808 STATE レコード& CD

Review: ex:el is the third studio album by 808 State, originally released on 4 March 1991 by ZTT Records. In contrast to the band's previous work, the album features catchier melodies and heavier acid techno beats and percussion, embracing earlier flirtations with hip-hop and industrial. The album also features the guest vocals of Bernard Sumner of Joy Division and New Order, who sings on 'Spanish Heart' and Bjork, who sings on 'Qmart' and 'Ooops', and is credited with co-writing both. The album marked the start of a long-running working relationship between Bjork and Graham Massey, who wrote and remixed many tracks for her. Featuring two iof the band's most anthemic rave moments, too, in the shape of 'Cubik' and 'In Yer Face', we know you're not going to let this one slip from between your mitts.

Review: Mancunian legends Graham Massey and Andy Barker reunite for the first 808 State album in 17 years. They recorded the new opus "Transmission Suite" in the Granada studios (where they once performed live on television 30 years ago) and looked to their hometown's club scene as their main source of influence - along with the timeless aesthetic of Detroit which has always influenced their style. Across this collection of "sonic landscapes" (as described by Massey) you'll hear the booming acid electro of first single "Tokyo Tokyo" and "The Ludwig Question", through to off-kilter jams like "Westland", futurist house grooves of "Ujala" and a modern reboot of classic "Angol Argol".

Review: Mancunian legends Graham Massey and Andy Barker reunite for the first 808 State album in 17 years. They recorded the new opus "Transmission Suite" in the Granada studios (where they once performed live on television 30 years ago) and looked to their hometown's club scene as their main source of influence - along with the timeless aesthetic of Detroit which has always influenced their style. Across this collection of "sonic landscapes" (as described by Massey) you'll hear the booming acid electro of first single "Tokyo Tokyo" and "The Ludwig Question", through to off-kilter jams like "Westland", futurist house grooves of "Ujala" and a modern reboot of classic "Angol Argol".

Review: For those of a certain age, the opening seconds of 808 State's 1991 rave anthem "In Yer Face" - a combination of memorable melody lines and loved-up chords - are still capable of setting the pulse racing. Bicep have taken on the task of updating Graham Massey and company's anthem for a new generation, serving up two fresh interpretations. Wisely, they emphasize the spine-tingling goodness of the Manchester outfit's chord progressions on their A-side remix, getting rougher, tougher and weightier as the track progresses. Their flipside acid dub - where electro-inspired breakbeats, heavy bass and floatation tank melodies are expertly combined with ragged TB-303 lines - recalls the similarly-minded thrills of DJ Parrot and Mark Brydon's 'Sunshine Dub' of DJ Mink's early Warp slammer "Hey! Hey! Can U Relate?".

Review: For those that don't know, Ex:El was the third LP by British electronic pioneers 808 State released in 1991. The album features guest vocalists such as New Order's Bernard Sumner on "Spanish Heart' and Bjork on "Qmart" and "Ooops" which would result in the Icelandic singer having a continued working relationship with Graham Massey over the years. Their teaming up with figures of the alternative music scene of the time started a trend that many other electronic music groups would become to follow. Perceived by many to be one of their finest albums, this one will be a welcome edition to any 808 State fans collection on vinyl.

Review: With Lone currently being feted by all for channelling the best of 808 State in his recent output, this reissue of some of the Manchester band's rave classics can be seen as timely. Whilst "Pacific State" will always remain one of their signature tracks - with its impact softened so much you can hear it bursting out of your local EAT - there's no denying the simplistic techno glee of "Narcossa", all twisting acid flourishes and skeletal 808 hits over a backdrop of menacing machine funk. Also included are the timeless Eurobass Mix of "Olympic" and future Latin techno freakout of "Reaper Repo".

Review: Here’s the long awaited 2nd Saga Of House: Serious Beats 50. After the huge success of Serious Beats 25 in 1999, Serious Beats 50 is again a 4CD with ultimate house classics. On the playlist: classic tunes, totally forgotten floorfillers, tracks that have never been compiled, rarities... Serious Beats 50 is the retrospective that covers the whole house period (from the very start of Serious Beats, early 90's) Have a look at the tracklisting of Serious Beats 50: you'll agree it's a "must have" for all dance, club lovers.

Notes: 'Opti Buk' brings together the promotional videos made by 808 State for ZTT between 1989 and 1997, many of which have never been commercially available.

The DVD also includes a number of exclusive features - previously unseen footage of the Manchester G Mex gig in 1991, home movies and a ZTT discography.

'Opti Buk' is accompanied by an exclusive CD, 'State To State Vol. 2', containing eight previously unreleased tracks recorded between 1994 and 1998.

PAL 4:3
Regions: 2-6