Music Has The Right To Children

Halfway through and I think I've got the hang of this now. Palliative care music for former ravers. I don't need to listen to all eighteen tracks.

Indeed, one of the best electronic albums of the Nineties and of all time. Favorites are Telephasic Workshop, Sixtyten, Turquoise Hexagon Sun, Roygbiv, Rue the Whirl, Aquarius & Happy Cycling.

Will Wright would be furious considering whoever did spore's soundtrack just ripped this off lmfao

The sound of robots learning how to emote. Atmospheric ambient and quite affecting for electronic music. Instantly enjoyable and feels like with repeated listens this could be brilliant. Rating: 3.5/5 Playlist track: Roygbiv Date listened: 29/09/22

"Music Has the Right To Children" by Boards of Canada (1998) Never heard of this album or this duo. First, about that title. The duo has stated that the titles of their works are significant, and that “‘Music Has the Right To Children’ is a statement of our intention to affect the audience using sound.” Well, as laudable as that may be as an artistic objective, the bluntly metaphysical claim that music has the “right” to “children” has a quaintly pompous and yet menacing tone (not to mention a certain lack of sensitivity to those frustrated in their desire for children or the pathology of those who reduce children to instrumentalities as an exercise of their “rights”). A musician may and should “intend” to affect the audience, but it’s hardly a “right”, especially when the artist expresses it toward human persons (the “children” to whom the musician has a “right”). Maybe I’m misunderstanding this, but please don’t object that I’m reading too much into it. This musical endeavor self-consciously begs to be ‘read into’. If you can’t stand the heat, get off my couch. Interesting cover art. Faceless Scots in bell bottoms. I’d be the guy on the far left. If you’re not allowed to have a face, turn away. It’s a fitting image for the Covid-19 pandemic era, although that was obviously not the intention. No lyrics here, so all the poetic clues are in the titles, most of which seem to be intentionally opaque and unevocative (like ‘inside jokes’—hardly a means of affecting a audience). Synth beats and sampling, it’s like Scottish hip hop. Mind boggling (or, as they say in Scotland, moind boag-lin’). Now about that sound: “Wildlife Analysis” - no structure, no categories, thus no analysis. And where’s the wildlife? Unless we’re the wildlife. Or you’re the wildlife. Or it’s actually “wild” “life”. About those beats—hey, we’ve got guys in America who can do all that stuff with nothing but tongues, teeth, and microphone. After listening to a few tracks, I think I finally get it. You gotta be stoned. I’m glad I listened to this before I die. 1/5

what a beautiful album, I’ve been a fan of BoC for a while now and this album always gives me goosebumps when I hear it it’s such a perfect mix between a loose, dreamy atmosphere and a raw, hard, tactile electronic experience I don’t know how else to put it, this album is really something special, everybody should listen to this 10/10

This has been one of my favorite albums for a long time and it was good to see it come up.

Boards of Canada? More like Bored-s of Canada. 2/5 for the potential to be a decent album in different situations

welp. we're in a cult now

So I stole part of a review on this album because because I CBF writing my own. Written by Maya Kalev for factmag.com, the article is called "One very important thought: Boards Of Canada’s Music Has The Right To Children at 15" I recommend it. The bit I stole goes like this: "Despite its name, Music… is about as grown-up as records get: an adult meditation on childhood, concerned with play, naïveté and nostalgia, all tinted with rosy pastoralism. But it’s also devilishly subtle, intricate and emotionally mature. That’s surprisingly rare in electronic music, most of which is concerned with the physicality of dance, intellectual weight, or the evocation of atmosphere rather than a holistic experience. By introducing themes of suppression, solitude and grief into Music…’s evocations of childhood, Boards of Canada created a record that was pretty but seldom precious, more faithful to experience than kitsch idealism. This ambiguity has endeared Music Has The Right To Children to its hordes of fans over time: as its listeners grew ever further away from the childhood it evoked, the album, bizarrely, became more relevant."

I've very fond memories of this album, it opened me up to a world of leftfield electronic music that my young Britpop addled mind never even knew existed. And in later years it was my go-to to help nurse my "morning after" mind. It's aged really well too, which a lot of similar albums from the era definitely haven't.

