directed by Howard Greenhalgh. Writer(s) : Zero 7, Sia, Henry Binns, Sophie Barker Publisher(s) : Sony Atv Music Publishing Limited (Uk), Universal Mca Music Limited, Emi Music Publishing Ltd Featured on the 2001 album Simple Things
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 7 . Björk - army of meOpening Björk's second studio album, "Army of Me", released in 1995, is a powerful and industrial track distinguished by its aggressive bassline and martial percussion. The song reflects a transformative period in Björk's career, marking a shift towards darker and more experimental sounds. "Army of Me" has been used in various films and series, including the 1995 movie "Tank Girl". The music video is directed by Michel Gondry. Writer(s) : Graham Vernon Massey Björk Publisher(s) : Wellhart Ltd, Universal Music Publishing Limited (Gb) Featured on the 1995 album Post
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 8 . Air - All I Need"All I Need" by Air, released in 1998, is a quintessential chillout track, known for its ethereal melodies and rich sound textures. American singer Beth Hirsch's soft vocals blend perfectly with the French duo's electronic arrangements, whom they met in Paris. The music video features a young couple of skaters from Ventura, California, expressing their mutual affection and relationship. Besides her work with Air, Beth Hirsch has released solo albums such as "Early Days" (2000) and "Wholehearted" (2007), featuring a mix of folk, pop, and electronic elements. The music video is directed by Mike Mills. Writer(s) : Beth Hirsch, Air, Nicolas Godin, Jean-Benoît Dunckel Publisher(s) : Revolvair, Universal Music Publishing, Soc Delabel Featured on the 1993 album Moon Safari
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 9 . Air - Sexy Boy"Sexy Boy" by Air, released in 1998, is an iconic track of French electronic music. With its catchy bassline, played by Nicolas Godin on a 1960s Höfner similar to Paul McCartney's, and repetitive lyrics, the song captured international attention. "Sexy Boy" has been used in commercials for GAP and Chanel, as well as in the soundtracks of films like "10 Things I Hate About You" and "Fish Tank", and in the video game "Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec". The music video is directed by Mike Mills. Writer(s) : Jean Benoit Dunckel, Nicolas Godin Publisher(s) : Revolvair, Delabel Editions Featured on the 1998 album Moon Safari
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 10 . Everything But The Girl - Missing"Missing" by Everything But The Girl, released in 1994, achieved immense international success thanks to its house music remix by American DJ Todd Terry. The remixed version, with its dance beats and Tracey Thorn's poignant voice, topped charts in many countries. In the US, the song remained on the Billboard Hot 100 for 55 consecutive weeks, peaking at number 2. The music video is directed by Mark Szaszy. Writer(s) : Ben Watt, Tracey Anne Thorn Publisher(s) : Sony Music Publishing Featured on the 1994 album Amplified Heart
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 11 . Björk - Triumph Of A Heart"Triumph of a Heart" by Björk, released in 2005, is an energetic track from the album "Medúlla". The song uses human voices as the main instrument to create its rhythms and melodies, with the collaboration of beatboxers like Rahzel and Dokaka. The music video features Björk in a tumultuous relationship with a giant cat. It was filmed in Iceland and mixes humor with surrealism. The music video is directed by Spike Jonze. Writer(s) : Björk Gudmundsdottir Publisher(s) : Wellhart Ltd Featured on the 2004 album Medúlla
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 12 . Everything But The Girl - I Don't Want To Talk About ItThis track by Everything But The Girl, a cover of Crazy Horse's song popularized by Rod Stewart, became a classic thanks to Tracey Thorn's sensitive and poignant rendition. Released in 1988, Everything But The Girl's version stands out with its minimalist arrangement, highlighting Thorn's emotive voice and Ben Watt's subtle instrumental accompaniment. With lyrics depicting the pain of a breakup and the refusal to discuss it, the song has resonated with many listeners for its simplicity and emotional depth. Writer(s) : Sally Jill Barris, Ashley Lauren Monroe, Jon Lyle Mc Elroy, Sally Jill Barris, Ashley Lauren Monroe, Jon Lyle Mc Elroy Publisher(s) : Rezponsible Songs, Rezemblance Music Featured on the 1988 album Idlewild
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 13 . Portishead - Glory Box"Glory Box" by Portishead, released in 1994, is a sensual and melancholic ballad that samples Isaac Hayes' "Ike's Rap II". The song is notable for Beth Gibbons' haunting voice and its dark, intimate atmosphere. "Glory Box" has been widely acclaimed and is often cited as one of the band's best songs. It has been extensively used in films like "Stealing Beauty", "Lord of War", and "Wild", as well as in commercials for Levi's 501, Renault, Guerlain, and Nina Ricci. The music video is directed by Alexander Hemming. Writer(s) : Geoff Barrow, Adrian Utley, Beth Gibbons, Isaac Lee Hayes Publisher(s) : Chrysalis-Music-Ltd Featured on the 1994 album Dummy
