Customer Reviews

Vol. 3-Baghdad Batteries: Orbsessions

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Orb have done it again. A year or so after 'The Dream' they return with the latest volume in the 'Orbsessions' series. However, this is a brand new album, a soundtrack to a German(?) film called 'Plastic Planet(?) I believe. This album reunites Alex Paterson with Thomas Fehlmann and has more in common with 'Okie Dokie it's the Orb on Kompakt..' than with 'The Dream,' it's more ambient and mellow. However, there are some great beats on here and the whole album has a nice cohesive vibe to it. Perhaps at this point Dr. Paterson is looking at having basically 2 Orb's, one with Fehlmann for this type of more mellow ambient oriented material, and another for the more uptempo, sample heavy dub and bass driven material that dominated 'The Dream.' Whatever he decides, the Orb continues their brilliant musical journey, and I'll continue to go along for the ride, wherever it takes me!

The first thing this album did was make me realize how much I miss Thomas Fehlmann. After this many years, I feel like his tighter, more intricate style just goes like pb&j with Alex's looser, soulful, more dreamy style. The two together really take things to another level. I feel like this album has a little more Fehlmann than Paterson, and that was a surprise at first. I think I expected the opposite for some reason, probably since Fehlmann had been off doing his own thing for a while. I'm the last person to complain since my heart belongs to ska, rocksteady, reggae, and dub...but this album made me see what I didn't know I was wanting more of. The other surprise to me was the feeling I got with every single song. I couldn't put my finger on it at first, but finally I realized--I don't hear a climax or peak in any of the pieces. They seem to have more of a steady upper region they mildly peak at instead. Very different, even from what I'm used to from Fehlmann. At first it was disorienting, but I've really grown to like it. I gotta say...this is one unique, lovingly done, beautiful work. I love it!

With the release of 'Bikes and Trikes' I had thought The Orb's batteries were completely flat. This album shows they are once again fully charged.

This album is not dissimilar to 'On Kompakt'.

I am glad to find mind-numblingly monotonous trance beats absent, in their place more thoughtfully crafted rhythmic patterns. For the most part an enjoyably imaginative and quirky suite of soundscapes. Excellent work. Five stars.

Huge Orb fan here. Favorite Orb albums are live 91', Orbus Terrarum and BBC Sessions.

After reading the reviews for Baghdad Batteries, I thought I'd take a chance again after not especially liking The Dream. First impression was burned again - it sounded too soft, dull, lackluster, etc. Unfortunately IMO the tracks start slow but get better and better. I recommend starting with track 3 and going from there your first time through.

I really started liking this when I first put the good headphones on. All the classic Orb audio wizardry is here along with classically trippy, mesmerizing, humorous soundscapes. Turn it up on a good soundsystem in a comfy chair, (bong optional) chill and let the good vibes wash over. A return to form and must have for the early Orb fans. But give it a few listens with a decent setup before judging.

I've owned this for several months & listen to it about once a month. For me, I either take to an Orb album immediately or I need to listen to it a few times to get a better handle on it. This album is one that took a while to get under my belt, but I really like it. It is more ambient in nature (less hooky than say 'The Dream' ) but lovable. The track 'Raven's Reprise' is awesome.

To start: I am a long time ORB fan from way back 92' or 91'. I heard (and watched) the ORB at the Riveria in 95' and the Metro in 97'. We were all covered in sweat after a five hour psych dance experience.
Just digested the ORBs last proper album; The Dream. I have read people compare Baghdad Batteries to the Okie Dokie album and I believe that is a very important source in determining the mood of this record. I do feel the phrases, ideas, elements are explored much differently this time, almost settling in on a new course to guide the mothership. Skippets of noise chopped up filtered through air and pink, white noise, a grand sequence to move the listeners soul.
But didn't want to lose nobody, so to continue discussions on the songs: Chocalate Fingers just slooowwss it down, sounding like we are back in the raves locked up waiting to disperse at two a.m. in the bloody morning. Also Like: Orban Tumbleweed because the simmering of sounds meld my memory back and forth between Okie and this one.
I do feel this is a strong overall album not to be taken lightly. (We all know what happened to "Electronic Music") Listen to it between any other gengres music you may be pumping at the time.
So ORB it is when leaving the earth.
RIP Andy and Peace to all ORB. Cant believe this is the sound of two guys!
Bravo!