Fantastic - music from a parallel timeline. Fave track - "Turquoise Hexagon Sun"

Very good electronic sound. Ambient music for reading or computing.

Double dose nostalgia on this one. One for the Canadian documentaries that I grew up with, and another dose from listening to this album new. Great fun!

Love boards of Canada. About time we had some ambient. 😁

This was just perfect today. Lofi tunes I can listen to in the background of whatever else I'm doing are a fantastic way to get me to play your album over and over. 5 stars, my friends!

This one is hitting me at the right time. All these vintage synth sounds are right up my alley. Perfect workday listening. And just anytime you want something that can be listened to intently, or ignored. It's good either way. Definitely going to check more out from this band. Wish someone would have showed this record to me when I was REALLY into Radiohead's Kid A and Amnesiac-era records. Since this was out just before those were released.

Stuck this on whilst having a cup of tea and some breakfast this morning. I imagine that is how boards of canada intended it to be listened to. I struggle with this hipster end of the dance/electronic spectrum. I just don't get when you'd listen to it and what you'd get out of it. Souless, Joyless, outright boring music. On one fucking track some women just starts counting. edgy. 1/5

Good grief this album is boring. Slow, ambient, thoroughly unenjoyable. I can't find a single redeeming quality off this album.

Prime lying on a hill at 3am in Pimavera territory

4.6 Yes. BoC I got into quite a few years ago but still to this day stunned by it's effect and impact on me. One of those bands where I think it resonates with me more than it should and would normally. Something about it. You can put it on and totally space out for an hour, lost in a haze of false nostalgia. There are some weak tracks on this album for sure, but listened in totality they fade into the background. The first 10 minutes though might be one of my favourite 10 intro minutes of any album ever

COOL

This is a tough one to rate. It's so mood and situation dependent. Great for what it is, but not one I'd dial up often. Still very solid, and great for long drives or sleepless nights.

Okay okay, interessant, weiß nicht ob ich die Art von elektronischer Musik so sehr feiere. Gut im Hintergrund wird ihr glaube ich nicht gerecht, ist schon nicht schlecht, denke ich

Somewhat soothing and trippy to listen to. Good as a backdrop for various low-energy tasks. Some weirdish moments.

Intensely atmospheric & ambient. Boards of Canada is low-key one of the most brilliant electronic artists out there.

This was great. Super chill vibes, great sense of humor and musicality. I listened to it twice -- five stars.

Another extremely righteous album! My favourite Ambient band and their best album.

This was fucking great. Great vibes all around, chill ambient electronic music. Orange 3 Orange 4 Orange 5 stars

Music Has The Right to Children I’m not as familiar with this as I am with Geogaddi for some reason, even though I know this is generally considered their high water mark, and I haven’t listened to either of them for quite a while. It’s interesting listening now, how many childhood references and moods there are on this, something that I think must have previously passed me by, even though there are numerous Sesame Street samples and that the title is a big clue. Those samples combined with the vintage synth sounds, lines and burbles give a slightly strange and dislocated haze to it, not quite a dream and not quite a memory but seemingly an evocation of something from childhood. At the same time the intricate, hip hop inflected and meticulously layered rhythms, beats and percussion balance that abstracted mood with a cooler, sharper edge, giving it an overall affecting, ruminative character. I also thought it might feel a little dated or very firmly recognisably late 90s, but it really doesn’t at all. I suppose the mix of contemporary and vintage synths are kind of timeless, but the drums, beats and percussion still sound great, echoing back to 80s hip hop, but with fullness and depth, and they aren’t overly influenced by the house and big beat of the late 90s, or other contemporary electronica. While each song is relatively distinct and the track listing follows the pattern of longer songs with shorter vignettes it flows together brilliantly as one piece of music, shifting and moving between textures and moods often in the same song, giving me a similar feeling to listening to some of Brian Eno’s ambient albums or Endtroducing. In fact this feels like a brilliant synthesis of those two artists. It’s a superb electronic/ambient album but it’s also just a superb album in its own right. Easy 5. 🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁 Playlist submission: Hard to pick one out, but I particularly love the synth of Roygbiv.

This was really cool!

YESSSSSSSSSSSSS! One of the few albums on the list I’ve listened to before. This album is genuinely magical, it feels like you’re exploring a digital wilderness.

