Customer Reviews

Blue Album

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(22)
3 star:		(12)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Sure, Orbital always had the occasional dissonant numbers, but at their best, they made better melodies than just about any other techno band. Even when they made slow, melancholy tracks, the keyboards were always so clean and melodic as to lift one's spirits anyway, and when they were applied to loud, fast dance anthems with tough beats, like "Lush 3-1," the result was sheer Ecstasy. So it's kind of a surprise that the Blue Album really doesn't have much in the way of those bright-eyed, bushy-tailed melodies at all. On the contrary, the feel of the album is very ambiguous; even a pleasant diversion like "Bath Time" sounds a bit subdued, a bit uncertain. This is largely due to Orbital's use of the claustrophobic bass sound of early techno. Some of the chirping effects in "Transient" could have come from a decade-old Black Dog Productions track, and "Lost" has a cold, chiming melody that looks back to Autechre's first two albums.

As if to accentuate Orbital's newly dark aesthetic, "You Lot" steals the main rhythm from Underworld's timeless track "Dirty." The skittish synthesizer patterns in the same track are also very similar to those in Underworld's "Dark Hard." But where Underworld's night-time city was alternately menacing and sad, Orbital's is luminous and sterile, deliberately artificial like the highways and tunnels leading away from a major international airport. ("Pants" is a great track to listen to while driving in just such a setting.) The heavily distorted vocal samples at the end of "You Lot" call to mind another techno landmark, Juan Atkins' "Night Drive Through Babylon." To this classicist style, which has been dormant for so long (thanks to "jungle") that it actually sounds quite fresh on this album, Orbital add their recent interest in film music. The melody in "Easy Serv" sounds like it was stolen from some melancholy seventies-era romantic film; it would be perfect for watching the handsome protagonist walk past some bystanders down a rainy autumn street with a thoughtful look on his face. "Transient" has a violin melody at the end that would fit the opening credits of a pretty good noir film.

Unfortunately, Orbital also have a sense of humour, and on top of that they want to take one last stab at dance music, so we get "Acid Pants," which revolves around the repetition of an unbelievably obnoxious sample as drum machines whack away in the background. I doubt many people will dance to it. To make up for that, however, they also reprise a good Orbital tradition: vague social commentary in the form of foreboding samples. As longtime Orbital fans will recall, they did this back when they were protesting against the anti-rave Criminal Justice Bill of 1994 by inserting ominous film samples about totalitarianism into "Forever," the gorgeous opening track of their album Snivilisation. This time around, "You Lot" features a bloke expressing the view that mankind is insufficiently aware of the possible negative consequences of altering DNA and cultivating destructive bacteria. Ah, Orbital, always looking out for us.

"One Perfect Sunrise," the last track, seems like a pretty obvious rewrite of Orbital's well-known "Halcyon + On + On." Unfortunately, it doesn't have any hooks half as good as the guitar echo and the main rhythm of the 1992 hit, so the instrumental build-up isn't nearly as effective. However, it does have guest vocalist Lisa Gerrard (known for her work in Dead Can Dance, and more recently, for composing the score to the film Whale Rider), which goes very far indeed. As a singer, Gerrard is miles above Kirsty Hawkshaw, who did the airy cooing in "Halcyon + On + On," and entirely thanks to her, "One Perfect Sunrise" goes straight from a pointless rehash of Orbital's former glory to a song that nearly equals it.

I find myself wondering: who's going to be listening to this album five or ten years down the line? Orbital announced the end of their career before releasing it; they presented it as a deliberate swan song, a sort of album-length thank-you note to their fans. That deliberately retrospective approach already implies that the album isn't an effort to blaze exciting new trails in electronica (even though, in reality, it significantly departs from Orbital's established style, in feel if not in technique). It's as if Orbital themselves acknowledged that their time was past, and gave up in advance on any possibility of breaking new ground, which means that it's unlikely that any of the tracks on the album are going to become smash hits at Da Club. That's a shame, because it really is a pretty good album, and deserves a wide audience. Sure, it hasn't got the same highs as Orbital 2, but it's much more consistently good, and it makes a far better end to Orbital's career than The Altogether. Sorry to see you go, fellows.

Like many Orbital and music critics a like, save one or two songs, I was very dissapointed by The Altogether, Orbitals last album. It was a messy, uninspired, schizophrenic affair leaving me alienated. My favorite group had fallen from grace.

