En-Tact

Really putting the shame into shamen

Like being at a rave with all the lights on.

I pride myself on being somewhat of a chameleon. And being able to adapt. But someone, anyone, get me out of this gay bar.

Listening to this record was like washing your dick in a sink after spending two weeks shagging the granny out of your own cat.

Absolute garbage. Repetitive, uninteresting, dated, meaningless new-agey-druggy lyrics, awful sound, terrible singing - tedious beyond belief. Not even close to being an essential album and nothing like the best example of its genre. Avoid, avoid, avoid.

I am tired of music

Never heard of this. But this was great. An album pointing forward to nineties rave culture. There are way too many dismissive voices towards electronic music on this site. This is definitely accomplished dance music, with varied and surprising layers mixed into its pulsating repetitiveness. It fit perfectly for this Saturday night. Contrary to what a lot of the commentators write, I believe this is on equal footing with the more famous acts of the era. Just look past the 90’s dance rap stuff and you’ll find a good electronic record. Stand outs: “Possible Worlds: Deep PSI”, “Hyperreal Orbit”, “Lightspan Soundwave” and “Progen 91”.

5

This is a solid sequence of tracks. With a tab of acid, it'd probably be 6 stars.

I don't know man, I am sure this is someones vibe. But as a person not alive in 1990 it feels super old. Like not aged super well, I could see it being like a new synth electronic thing. But man, It's so old, it feels kinda comedic to a certain point. And it's like crazy long. Felt like a slog to get through. to each their own, however this isn't mine.

Somewhere in 1993 I discovered Boss Drum, The Shamen’s follow up album to En-Tact. I fell in love with the sound and enjoyed listening to that album. For whatever reason I never ventured any further into their catalog. I enjoyed this album as well. The opening track Move Any Mountain and the Pro Gen remix at the end are fantastic. The rest of the album was great. My raving days may be largely behind me, but this is a great high-energy choice for doing work around the house!

I did not enjoy this even a little bit. I don't think I would enjoy this even if I was at a rave all hopped up on ecstasy. Nothing personal against The Shamen, I'm sure they are fine fellows, but it's just not my thing. 2 stars.

Annoying vocals over awful noises.

Track 1: 9 seconds in and rapidly approaching "No." Track 2: "I'm SMOOOOTH - Like water from a fountain!" *ugh* Track 3: END

Don’t think this aged very well...

This album started with high hopes from me. A promise of mixing psychedelic rock and hardcore hip hop rhythms from Spotify's band description, however this was not what I expected. This is because this album actually comes from their acid house era which they became known for. This album started out with a bang, and soon became very samey to me. I know that's the case with this kind of music so maybe it needs a few more listens from me to get to grips with the subtleties of it, especially as i'm not really listening well when coding these days. To be honest this is a no from me dawg. 2 because I liked some tunes but mostly it's not my cup of tea.

The Shaman were actually pretty good at one point, when Will Sinnott was still around and Mr C wasn't talking over the top of every track. This is probably their peak, when they were still mixing some of their psychedelic roots into a house sound, and before they lapsed into one dimensional rave party anthems.

Schwierig. Hat seine Momente. Über weite Strecken allerdings alles andere als abwechslungsreich. Mich nervt solche Art elektronischer Musik sehr leicht, da macht dieses Album keine Ausnahme.

One of the worst things I've ever heard. Everything that was wrong with the 90s. Example lyric: "Yeah, yeah Yeah, yeah Y-y-y-yeah yeah Yeah yeah Ooh oh, ooh oh, ooh oh Yeah yeah hyperreal Ooh oh, yeah yeah hyperreal" Hypersh*t. Rating: 1/5 Playlist track: Pro-Gen Date listened: 17/06/23

I'd rather listen to my ass.

From the first song, I thought I would need to be wearing parachute pants to truly enjoy this album. But then Human NRG took a left turn and made me think I should have taken drugs to enjoy it. Maybe both were required and would have been epic. In the end, I made it to Hear Me and turned it off.

What the fuck is this shit now? I feel a hatred and rage of Joan Crawford proportions coming on. “NO ELECTRONICA!! NO ELECTRONICA EVEEEEERRRR!!!!!”

It's like someone drilling into my forehead. Make it stop.

Horrible pseudo multi-cultural rave music. Truly execrable.

I liked the first 4 songs. More interesting than most house music. Then it fell off a bit.

The Shamen may have made a weird swerve from psychedelic rock to house music here, but I guess they get some credit for embracing house and helping popularize the genre on an album, outside of the club? But the credit for a style that evolved in the Chicago club scene with African American DJs going to a Scottish rock band is kind of weird. And it was early in the evolution of house music, but most of "En-Tact" is pretty boring. Or annoying, as in the case of "Omega Amigo."

At 880 albums in, I’m starting to feel like I’ve heard every British electronic record that was released in the 90’s. …and now they’ve all coalesced into a megalithic mash of synthetics and breathy vocals that haunts my waking hours.

