A Strangely Isolated Place

A Strangely Isolated Place

ASIN: B0002CHK18

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Ulrich Schnauss's A Strangely Isolated Place was released in Europe during May of 2003, but fans had to wait over a year for it to arrive on these shores. The Berliner's follow-up to Far Away Trains Passing By is another gentle and fascinating record, similarly drunk with melody. But Schnauss has augmented his electro-synth sound with tsunamis of huge, arching major chords that rival M83's over-the-top lushness. Shoegazer influences show up in the Slowdive-esque "Gone Forever," as well as the My Bloody Valentine buzz in "Clear Day". Despite Place's ethereal sheen, the bones of solid dance-ability are also here, as several clever DJs have already noted (see Sasha's use of "On My Own" for Involver). The record could use a few well-placed batches of noise to act as counterpoint, but long-suffering fans of early Cocteau Twins looking for a fix of dreamy songcraft should find much to love. --Matthew Cooke

Product Description
The domestic version of Schnauss' second album, originally released by Berlin/Manchester's City Centre Offices in May '03. Fuses the ambient electronics of Eno & Boards of Canada with Slowdive & My Bloody Valentine, with an emphasis on melody.

Tracks:

Gone Forever
On My Own
A Letter From Home
Monday - Paracetamol
Clear Day
Blumenthal
In The Wrong Place
A Strangely Isolated Place

Amazon.com

Ulrich Schnauss's A Strangely Isolated Place was released in Europe during May of 2003, but fans had to wait over a year for it to arrive on these shores. The Berliner's follow-up to Far Away Trains Passing By is another gentle and fascinating record, similarly drunk with melody. But Schnauss has augmented his electro-synth sound with tsunamis of huge, arching major chords that rival M83's over-the-top lushness. Shoegazer influences show up in the Slowdive-esque "Gone Forever," as well as the My Bloody Valentine buzz in "Clear Day". Despite Place's ethereal sheen, the bones of solid dance-ability are also here, as several clever DJs have already noted (see Sasha's use of "On My Own" for Involver). The record could use a few well-placed batches of noise to act as counterpoint, but long-suffering fans of early Cocteau Twins looking for a fix of dreamy songcraft should find much to love. --Matthew Cooke

Album Description

The domestic version of Schnauss' second album, originally released by Berlin/Manchester's City Centre Offices in May '03. Fuses the ambient electronics of Eno & Boards of Canada with Slowdive & My Bloody Valentine, with an emphasis on melody.

Customer Reviews:

a lavishly painted landscape.......2007-05-14

First of all, I discovered about Ulrich back in, I believe 2003 when Nick Warren was coming out with Global Underground Reykjavik, I believe his track Nobody's Home was on that compilation, as soon as I heard it I knew I had to look up this artist. I have to tell, ever since discovering about him he has NOT disappointed me. This guy is like the Beethoven of Ambient. I know some OR most will not or MIGHT not agree with that statement, but I just have not heard anybody come close to the music he creates. This guy does not just make music, he paints landscapes. Certain tracks that he makes (Monday - Paracetamol, Clear Day, Strangely Isolated Place) for instance, just sound so beautiful that I feel like I can't take it. I feel like that guy from "American Beauty" talking about "beauty in the world" It just all sounds so unbearably beautiful what Ulrich does with melodies. It's like he is capable of taking you on a trip with lavish landscapes - taking you out of the ordinary world and placing you in an extraordinary one. It's a ride that you never want to end. That ONE hour that is A STRANGELY ISOLATED PLACE is like an escape from reality - one that is just hard to describe simply by words - you have to HEAR it. It's an unforgettable experience. I have listened to so much music in my lifetime, especially anything that has to do with IDM or simply electronic, and Ulrich Schnauss is the ONE man that made me feel something special. His music is so powerful in this album (a lot more intense than FAT) that it invokes feelings in you that you might have never thought music would possibly do to you. I am really lost for words just like the dozens of people that already posted. This is like one of those albums you simply don't even NEED to hear a 30 second sample of.

10/10

I think this album will be remembered for ages to come and will be studied in the future. Masterpiece.

Once discovered you will be captivated.......2007-04-20

If you have never heard any of Ulrich Schnauss's music A Strangely Isolated Place is definitely the place to start. Beautiful melodic and atmospheric electronica with references to 'shoe-gazer' indie bands from the late 80s and early 90s. I have played this album to many friends, all of whom have become instant converts to Ulrich Schnauss's music. It is difficult to single out favourites but On My Own, Monday Paracetamol and the epic title track are defining moments on an album that looks set to become a classic. Buy this and its equally brilliant predecessor "Far Away Trains..." and you will never look back.

An Excellent Followup Album!.......2007-04-17

Trust me to be different, but I bought this CD first before experiencing the simpler delights of the superb first album "Far Away Trains Passing By". Like that album, this CD never strays far from my player...

This man's music communicates on so many different levels it's hard to categorise. At once soothing and yet stimulating too, each playing will affect you differently depending on your mood and you'll find an affinity with different tracks each time because of this I've found.

The sounds on this release compared to the first album are a bit more intense to me, with more complex mixes which can initially appear to muddy up the sound more than a bit. There's a fair bit of subtle pitch bending too in many of the tracks, so be advised of an undulating musical ride...

Along with "Neptunes" by Jerome Froese, the two CD album releases to date from Ulrich Schnauss were the real musical finds for me last year. I can't recommend them highly enough..........

Another Good One.......2007-03-14

Very ethereal as others have said. Chill electronic style similar to his first cd. He got a little edgier with a few tracks, but it is still a smooth cd to chill to overall and enjoy. a few tracks are top notch. can't wait for his next cd.

I have listened to this album..........2007-01-20

in the city streets, at home, out in the country, when it was rainy, when it was cloudy and it has always clicked.
For years I have been trying to find the Vangelis and Jarres of our era and Ulrich Schnauss comes pretty close. Very synthetic and organic melodies that transcend to many levels is what makes his melodies subtly addictive.
If you like this check Barbara Morgenstern out, start with "The Grass is Always Greener". And obviously Boards of Canada, any album.

Average customer rating:

A Strangely Isolated Place
Ulrich Schnauss
Manufacturer: City Centre Offices
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ambient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Electronic Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Electronica | Dance & DJ | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Dance & DJ | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000095S8T
Release Date: 2001-12-03

Tracks:

Gone Forever
On My Own
Letter from Home
Monday - Paracetamol
Clear Day
Blumenthal
In All the Wrong Places
Strangely Isolated Place

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