So I was pretty anxious as to what the Blue Album was going to sound like. I'm in the US so got it on import since I couldn't wait(however, I maybe missing out on some sort of deluxe edition like they did with the Altogether and InSides in the US)

Happy to say im pleasantly surprised! No its not as brilliant as their magnum opus Insides from 1997, but leaps and bounds better than the Altogether, and on par with or perhaps even better than Middle of Nowhere(which im still fond of)

You can hear every Orbital album reflected here, but in a new context. You'll hear elements of other Orbial songs contained within, or even the mash up of a few Orbital songs. It may seem lazy or too self referential, but it works here. It seems more subtle, more refined, more haunting than other Orbital releases. Definitely emotional and sometimes even achingly beautiful.

What it is missing from other Orbital albums is the complex interlocking melodies and counter melodies, multi movement songs, songs seguing from one to the next, and all the songs and the album in its entirety is much too short. (why they left two tracks off is beyond me).

But there is not a single song I hate or strongly dislike on here.
"Transient" is a beautiful and unexpected opener, very Philip Glass with its string and harpsichord arpeggios, with clanging electronics enveloping it. Unlike anything Orbital

"Pants" brings us back to trademark Orbital territory, evoking Dwr Budr from Insides

"Tunnel Vision" visits the dark paranoid side of Orbital.

"Lost" is slow burning and melodic

"You Lot" is definitely the album stunner. Its melodic and percussive then stops on a dime with lush beautiful pads, while a very Snivelization like sample about a man rambling on about man trying to outdo God

"Bath Time" may leave some heads scratching, like a demented children's show theme song, but there is a darkness behind it that grows on you. The mellotron on it is great.

"Acid Pants" turns the time machine to 1993 and is a banging acid stormer with a peculiar vocal from avant-pop group Sparks. You'll either love it or hate it.

"Easy Serv", like Bath Time may puzzle long time Orbital fans, but its a cute little melodic electro-Carribean number, complete with vibraphone. Don't take it too seriously.

"One Perfect Sunrise" is the albums closer, which seems to make perfect sense, sense it harks back to Brown Album like 4 to the floor kick drum Orbital glory with the lulling female vocal of Lisa Gerrard(sang on the Galdiator soundtrack). No its not as good as Halcyon+on+on, but evokes a similar old school rave vibe.

Its a great swan song to one of the best electronic music groups, and a marked improvement in quality and craft from their last album.

However I must say its hard pitting Orbital against Orbital. Because when you put Orbital up against modern day electronic dance music, few things can hold up. The attention to melody, detail and beauty that is so rare to find these days.

Unlike many other reviewers, this is my favourite orbital album, and i think it is a brilliant way to retire.
My track reviews are:

1. Transient: 9.5/10 - a nice start to the album with strage computer/ambient sounds. no percussion, a first for orbital.... i think. There is a nice climax at the end with strings.

2. Pants: 10/10 - Definately one of my favourites, a cool tune with loud, thumping percussion.

3. Tunnel Vision: 9.5/10 - Very intense drums, for an orbital song. builds up well and keeps you interested throughout.

4. Lost: 8/10 - one of my less favourite tracks, quieter thanlots of the other tracks. but works well inbeetween tunnel vision and you lot.

5. You Lot: 10/10 - my favourite orbital track of all time. from the very start you know that it is going to be good. with a catchy tune, a loud beat, and intresesting 'vocals'. the song builds up extremely to a brilliant finish.

6. Bath Time: 10/10 - another favourite with its somehow, funny tune that gets stuck in your head. a very light and happy song.

7. Acid Pants: 10/10 - with it's strange lyrics, loud rythems and synths this track is another standout. it gets you singing along to the tune.

8. Easy Serv: 7/10 - a filler i guess, it goes on a bit long and not really one of the tracks i listen to and is my least favourite track on the album. too much like elevator usic to me.

9. One Perfect Sunrise: 10/10 - The perfect way to end the final album by orbital, with orbital's trademark women's singing. The last 2 minutes or so of the song are pure genius.

overall, i think if you like orbital's type of music this won't dissapoint and i would reccomend it to all electronic/techno fans

Sadly, as Orbital releases its last album, I realize I completely missed the magic that Orbital has created over the years. I unfortunately found Orbital at the end, and man I'm bummed even so. The glory days of the 90's were not my era, but my love for techno and music in general is strong. This album, is beautiful. I hate to say it but besides this, I've only heard Orbital 1, Altogether, and Middle of Nowhere. What I have heard though, what I've listened to in complete musical bliss, is amazing. I'll leave the analysis of Orbital's career to the true fans. What I can say is that this album was made by a true musician. I bet some people are thinking, "Well duh, it's Orbital". You gotta realize, it's one of those things taken for granted. Who gives a sheet if there's no more albums on the way. This is true music.

