More Essential Albums

Back in October last year I gave a mention to five albums that are simply essential for electronic music fans to have. I promised that I would have an update with some more albums… and well, some seven months later I think I have three more albums that I feel you HAVE to buy.

Solvent – Solvently One Listens (Suction Records)

Okay, so I mentioned the ‘Apples and Synthesizers’ Album last time out when making a list, but this album is way too good to not mention. To say this album is just warm and soulful is a massive understatement, just listen to the ‘Pineapple Boy’ track and you have an example of Jason Amm’s superb ability. All the tracks on this L.P. are outstanding; I am fond of ‘Tape Recorder’ as a fine example and ‘Wig $1.00’ just has the whole grainy sound going on with it… its just magnificently and obviously meticulously put together. I like this album because it demonstrates the way that lyrics are not essential to a track- the music is what matters here, and the way you can listen to the sounds ‘raw from the synth’ because of the way Jason Amm works. Amazing.


Kraftwerk – Autobahn (Astralwerks)

Sure I mentioned three albums by Kraftwerk last time out, but this one deserves a special mention. The title track is what this is all about, that’s no disrespect to the other fine tracks, but the 23 minute ‘Autobahn’ is truly a piece of music that I will never forget. The mastery behind is just mind blowing, the moods the track takes you through are compelling, the melody, everything about this track is just right. It has wide appeal outside of the hardcore robot people because of its easy to listen to, although one friend said “but why is it so long?”. Don’t ask what my reply was. Sure, I’m an electro snob sometimes!

Orbital – Insides (Internal Music)

I can’t believe it really was ten years ago that I bought Orbital’s forth album ‘Insides’. I feel it is their best, built on the previous excellent albums that entertained me during my early years of my love for electronic music. This album has that emotional feel to it, very strong tracks with the length and depth which made them instant classics. I think I didn’t take the CD out of my little Sony Hi-fi I had at the time for months with this album. ‘The Girl With The Sun In Her Head’ starts the mood of the album and just lines you up for the 72 minutes. I have to admit, I was disappointed with the albums that followed, but this for me, represents Orbital at their very best.

I will in due course add another two albums to my list, giving my favourite ten albums :0)