I’ve been wanting to listen to this for a while now, and i’m glad that i’ve finally gotten to it today. Creepy yet iconic album cover aside, this album is just chill, sometimes off putting, electronic goodness. This album is just superb. The sequencing of tracks here just makes the album flow so nicely. The short tracks and interludes going into the longer tracks gives the album a sense of cohesion that I really appreciate. The production is stellar here. Rich synths, interesting vocal samples, great drum beats are found all throughout this thing. It’s so good at setting a mood as well. “Wildlife Analysis,” the opener, is a good example of that. It’s a good short ambient song that’s just a vibe honestly. There’s a lot of tracks that i’d like to mention, but i’d take up too much space. Please, go listen to this album for yourself. It may be a bit long buts it’s so worth it in my opinion. I loved this album, and i’m glad that I did! I highly recommend this one. :)

PERFECT PERFECT PERFECT PERFECT PERFECT... Well nearly perfect but its still getting 5 stars because its just so fucking fun to listen too, and has so many textures and colors to delve into. it makes it so re-playable

5/5. I actually really enjoyed this, kind of defined the whole "chill beats to listen to" wave. Very good music to pay attention to and vibe with or let it sit in the background and create the environment. This was peaceful and yet dark at the same time. I don't quite get the childhood reminiscence from the album, I also didn't grow up with any electronic music so that might be the reason. Either way, this was a great listen and will definitely be playing this many times to hear other songs I might not have fully digested. Great stuff. Best Song: Telephasic Workshop, Sixtyten, Pete Standing Alone

