Gala Drop 'Drop'

Gala Drop 'Drop'

Nothing to do with bingo as far as I know, Gala Drop are four musical experimentalists from Lisbon, Portugal. This is the standout track on their 'Overcoat Heat EP' from 2010, which to their credit really does sound completely new and pioneering. Words like lilting, meandering and mesmerising also spring to mind. There's a short interview with one of the members over at the (always excellent) Test Pressing site, along with a mixtape for download. Also worth checking is GD's album from 2008 (pictured 'cos its got a better cover than the EP) for more involving and intrepid fusions of electronics and instruments.

Holger Czukay 'Fragrance'

Holger Czukay 'Fragrance'

As opposed to trying to describe in a few sentences the ants-in-his-pants, forward thinking sonic weirdness of Can's main man, just check out the video for 'Fragrance' instead. 'Cool In The Pool' is  another solo effort that represents unbeatable potential for deck chair shenanigans.

Beaver & Krause 'Another Part Of Time'

Beaver & Krause 'Another Part Of Time'

Beaver & Krause were a pair of pioneering experimental musicians who tested the limits and capabilities of early models of the Moog synthesizer in the late '60's. They introduced said gadget to bands like The Monkees, The Byrds and The Doors. This track is taken off their 1970 album 'In A Wild Sanctuary' which also features a track called 'Spaced' - the end of which was the basis for the famous gliding synth soundtrack to the THX logo in cinemas. Another track off the album 'People's Park' was recently incorporated in an excellent mixtape called Purple Brain, for lovers of sonic weirdness and obscure musical marriages.