Call me ignorant, but what does IDM exactly mean...

Intelligent Dance Music?

yeah, you got that right.

it was probably invented by some drunk music journalists.

not sure who penned or coined the name first, but I agree, it's not that great of a name...it can mean a variety of things actually

Warp's 'Artificial Intelligence' = 'Intelligent Dance Music'....apparently

I personally like Aphex Twin's "Noid" term better.

can't say I've ever heard the "noid" term you talk about, but will look into it, thanks for your input

what makes me most disgusted is the word "dance" included within this idiotic label. this music is meant to be admired with total focus on the listener's part. sure it's fine to dance to if you'd like, but you'll look like a donkey on speed.

but keep in mind, everything catagorized as IDM isn't just the speed thrashness of Venetian Snares, Doormouse or drill n bass workings of early Animals on Wheels and Squarepusher...

pretty stupid really, I've never liked the pinning down of this term, but I find it to be the best explanation to people that know nothing about it...

Imagine dancing to Venetian Snares .

I mentioned this somewhere before in this forum but I had to bring it up again.

I was in DC at the concert of Coldcut. I was dancing like having a seizure. and this kid came up next to me and asked me if I heard of Coldcut before the concert. I said, "yeah I had their album Let Us Play for a while." and then he asked me if I had any drugs. I was like "no, I don't do drugs." and he left. he probably thought I was on drugs to dance like that.

do you have to be on drugs to dance to that fast break beats? no, but I guess it would help.