A clever move; not a greatest hits but a beginners’ guide to dance indie legends Orbital; same thing but not as sell-out sounding.
It’s worth the money for the first three tracks, “Chime”, “Halcyon and On and On” and “Belfast” (all edits from longer originals). Everyone must know “Chime” and the chilled and melodic “Belfast” is just as good, with its famous slowdown at the end.
“Satan” changes the mood, from chilled dance to a dirty metal guitar sound and a hip hop beat. “The Box” is the sharp, funky music to a sci-fi movie (a bit cheesier than “Matrix”, probably Tom Cruise driving through the night in a nuclear car of the future).
“Are You Alive” is from a more recent album, a smooth and hypnotic track that stands up well against the classic opening trio.
Later on, “Dirty Rat” is equally unexpected: techno beat, a Sleaford Mod and a poke at the Tory Party; another surprise is “Illuminate” with David Gray on vocals.
Closing track “The Girl With The Sun In Her Head” is a proper unedited track, opening with a heartbeat.
Orbital fans could probably argue over the tracklist but it’s a good set and has none of the more pedestrian tracks that Orbital sometimes drop.
JMC
