Disco de Orbital: “Orbital”

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.

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.

Orbital's FIRST full album, released both in the US and the UK was a testiment to their talent, but not yet the full realization of it.

"Belfast" will ALWAYS be a classic, no matter what anybody says. The soothing female vocals add an ambiance unlike any other...

"The Moebius" is a wonderful, different, yet slightly dissonant piece sprinkled through with vocal samples at just the right times.. After listening to it for the first time, I had goosebumps... Odd indeed....

The "Speed Freak" remix by Moby was rather disapointing. It sounds great, don't get me wrong there, but not nearly as good as the brothers themselves had intended it to be. It was only included in the US release because the record label wanted an American artist on it. Sad...

"Farenheit 3D3" definately makes proficient use of the stereo channels, and has great melody and beat.

"Desert Storm" is obviously a comment on the situation in Iraq at the time, and captures a desert military anthem frozen in time... Another odd one.

"Chime" was Orbital's first single release back in the old days, and is probably one of their all time best..

"Satan" caused a stir in both sides of the big pond when it was released because of it's "non-wholesome" name, but it's really just a spoof on so called "death metal". But unless you understand the purpose, it's not that great.

"Choice" was aired on a Brittish radio station for Bosnian peace efforts and really sends the point home. "peace or annilation!"

"Midnight" closes out the CD with a slowed down beat and some marimbas to boot...

In short, this cd, well, DEFINATELY deserves it's place in the CD collections of fans of everything from Baroque Classical (the timing is impecable) to modern "rock", and is probably the most valuble CD in my collection. Maybe it will be in yours some day?

When it comes to speaking of the gods of electronic music, such as Orbital, you should never ever use 'catchy' phrases or even try to classify them with a style. Without any doubt, Orbital is one of the most original-sounding bands around. Considering that they use synthesizers and electronic equipment in general to write their songs, it is quite clear that they are electronic, but that's as close as one can get toward generalizing Orbital.

Now let me explain. This album by itself can be viewed as a mediocre job, as some reviews here pointed. Yet being one of the huge Orbital fans I can hardly believe that some would not consider this a masterpiece. Mainly, this is the beginning for Orbital, and it is also this very experimental album. I think that the GREEN ALBUM is quite interesting to listen to in general. It is a symbolic beginning of the fantastic electronic music that developed over the years. If you are a hardcore Orbital fan, you should defenately consider buying this, if you do not own this already. As for the attack expressed in one of the other reviews, which called Chime 'a terrible song' I'd really recommend that person going seeing Orbital Live, and you would know what makes the song great. I also think that Chime is great because for the first time someone tried soemthign OTHER than acidic riffs and same repetitive beat.

Although I gave this five stars and I do believe that this album is one of my all-time favorites, I seriously doubt that this album will make you love Orbital. If you are unsure, go buy In-Sides, You cannot lose with that one. If you Have In-Sides, I'd recommend buying Middle of Nowhere before this one, just to make sure that you ARE an ORBITAL frea.

what was the "What the Critics Say:" reviewer thinking when he wrote the review shown along with the disk? If techno/UK dance ever gets this good again, let me know. Saw them live in 1992, will never forget 25 min. version of Chime, 'still makes my hair stand on end thinking about it. THATS GOOD!