How many EDM albums are on this list anyway? Better question: how many that made this list will I enjoy? So far there's only been one and this surely wasn't the second. Annoying and overlong. Maybe I just don't get the genre but I know what I like and don't like and I gotta say: I HATED this. Never again. Throw this crap into the bog.

I’ve always had a soft spot for these early electronic albums, and this one really hits the mark. I’ve known about The Shamen for about 30 years, especially their track “Move Any Mountain,” but this was my first time listening to the whole album. I can see why it was so groundbreaking at the time. It’s a reminder that to really appreciate this kind of music, you have to consider where it fits in history. This album is a blend of early techno, breakbeats, and acid house with a bit of an ambient feel in the background, making it great for either a party vibe or just chilling out. The production is packed with samples and loops, a hallmark of dance music from this era. I didn’t realize until now that The Shamen used to be a psychedelic rock band and switched up their sound with this album. Now I’m curious to check out their earlier albums.

8.5/10 - The first three songs I absolutely loved and there were a bunch more that I enjoyed too. I would completely understand if someone did not like any of the songs but it works for me. 666 edit also was fantastic.

Another solid groove for a Saturday dance party. Really enjoyed it!

Really good early 90s electronic music. Solid all the way through

1990 - Techno, Electronica, Acid house, House music

Vibe

I didn’t want to like this alt-euro dance aggressively 90s album but it grew on me. It’s groovy and honestly really nice to have on in the background.

Never got too repetitive. Nice in the background and found myself nodding along a lot.

7.5/10. It does feel a little bit cheap, but I really like its vibe. This album gives me cool club vibes, and I feel like grooving to it. I don't care about its negative reception!!! :)

This was so cool. If you're reading this, I implore you to listen to it while playing any N64/PS1/DC era racing game. NFS or Gran Turismo.

Back when this album came out, you have to understand there wasn't much else like this. Rave Music was kind of getting started so to to have a group that were essentially a rock band pick up samplers and sequencers and release something like this was revolutionary. Sure others followed and did it better but En-Tact had made this list because of what pathfinders they were. Move Any Mountain is still an anthem

Where do I start? When I tell people I love the Shamen, people always think of 'Ebeneezer Goode'. It's very depressing. Their debut is in my top 5 all time great albums, their second is in my top 50 (For some reason, you can't find them on streaming sites!) Where does this fit? Top 2000 probably. I discovered them on the J Peel show with 'Knature of a Girl' in 1987 and loved them from that moment. When I heard 'Omega Amigo' for the first time in 1989, there was a huge departure from their previous sound. Next was 'Progen' in the same year, I expected it to be a huge hit, but no... (that only happened when they renamed it Move any Mountain!). The nearest they got to their old sound was with the single 'Make it Mine' with it's great guitar hook. 'Hypereal' is just dreamy and was probably the first time I came across the genius of W. Orbit. 'Lightspan' is probably the best non single track on this rather eclectic and what sounds like, thrown together album. They were still experimenting and finding their feet in a different environment to which they began. It isn't perfect in any way, and it's not helped with the tracks being rejigged on streaming sites, which makes it a bit different to the original release. It still gets 4 stars

I listened & chose my rating, then looked at some other reviews. LOL I'm sticking with mine, I like this style of music. It's great for work, keeping me energized to get through the day.

You thought I was gonna give this a 1, didn't you?

A time capsule record, from the London rave scene of the late-80s/early 90s. First few songs I was into, but then it became repetitive. I can see how this fits into the acid house/dance genre. But I honestly wouldn’t listen to this again.

I don't think I've ever listened to an album more reminiscent of the 90s than this one. Some decent melodies and occasional guitar work on here, but it's not enough to escape the LP's datedness or lack of forward momentum.

Our run of great albums had to end at some point. We really had like two weeks there of mostly 4s and 5s. The opener to this sounds like when a sitcom parodies a DARE psa hip hop group but the eighth listen of it I’m finding it enjoyable in a making fun of it way, I think. This album has the target demo of Elementary school P.E. Coaches and the band that made the Macarena. Maybe it’s because I’ve loved almost all of what we’ve been listening to recently to then get hit with HUMAN NRG put at the same “you must hear this” importance as fuckin War Pigs is insane. I’m trying to give this a 2, we’ll see how I feel when the time comes.

This isn't the worst thing I've heard, but I think I'd prefer to hear someone vomiting than listen to the rest of this album. Why is this on 1001 albums? It's a tepid example of a forgettable genre from the '90s.

I can move move move any mountain

Great!

