Harold Budd's "Budd Box" is a sprawling, immersive journey through the ambient, minimalist, shoegaze, and drone landscapes that the composer is renowned for. Released in 1981, this monumental collection spans six classic albums, offering a comprehensive exploration of Budd's early career. The box set includes "The Serpent (In Quicksilver)," "Abandoned Cities," "The White Arcades," "By The Dawn's Early Light," and more, each contributing to the album's staggering duration of over four hours.
The "Budd Box" is a treasure trove for both longtime fans and newcomers to Harold Budd's work. The 68-page booklet that accompanies the set is a delight in itself, featuring credits, poems, liner notes, interviews, and a wealth of visual content, all housed in a sturdy cardboard slipcase. The albums were recorded between 1980 and 1981 at various studios, including Poiema, Concorde, Music Grinder, and Speakeasy, capturing the essence of Budd's unique sound during this pivotal period.
With 57 songs spread across the six albums, "Budd Box" offers a diverse range of tracks that showcase Harold Budd's mastery of ambient and minimalist composition. From the ethereal "Afar" to the haunting "The Corpse At The Shooting Gallery," each piece is a testament to Budd's ability to create evocative, atmospheric music. The box set also includes collaborations, such as the 1986 collaboration with Cocteau Twins, adding another layer of depth to this already rich collection.
"Budd Box" is not just a collection of albums; it's a comprehensive exploration of Harold Budd's early work, presented with meticulous attention to detail. Whether you're a fan of ambient music, minimalist compositions, or simply appreciate beautifully crafted soundscapes, this box set is an essential addition to your collection.
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