Customer Reviews

Orbital (Green Album)

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

 

 

This is a response to the reviewer from Montreal; the reason that you have heard these sounds prior to hearing this album is likely because you've listened to the artists who ripped them off. Look at the date of the release and then judge again. This album was one of the first to break from the thumping of early techno, proving that dance music could indeed have depth and a soul to it. Along with Richard James (AFX), Orbital were among the first to experiment with a mix of up-tempo techno breaks with ambient soundscapes; given its release date, it's easy to understand why this album contains more the former and less the latter. Were this album released today, it would not be as impressive as it is, becuase many additional artists have directed their attempts at melding these seemingly incongruous musical styles; however, this would be impossible, given that the Hartnoll's have been responisble for a large part of ambient techno's direction (and electronica in general's direction)since this was first cut. True, the Hartnoll's have progressed a great distance from this early release, but that is the nature of great musicians. They have proven their merits by building upon their early successes. I still love this album, much as I do the brown album, for the originality it encapsulates; all those who've attempted since this release have not been able to produce as intriguing a mix of high-energy dance-hall techno with Phillip Glass-style introspection. Eons after its release (given the youth of this genre), this album is still brilliant and has, I would contend, not aged at all.

It's just not the Orbital I'm used to. The album, also known as the 'Green Album', is actually a collection of singles and tracks made from 1989 to 1991. I don't want to be taken wrongly - this is a good album. There are 'Satan', 'Chime', 'Belfast' and 'Midnight'. These are great songs that are "carrying" the Orbital trademark that the latter albums have. And taking a closer listen, well... it doesn't have the emotions and the "atmospheric landscape sound" of like, let's say 'In-Sides' and 'Orbital 2'.

If you're an Orbital fan and don't have the 'Green Album', than don't hesitate for a minute - this is a must have, so you'll be able to listen to the early sound (late 80's/early 90's) of Orbital's work. But not a good place for a start; rather than this get the two albums I mentioned earlier ('I-S' and 'O2') to get the full listening pleasure of the ethereal music of the Hartnoll brothers.

The eponymous "lime green" Orbital CD is, more or less, the first release by the brothers Hartnoll.

I'm a bit conflicted over whether to rate it 3 or 4 stars, but I'll go with 3. Not because it's a poor effort, or because I particularly disliked anything on it, but because it doesn't exhibit the hallmarks of "classic Orbital" that sprang abruptly into being with the release of Orbital 2.

This first album is a collection of disjoint dance tunes. All are competently written and executed. Some are exceedingly catchy and/or clever (I'm always a sucker for a "one cool sound" tune like Oolaa). But others weren't, apparently, fully formed at the time of this recording. The version of Satan on this album suffers tremendously when compared with their later recordings of it--for example, the tweeter-abusing "Industry Standard" mix on the In Sides bonus CD.

This album has a good many fans and I count myself among them. It doesn't have the continuous "flow" that characterizes other Orbital albums, nor the same quality of material. But we Orbital fanatics are compulsive completists, and the Time Will Come when you have nothing left to buy but the lime-green album. When that moment has arrived, find the best stereo you can, turn it way up, and play track #6.

One last note. Is it just me, or is there anyone else out there who thinks "Oolaa" might have been inspired by the chorus of "Ullah" in Jeff Wayne's War of the Worlds? Call me crazy ....

Although this album has some moments that are less than exciting, people should realise that the US version includes Chime, Satan and Belfast, which are 3 of electronic music's best known anthems. In general the album mirrors the house/rave scene that the band were emerging from. They were to grow up to be the one electronic band that commanded respect, both in the studio and in their live shows, from every part of the music media.
This album is the start of a very special band indeed.

It can be superb in parts, for example the classic 'Chime' and the superb 'Belfast' but the majority of the other tracks show a group in its early phase, forming new and better ideas to come.

For fans of the group it is a must have. I wouldn't recommend it for an introduction to the music of Orbital for new listeners. Try 'Insides' and 'Snivilisation' first.

Orbital's FIRST full album, released both in the US and the UK was a testiment to their talent, but not yet the full realization of it.

"Belfast" will ALWAYS be a classic, no matter what anybody says. The soothing female vocals add an ambiance unlike any other...

"The Moebius" is a wonderful, different, yet slightly dissonant piece sprinkled through with vocal samples at just the right times.. After listening to it for the first time, I had goosebumps... Odd indeed....

