This Binary Universe (repost for deleted links)

Amazon.com
BT's This Binary Universe is really a follow-up to his 2004 soundtrack to Monster, a brilliant work of cinematic moods and ambient Americana. It was unjustly ignored by both the Oscars and the Grammys, where it should have at least been nominated for Best Surround Sound Recording. None of that has stopped Brian Transeau from going further down this path of expansive ambient electronica that takes him out of the techno-pop and trance direction he had been pursuing. This Binary Universe taps into BT's classical side, with expansive arrangements and intricate, albeit minimalist, thematic development. From the opening of "All That Makes Us Human Continues," BT reveals himself as a master of Eno-esque melancholy, as simple melodies evolve through an electro-orchestral instrumental palette. Lounge jazz with solos in the key of abstract, plaintive arpeggiated guitars, electro marches, minimalist hymns, and pastoral dreamscapes drive an album that seeks out joy and redemption, but not without traveling through the dark. The last track, "Good Morning Kaia," is a paean to his newborn daughter, and the most purely anthemic track on the disc.

I suspect the real raison d'être of This Binary Universe is the accompanying 5:1 surround DVD. BT creates an immersive space that's less sonic pinball and more audio sculpture, often revealing different aspects of his music than in the stereo mix. Each song on the DVD has a unique video that includes antique robots, surreal landscape drawings, live action fantasies, and abstract designs. It's the best way to experience this music, but whether you watch the DVD or tune into the stereo CD, This Binary Universe may be the first ambient symphony of the 21st century. –John Diliberto

Product Description

1. All That Makes Us Human Continues
2. Dynamic Symmetry
3. The Internal Locus
4. 1.618
5. See You On The Other Side
6. The Antikythera Mechanism
7. Good Morning Kaia

Customer Reviews
If you come into This Binary Universe expecting a rehash of the utterly disappointing, yet mainstream friendly Emotional Technology, you're going to be disappointed. If all you want is generic trance and electronic-pop music, then look elsewhere.

Serious music fans, however, owe it to themselves to pick up BT's latest and greatest CD. Written mostly as a collection of lullabies for his daughter, Kaia, I can only describe it as majestic, unsurpassed beauty in musical form.

The sticker on the CD case contains the following quote:
"…it could well be studied as the first major electronic work of the new Millennium. It's that good.", Stephen Fortner, Keyboard Magazine

Stephen Fortner is not lying.

This record is a work of art. It's a masterpiece. It's a gift to everyone from one of the most innovative musicians working today and I feel blessed to have heard it and being allowed to share in something so obviously personal.

Never before has a record taken me through such a range of emotions; from pure elation and happiness, to deep, reflective sadness. It's the type of record that can give you hope - it's that remarkable.

"1.618" is so absurdly beautiful it doesn't seem like something that could even be created by a simple human being. "See You On The Other Side" is melancholy, yet so full of hope. The grand scope of "The Anhtkythera Mechanism" is nothing short of mindblowing, but it was the last track on the album that did it.

It was the first song to ever make me weep.

"Good Morning Kaia" is the single most beautiful piece of music I have ever experienced in all the years I have been alive. The accompanying video on the DVD features video footage and still pictures of BT and his daughter together and is so touching, so personal, that only the most jaded individual would find it difficult not to cry as they watch the unadulterated and unconditional love of a father for his daughter. As the pictures and private film rolls by, a message from father to daughter scrolls across the screen. Set to the music, it will move anyone with a heart and soul to tears, and parents themselves should keep a box of tissues handy.

In fact, the real treat of this album IS the DVD, not for the videos for each song. Sure, they're neat and filled with some beautiful and surrealistic CG imagery, but it's the DTS surround sound mix found on the DVD that is worth the extra cash. After hearing the 5.1 mix of the record, it almost seems unfair to listen to the 2-channel stereo recording on the CD.

This record, particularly the surround sound mix, pushes the boundaries of electronic music, yet it still retains much of that trademark BT sound with loads of stutters and filters. Yes, it's downtempo, but it's not a completely new direction for him. Anyone familiar with his film scores may find it somewhat comparable to his score for the film Monster. Personally, I'd rather see BT grow as an artist than make another record like Emotional Technology, which was a severe letdown after the brilliance of Movement In Still Life (by which I refer to the European version, not the cannibalized U.S. release).

I can only thank Mr. Brian Transeau for sharing this amazing work with us all and urge everybody with an open mind and an appreciation for music to purchase This Binary Universe.