## In-Depth Review of *Music Has the Right to Children* by Boards of Canada *Music Has the Right to Children*, released in April 1998, is the debut album from the Scottish electronic duo Boards of Canada, consisting of brothers Marcus Eoin and Michael Sandison. This album has garnered critical acclaim for its innovative soundscapes, emotional depth, and thematic complexity, establishing it as a landmark in electronic music. Here, we will explore the album's lyrics, music, production techniques, themes, and its lasting influence while also weighing its pros and cons. ### Lyrics ****Vocal Elements and Themes**** Boards of Canada are known for their minimal use of lyrics. In *Music Has the Right to Children*, vocal snippets are primarily sampled from various sources, including documentaries and children’s programming. This approach creates an ethereal atmosphere that complements the instrumental nature of the music. The lyrics that do appear often evoke childhood memories and experiences. For instance, tracks like “Pete Standing Alone” include distorted voices that hint at nostalgia and innocence. The title track's refrain—“music has the right to children”—serves as a manifesto for the duo’s belief that electronic music should be accessible to all ages, not confined to dark clubs or exclusive spaces. The fragmented nature of the lyrics allows listeners to project their interpretations onto the music, enhancing its emotional resonance. This ambiguity is a hallmark of Boards of Canada's style, inviting listeners to engage deeply with the soundscape. ### Music ****Soundscapes and Composition**** Musically, *Music Has the Right to Children* is characterized by its unique blend of ambient, downtempo, and psychedelic influences. The album features lush synthesizer melodies, intricate layers of sound, and organic textures that create a warm yet otherworldly listening experience. Key tracks include: - **“Aquarius”**: This track showcases a funky bassline layered with shimmering synths. Its rhythmic complexity invites head-nodding while maintaining an introspective quality. - **“Telephasic Workshop”**: A standout track known for its climactic build-up and playful synth patterns. The combination of rhythmic elements and melodic hooks exemplifies BoC's ability to craft engaging compositions. - **“Roygbiv”**: This piece is notable for its childlike innocence conveyed through bright melodies and a gentle rhythm. It encapsulates the album's exploration of childhood wonder. The album employs a variety of production techniques that contribute to its distinctive sound. Boards of Canada utilize analog synthesizers, tape manipulation, and field recordings to create a rich auditory tapestry. The use of vintage equipment lends a nostalgic quality to the music, aligning with the themes of memory and time. ### Production ****Craftsmanship and Techniques**** The production quality on *Music Has the Right to Children* is exceptional. Eoin and Sandison meticulously crafted each track in their rural Scottish studio, employing techniques that emphasize warmth and depth. The duo has stated their preference for using decrepit equipment, which adds character and texture to their sound. Key production elements include: - **Layering**: The intricate layering of sounds creates a sense of depth and movement within tracks. Subtle details emerge upon repeated listens, revealing hidden complexities. - **Sampling**: The strategic use of samples from educational films and children’s shows enriches the soundscape while reinforcing thematic connections to childhood. - **Effects Processing**: Reverb and delay are used extensively to create an expansive atmosphere. This processing enhances the dreamlike quality of the music, making it feel both intimate and vast. The album's production is not merely technical; it reflects an artistic vision that prioritizes emotional impact over conventional structures found in mainstream electronic music. ### Themes ****Nostalgia and Childhood**** One of the central themes in *Music Has the Right to Children* is nostalgia—specifically, a longing for childhood innocence and simplicity. The album evokes memories through its sonic palette, often conjuring images of pastoral landscapes or moments from youth. The title itself suggests a dual meaning: 1. **Access to Music**: It advocates for children’s access to diverse musical experiences beyond traditional genres. 2. **Evolution of Music**: It implies that music should evolve over time, much like childhood experiences shape individuals into adulthood. ****Nature and Technology**** Another prominent theme is the relationship between nature and technology. Boards of Canada’s rural upbringing informs their sound; they blend organic sounds with electronic elements seamlessly. Tracks like “Wildlife Analysis” incorporate naturalistic sounds that evoke a sense of place while contrasting with synthetic tones. The juxtaposition highlights an essential tension in contemporary life—how technology can both connect us to nature while simultaneously alienating us from it. ### Influence ****Impact on Electronic Music**** *Music Has the Right to Children* has had a profound influence on electronic music since its release. It paved the way for subsequent artists in ambient and downtempo genres who sought to explore similar themes through innovative sound design. The album's unique approach has inspired numerous musicians across various genres: - **Ambient Artists**: Many have adopted BoC’s atmospheric style while experimenting with their own sonic identities. - **Hip-Hop Producers**: The funky beats found in tracks like “Aquarius” resonate with hip-hop producers who seek to incorporate lush samples into their work. - **Film Scorers**: The cinematic quality of BoC's music has made it appealing for film scoring, influencing composers looking for evocative soundscapes. Overall, *Music Has the Right to Children* stands as a testament to Boards of Canada's artistry and vision within electronic music. ### Pros and Cons ****Pros**** - **Innovative Sound Design**: The album features groundbreaking production techniques that have influenced countless artists. - **Emotional Depth**: Its exploration of nostalgia resonates deeply with listeners, evoking personal memories tied to childhood experiences. - **Timelessness**: Despite being released over two decades ago, it remains relevant due to its unique soundscapes that continue to captivate new audiences. - **Accessibility**: The minimalistic approach allows listeners from various backgrounds to find meaning in its abstract compositions. ****Cons**** - **Limited Lyrics**: Some listeners may find the sparse use of lyrics limiting or unengaging compared to more lyrically-driven genres. - **Pacing Issues**: Certain tracks may feel slow or meandering for those accustomed to more structured compositions typical in popular music. - **Niche Appeal**: While critically acclaimed, its experimental nature may not appeal broadly outside dedicated electronic or ambient music circles. ### Conclusion *Music Has the Right to Children* by Boards of Canada is an extraordinary debut album that transcends conventional boundaries within electronic music. Its innovative sound design, emotional depth, thematic richness, and lasting influence solidify its status as a classic. While it may not cater to all musical tastes due to its experimental nature and limited lyrical content, those who embrace its unique qualities often find themselves on a journey through memory and emotion—a testament to the power of music itself.

