Third Ear: The Essential Listening Companion for Audiophiles and Music Lovers

Third Ear is a groundbreaking album by British experimental music group Third Ear Band, released in 1970. It is widely regarded as one of the most influential albums in the history of electronic music, and has been cited as an inspiration by artists such as David Bowie, Brian Eno, and Aphex Twin.

Funk: Third Ear - The Essential Listening Companion (Third Ear: The Essential Listening Companion Series)

by Dave Thompson

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	26884 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	400 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Paperback	:	64 pages
Item Weight	:	7.8 ounces
Dimensions	:	8.5 x 0.16 x 11 inches

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The album is a sonic exploration of the human mind, and features a blend of electronic and acoustic sounds, including synthesizers, tape loops, and Tibetan singing bowls. The music is often described as "otherworldly" and "surreal," and has been compared to the work of Pink Floyd, Tangerine Dream, and Kraftwerk.

Third Ear was a pioneering album in the use of electronic music, and its influence can be heard in countless electronic music albums that have been released since. The album's unique sound and experimental approach have made it a classic of the genre, and it remains essential listening for audiophiles and music lovers alike.

Background and Context

Third Ear Band was formed in 1967 by Paul Beaver, Richard Dunn, and John Surman. The band was part of the British psychedelic scene, and their music was influenced by a wide range of sources, including Indian classical music, jazz, and electronic music.

In 1969, Third Ear Band recorded their debut album, Third Ear, at Abbey Road Studios in London. The album was produced by George Martin, who was best known for his work with The Beatles.

Musical Style

Third Ear is a highly experimental album, and its music is difficult to categorize. The album features a blend of electronic and acoustic sounds, including synthesizers, tape loops, and Tibetan singing bowls. The music is often described as "otherworldly" and "surreal," and has been compared to the work of Pink Floyd, Tangerine Dream, and Kraftwerk.

One of the most striking features of Third Ear is its use of tape loops. Tape loops are created by recording a sound onto a tape loop and then playing it back repeatedly. This can create a hypnotic effect, and it is often used in electronic music to create a sense of atmosphere.

Third Ear also features a number of acoustic instruments, including guitars, bass, and drums. However, these instruments are often used in unconventional ways, and they are often processed electronically. For example, the guitar on the track "Cloud Cuckoo Land" is played through a fuzz pedal, which gives it a distorted and otherworldly sound.

Influence and Legacy

Third Ear was a groundbreaking album in the use of electronic music, and its influence can be heard in countless electronic music albums that have been released since. The album's unique sound and experimental approach have made it a classic of the genre, and it remains essential listening for audiophiles and music lovers alike.

Third Ear has been cited as an inspiration by a number of artists, including David Bowie, Brian Eno, and Aphex Twin. Bowie was a particular fan of the album, and he even invited Third Ear Band to perform on his 1972 album, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.

Critical Reception

Third Ear was met with mixed reviews upon its release. Some critics praised the album's innovative sound and experimental approach, while others found it to be too dissonant and difficult to listen to. However, the album has since been re-evaluated, and it is now considered to be a classic of electronic music.

In a review for AllMusic, critic Ned Raggett wrote: "Third Ear is a challenging but rewarding listen, and it remains one of the most influential electronic albums of all time."

Track Listing

1. Cloud Cuckoo Land 2. All Said and Done 3. Music from Es 4. Cosmic Comic 5. Underwater 6. Burning

Personnel

* Paul Beaver - synthesizers, tape loops, Tibetan singing bowls * Richard Dunn - guitars, bass, drums * John Surman - saxophones, flute, oboe

Production

* Producer: George Martin * Engineer: Geoff Emerick * Studio: Abbey Road Studios, London

Release

* Label: Harvest Records * Release date: 1970

Legacy

Third Ear has had a profound influence on the development of electronic music. The album's innovative sound and experimental approach have made it a classic of the genre, and it remains essential listening for audiophiles and music lovers alike.

Third Ear has been cited as an inspiration by a number of artists, including David Bowie, Brian Eno, and Aphex Twin. The album has also been featured in a number of films and television shows, including Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey and David Lynch's Twin Peaks.

Third Ear is a truly unique and groundbreaking album that deserves its place as a classic of electronic music. The album's innovative sound and experimental approach continue to inspire musicians and listeners alike, and it remains essential listening for anyone interested in the history of electronic music.

Funk: Third Ear - The Essential Listening Companion (Third Ear: The Essential Listening Companion Series)

by Dave Thompson

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	26884 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	400 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Paperback	:	64 pages
Item Weight	:	7.8 ounces
Dimensions	:	8.5 x 0.16 x 11 inches

FREE