90
808 State
1989
Album Summary
90 is the second studio album by British electronic music group 808 State, released on 4 December 1989 as their first album on ZTT Records. The album features the single "Pacific State", which reached number 10 in the UK Singles Chart in November 1989. 90 was released in the United States as Utd. State 90, without "The Fat Shadow (Pointy Head Mix)", but with other bonus tracks. Slant Magazine listed the album at number 54 on its list of the "Best Albums of the 1980s", calling it a "thrilling expansion of the possibilities for acid house and arguably the best LP ever produced in the style". The album was also included in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.
WikipediaThis album has some of the most complex and beautiful drum programming you are likely to ever hear. Makes you wonder what happened to not just these guys but to the scene as a whole. After a masterpiece like this which is truly blueprint for that big sound that everybody attempted to immitate. Check out 'Cobra Bora'. Just when you think it has done it's thing, it takes off to another level. Pure techno jazz of the very highest order. An absolute masterpiece from start to finish. This is more apparent now than ever before and although to the untrained ear (or novice) this may sound dated, its only because of those big stadium sounds (as used on ie. Cubik) that will make people think this. Unaware to them, It was these guys and more to the point, this LP that came above all, first in line with that sound. Think again. This is a classic of monumental proportion and defines that year not just by title alone but to hear it, is to go back to the finest techno music of that that year, 90
Pacific 202 and 808080808 are just banging, but the rest just get a head nod here and there. Solid, but nothing outstanding or timeless.
I listened to this album for 39 minutes and now I'm clinically insane. I worry for the people who seek this out voluntarily. Best track: Magical Dream
5.0 - When it comes to enjoying electronic dance records, I generally have a spotty history. I'm not sure what constitutes excellence within this genre but for me it has a lot to do with balance between a handful of variables. First is tone: is there a balance between light and dark, heavy and floating elements? Second, is there the right amount of surprise, familiar and unfamiliar? Third involves the beat: how well does it come together? Does the beat sound canned and cheap? Does it sound cool and tasteful? I realize as I'm writing this that there's a certain alchemy to dance music that I can't presently articulate. And I can't pinpoint exactly why this particular album puts me in a joyful trance where other electronic dance albums I've listened to have failed, sometimes miserably (see "Fat of the Land", "You've Come A Long Way Baby", "Darkdancer", "Exit Planet Dust"). But I do know that I'm fully engrossed and my brain is happy.
A seminal album that I haven't listened to until now. Absolutely ahead of its time and has so much soul for a record that is completely electronic.
I remember listening to Pacific 202 and Cubik in the mix on Dave’s Dance music (CKLN) while we were unpacking & hanging pictures after moving to Toronto in 89. Compared to the so-called techno and acid-house that was all the rage (in the UK anyway) at that time, 808 State was more melodic. More songs verses tracks. The album gets off to a great start, but fades a bit at the end. The song Cubik was included on the North American release of this LP so I'll add 1 point for that banger.
This album is a great lesson on the importance of song selection and sequencing. I was linked to the US version Utd. State 90, which is significantly different than the UK version. The US version is missing one forgettable track (The Fat Shadow) and it includes 5 additional tracks. The UK version starts off with two of the weakest tracks (Magical Dream and Acodia) while the US version opens with one of the strongest (Pacific 202). All 5 additional tracks on the US version (Boneyween, Kinky National, Cübik, Revenge of the Girlie Men, and State to State) elevate this album. I’m rating the US version, which is at least a 1 star boost from the UK version.
Exhaustively polished dance music, especially for a record that came out pre-1990. There are hints of electronic music to come everywhere, and the sound design still blows a lot of modern projects out of the water.
Except for the parts that sounded like the alarm on my phone, I very much enjoyed this. Fun dance grooves with tiny melodic surprises.
This would be perfectly adequate if I were on ecstasy in an abandoned warehouse or condemned townhouse and wanting to dance while some dude who brought his dog, who is very chill, keeps trying to talk to me about like, deep stuff.
2/18 Can't wait till I get a car. Standout Tracks: Cobra Obra, Pacific 202, Donkey Doctor, 808080808
Not as good as Underworld but not far off. Early 90's Manchester Techno? Yes please
Takes me back to listening to the House music radio station with Hans on GTA san andreas
I just always thought of 808 State as the Pacific 202 band, and little more. But this is a great album, and Pacific 202 actually proves to be one of the weaker tracks.
Now THIS I can really jam to. 808080808 goes hard af, "Sunrise" is pure bliss, and "Cobra Bora" sounds like a 90's Sonic stage. That's good stuff right there.
Classic slice of Mancunian techno.... ticks all the boxes including nostalgia!
Liked every song . Great music and techno beats. Shocked how old it is. Good to workout 🏋️♀️ with and have never heard of them before
Enjoyed that - ambient music great to work to and recognised a few of the tunes. 3.7 for me
I like the atmospheric, even vaguely jazzy beats , such as Sunrise, mixed with more conventional elaborations of the old funk-soul sound. (7/10) Favourite Songs: Pacific 202
It was a very vibey album. I enjoyed it a lot, even if it had no real "substance" other than interesting instruments, sounds, and samples. Every song is something that I would put on in the background, but I wouldn't really actively listen to any, save for me favorite. Favorite track: Pacific 202
Liked this, great to work to. Would have been fun clubbing in 90s to this
Imagine this was really fun to rave to in the 90s. Would love to get ham and party to this at a festival.
