Customer Reviews

777

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The bridge between Steve Hillage's previous solo work and the powerful dance hymns perfected on subsequent System 7 albums, this self-titled debut is undeniably essential for anyone who is interested in early-'90s electronica. Comprising members of The Orb and The Beloved, as well as DJs like Derrick May and Paul Oakenfold, plus other well-known techno/house artists, System 7 were very close to being a techno supergroup, at least during the first few years of their existence. This 14-track U.S. edition of "777" is much more rewarding purchase than the original U.K. release, containing two bonus tracks plus a stunning remix of "Miracle" by The Orb. Like Hillage's 1983 solo album "For to next/And not or", "777" is part instrumental, part vocal-oriented material, with typical Hillage themes that touch on devotional, spiritual, and pacific matters. The first two tracks, "Sunburst" and "Miracle", are the stand-out tracks, partially due to the fact that the other tracks draw their basic ideas from these two pieces and sound quite similar at times. Many songs make use of extended opening and closing sections, such as the 7 1/2-minute opener "Sunburst". Here, the listener is pleasantly assaulted with Hillage's sharp, gliding prog-rock guitar riffs, yet what a unique sound it is when heard on a techno-inflected album. The remix of "Miracle" is a vast improvement upon the ponderous original version; a strong dance track which is, again, colored by repetitive, ringing guitar chords and funky interludes with house piano. Although the vocal material is more classically structured and not as innovative it also manages to shine; "Bon humeur", in particular, creates an uplifting atmosphere, with its soulful lead vocals and Hillage's inspiring guitar work. "Strange quotations" with its great accordion melody and collective vocals is utterly unlike anything I've heard in the dance-pop genre. The rest of "777" does not come close to such heights, yet there are a few other engaging moments, especially the three collaborations with Derrick May. "Fractal liaison" features an improvised guitar solo and some beautiful ambient soundscapes while "Altitude" and "Listen" are primarily a showcase for May's progressive house beats. Also included are some more standard dance tunes like "Dog" and "Thunderdog". All in all, "777" succeeds in being a varied and cohesive collection of dance-pop songs with a special edge; it's an exploration of what traditionally trained musicians and more left-field collaborators can achieve together - and it's nice to see Hillage taking this chance again.

This is an oddly arranged album, and I'm confused as to whether it is indeed entirely System 7. It begins and ends with true techno, aged surprisingly well, and in between lies White Room-ish KLF territory. It's something like the pseudosoul pop one might hear on a mild bus route--not that it's altogether unpleasant--just a rather unwelcome contamination of instrumental purity. "Sunburst" is the obvious standout here, on a decent album with unusual continuity.

This is Hillage and Giraudy's first effort under the name 'System 7'. Why doesn't it say that, you ask? Well, Apple Computer at the time had decided to trademark the words 'System 7' and wouldn't allow this to come out in the USA under its proper name. Hence the little deception. Somewhat different from the trancier follow-ups, this album takes off from some of the ideas floating around in the wake of the late 80s UK rave/house scene, as well as some of the flava from Detroit from around the same period, and mixed it up with a bit of the Orb and KLF. Parts of this kind of remind me of a funkier, more soulful version of some of what Hillage was up to on "For To Next/And Not Or" back in the mid-80s, to be honest. It's an important and satisfying release, to be sure, but those of you who only know the 'electronica' side of techno need to be forewarned that this is a relic from the days before the marketing demons came up with that term, and prepare yourself for vocals, chords, and more than a little funky housey feel here and there. Enjoy the groove...

This is the U.S. version of the debut album from System 7 who ran into trouble using their name in the U.S.A. so changed it to 777. It is ,however, not just a straight copy of the U.K. version System 7. It includes some different mixes and a couple of extra tracks. So even if you have the original album it is still well worth getting (if you are a System 7 freak, like me). Plenty of A waves for your brain cells