I suppose everyone here would have different opinions on the matter, but for me the recent remasters land into the order of the original release dates. - Pomme Fritz - Orbvs - Orblivion - Cydonia Pomme Fritz CD2 goes even further out there than the original album and I love it. For me this set represents gems that were part of the original recording sessions that didn't surface but really needed to see the light of day. If you were part of the camp that didn't like Pomme, CD2 won't 'level it out' for you. If you did embrace the album then the bonus really makes the whole trip that much longer and better. Orbvs is known as their refined masterpiece, and I can see why people would say that. It's a well thought out album that seems to really represent what the Orb are truly capable of (despite all the band politics). CD2 leaps into the sessions and gives us a good sense of the inner workings of that time frame. I like the whole offering and listening to it end to end is quite pleasurable. Orblivion. I was never really a fan of Orblivion. It doesn't take me on a journey like the older albums do. I *like* it. I just don't *love* it. It has interesting parts to it and the production is still unique but as an Orb fan that pays attention to their overall output I feel removed from it. CD2, again, opens up what was happening during this time and does add to my experience with it. Did it tip me over to being a fan of this album? No it didn't. Do I like getting bonus Orb tracks? Yes I do. Cydonia. Universal could have (should have) waited another 5 years to put this together (and gotten it right dammit!). The result is a set that gives me the sense that it was rushed, lumped in with the other remasters, and doesn't really deliver or add a lot to the whole run of remasters. Perhaps it's telling of the relationship the band had with the label. Perhaps it's just a low in their output. I don't know. All I know is I bought it as a fan. Would it convert me if I knew nothing about them? Not an effin' chance. I don't even know if this needed to be remastered. Overall though, I'm really pissed at the run of all four of these discs in terms of packaging and effort (Kris Needs' writing and mastering quality aside). UFOrb and Ultraworld really look good, feel good, and make me feel like my money is well spent. A standard jewel case with an 8 instead of 4 panel sleeve shows me that Universal is doing the run on the cheap to maximize their profits on this lot. On the one hand, I don't blame them. They're sinking and need the money. On the other, did they make a mistake YET again and not pay any bloody attention to what music fans want in their product? Once again - yes they did, and for that they will lose money ... again ... and again ... and again. It's an embarassment and a testament to the hole all these old boys are digging themselves into. Ahem - having said that - enjoy! They do sound good :) On Mon, Aug 18, 2008 at 4:26 AM, Justin Gimblett <JGimblett@keypeople.co.uk>wrote:
Hi all
Did anyone get to the Big Chill festival in the UK this year and manage to see the Orb set? I had a work mate go but he got so drunk he forgot my express orders to check them out and instead passed out somewhere! Would love to know whether it was the band or just Alex Djing and of course what they played.
Also like to ask some advice. Pleading poverty at the moment so can't afford to get all the recent Orb album re-issues, (may have to ask for christmas prezzies!) but any thoughts as the the best one, with the most track versions not available elsewhere? I will eventually end up getting them all, but would like to treat myself with the best one right now.
Other than that I would like to share with my fellow orbsters that I have a new addition to the world, namely my little son Oliver who is now 9 weeks old. Born 7lbs with a full head of hair and now grown to a healthy 12lbs. Both him and my wife are doing well and we are looking forward to taking him on a weeks holiday to the South of France shortly! Scarey!
Regards
Gimberz
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