Thomas Dolby The Gate To The Mind's Eye (1994)

Thomas Dolby - The Gate To The Mind's Eye (1994)

The Gate to the Mind's Eye is the third computer animated odyssey in the "Mind's Eye" series. The Gate synergizes the very latest in computer animation artistry and technology with an original musical score by renowned composer Thomas Dolby, creating a very intense visual-music experience. The most phenomenal new computer animation is presented, including work from Sega, ExMachina, Boss Films, BUF, Angel Studios, Ex Nihilo, Metrolight Studios, MacGuff Ligne, Links Corporation, Rhythm & Hues, Kleiser-Walczak, RezN.8 Productions, Topix, Riff, XAOS, Lamb & Company, Santa Barbara Studios, Karl Sims and Jun Watanabe, etc.

The most basic compilation for American audiences interested in Pete Namlook's Fax Records is a two-disc set including tracks from Namlook guises Air, the Putney, 4Voice and Shades of Orion. A host of other Fax favorites make appearances: Plastikman's Richie Hawtin on the epic From Within track "Sad Alliance," Deep Space Network and Dr. Atmo on I.F.'s "Kisy Loa," Atom Heart and Tetsu Inoue on their Datacide track "Data Haku." Fax is easily the most traditional-sounding ambient label, and the music would make an equally strong impression on fans of Hearts of Space and Basic Channel.

A characteristically humongous (8-CD) box set from the wonderful obsessive-compulsives at Bear Family, documenting the Killer's '60s tenure at Smash Records. Lewis made consistently good music during this period, but the combination of his personal scandals and the British Invasion made him a pariah to radio programmers until mid-decade, when he returned to his country roots. Highlights of the set include the entirety of a Texas live show, with Lewis and his crack band rendering various early rock standards at dangerously high (i.e., proto punk) speed, some excellent duets with his (then) wife Linda Gail, and gorgeous renditions of standards like Willie Nelson's "Funny How Time Slips Away" and Merle Haggard's "Lonesome Fugitive." Lewis fans with deep pockets should grab this one immediately…