Better than I expected, doesn't fall into the massive hit and filler trap as the whole album is definitely a piece of work as opposed to some mashed up half ideas. I'd almost go as far as to say it's worth a listen even if you took Pacific state off it.
-"Ancodia" is pretty catchy with the upbeat backbeat and "L-O-V-E Love" line -Nice driving groove in "Pacific 202" -Lots of good grooves and stuff for an electronic album
1989 - Techno, Acid house, Electronica, Synth-pop, New wave, Intelligent dance music
Hated acid house at the time, mainly because all the big kids dressed in weird ghastly coloured shell suits knocking off tabs whilst gurning and dancing crazy style in fields and warehouses. In retrospect, quite an album.
Yes yes yes. So retro future. Remembered some of it from my parents playing it back on the day.
Sometimes this kind of music is good and I like it. Often it is boring and repetitive and not all that enjoyable for home listening. This album is not boring, definitely of its time, but quite delightful start to finish. Favorite: Pacific 202
Je m'attendais à rien mais je suis agréablement surpris Prefs: Ancodia, Cobra Bora, Pacific 202, 808080808 Moins pref: Donkey Doctor
La música techno de los 90s seguramente puede encontrar muchas de sus raíces en este disco. La música de los videojuegos seguramente tomó muchos elementos de este género porque a ratos pareciera el soundtrack de algún juego de NES o SNES. Pacific 202, 808080808, y Sunrise lo mejor del disco. 3.5 que voy a subir a 4, porque de lo poco que he escuchado de electrónica, es de lo que más me ha gustado.
I generally like this as it stirs up a fair amount nostalgia for this aesthetic. The fact that this came out in 1989 simply blows my mind. I can't think of any electronic music from that year that is as sonically dense as this, balancing samples, synths, and drum sequencers so fluidly. I have newfound respect for their place in the evolution of electronic music. Kinda prefer the Utd. State 90 version that starts off with Pacific 202.
Late 80s electronic album from the UK. Pacific 202 still sounds as great now as it did in the 80s. The other tracks are very good: 8/10 overall
Okay album. I liked the strange Greco-Roman theme to the album, but at the same time they sounded like they were speaking latin through the whole thing. They have better music than Treasure and I'm not sure if I'd listen to any of these songs again. Best Songs: Beatrix, Pandora, Aloysius Worst Songs: Otterley
This was a lot of fun to listen to. Enjoyed hearing shades of The Hustle and Do You Know The Way To San Jose? on Cobra Bora and Sunrise. Was a perfect accompaniment to an afternoon of housework.
This was some fine electronic music. It had some good rhythm and some engaging samples. I struggle to appreciate why this album is so important to be on this list. But, I didn't mind listening.
I sometimes get bored with electronic music, but this one was quite enjoyable. I loved that it sampled the Hustle.
Techno jazz, je pensqis pas ca existait, c’est vraiment pa smauvais .4
Got me feeling like a fruity little dance floor baby first thing in the morning. Loved this ‘bum
This is one my son would be proud of me for listening to. But, he wouldn't realize I went through a Madchester phase a long, long time ago.
Mér finnst þetta æði. Mikil nostalgía, dans og chill. Pacific 202 verður á rípít hjá mér næsta klukkutímann.
An acid house release.. elements of it have dated but there are still some bangers in here
I've never heard of this group or record previously. It was a fun listen! This era of electronic music is a gap for me. I've got Kraftwerk, and then nothing prior to the mid 90s with Moby etc.
I had no idea what to expect with this, but the genre label "acid house" is much funnier to me than it should be. This is pretty cool though, some really interesting electro-grooves. Nothing too special to me, but an enjoyable listening experience. "Ancodia" sounds indebted to Herbie Hancock's "Rockit." Favorite tracks: Ancodia, Cobra Bora, Donkey Doctor. Album art: Very minimal, but I do like the outline font choice, and the two little inset photos are nice if you can see them. 3.5/5
This was a very cool album. The songs felt a tad long and repetitive but it made for great background music. The album cover is both bland and baffling in a good way, I'm not sure the significance of the numbers either.
It's ok, need to remember how influential it was as its pretty dated now
Electronic music but too old. Maybe it was something great new for their time, but now it sounds too noisy. Although some effects sound very complicated even for our time.
I'm kind of liking this ... at first. Then I realize that I should hate this. But, I don't. OK, maybe not that bad, is that birds in Pacific 202? Would listen to again as background music while doing something. Maybe the first electronic music I kindof like?
You can tell it must have been very influential given it came out in 1989, but it's a pretty boring listen nowadays
Very techno. If geometry dash came out in the late 1980's. It was pretty cool I guess.
Sounds like something my dad might like. I'd give it a 2.5, but uh, can't do that. Entertained me more than devious garbage so it stands out
Quirky elate 80’s electronica. Bonus: “In Yer Face” was a good listen.
Highly influential album due to their innovative use of the 808 drum machine but it didn’t age well and most of it is a noisy unholy mess. The best track is Pacific 202.
I listened to today’s 1001 offering while sweeping up the backyard. I was thinking it wasn’t the best music choice when working in the yard and my neighbours quickly indicated they concur. I must say my sweeping pace was much faster than usual. I doubt that yard cleaners was the target audience for this LP but it works. I like what I'm hearing. Cobra Bora and Pac 202 and 80808080 are hot songs. I didn't realize this type of music was going on in 1989. A strange thought: someone around 40 years old might label this "Old fart's music" or "Shit my parents would listen to". Doesn't sound right does it? Perhaps it's a little dated now but I can only imagine how fresh and leading edge this would have been on release.