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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
US fans rejoice, August 23, 1998
By A Customer
This US-only compilation gives us some of the best of the Hartnolls' best post-'Brown Album' work. Diversions is essentially two UK singles (The Peel Sessions EP and the Lush 3 single) minus the songs already released stateside (Attached from the Peel Session disk and Lush 3-1 and 3-2). Don't be deceived by the fact that there are only six songs; this is an album-length release, with four 10+ minute tracks.Impact USA updates the Orbital 2 track for stand-alone listening; added bass and synth lines make it more complex than the original, more dancey, and ultimately more enjoyable. Lush 3/Walk About is a live track from John Peel's legendary UK show. Orbital's live performances have always surpassed their studio work and this is no exception. Almost 15 minutes of pure electronic bliss, with enough new elements added to distinguish it from the album versions. Semi-detached started out as another Lush 3 remix, but somehow mutated into a different entity. It is quieter that the other tracks, verging into ambient territory, but the burbling synths keep interest throughout. Lush 3-5 and Lush 3-4 are a lull in the disk. It's not to say that they aren't good, but they both use too much of the original tracks as a backbone. There are different drum tracks and new synth squiggles, but nothing really interesting. Luckily, these are also the two shortest songs. Lush 3-3 makes up for it's predecessors' failings; representing a meeting of two of the greatest trance groups, it is no less than incredible. Underworld take Lush 3 and remake it in their own image. Sequences that are paridoxically hypnotic and urgent envelop the entire song, propelling it onward with freight-train force. And just for good measure, a dash of wah-wah guitar is layered on top to stunning effect. Diversions makes a wonderful companion piece to Orbital 2 for those who cannot get their hands on the original import singles and is well worth seeking out.
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