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 14 . Björk - Hidden Place"Hidden Place" by Björk, released in 2001, is the lead single from the album "Vespertine". The song stands out for its innovative use of harp and micro-beats, creating an intimate and dreamy atmosphere. The track was praised for its complex production, thanks to the collaboration with Matmos and Mark Bell, and its deep lyrical writing. The music video features close-ups of Björk's face, with colorful liquids flowing over her skin, creating a surreal and dreamy atmosphere. The music video is directed by inez van lamsweerde & vinoodh matadin and M/M (Paris). Writer(s) : Björk, Nellee Hooper, Antonio Jobim Publisher(s) : Sigasong Ltd, Wellhart Ltd, Warp Music Limited Featured on the 2001 album Vespertine
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 15 . Björk - BacheloretteProduced by Björk, Mark Bell, and Howie B, "Bachelorette", released in 1997, is an epic and theatrical track combining orchestral and electronic elements. The song, co-written with Icelandic poet Sjón, tells a dramatic and passionate story of blood, intense love, and loss, reinforced by grand string arrangements and Björk's intense vocal performances. Michel Gondry's music video, a frequent collaborator of Björk, is known for its unique visual style and complex narrative, depicting an infinite loop story. The music video is directed by Michel Gondry. Writer(s) : Björk, Sigurjón Birgir Sigurðsson Publisher(s) : Wellhart Ltd, Universal Music Publishing Limited (Gb) Featured on the 1994 album Homogenic
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 16 . Björk - HunterFirst performed at the Tibetan Freedom concert in 1997, "Hunter" by Björk, released in 1997, opens the album "Homogenic" with an intense, electronic vibe. Produced by Mark Bell, the song uses glitchy beats from a Roland TR-909 drum machine and orchestral strings to create a dramatic atmosphere. The music video shows a bald Björk transforming into a "techno bear," symbolizing the fusion of organic and technological elements. The music video is directed by Paul White. Writer(s) : Björk Publisher(s) : Wellhart Ltd Featured on the 1997 album Homogenic
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 17 . Everything But The Girl - Rollercoaster"Rollercoaster" by Everything But The Girl, released in 1994, is a single from the album "Amplified Heart". The song features a blend of folk and subtle electronic elements. Tracey Thorn's lyrics explore the emotional ups and downs of relationships, accompanied by Ben Watt's minimalist arrangements. The album marked a transition towards a more electronic sound for the duo, foreshadowing their success with "Missing". Writer(s) : Ben Watt Publisher(s) : Sony Music Publishing Featured on the 1994 album Amplified Heart
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 18 . Björk - Human BehaviourReleased in 1993, "Human Behaviour" is Björk's debut single, marking the start of her solo career after leaving the band The Sugarcubes. The song, produced by Nellee Hooper, stands out for its tribal rhythms and cryptic lyrics about human nature. The music video, featuring Björk in a surreal forest chased by a giant teddy bear, is a tribute to the animation of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears". The music video is directed by Michel Gondry. Writer(s) : Björk Gudmundsdottir Publisher(s) : Warner Chappell Music Ltd, Kobalt Music Copyrights Sarl Featured on the 1993 album Debut
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 19 . Moloko - Sing It Back"Sing It Back" by Moloko, formed by Róisín Murphy and Mark Brydon, was released in 1998. The Boris Dlugosch remix propelled the song to dance classic status. Murphy's distinctive voice and groovy production made this track a club favorite. The music video is directed by Dawn Shadforth. Writer(s) : Roisin Murphy, Peter Bellotte, Giorgio Moroder, Mark Errington Brydon, Donna Summer Publisher(s) : Chrysalis Music Ltd Featured on the 1998 album I Am Not a Doctor
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 20 . Everything But The Girl - Five Fathoms"Five Fathoms" by Everything But The Girl, released in 1999, is a single from the album "Temperamental". The song, produced by Ben Watt and Tracey Thorn, combines elements of house and downtempo. Thorn's introspective lyrics, paired with electronic beats, evoke a nighttime stroll through the city, capturing a sense of movement and inner search. The music video is directed by Mark Szaszy. Writer(s) : Ben Watt Publisher(s) : Sony Atv Music Publishing Limited (Uk) Featured on the 1999 album Temperamental