Sorti sur l'excellent label Warp en 1998, l'album "Music Has the Right to Children" de Boards of Canada reste à ce jour leur album le plus facile d'accès. "Music Has the Right to Children ", c'est 17 morceaux que l'on écoute sans le moindre effort. Des boucles qui se répètent, des beats lents, des touches subtils de synthé, des voix robotiques et métalliques, un sample de Sesame Street. La mélancolie profonde des morceaux ravive des souvenirs d'enfance et nous touche en plein coeur. La froideur de la pochette se retrouve dans la quasi-intégralité des titres avec son atmosphère glaciale. Suite à cet album, Boards Of Canada est devenu une énorme source d’inspiration et de respect. Un album hors du temps et un gros 5/5 pour un pur moment de bonheur.

one of the best albums ever made. id give it 10/5 if i could… back in around 2009 i got on craiglist a 1984 cadillac fleetwood bougham from this guy selling it for his mom down in thousand oaks, ca.. 112,000 miles on it, kept covered in the garage the entire time theyd owned it. it was a showroom floor model, it was sexy.. but the speakers in it were practically untouched.. i would use this album (telephasic workshop or roygbiv usually) to show my bandmates and friends how warm and super crisp they sounded.. ill forevee think of that caddy every time i hear this already perfect album.

Super cool. Sounds like a video game sound track.

Otherworldy. The album cover perfectly encapsulates the unsettling paranoia that a lot of the tracklist evokes. Loved it. Best song: Turquoise Hexagon Sun / Happy Cycling Worst song: Rue the Whirl

This was a really interesting listen, it was hypnotizing and immersive. It felt like a robot trying to communicate human emotions, and the sound was foreign but comforting at the same time. I enjoyed every minute of it. Best song: Aquaris / Roygbiv Worst song: An Eagle In Your Mind

lake 😃😃😃

This is a tough one. It almost feels right to just give it a perfect score and move on. When a record has a “Legacy” sub-heading on its Wikipedia page, you know at the very least that it’s an influential one. But this is a double-edged sword since, in providing the template for IDM in the late nineties, its initial edge is somewhat blunted by the scores of imitators. But, on the other hand, Boards of Canada are pretty inimitable in their vision for what electronic music could be: purposeful, meticulously thought out and with an intellectual profundity that flipped the dance music’s drug-induced transience on its head. This isn’t an album of momentary hedonism, it’s a soundtrack to childhood that captures the bittersweet essence of what it is to be nostalgic. Does that necessarily make for an immediate listen? No. In fact, on first listen I remember this album leaving me could. But revisiting it now, everything sort of fell into place. That’s not to say that I’ve made sense of Music Has the Right to Children and its ambitious reflections. But I guess that’s kind of the point.

A true oxymoron in audio form. Finding warmth in the coldness of steel machinery; finding structure in the unordered; finding the future in your nostalgia; finding childlike joy in growing up. A misremembered memory you wouldn't want to remember any other way.

I enjoyed this a lot. There were many noises with a good beat. Solid

A good and interesting album, I liked Kaini Industries and Rue The Whirl the most.

Overall a really fun listen. Ambient electronica but with enough interesting bits to keep it moving.

Never heard of boards of canada until today. Reminds me a lot of trip hop groups I used to listen to, like Orbital. Really enjoyed this band. Looking forward to listening to more of BoC.

If you slowed down Pink Floyd and made it techno. Or gave Alice some acid and a turntable and a beat machine. Reminds me of Amon Tobin. Not the biggest techno guy...or whatever we're calling this... electronic? But if I'm going to dig it, chances are it's going to be mellow and trippy, like most of this is. I enjoyed this. It was chill but kept me interested. 4

Sweet fuck, ambient electronica? I envy the dopamine content of the brains of anyone who can treat this as an active listening exercise. Alas, I have a dopamine-starved ADHD brain. The only way I can review ambient is by putting it on while I do chores - it's actually an effective focus enhancer for tedious tasks. My rating is going to be based on how well I manage to get through the mountain of clean laundry I've been needing to put away for a couple days now. Yaaaaaay. Okay! I was pretty productive until it reached Aquarius, now I'm distracted. 4/5.

Hypnotic, stunning, eerie. Really opens up in a beautiful way when you listen closely to the subtleties. Especially liked sixtyten, roygbiv, Aquarius. As good of a headphones album as this is, it would be at its peak piped through the speakers of a dead mall

4.5/5

Not as good as The Campfire Headphase but still solid

Sesame Street REPRESENT

What’s the over/under on how many times Radiohead listened to this record whilst in studio for Kid A? Gotta be at least 25, right? Nah, that seems low, let’s go with 40. This is the influential one and it’s a pretty great record, but I think Tomorrow’s Harvest is my favorite of theirs - it’s a little more engaging to me. End of the day, I like this band, but I don’t love ‘em…know what I mean?

