Cosmogramma

I must confess that while I have a fascination with electronic music, particularly drum n’ bass, I could never consider myself knowledgeable enough to critique it. Someone like my brother could better evaluate the performance of a particular artist. However, I will do my best to give some type of analysis over two records that are on the countdown. The first I will be talking about is Cosmogramma by Flying Lotus.

Here is a little background on Flying Lotus. Flying Lotus is really Steven Ellison, a multi-genre music producer and sampler. His biggest claim to fame is his bumper music transitions for Cartoon Network’s “Adult Swim” programming. However, he has produced some well-received records to strengthen his name. Cosmogramma is his current high scoring album.

#76 – Flying Lotus, Cosmogramma (Metascore = 87)

Here are a few facts I know that already provide a basis for why this album scored high. First, Ellison carefully crafted transitions through samples and live instruments, so each song is seamlessly linked yet unique in its delivery. Two, the ambience throughout the record is very spacey; you feel as if the music is coming from another dimension. Flying Lotus brought together all of these different elements—orchestral, funk, experimental, rock, jazz, etc—into an exotic mix that is tantalizing to the ear.

Another key to this album is the support from many different personnel. Ellison is the primary driver, fusing samples together, but he also brings together many guests to give the songs more strength. Stephen Bruner (aka Thundercat) brings a thumping bass guitar that provides the foundation for the beat. Thom Yorke provides lyrics and vocals to one of the few songs with words; his vocals make the outlook seem haunting (“I need to know you’re out there”). Ravi Coltrane (John Coltrane’s sun) provides tenor saxophone to “Arkestry” and “Recoiled”.

Ellison used the word “cosmogramma” as the album title after hearing a lecture provided by John Coltrane’s wife (and his aunt), Alice. Having read a little about both John Coltrane and Alice, chances are the lecture were steeped in Eastern mysticism and focused on self-liberation from opening up. The beauty with Cosmogramma is that the music sounds like a beautiful flower that is first blooming, opening up to the sky in a sort of enlightening ceremony.

Having listened to the record a couple of times (not hard to do since the album features 17 relatively short tracks that lasts 45 minutes), I believe this record deserves the accolades it has received. Flying Lotus have transitioned their sound from cable network to radio. This is a beautiful record that transitions very well. The highlights for me on this record are “…And the World Laughs with You”, “Arkestry”, “MmmHmm”, and “Recoiled”, though you really couldn’t go wrong liking the whole record. Extra effort: check out “Table Tennis” and the ping pong sounds swirling around.