"Day One" is one of a planned series of single-stretch CDs which subvert the idea of 'Relaxation CDs' - in this case a certain steadiness and calmness of mind *does* tend to arise from concentrating on the piece or playing it when you're in bed. Future examples may contradict this basic function in more direct ways. The piece runs for 74 minutes and it generally soft and abstract.
"Day One" is the prototype for a series of CD-length pieces. In the early years of the 21st century two ideas are very widespread: one is that of functional music, a strong example being the "Relaxation CD" - the idea is that by playing the music (or sounds, typically, such as waves, etc.) the mind will become calmed and sleep/relaxation will be easier as a result. The other idea is that of "Relaxing Classics", which tends to mean historical concert-music of the better-known variety, often compiled in cross-cultural pan-era CD mixers with the clear intent of aiding relaxation again. Both these ideas have a certain amount of merit, even though clearly both are deeply problematic in terms of "satisfying musical experiences". "Day One" is an attempt to look at the idea of music serving to 'relax', and over its CD-length stretch it remains calm, quiet and abstract. No "content" is allowed to dominate. Yet the music is "pure music" - there's no landscapes or extra-musical imagery here. The other interesting dimension to this is the fact that with "relaxation" and generally utilitised music the mode of communication is very much one to one: the product is designed to be used by a single person listening alone (presumably in bed or at the computer). That is certainly the best way to use this CD. Future examples of this series may more crudely *contradict* or in some way subvert the functional nature of the project. However in this case it's an attempt at making something worthwhile with the functional aspect built in from the start.
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