Orbital - Blue Album

Distinctive Orbital Work

I keep hoping the Hartnoll brothers were kidding when they said this would be the last Orbital recording, but since it came out in 2004 they might have just meant it. Regardless this is a brilliant work that I think will stand the test of time. Apparently some long-time fans were disappointed, but I'm not among them. "The Blue Album" is more of a collection of disparate pieces, different moods, different styles, than a cohesive statement, but the individual pieces are strong enough to withstand scrutiny.

The opener "Transient" is a moody piece that builds slowly. It has a formality to it that makes it feel like a composition rather than a song, if that distinction makes sense. In fact that characteristic applies to most of the tracks. But then as if to say "just kidding," the slow, stately opener gives way to the ecstatic bounce of "Pants." This is one of my favorite tracks. The grinding, bending synth makes me smile every time I hear it. "Pants" eventually closes on a soft, gentle note. Next is the dark, percussive "Tunnel Vision," followed by the slow, melodic "Lost."

This would be a good point to stop and point out that the sound of "The Blue Album" is quite incredible. The individual channels making up the whole are clear and the highs and lows are cleanly separated. You can hear this very clearly (especially with headphones) on "Lost." The synthetic percussion - low, middle, and high - are possible to hear as a whole or individually.

"You Lot" brings both a danceable beat (except for the middle bit) and a sense of humor to the party. "Bath Time" is probably my favorite piece. It lopes along pleasantly for the first few minutes, then builds into a powerful climax with its strong theme and counterparts. I will say that in spite of its child-like theme, there are definitely darker undertones as the piece progresses like some musical version of a Brothers Grimm fairy tale. "Acid Pants" is a collaboration between the Hartnoll brothers and the Mael brothers (a.k.a. Sparks). It manages to be both a lighthearted and danceable, but a bit of creepiness slips in before it draws to a close.

"Easy Serv" is very uncharacteristic sounding for Orbital. It took me a while to enjoy it because it sounds more like so-called "world beat" music. The melody, however, is quite nice and it grows on you. Finally, "One Perfect Sunrise" closes the album perfectly. It has elements of the old Orbital dance anthems, but fits beautifully into the general mood of "The Blue Album."

If you are not familiar with Orbital, "The Blue Album" might be a good place to start, then work your way back to the totally brilliant "In Sides" set. From there you might dip back deeper into the past and learn why this band was so influential by listening to the first two albums. Fans can always hope the Hartnoll brothers might decide one day to return to the studio for another go. As always it would be interesting at the very least. January 29, 2008

To the reviewer from Winnipeg...

I've already written a review, so I'll keep this short. The lack of climax in the songs on this album is intentional; whereas on Orbitals 1 and 2 the mood was energetic and excited, the mood on Orbital 3 (i.e. "The Blue Album") is intended to be pensive, halting, perhaps even doubting, but not necessarily regretful of the past. It's the Hartnoll brothers' last album as Orbital, after all. So, if you feel what I described when you listen to this album, that means they succeeded. October 24, 2007

Eh.

What facinates me about Orbital is the fact that they started with such a bang and then slowly declined. With the beginning came Snivilisation and The Brown Album, two instant classics with hits all across the board, no part of either album left me bored. But then they've had a few dissapointing albums such as: The Altogether, and The Blue Album, but it seems like each record they produce they get at least one catchy song. For The Altogether that would be Tension, and for The Blue Album it would have to be Transient and Acid Pants. In my opinion Orbital has had a long prosperous career with definite ups and downs, but thats what life is about, having your ups and downs and in their case its was their music. August 2, 2006

My Tribute to Orbital

Before I write this review I want to share a quick story. I first heard Orbital back in 1992 with a dance version of the song "Chime" and I was hooked. I would like to think that along with ,The Prodigy, I am one of the original Orbital fans.

I have all of their albums and was disappointed with the last two selections, "Middle of Nowhere" and "The Altogether." Now, to the "Blue Album." FINALLY!!! The return of Orbital to their roots. I was a bit skeptical when I first purchased this album, but when I knew the title of the album was a "color" I knew it had promise. Looking back at the original "Yellow" album and then what I consider is their best album, the "Brown" album I knew this was a departure from their last two albums.

What makes Orbital so unique is that they define electronica. They are one of the pioneers along with The Orb, Moby, Underworld, and even Aphex Twin.

Now, to the album. I like the build up of the first selection - Transient. My favorite tracks on the album are - You Lot and One Perfect Sunrise. Lost and Bath Time are also great selections. Overall, this album is worth buying if you enjoyed "Snivilization" and the "Brown Album."

Now to rank all of the Orbital albums and highlights of their best songs.

1) Brown Album - By far the best. Lush 3.1 and 3.2, Impact, Remind, and Halycon + On + On (9 minutes of pure heaven).
2) In Sides - The Box, Dwr Budr, Adnan's, Out There Somewhere? 7 & 8 (24 minutes long)
3) Snivilization - Forever, Sad But True, Are We Here? (15 minute song)
4) Blue Album - Transient, Lost, You Lot (best song), One Perfect Sunrise
5) Yellow Album - Chime (the one that started it all), Satan (remake is better - found on In Sides second CD)
6) Middle of Nowhere - Way Out, Nothing Left 1 & 2 (16 minutes), Style
7) The Altogether - Funny Break (mix is real good on second CD) April 21, 2006

Immersed In Texture With Orbital's Collected Works In My Collection

Orbital's progression, or perhaps evolution, expansion, maturation--none of these terms encompass the full extent of the incredible breadth and depth of their tracks over time. I feel strongly they are the archetype of their genre. I'm not saying that so I can use the word 'archetype', either! While individual tracks veer off into flirtations with various styles, the core sound is what you think of when remembering: that amazing night at the club where you melted into an icy yet delicious stranger who dropped something on your tounge so you saw the sounds as 'Tunnel Vision' from their Blue Album flowed forth from the club's almost too-loud-but-not-quite system. Later you consummated your flirtations with that now-glowing hottie while 'Lost' soaked you from your car's stereo--you were in the back seat, remember?
And oh yeah, some of the songs on this volume are a bit 'wack', but that's what gives them the crown--Orbital doesn't take themselves or the world too seriously. February 22, 2006

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