The first two of four deluxe double CDs re-issues from the Manchester’s techno pioneers is now lovingly remastered with new detailed liner-notes, expanded and restored artwork, and a bonus disc of rare and previously-unreleased tracks compiled by 808 founder Graham Massey. (‘Gorgeous’ and ‘Don Solaris’ will follow in late-March). First up then is 1989’s ‘808:90’ that includes the top ten hit ‘Pacific’ – a sublime slice of warbling ambient electronica made with Ibiza in mind, and while often imitated, it’s rarely been bettered. It helped launched the band’s career, and a myriad of singles like ‘Ancodia’ and ‘Cobra Bora’ followed that never quite attained the same heights. Two years later came ‘ex:el’ that introduced a vocal-edge to their work and included collaborations with Bjork, (then of Sugarcubes on ‘Qmart’ and ‘Ooops’) and New Order vocalist Bernard Sumner on ‘Spanish Heart’. However, again it was their Manc take on the Kraftwerk-sound that made both ‘Cubik’ and ‘In Yer Face’ top ten hits and the former a raver’s anthem. A bedrock of the first wave of acid house and techno in this country, 808s State, like their Happy Monday and Stone Roses neighbours, were equally responsible for bridging the E-fuelled indie-dance divide, and for that we give thanks.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Lewis Dene