I am one of the Orbital fans that finds "In Sides" to be probably the greatest techno album ever recorded. Compared to that, "Blue" isn't the best ever, but still ranks up there with "Brown" and "Yellow" as a classic.

My favorite songs after four of five listen-throughs are "Pants, "You Lot" and "One Perfect Sunrise". These are great songs, but the Hartnolls have gone away from what made "In Sides" (and "Snivilization) so special: the building and weaving of layer upon layer of counter melodies and rhythms that create the whole. The last three albums have all backed away from that a bit.

Unlike "The Altogether", there are no tracks I skip on a regular basis, however "Easy Serv" is wearing a bit thin. I like "Acid Pants", but I have to say that after all the hype about Sparks collaborating on this song, I expected more than eight words!!

To sum up, this is a terrific addition to the Orbital library, but for novices to the Orbital world, I recommend starting with "In Sides" or "Snivilization" before moving on the "color albums".

I came away with mixed feelings after listening to this album. If you're a casual fan of "Orbital" and are looking for the next "Orbital 2 (Brown Album)" or "In-Sides" (both of which are fantastic in their own right, mind you), you will probably not like this album. Yet, ironically, this is the most "danceable" Orbital album since "Orbital 2," but as "downtempo" tracks to open up a set. As a fan of "downtempo" / IDM, I was really quite surprised to hear it coming from Orbital. This is music I would sort of expect coming from Boards of Canada and the like, and, especially since this is the swan song for Orbital, I certainly didn't expect them to reinvent themselves. All-in-all, "The Blue Album" completely jarred my expectations, yet created something I very much like. I don't expect that all Orbital fans will greet this reinvention so receptively, though.

However, hints of classic "Orbital" are certainly throughout, such as the very "Snivilisation"-like, "You Lot." A fantastic track, but second, of course, to the very overpowering, "One Perfect Sunrise," which is really the highlight of the album, and one can see why the track was chosen to the only single for the album. The only track that really seems to not fit is "Acid Pants," and I've already heard a lot of complaints about it. Very interesting track overall, but kind of makes the mood disjointed. I think, though, that the track will likely grow on me with time.

Overall, though, I will admit that the knowledge that this album signaled the end of Orbital likely tainted my overall view of this album. I found myself listening to it a hint of sadness, but really came away with this being probably the "least" commercial Orbital album since Orbital 1 (Green Album). Hence, I'd have to say that it is a fitting end for Orbital.

It is said that the Hartnoll brothers behind Orbital decided to break up in favor of solo projects, due to the fact that they feel that they've exhausted their creativity together. Perhaps that's why this album is such a departure from their previous work. I sincerely hope that they follow through with plans for solo albums, because I can only hope as to where Orbital would have gone next, after this unexpected reinvention of an album.

Overall, I rate this four out of five stars, solely because I only reserve five stars for albums that I think are exceptionally classic and great. "The Blue Album" is very good, if you have an open mind and very diverse tastes in electronic music. I just don't know if I can call it "classic." I'll certainly keep it in my rotation, though, when I'm in a downtempo mood, and put on the other Orbital albums when I'm in a more upbeat mood.

Before I write this review I want to share a quick story. I first heard Orbital back in 1992 with a dance version of the song "Chime" and I was hooked. I would like to think that along with ,The Prodigy, I am one of the original Orbital fans.

I have all of their albums and was disappointed with the last two selections, "Middle of Nowhere" and "The Altogether." Now, to the "Blue Album." FINALLY!!! The return of Orbital to their roots. I was a bit skeptical when I first purchased this album, but when I knew the title of the album was a "color" I knew it had promise. Looking back at the original "Yellow" album and then what I consider is their best album, the "Brown" album I knew this was a departure from their last two albums.

What makes Orbital so unique is that they define electronica. They are one of the pioneers along with The Orb, Moby, Underworld, and even Aphex Twin.

Now, to the album. I like the build up of the first selection - Transient. My favorite tracks on the album are - You Lot and One Perfect Sunrise. Lost and Bath Time are also great selections. Overall, this album is worth buying if you enjoyed "Snivilization" and the "Brown Album."

