Disassociating with The Chemical Brothers

[whirlygirl]

I find myself using music a lot more these days to set aside time to disassociate, meditate, self soothe and to generally unplug from all the noise. Sure I could drink more and smoke more pot, but I'd much rather unplug with the Chems. It's probably much healthier, as long as I'm managing my audio levels haha. Anyway. I've listened to the RAR Chemical Chill mix on SoundCloud (which is an absolute gem) an embarrassing number of times a while back, so rather than lean on that I'd love to know what YOUR favorites are - the more chill, relaxed and soothing side of Chemical Brothers you find yourself turning to when you need some downtime.

Lay it all on. ❤️

[Stefan]

Yes, absolutely! It is so important to find healthy ways to get away from everything, even if it is just for an hour or half an hour.

[Bosco]

For me, it's low stress nature walks where you can repeat the path frequently and it becomes second nature (ha!). Add isolation, music, and decent walking weather, and suddenly my brain gets caught up in higher state of conciseness. Thinking doesn't become stressful, but instead insightful and fulfilling. My imagination is sharper, my attitude is calm, and suddenly grateful for the things in front of me.

Anyways, the music that helps enhance the experience the most is predominantly instrumental music. I tend to lean to a lot of Soundtrack/Scores.

Examples:

Carter Burwell & Rob Kleiner - Ballad of Buster Scruggs Soundtrack
Angelo Badalamenti - Twin Peaks Soundtrack(s)
Nick Cave & Warren Ellis - The Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford Soundtrack


and then since I'm not sure if you were only asking in the constraints of Chemical Brothers work...

Of course 'Further' is just a lovely album to get lost in. Maybe not exactly chill (would we consider anything "chill" on 'Further'?), but there is an optimal sense of movement to the album which is very adventure-like.

This cover of "Snow" is kinda chill (and emotional-like).

Wonder if Tom or Ed have heard that^.  Maybe with a little more mastering, I think it's worthy of an official type release.

[hstn]

I feel like nobody ever talks about how touching Close Your Eyes is, even if I'm still not completely sure what the song means it's always been so comforting to me over the years, just trying to rest from all the pain you're feeling and trying to think "what if...."

The mantra/refrain at the climax "what if it all were to change like I thought it would" still moves me even now both in the studio and Live 05 versions

if we're sharing cover versions someone did a really beautiful piano rendition many years ago
https://soundcloud.com/xill/chemical-brothers-close-your

[Fine Time]

I selected Pioneer Skies a few days ago , amazing layering and mixing on that track , sorts your head out that one. I absolutely love the live Chemical versions of Wide Open , and , also , often find myself going back to my old favourites from the '95 era - Chico's Groove and One Too Many Mornings , , arrhh those blissed out beats , i never tire of hearing them.

[Bosco]

'95 era - Chico's Groove and One Too Many Mornings , , arrhh those blissed out beats , i never tire of hearing them.

Hear hear!

The Private Reels from the 93-03 DVD, helped me further appreciate these gems!

[whirlygirl]

Oh! So many good ones mentioned to add to a playlist (and the non-chems ones are appreciated too!) Chico's Groove and One Too Many Mornings is pretty much perfection for that playlist I had in mind. And I love reading how songs like Close Your Eyes connect in such a comforting way. 

I do have my hobbies to tune out completely (where I live it is noisy and busy 24/7) - I walk a ton, and hike in the canyons and hills when I can. I am at home most days and there is always music playing from my bedroom or my office. Not blasting loud, but just enough to allow the music to drift through the hall, and ever slightly down the stairs... I'm getting off track here...

The other day, Cylinders pulled me into a brief, wonderful little head state. It's so easy to slip into its ambient and womblike perfection. It feels so warm and cozy, like being snuggled in a puffy blanket watching the starry night sky fade into a rosy pink sunrise. I love this on headphones, but I adore it even more when this song is gently swirling around a room. 

[Explud]

I'd love to know what YOUR favorites are - the more chill, relaxed and soothing side of Chemical Brothers you find yourself turning to when you need some downtime.

Chico's Groove
One Too Many Mornings
Lost in the K-Hole
Pioneer Skies
Hold Tight London
Surface to Air
Harpoons

[ThePumisher]

The Pills Won't Help You Now [Instrumental]

and the non-chems ones are appreciated too

Moby - Blue Paper
FC/Kahuna & Hafdís Huld - Hayling

[Wolkenkrabber]

Swastika Eyes - Chems mix
(Wait, am I doing this right?)

[ThePumisher]

am I doing this right?

Yes & No


(i don't hink there's a wrong posting here)

[whitelabel84]

Anyway. I've listened to the RAR Chemical Chill mix on SoundCloud (which is an absolute gem) 

Hey whirlygirl, thank you so much for re-sharing this mix. I cannot believe I've never seen nor heard of this!
I'm currently listening to it now, finishing beautifully with Where Do I Begin - absolutely brillaint!
Thanks again.

[hstn]

Swastika Eyes - Chems mix
(Wait, am I doing this right?)

that's more for the thread Radicalizing with The Chemical Brothers