808:88:98-10 Years Of 808 State

808 State holds a position of royalty among early house and techno pioneers. Endlessly inventive, while never losing sight of their break-fuelled modus operandi, 808 State was successful both artistically and within the club culture (they reportedly performed live before 14,000 people in Manchester in 1988). Evidence of their innovations is packed into this superb 16-track retrospective. Elements of ambient, hip-hop, rock, soul, and jazz are woven through the relentless dance beats contained herein.
"Pacific", the set's opener, glides along with a super-smooth electro vibe, as does the charming "Olympic" (with its simulated pitch-bending flute sound). The music often has an aggressive edge, as on the pounding "Cubik", and the hip-hop showcase "The Only Rhyme That Bites" (featuring rapper MC Tunes). 808 State were big on guest vocalists; Bjork (well before her solo career took off) graces the spooky and elegant "Ooops;" James Dean Bradfield (from Manic Street Preachers) takes a turn on "Lopez;" and UB40 gives a reggae feel to "One In Ten". Each of these cameos lends colour and variety to the already genre-popping creations spun out of 808 State's techno-acid sensibility. For all but completists, 808:88:98 will be a definitive look at the work of this landmark electronica act.|