Scottish electronic. Chill lo-fi synths. Very atmospheric. Cool beats. I dig this. Interesting and varied. Pleasant and floaty. 80s vibes.

Good album, really enjoyed the sound. Would listen some more.

I have another album from these folks and hadn't heard this one, but it's cool ambient music without being just drone tones or breathy white noise. It has musical ideas but is laid back and cosmic feeling.

This is a 3.5 for me. I'm familiar with BoC, but my go to album has always been Campfire Headphase. I was happy to get the push to listen to this album again since it's been a while. It's good, but I don't really get the hype. I never did. Sonically this album is a trip worth the listen, but I probably won't come back to it too often (3 stars). Extra point for being so influential. I can think of several artists I like that site this album as inspiration. Maybe one day it'll break through to me.

Love the album cover and title! Maybe one of the best titles yet. I wasn't getting into it until Telephasic Workshop grabbed me. I'll explore this album in another state of mind in the future...even dropped TW into the Broccoli Alien Mix :)

My entry point to electronic music was Daft Punk’s Discovery in 2002. This is a far cry from that. I’m hard pressed to point to any moment of this album that caught my attention, so I’d put this firmly into the “background music” category… The grandfather of the ‘Chill Electronic Study Music’ Playlist, perhaps.

Most of it is chill ambient music that doesn't really stand on its own legs, and some of it is distorted noise that wanted to make me throw my headset off. I am being extremely generous with this rating.

Why does it seem like I just get sound effects instead of music? Not my thing.

Bored of Canada, am I right? Background music at its most self indulgent. If your idea of a good time is the same drum loop for six minutes interspersed with a bit crushed child’s voice intermittently vocalising the names of primary colours, then this record is for you!

Very 90s, minimal chilled electronic. Pretty easy to listen to but after first few tracks I'm not that bothered about it. Nothin particularly wrong with it but it just did nothing for me. 2/5

02/02 - Yesterday I worked on developing door details for the Drum Storage Building as well as some professional development toward AXP. I had a good conversation with Jake on how to address questions that might come up during the week (work on creating a list and asking for someones time in advance to go through the list). He also helped me with breaking down Project Management hours. I thought this album was okay, definitely different then the types of beats I would listen to today. It seemed to be missing a lot of base but I thought it was very unique in style regardless.

I know this is supposed to be one of the best albums of all time but I found this album so boring and way too long

One of the things this list has taught me is just how much I hate electronic music.

This is like music you'd put on in the background while you listen to other music.

Fuck Ziggy Stardust. This is the one!

I recently completed the game Tunic (released 2022) and it felt like the soundtrack was almost a carbon copy of this album. Seems most AI generated dreamcore uses this album as a baseline for sound as well. It's a testament to how well this album has aged. I'm not accustomed to listening to this type of music in album form but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Struggling between a 4 or a 5, but considering I'd be open to relistening and it's completely out of my usual taste profile, I think it warrants a 5 purely off the track for track quality. It's a versatile and multifaceted album that I couldn't help but connect with.

Chill, perfect for working. Where has this been all my life?!

One of my top 5 electronic albums of all time. Probably also a desert island record for me.

Terrific ambient sounds to chill out to. Love it.

Already a favourite

orange

Better than Coldplay

sometimes you gotta round up

A timeless classic.

Music Has The Right To Children is the debut album from Scottish pair Boards of Canada. They make a version of downtempo electronica, with extensive use of samples, some from "found sounds." They use a range of hip hop beats, and some of the tracks are best described as trip hop. These songs have ambient backgrounds, and use looped samples to construct melodies. This album includes "Roygbiv," one of the pair's most successful tracks.

9.5/10

Immaculate vibes on this one. I’m a fan of putting on some lofi music every once in a while, and this scratches that itch while also upping the production value and creativity to 11. It was so unique compared to the other albums I’ve listened to on this project so far, and definitely something i didn’t know i needed.

