Orbital - Orbital

AI is a fan of Orbital

I just chatted with the Artificial Intelligence engine "ZolaOnAOL" on the AOL Instant Messaging network... It turns out that Zola, the AI friend, is a fan of Orbital, particularly "Chime" ;-)

I guess it's a preference from one of its authors, but fun to mention anyway... December 1, 2003

In the beginning

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. January 13, 2003

Orbital's debut album and very patchy

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. August 15, 2002

Time for Re-evaluation

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. June 26, 2002

Very good

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. April 28, 2002

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