Underworld - Oblivion with Bells (Includes bonus DVD)

2007 release from the genre-bending, trend-setting UK Electronic whiz kids. When Underworld released their last album A Hundred Days Off, no one thought it would be nearly 2000 days until the next one arrived. During the lay-off, Rick and Karl, with the aid of trusty laptops, a couple of home studios, Abbey Roads' legendary facilities and a Pig Shed, have been carefully developing ideas for this release, an album that was finally completed in a flurry of activity and excitement in spring 2007. True to form Underworld tread their own path through modern Electronic music tipping a nod to current sounds, styles and production techniques but never afraid to let their song writing and musicianship shine out in this digital world. The album kicks off like Saturday night with Sven V„th, Simian Mobile Disco and Frankie Knuckles all fighting to get on the decks, then takes you over the flat fields of rural Essex, through Kings Cross with its olympic dreams and piss stained alleys, ending blessed out in a hidden cove in Ibiza. Epic Techno nestles next to frail acoustics, beatific prose next to sharp urban observation, amazing sound texturing mixed with mobile phone recordings, rarely has the Underworld palette been so rich. ATO. Album Description

Not my typical thing, but this CD is excellent

Techno, electronica, etc. is really not normally my thing. I was introduced to Underworld by seeing the Danny Boyle movie 'Sunshine'. the soundtrack to that movie is *amazing*, and unfortunately despite a loud chorus of requests, is not available. In any case in researching that soundtrack I came across the fact that Underworld had a hand in that soundtrack, and this CD has one song from the movie ("To heal").

This CD is excellent. Its well thought out, well written, well produced, and well performed. I do not have an prior experience with Underworld's music, but I may have to get some now after owning and loving this CD. Highlights in my opinion include "Beautiful Burnout", "To Heal", and in particular "Best Mamgu Ever". This is a great 'background music' CD to do other stuff to like work, drive, etc.

Excellent and highly recommended. November 1, 2008

Soothing AND JUST EXCELLENT MUSIC

Just excellent Electronica from one of the few bands that can write or compose electronic music without having to play samples or re-mix others...Very Melodic and you want to play it again and again... August 30, 2008

Another Winner from Underworld

If you like creative poetry and music that also grooves, you should definitely check out "Oblivion with Bells" and the rest of Underworld's catalog. There aren't very many musicians that consistently put out excellent material year after year over such a long career. These guys are simply amazing! There's more actual song structures than other Underworld work and the poetry this time out is really compelling and memorable. This latest album is most satisfying for active or passive listening and I have already listened to it over a dozen times with no apparent ear fatigue. With a glass eye on you... May 28, 2008

Classic old style Underworld returns!

Being a longtime fan and familiar with all their recordings i almost cried with nostalgia when i heard this. If this was 1996 this would be proclaimed a masterpiece. As it is well into the new millennium i can understand oldtime fans who feel that this might be a letdown as it really progresses very little from Underworlds "classic Zenith of the 90s" sound. However- what you have is a very listenable and nostalgic look back recording with some epic moments of aural bliss. Theres something very special in the simple repetitive waves of sound and analog washes of sound that build and build or the slowburn haunting quality of their slower numbers. While its no leap foward or anything challenging it still is a very wellmade wellwritten album by these "old" electronic geezers. And it ranks among their best work! May 21, 2008

They're Back!

Underworld has returned to the delight of myself, and I am sure their world of fans. While this album is a bit slower and more subdued than previous releases, it is still excellent. I highly recommend this CD if you are even at least a partial fan of the "Fab 3". March 20, 2008

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