Mute

M83 is one of modern music's best-kept secrets. The moniker of Anthony Gonzalez, M83 takes its name from a galaxy, which is wholly appropriate, given that his music shines and sparkles like the stars.

Electronic music rarely is both experimental and accessible, but through five albums now, the tunes of M83 have forged new ground while soothing Eustachian tubes. "Saturdays = Youth" may be a good starting point for anyone not a member of the club, as informed as it is by Eighties synth tunes.

Seriously, some tracks' "Kim and Jessie" and the single "Graveyard Girl" in particular' sound like they were lifted off the sound tracks of any given John Hughes movie. There's also a hint of Kate Bush in the occasional female vocals, which tease in a call-and-response manner to Gonzalez's utterings, often synthesized to near-whispers. "Saturdays = Youth" equals music magic.

"”Rod Lott