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: 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.