What's similar to the soundtrack from Braid?
October 1, 2014 7:25 AM   Subscribe

For the past few days, I've been listening to the soundtrack from Braid on repeat, and it's just... perfect for the mood that I've been in. Help me branch out, and find other music that captures the exquisite warmth of the Braid Soundtrack.

I'm a particular fan of the way that Braid's soundtrack works well in both active and passive listening situations. Something with lyrics probably won't scratch that itch (but I'd still consider it!).

FWIW, I know nearly nothing about classical music.
posted by schmod to Media & Arts (9 answers total) 30 users marked this as a favorite
 
Best answer: Ah, you are describing my very favorite kind of music! I think Jonathan Blow, the guy who designed Braid, doesn't get nearly enough credit for the job he did selecting the music, which is a huge part of why that game is so amazing.

Some recommendations:

Riceboy Sleeps, an album by Jonsi (of Sigur Ros) and his partner
Everything by Tycho. I'm particularly fond of the album Dive.
This album by the band Readymade, particularly the song "Goodbye South Goodbye."
The genre of Celtic new age music scratches the same itch for me, and is usually what I have playing in the background in my office.
I also tend to love when this style of music is done with Asian touches. Jiang Xiao Qing is great for this.
Also, check out Hearts of Space, which is just amazing in its depth.

Finally, Blow assembled links to all of the artists in the Braid soundtrack, all of which have many more works available. Shira Kammen's "Music of Waters" is excellent.
posted by jbickers at 7:54 AM on October 1, 2014 [3 favorites]


Going old school minimalist here, but Music for Aiports is a classic.
posted by bensherman at 8:20 AM on October 1, 2014


This is such a solid game soundtrack! I'm reminded a lot of the soundtracks of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Hero (Tan Dun) for the first part. You might enjoy cello in general, like Zoë Keating and even Yo Yo Ma. The second piece sounds more celtic inspired, but it has the same hopefulness to it as Ma's collaborative, Appalachian Journey. The violin at 32:00 is Vanessa-Mae .. ish.
What's similar? Every modern dance performance done by your local University dance department or ballet company.
posted by lawliet at 9:58 AM on October 1, 2014


Lots and lots of recommendations in this Reddit thread - Music to listen to while coding.

I like the Daft Punk Tron soundtrack, and Trent Reznor/Atticus Ross's last few soundtracks.
posted by backwards guitar at 10:35 AM on October 1, 2014


Seconding Zoë Keating. You might enjoy Moondog and Penguin Cafe Orchestra
posted by florzinha at 10:50 AM on October 1, 2014


If you want similar music in another video game, check out Child of Light.
posted by melissasaurus at 12:08 PM on October 1, 2014


Best answer: Try "The Ninth Wave" by Kate Bush.
posted by Decani at 1:21 PM on October 1, 2014 [1 favorite]


You might like Mili - MuNiCa Cry of Pluto OST

Zoë Keating is also great and if you like cello music you should probably check out Hildur Guðnadóttir
posted by Gev at 1:44 PM on October 1, 2014


Response by poster: Try "The Ninth Wave" by Kate Bush.

OH MY GOD, YOU GUYS. HOUNDS OF LOVE HAS A SECOND SIDE??? MY COPY ONLY HAS 5 TRACKS!!!

HOW DID I NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS??? I AM SERIOUSLY GEEKING OUT RIGHT NOW.
posted by schmod at 1:50 PM on October 1, 2014


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