The "Speed Freak" remix by Moby was rather disapointing. It sounds great, don't get me wrong there, but not nearly as good as the brothers themselves had intended it to be. It was only included in the US release because the record label wanted an American artist on it. Sad...

"Farenheit 3D3" definately makes proficient use of the stereo channels, and has great melody and beat.

"Desert Storm" is obviously a comment on the situation in Iraq at the time, and captures a desert military anthem frozen in time... Another odd one.

"Chime" was Orbital's first single release back in the old days, and is probably one of their all time best..

"Satan" caused a stir in both sides of the big pond when it was released because of it's "non-wholesome" name, but it's really just a spoof on so called "death metal". But unless you understand the purpose, it's not that great.

"Choice" was aired on a Brittish radio station for Bosnian peace efforts and really sends the point home. "peace or annilation!"

"Midnight" closes out the CD with a slowed down beat and some marimbas to boot...

In short, this cd, well, DEFINATELY deserves it's place in the CD collections of fans of everything from Baroque Classical (the timing is impecable) to modern "rock", and is probably the most valuble CD in my collection. Maybe it will be in yours some day?

The popular view among electronic hipsters seems to be that Orbital's golden period was Orbital 2, Snivilisation and In-Sides, a time during which the duo did indeed add remarkable depth to their sound. The time is ripe to re-evaluate this view, however. While I agree that the last two releases - Middle of Nowhere and the Altogether - veer more towards "serious" music and fail to capture the excitement of Orbital 2, the inventiveness of Snivilisation or the sheer scope of In-Sides, Orbital 1 towers above them all in terms of sheer musical power. Don't believe me? Just listen to it with fresh ears. In 10 years time, the 'Green' album will be regarded as Orbital's best album, with the brown album (Orbital 2) and In-Sides jostling for second place.
There's a musical sheen and homogeniety to this album that is comparable to Beatles' Sgt. Pepper. And like that record can be enjoyed in a single listen from start to finish, which, in my opinion, just isn't possible with the sprawling Snivilisation or In-Sides. In short Orbital 1's strength lies in its homogeneity, purity and excitement. Not just a cult rave album, then, but a must in any CD collection.

When it comes to speaking of the gods of electronic music, such as Orbital, you should never ever use 'catchy' phrases or even try to classify them with a style. Without any doubt, Orbital is one of the most original-sounding bands around. Considering that they use synthesizers and electronic equipment in general to write their songs, it is quite clear that they are electronic, but that's as close as one can get toward generalizing Orbital.

Now let me explain. This album by itself can be viewed as a mediocre job, as some reviews here pointed. Yet being one of the huge Orbital fans I can hardly believe that some would not consider this a masterpiece. Mainly, this is the beginning for Orbital, and it is also this very experimental album. I think that the GREEN ALBUM is quite interesting to listen to in general. It is a symbolic beginning of the fantastic electronic music that developed over the years. If you are a hardcore Orbital fan, you should defenately consider buying this, if you do not own this already. As for the attack expressed in one of the other reviews, which called Chime 'a terrible song' I'd really recommend that person going seeing Orbital Live, and you would know what makes the song great. I also think that Chime is great because for the first time someone tried soemthign OTHER than acidic riffs and same repetitive beat.

Although I gave this five stars and I do believe that this album is one of my all-time favorites, I seriously doubt that this album will make you love Orbital. If you are unsure, go buy In-Sides, You cannot lose with that one. If you Have In-Sides, I'd recommend buying Middle of Nowhere before this one, just to make sure that you ARE an ORBITAL frea.

When people talk about the great albums of Orbital, they always talk about the brown album or Orbital 2 where Orbital really came into their own or In-Sides which features Orbital at their best in experimentation. However, the "green" album or Orbital 1 should not be overlooked. This is great, happy house music at its finest. Some great tracks abound here including Chime, Ooo Laa, Belfast, and Satan. The last track would have 2 different versions that would pop up on the bonus CD of In-Sides. However, my favorite track may be Speed Freak as it has an absolutely unreal re-mix by one of my all-time favorites and techno God, Moby. This CD is worth buying just for this one track. So, the next time people are trying to tell you what the best Orbital CD is, just sit there and smile and say, "Yea, the brown album and In-Sides are great, but the green album is just as good. It is definitely the most danceable."

what was the "What the Critics Say:" reviewer thinking when he wrote the review shown along with the disk? If techno/UK dance ever gets this good again, let me know. Saw them live in 1992, will never forget 25 min. version of Chime, 'still makes my hair stand on end thinking about it. THATS GOOD!