Premiers Symptomes [Extra tracks]

Air | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 14, 1999)
• Original Release Date: July 15, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Extra tracks
• Label: Astralwerks
• ASIN: B00000JXSA
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (67 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #19,518 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #21 in Music > Alternative Rock > Indie & Lo-Fi > Ambient Pop
  • #74 in Music > Dance & DJ > Trip-Hop
  • #83 in Music > World Music > Europe > Continental Europe > France

Editorial Reviews

HARD TO FIND AIR ALBUM Compilation of the first 3 air releases

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Premiere the "Symptomes", October 9, 2004

By 

E. A Solinas "ea_solinas" (MD USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Premiers Symptomes (Audio CD)

Since "Premiers Symptomes" means "first symptoms," it's appropriate that it's the name of Air's collection of early singles. This French duo created a warm sweep of electronica that sounded like a complete , which is only marred by two funky, rather awkward songs pasted on to the end.

"Modular Mix" kicks it off -- a dreamy song that sounds like the soundtrack for an underwater movie. "Casanova 70" and the languid "Les Professionals" add a lounge-y sound. And "J'Ai Dormi Sous L'Eau" and "Le Soleil Est Près de Moi" are sweet and slow , almost like a pair of trip-hop lullabies.

The rerelease of "Premiers Symptomes" was given a bonus -- two new tracks, "Californie" and "Brakes On." Well, they're a mixed blessing. They're actually very fun songs -- funky, dancey and "Californie" has a stretch of ethereal electronica halfway after about a minute. But they just don't quite mesh with the early work.

"Premiers Symptomes" was compiled of singles released before the hit "Moon Safari," and so it has something of the same dreamy feeling. It's only a half hour long, but it's worth it to get the the romantic blend of ambient, trip-hop, funk and a hint of 60s psychedelic pop -- in a word, sensual chillout music!

Songs like "Modular Mix" have layers upon layers of shimmering keyboard. But "Casanova 70" and "J'ai Dormi Sous L'Eau" favor a more jazzy sound, with synthesized horns behind some twittery synths, while the spacey beats of "Les Professionals" sounds like a rainy morning near an alien city. Beside all these smooth sounds, the brash, bass-heavy extra songs sound harsh to the ear.

"Premiers Symptomes" is a must-have for Air fans (newbies had better start with something else), although the last two tracks aren't quite in sync with the first five. A beautiful experience, smooth and soft and sensual.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars electronic-downtempo music at it's best, March 31, 2005

By 

A. Urribarri "Alanzoide" (Panama) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Premiers Symptomes (Audio CD)

WHAT AN INCREDIBLE ALBUM!!!
it's just amazing hearing these singles compilation from AIR, one of my best bands in this genre, the music is so groovy and chill...is excellent to getting relax at work or home or even for a background music for a social gather with friends or even for getting intimate with your couple!!

Very nice ambient music, it's really a jewel, an electronic masterpiece, must get your copy if you're in this kind of electronic music (kinda trip-hop)...these french dudes from AIR really rules!

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This album should be played in all Dutch Coffee Shops!, November 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Premiers Symptomes (Audio CD)

Very smooth and tranquil textures that embrace your mind right away! Almost brainwashing you to sit down and enjoy a glass of wine and a nice smoke while sitting in your recliner or having a delicate moment with that special someone. This is a must have for those who love the experimental genres of music from all over the world.