In the new wave of Japanese contemporary music, Akira Nishimura is the front-runner for the "heterophonic concept." Using droning melodic variations, Nishimura creates a spacious kind of zen spikiness that can either calm the soul or mystify the mind. Nishimura exhibits a particular concern with t

20th-century music, Contemplative, Eclectic, Ethereal, Hypnotic, Layered, Silence, Spiritual

During the climactic battle scene in Kurosawa's "Ran," the camera gazes on soldiers pierced with arrows or thrust against burning battlements. In the castle tower, a patriarch searches in vain for a sword with which to commit hara-kiri. As our eyes take in the tragedy, we hear neither the cries of me

20th-century music, Contemplative, Ethereal, Moody, Organic, Silence

With a syrupy-sweet, breathy voice, Kahimi Karie whispers in our ears in a decidedly child-like way. But before we can dismiss her as cloying, she seduces us with hip, happy, delirium-invoking pop music. Of course, her beauty and unabashed sex appeal don't hurt. But don't be fooled: her music is as s

Bright, Bubblicious, Candy, Ethereal, Pop, Smarty arty pop

Multi-instrumentalist Brendan Perry and classically trained singer Lisa Gerrard are both of Anglo-Irish heritage. They first met halfway around the world, however, in Melbourne, Australia, in 1981. There, they made their first recording and established their signature ethereal style. Soon after, they

Ethereal, Goth music, Hypnotic, Intimate, Lyrical, Moody, Pathos, Spiritual