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ABOUT TRIP HOPTrip Hop, from Bristol to the WorldTrip Hop is a musical genre that emerged in the early 1990s, primarily in Bristol, England. Drawing from hip hop for its beats, electronica for its sound textures, jazz and soul for melodic elements, and dub and reggae for rhythms and deep bass lines, this unique mix creates dark and melancholic atmospheres, often enriched with samples and loops. It stands out with its slow rhythms, ethereal female vocals, and introspective lyrics that often explore themes of solitude and urban life, reflecting a certain darkness and emotional complexity. Early Trip Hop artists like Massive Attack, Portishead, and Tricky quickly gained international acclaim. Their albums, such as Massive Attack‘s “Blue Lines” (1991), Portishead’s “Dummy” (1994), and Tricky’s “Maxinquaye” (1995), were critically acclaimed and reached global audiences. Trip Hop artists have performed at numerous international music festivals and embarked on worldwide tours. Trip Hop has influenced many other musical genres, including downtempo, electronica, and chillout. Artists like Radiohead, Björk, and more recent groups like Gorillaz and FKA Twigs have incorporated Trip Hop elements into their music. Trip Hop & MachinesTrip Hop employs a variety of instruments and equipment to create its unique, atmospheric sounds. Key instruments include electric and bass guitars like the Fender Jazz Bass and Gibson Les Paul, as well as synthesizers and keyboards such as the Roland Juno-106 and Korg MS-20. Electric pianos like the Fender Rhodes and Yamaha CP-70, along with wind and string instruments, add rich and melodic textures to tracks. Production equipment is also crucial. Drum machines like the Akai MPC60 and Roland TR-909 are essential for creating beats and rhythmic loops. Samplers such as the Akai S950 and E-mu SP-1200 manipulate samples to create complex sounds. Effects like delay and distortion, along with production software like Logic Pro and Ableton Live, add depth and spacious atmospheres to tracks. These tools, combined with innovative production techniques like sampling and looping, allow artists to create immersive and emotional soundscapes. Trip Hop & CulturesIn cinema, Trip Hop often enhances intense and introspective atmospheres. Films like “La Haine” (1995) and “The Matrix” (1999) use Trip Hop tracks to accentuate key scenes. Similarly, in TV series, Trip Hop underscores moments of tension or reflection, establishing a mysterious and introspective ambiance or enhancing dramatic atmospheres. Examples include “House,” “Breaking Bad,” “Twin Peaks,” and “True Detective.” The visual aesthetic of Trip Hop, often dark and introspective, influences many visual artists. Robert Del Naja (3D) of Massive Attack designs several of the group’s album covers, using abstract images and dark themes. Banksy, the famous street artist, is also linked to the Bristol scene and shares similar themes in his work Nick Knight, a British photographer and director, collaborates with Björk, bringing an avant-garde visual touch to her projects. Jean-Baptiste Mondino works on album covers and videos for Trip Hop artists, creating clean compositions and dramatic lighting. Finally, Michael Nash Associates designed the iconic cover for Portishead’s “Dummy” album, perfectly capturing the melancholic and introspective essence of the genre. Trip Hop : 10 Record LabelsThe following labels are known for having produced Trip Hop artists: – Ninja Tune: Founded in 1990, Ninja Tune is a London-based label known for its focus on electronic music, including trip-hop.. Key artists: Bonobo, Amon Tobin, The Cinematic Orchestra – Mo’ Wax: Founded by James Lavelle in 1992, Mo’ Wax was instrumental in shaping the trip-hop scene, mixing elements of hip-hop, jazz, and electronic music. Key artists: DJ Shadow, UNKLE, DJ Krush – Warp Records: Established in 1989, Warp is a pioneering electronic music label known for its experimental releases, which often intersect with the trip-hop genre. Key artists: Nightmares on Wax, Boards of Canada, Flying Lotus – Island Records: A legendary label founded in 1959, Island has a wide range of genres and helped push trip-hop into the mainstream during the 1990s. Key artists: Tricky, Massive Attack, Portishead – K7 Records: Founded in 1985 in Berlin, K7 is known for blending electronica and experimental genres, including trip-hop. Key artists: Kruder & Dorfmeister, Tosca, Thievery Corporation – 4AD: Founded in 1980, 4AD is a British label that contributed to the atmospheric and dark tones of trip-hop. Key artists: Cocteau Twins, Dead Can Dance, Blonde Redhead – Cup of Tea Records: A small Bristol-based label, known for its deep association with the local trip-hop scene. Key artists: Purple Penguin, Statik Sound System, Monk & Canatella – Wall of Sound: This British label started in 1994, known for its eclectic electronic music offerings, including trip-hop and downtempo. Key artists: Propellerheads, Röyksopp, Akasha – Virgin Records: Founded by Richard Branson in 1972, Virgin Records released some iconic trip-hop records in the 1990s. Key artists: Massive Attack, Tricky, Sneaker Pimps – Bristol Archive Records: Focused on Bristol’s rich musical history, this label highlights many trip-hop artists who helped develop the genre in the early 1990s. Key artists: Smith & Mighty, The Insects, Talisman. |
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