The Beautiful Experiments of the Lovely Music Record Label

[@diamond_marimba]

I put some links in the description with the discography, full interview and the music played.

[@wolsonjr]

A favorite label - Ashley is one of my most favorite composers/artists. I consider myself fortunate to have many of these LPs along with some CD reissues. The work they did was incredible.

[@seekingathread]

Watched when you dropped this but have to say how much I enjoyed it. Had no idea the discography was as large as it was and that you have as many as you do. And always love a nature scene. And nice to hear the history and voice of Mimi Johnson. Definitely on the look for some though I did sell that Garrett List

[@stefangieck2914]

Wow! Insane collection!

[@michaelvalentini4869]

Alex, delightful video, perfect set and setting for the Lovely label. I bought that Mills College box set, when it first came out. Ramon Sender has a short piece on it, he is an unknown Giant, in the world of electronic music! Lucier was born in New Hampshire and went to school here in Rhode Island, he went to The Portsmouth Abbey, run by Catholic, Benedictine monks. He had an epiphany, when he witnessed a monk in quiet meditation, for more than one hour. His epiphany was more of a musical one rather than a religious one. He was impressed by the monk's ability to focus in deep thought, in complete silence for one hour. He started to wonder about the monk's brain waves. Lucier spent a good portion of his life in Connecticut, teaching at Wesleyan. Great choice in letting Mimi handle the overview as you showed us her offerings.

[@Localbandography]

Great setting Alex. I think I only have the Vernal Equinox LP from Hassell. Will need to correct that.

[@diamond_marimba]

the George Lewis you'd dig for sure

[@ButteryDigs]

Amazing video, had only known of the “bigger” titles on this label, I think I showed the Blue Gene Out of the Blue and Private Parts when the reissues came out. I almost had to laugh when the Rick Ballard name pop up in the audio, the guy seemed to have his fingers in many pies!

[@diamond_marimba]

yes only about 10 have been reissued thus far, but many of these remain pretty cheap in the grand scheme. the Rick Ballard legend grows...

[@Sonorgie]

Lovely music indeed and the scenery is just breathtaking! What a work out that must‘ve been to carry all those records with you and how fortunate you are to be able to do this and share all this joy with us. If only I could click my Ruby Red Slippers and soar there now! ✨

[@diamond_marimba]

hey Riccarda, good to hear from you. it was deceptively easy as I took all the records out before leaving the house. hope you're well!

[@christopherkibler511]

Thanks Alex. Good reminder of many titles that I would like. Take care, Chris

[@diamond_marimba]

treat yourself

[@gorvo31]

Hey Alex, Really good catching up with you, and indeed, in an appropriately lovely setting! I just have several of these on reissued CDs, and some even on different labels, not realizing they were originally on Lovely. Gosh, this brings me back to the 90's and early 00's discovering quite a few of these artists for myself, Alvin, Gordon, Meredith, of course Pauline...You may have me going back down that rabbit hole. Thanks for sharing this. Loved the approach you took with interspersing the interview and music with the showings. Hope all's well your way. -Carm

[@diamond_marimba]

hey carm great to hear you were inspired, what's why we do this after all. I haven't played many of these myself, maybe I'll play some on a video next year.

[@juliusjabbar1011]

l never see old copies of Lovely, just the few reissues that have been put out recently. l've been wanting that One Hour for Piano... might be time to order it....l haven't been to mt. baldy since the 90s, it looks more ideal than l remember.... cheers

[@diamond_marimba]

there's a cafe if you take the ski lift up I hear, we should go sometime

[@TheVinylverse]

Really beautiful video, Alex. What a perfect setting. This is timely for me as I just watched a few recent documentaries about experimental musicians including A Life In Waves about Suzanne Ciani and Sisters With Transistors. Seeing you show Elaine Radigue and Pauline Oliveros is cool because they have been top of mind. Thanks for sharing your collection! I’ll be on the search for this label now.

[@miketomlin6040]

You have Lovely Big Ears. It is a label with mixed outputs. Private Parts, to my ears, is one of the top 50 vinyls of the 20th century. I recall being fascinated by the 'opera' when it was shown on UK TV, Channel 4, back in 1984! Hypnotic, took you back to a womb like state fused with intelligence.

[@diamond_marimba]

my 10 yearly old loves to test boundaries, you're in good company mike.

[@miketomlin6040]

@@diamond_marimba Breeding certainly isnt' ''lovely'', the Anti Natalist positon is beyond reproach. However if one has bypassed ethics, or has an immunity to common sense, it's a good idea to encourage a 10year old to test ideas and soundscapes.

[@pgpg4963]

Love this label. Bravo Alex

[@michaelpdawson]

Beautiful video, wonderful label. Wish I could find more of this material (and that I had not sold some of the vinyl I previously had). I purchased a NM copy of the Roger Reynolds Voicespace LP online that was destroyed by the USPS. I found another copy locally (at Rick Ballard's shop!) but it has an unfortunate pressing flaw.

[@diamond_marimba]

thanks Michael, I know you've mentioned being a student of Pauline's before (correct me if I'm misremembering). did you cross paths with others from mills?

[@michaelpdawson]

@@diamond_marimba Unfortunately I never had any connection with the Mills crowd per se. I studied with Pauline at UC San Diego in the mid '70s.

[@soundofminder]

Beautifully shot in a beautiful environment. Looks very similar to the Foothills of the Rockies here in CO. Definitely need to dig deeper into this label, I have only 2 records, one of which is a reissue. I really hope you didn’t have to hike too far up carrying all those records.

[@diamond_marimba]

thanks, it was a beautiful day for sure though I thought it might rain. lots of these records are still cheap online and about ten have been reissued.

[@rufus4023]

Love the concept, do more of these outside/experimental things

[@diamond_marimba]

yeah I'll definitely try

[@the-vinyl-dreamscape5084]

It's an interesting topic; experimental music. What is it? And why do we need this outlet in addition to the more mainstream sounds? I suppose I see it the way I do politics or philosophy. That we must look beyond the limits of what is presented to us. Noam Chomsky called these limitations, manufactured consent in politics. Perhaps the same is true of music and culture? The Lovely Music is pushing beyond the limits and discovering more. And no mission could be more important. I've never heard of this label but I will certainly look into their release. The short interview goes perfectly with the video and background music. (Did you say the name of the music in the background)?

[@diamond_marimba]

much to unpack and discuss, maybe you can join one of dom's upcoming livestreams? the credits are in the description, that was david behrman.

[@the-vinyl-dreamscape5084]

@@diamond_marimba Dom’s last live stream was really good. I’ll definitely be watching for the next. Sorry to throw all that out there; your video just got me thinking about why I have made an effort to find music so many of my friends and family would reject. I’ll be looking into the links you provided. Thank you. Cheers.