Pauline Oliveros' seminal work, Alien Bog / Beautiful Soop, is a groundbreaking compilation that showcases her pioneering spirit in the realm of electronic music. Released in 1997 on the Pogus label, this album is a testament to Oliveros' innovative approach to sound experimentation. The two compositions, 'Alien Bog' (1967) and 'Beautiful Soop' (1966), were created using the original Buchla Box 100 series synthesizer, designed by Don Buchla for the Tape Music Center at Mills College, where Oliveros was the first director.
These vintage electronic pieces demonstrate Oliveros' fascination with the sonic possibilities of the Buchla synthesizer, as well as her tape delay system. The sounds that emanate from these compositions are a direct result of her experimentation with the equipment, often inspired by her surroundings, such as the frog pond outside the studio window at Mills College. The resulting music is a unique blend of drone, avant-garde, minimalism, ambient, and experimental genres, which have had a profound influence on the development of American music.
As a senior figure in contemporary American music, Pauline Oliveros has profoundly impacted the music scene through her work with improvisation, meditation, electronic music, myth, and ritual. Her concept of "Deep Listening" has also been instrumental in shaping her approach to music. This album, Alien Bog / Beautiful Soop, is a rare opportunity to experience Oliveros' early electronic works, which have been widely acclaimed for their innovative and visionary approach to sound art. With a total duration of 1 hour, this compilation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolution of electronic music and the pioneering work of Pauline Oliveros.