Now to rank all of the Orbital albums and highlights of their best songs.

1) Brown Album - By far the best. Lush 3.1 and 3.2, Impact, Remind, and Halycon + On + On (9 minutes of pure heaven).
2) In Sides - The Box, Dwr Budr, Adnan's, Out There Somewhere? 7 & 8 (24 minutes long)
3) Snivilization - Forever, Sad But True, Are We Here? (15 minute song)
4) Blue Album - Transient, Lost, You Lot (best song), One Perfect Sunrise
5) Yellow Album - Chime (the one that started it all), Satan (remake is better - found on In Sides second CD)
6) Middle of Nowhere - Way Out, Nothing Left 1 & 2 (16 minutes), Style
7) The Altogether - Funny Break (mix is real good on second CD)

Orbital's progression, or perhaps evolution, expansion, maturation--none of these terms encompass the full extent of the incredible breadth and depth of their tracks over time. I feel strongly they are the archetype of their genre. I'm not saying that so I can use the word 'archetype', either! While individual tracks veer off into flirtations with various styles, the core sound is what you think of when remembering: that amazing night at the club where you melted into an icy yet delicious stranger who dropped something on your tounge so you saw the sounds as 'Tunnel Vision' from their Blue Album flowed forth from the club's almost too-loud-but-not-quite system. Later you consummated your flirtations with that now-glowing hottie while 'Lost' soaked you from your car's stereo--you were in the back seat, remember?
And oh yeah, some of the songs on this volume are a bit 'wack', but that's what gives them the crown--Orbital doesn't take themselves or the world too seriously.

First of all I am an Orbital fan and was lucky enough to see their live shows several times which were simply a phenomenal experience.
I was made aware of this album by KCRW here in LA who were playing 'You Lot' for some months up to Christmas. That track alone made me want to buy this album.
Overall it is familiar Orbital brilliance, but not quite there. I put this down to the fact that I am older now, listening at home or in the car, and with no little chemical helpers to enhance the listening pleasure ;)

However, 3 tracks really stand out. The above mentioned 'You Lot' - this really reminds me of their evangelical-style - this track literally gives me goosebumps and makes those memories very, very immediate and accesible once more. Ex-ravers will know exactly what I'm talking about here ;) Also I like the actor a lot whose voice this belongs to (you will recognise him as the blonde Army Captain in the movie '28 Days Later'). I have no idea where the sample comes from but it intrigues the hell out of me and carries me along as my arms demand to be raised in the air.

The next track is the acid track that has been mentioned a lot already. Yes this is one f^&*ed up voice sample that says to me 'kiddie rave' but in true orbital fashion, the repetition eventually and relentlessly sucks you in, into that hypnotic irresistable confusion, then at the perfect moment the track just hits overdrive and smacks you right in the brainhole as it lifts off in classic acid fashion, taking you to another planet instantly and making you shake your head at how they nailed this moment so well. Sorry to those that dont get this track, but these guys have not lost it, maybe you have..?

The 3rd track worth a mention is the last one. Here I feel a real sadness in that not only is it the Last Track on the Last Album, but it seems to me the baldy brothers are trying hard to recapture some of their classic tracks of the past - you know, the uplifting, melodic, emotional numbers that make you remember that girl you went raving with, or that group of friends you were very close to in those times. I feel they are trying just a little too hard and it feels a little too forced and a little dare I use the word, contrived? However it is still very enjoyable, very moving, and very Orbtital.

Have fun in your new work, lads - you will be missed hugely.

This is a band that brings back a lot of memories. And due to a lot of drug abuse, there was much more forgotten good times. Those were the carefree days. Going to the rave. Getting out of your head. Orbital were the soundtrack. And is the party ending so soon? And even though, like maybe of us, I didn't listen to techno music as much in the past four years as I did during most of the 1990s. Actually I did see Orbital three years ago in New York City and it was the best time I had in a while after 9/11. Even though I had given up on dance music, I thought it would go on without me. Apparently, Orbital must have an end. This album sees them going back to their minimal early days. There are classical moments of trance. There is a fondness for early Moog sounds. It's all around a fairly good album and Orbital will be missed. I am not sure if this is going to make anyone come back and take some E or Special K. But this can be heard as a fine summation of all that Orbital did and all the good times they can be associated with.