Never fail to amaze.

Pob · Post by **Pob** » 09 May 2006 12:08

I have owned Don Solaris now for 10 years. For reasons that I can not explain I have never listened to it through headphones. Today I did.

Wow.

Listening through headphones allows you to pick up all the little nuances that just shows it is a beautifully crafted album. I was sat there amazed at the amount of time and effort that must have gone in to it. It is brilliant.

You lot obviously know that it is brilliant but any newbies should definitely track it down and give it a go.

I can't believe this album can impress me so much a decade after I bought it.

SteveC · Post by **SteveC** » 09 May 2006 14:52

I have to agree although I presume most music played through headphones can offer a different experience in sound.

It was only yesterday I played DS in its entirety and am still in awe of its uniqueness and diversity.

From the ambience that is Black Dartangnon, the rollercoaster of Joyrider, the soothing tones of Lopez, the multi layered samples that result in Kahoutek and Jerusahat to the raw energy and grit of Banacheq.

A truly stunning piece of work.

SteveC · Post by **SteveC** » 09 May 2006 15:01

.........and the booklet inside still has that unique smell to it, 10 years on.

Post by **markus** » 09 May 2006 15:25

Have ten years really past since DonSolaris? Unbelievable.

Mark · Post by **Mark** » 09 May 2006 19:40

It is an album that truly stands the test of time. As I have said many times before Don Solaris can only really be appreciated once you have listened to it fully through a set of quality headphones.

graham · Post by **graham** » 10 May 2006 20:07

i was so proud of it when it came out,we certainly put our all into it
and im glad we spent good money on a top engineer Al Stone to mix it
and good mastering as well ,we were just getting the hang of all that around then, ZTT put a lot into it as well ,quite a bit of marketing etc
(ive still got my big cardboard cock ) and the art work was mint, big f*** off gig launch ...but sometimes its just down to timing and cultural climate.
I might have to get my headys out and join you..

Post by **markus** » 10 May 2006 20:41

Yes, ZTT did a lot marketing-wise on that one, can't complain. I guess people really just didn't understand the album at the time. I remember going into a Record Exchange in London and seeing literally dozens of copies not too long after it's release... It's a masterpiece and truly has stood the test of time.
Regarding the headphones, I'm posting a question in the off-topic section.

Pob · Post by **Pob** » 10 May 2006 20:44

...but sometimes its just down to timing

Graham, the only problem with the timing was that it was 10 years too early for most people. Play it to the man in the street today and they won't guess its ten years old.

SteveC · Post by **SteveC** » 10 May 2006 21:09

Maybe it'll get its due recognition on its re-release.

PeteZarustica · Post by **PeteZarustica** » 10 May 2006 21:18

Don Solaris is a masterpiece. In all aspects. Don Solaris is usually the record I lend to people who wants to know this band I talk so much about called 808 state.

Post by **markus** » 10 May 2006 21:24

I usually give them 90, but maybe should change to Don Solaris.

'Steve' · Post by **'Steve'** » 10 May 2006 21:37

it might be just my weird tastes, but Bond scares the hell out of me. Lopez is so moving...even when you find out the lyrics are about golf! the don solaris samples are worth downloading even if you're not planning to remix them-just to see how each track builds up. fascinating.

I guess Ninetys more recognized as 808 State's classic, mainly for Pacific. It pisses me off don solaris didn't get into the top eighty, and therefore the recognition it deserves, but I suppose Crazy Frog tops the charts nowadays-who cares about chart placings?

but then again, aren't all 808 State's albums outstanding?