Absolutely beautiful & brilliant

Where’s the new album you cunts

ORANGE

generation z's obsession with analog horror is a strange one. not only did most people born before 2010 not have many formative experiences with things like VHS players or analog television before it was supplanted by superior and higher-fidelity, they also seem not to entirely understand the inherent nostalgic draw of these formats. often, the analog element simply serves as a shallow aesthetic choice, failing to make the two routes of "shitty equipment" and "spooky horror" converge in a meaningful manner. with all that said, why do i, a member of that generation, still care about it so much? well, i think it might be partially because i hold so much in common with the creators. things like analog horror, lost media, and nostalgia hold (please forgive me) an autistic quality to them that is enabled in the internet era of archives and infinite data. the thrown away, the forgotten, the easily ignored by the layman, the "who cares" -- it serves as a sort of hauntological comfort, an image of a world where things are not the stability that we know. maybe we identify with the long forgotten TAT logo, rotting away on your grandmother's tape collection of The Jeffersons. in disintegrating hiss and cherished fading memory, we both find comfort and challenge ourselves. it's creepy, but it's also wet, if you get me. i am not going to say Michael Sandison and Marcus Eoin are autistic; it's not my place to diagnose them. but their focus on the past, the mining of a world they never quite knew for warm, often uncanny memories, feels a lot in line with those who make analog horror. maybe it blends the two a bit better -- downtempo already took a lot from the synthetic and sampled to create a new style of music -- than this teenage passion, but you could just as easily strip away the Moogs and the Sesame Street samples and have a pretty decent beat tape. nevertheless, they are there. because Mike and Marcus care, and so do you.

This is one of the greatest electronic albums of all time. It orbits my life like a distant moon, only swooping in every few years or so, but when it does I'm always struck by how transporting this album is. It's equal parts haunting and cozy, which is just awesome. Must-Listen #135.

A startlingly great debut album from the Scottish department of the National Film Board Of Canada. An eerie, often cheery, murky, chirpy odyssey deep into the heart and soul of the mind as well as future, present and faulty, faded, misremembered past. Intensely warm and nostalgic and incredibly pastoral for a frosty cool electronic album. A true synthtopia with the most wondrously vintage sounding keys, wooziylicious tape treatment and intricate, amazing, fresh sounding beats throughout. The grooviest blend of trip-hop, folk, psychedelia, funk, shoegaze, Sesame Street samples and more. If it weren’t for Purple Rain then this would comfortably be the best album on this list. Ok, let’s go crazy. This IS the joint best album on the list and together the two albums make Turquoise Hexagon Rain.

Excellent. Must listen more

Szeretem imádom legjobb boc🥰

Board of Canada are one of my favorite groups point blank period, but it's been a while since I listened to their music in full and I keep wondering if I'd find it nearly as compelling as I did only a few years back, especially this album which I enjoyed but never could put my finger on why I never loved it as much as their future albums. I think today though I can more or less think why, It's the fact that while it IS consistent and has such a unique vibe that very few albums I've heard really match the ways in which it sounds so... mysterious but playful at the same time, it still just feels like the songs blend in sometimes, they don't tend to stand out too much, its in service of it's atmosphere for sure but I can't always think about the intricacies of every song on this album. Even more it's when a song stands out and boy does it have some highlights: Roygbiv is amazing, Aquarius and Turquoise Hexagon Sun are classic, and Pete Standing Alone has some of my favorite beats and samples, all of them stand out so much from the rest that I feel I end up gravitating towards those songs wayyyy more than the full experience of the album. I think following albums like Geogaddi and Tomorrow's Harvest had a better overall experience which made them more interesting in my mind and generally prefer them (plus the darker tone), but still! I don't think I could endorse an album more for people who want to get into psychedelic and electronic music, one that makes use of beats and samples in such an inventive way to create one of the most unique vibes ever, even if I get people don't love their work it's still a great place to start for anyone and one of my faves.

Heard it many a time and it keeps growing on me more and more. Just gorgeous landscapes of electronic music, works as background music, but also interesting and layered enough for closer listening. Don't think they have a weak song in their entire catalog.

I wish I could quantify what separates Good trancy electronica from bad. It really is an ineffable groove, or something. Whatever it is, this has it in spades

Boards of Canada has never missed

i listened to this so much as a teenager. so many amazing tracks

Masterpiece.

Maybe the perfect work album. Have enjoyed this one for a quite a long time. 4.5/5

Really loved this

Amazing

Superb album, possibly my favourite IDM/ambient record of all time.