This is awesome!! It's like the beginnings of techno in the 90s. I actually really like this so far.

incredible

Ik heb The Shamen altijd wat links laten liggen, omdat die hits allemaal wel geinig zijn, maar zeker niet meer dan dat. Ik kende vooral het hieropvolgende album Boss-Drum. Het album van een aantal bekende nummers. Maar niet dat album staat in de lijst (wellicht ook een te kort album), maar dus dit minder bekende album. Een snob-keuze? Zeker niet! Ik wordt positief verrast door dit album. De hit is nog wel een wat suffer euro-dance achtig plaatje wat ook op Boss-Drum had kunnen staan. Maar de rest is een hele fijn begin jaren ’90 geluid dat soms zelfs wat zelf flinke stappen de rave induikt. Een geluid dat ik wel mis in deze lijst. Waar is bijvoorbeeld Experience van The Prodigy? Jullie houden toch zo van debut-albums? Sterker nog, ik ken veel van de geluiden uit latere rave platen. Althans, ik denk nu dat The Shamen vaak eerst was. Maar het is een onderzoek op www.whosampled.com waard. Ik twijfel wat tussen een 4 en een 5. Laat ik de ondervertegenwoordiging van dit genre de doorslaggevende factor maken.

So much fun

What a vibe it feels so modern and timeless at the same time! And the transitions are awesome

Never heard of them but enjoyed the album. Easy to listen to and good for coding.

This is great.

Na luzie można dać 5 stars

All the tracks sound mostly the samey, still a classic album

That was amazing. I've never heard of this group. Would have been 100% into these guys if I had discovered them when they came out in the early 90's.

A lot of dance albums rely on repetitive hooks, this clearly sets out to take you on a journey using electronica. only knew them as a novelty with Ebaneezer but this a great piece of music.

Kick back and have a party , this album is banging

Good

I am familiar with THE SHAMEN and the album EN-TACT, since I have it, but I haven’t listened to it to since the early 90’s, since the rave culture went out of fashion. After listening to EN-TACT, I knew I would like it at the beginning from what I remember from it, but I was rather surprised how well the album held up after repeated listening. I thought it would sound dated after a while but, no, it still sounds fresh and vibrant although the rave culture has subsided. I like EN-TACT more now than I did in the 90’s. I’m glad for this re-listen. In 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die, THE SHAMEN’s EN-TACT Is the only album listed. Rate Artist: THE SHAMEN (5.0) Rate Album (Year): EN-TACT (US 1991 Original) (5.0) Ranking of THE SHAMEN - EN-TACT songs No. Title Length Ranking 01. "Move Any Mountain" (Progen - Beatmasters 7") 3:28 10.0/10 02. "Human Nrg (Massey)" 4:39 10.0/10 03. "Possible Worlds: Deep PSI" 3:44 10.0/10 04. "Omega Amigo" 4:44 09.5/10 05. "Evil Is Even [Edit]" 4:23 10.0/10 - Instrumental 06. "Hyperreal Orbit" (Early Fade) 5:22 10.0/10 07. "Lightspan" 4:39 10.0/10 08. "Make It Mine" (v1.3 Lenny D Vox) 3:32 10.0/10 09. "Oxygen Restriction" 3:49 10.0/10 10. "Hear Me" (O My People) (Edit) Orbital 5:11 10.0/10 11. "666 Edit" (Move Any Mountain) 4:48 09.5/10 12. "Make It Minimal" 3:18 10.0/10 13. "Hyperreal Selector" (Edit) 4:01 10.0/10 14. "Lightspan Soundwave" (Edit) 4:19 10.0/10 15. "Progen 91 [I.R.P. in the Land of Oz]" 5:21 10.0/10 Original US 1991 Release 149.0/150 = 9.93 / 2 = 4.97

I reviewed the US version as I think it's better than the original UK release. The album makes an immediate start with the bouncy Beatmasters version of 'Move Any Mountain' which has more energy that the original mix and less Mr C rapping, which can only be a good thing. The Massey (of 808 state) mix of 'Human NRG' is also superior to the original, mainly because it sounds like an 808 State track (the drums are straight out of 'Cubik'), whilst also still being fairly similar to the original. Next up is 'Possible Worlds: Deep PSI'. I prefer the original mix of this, mainly because it has more of a song structure and more of the guitar, which I think is the strongest element of the track, but this isn't a bad mix. 'Omega Amigo' has wisely been left untouched, this was the flyer single for the album and is perhaps the most conventionally 'pop' song on here, well produced by Steve Osbourne. 'Evil is Even' is irritating, the vocal samples are ill fitting and it is the weakest track on the album. 'Hyperreal Orbit' is William Orbit's remix which I think edges it slightly, though I find this track quite dated compared to some of the others. 'Lightspan' is, I think, the Renegade Soundwave mix, hard to tell as they are all quite similar , but the production is slightly clearer. A pretty enough tune, but inessential. 'Make it Mine' is again a better remix as it dumps the rubbish Rhyme & Reason rap from the original, quite a jolly, catchy number. 'Oxygen Restriction' is a sleeper hit, a slinky, slightly menacing tune. 'Hear Me O My People' is an Orbital track, rather than a Shamen one. It's great though, and slightly deeper than the rest of the tracks. In summary, this is a good remix album rather than artist album, but kudos to The Shamen for their production tastes.

Loved this album. Great jams, had a real sense of time and place. Saved a ton of songs and will be relistening for sure.

Love these sort of sounds and rhythms, and Move Any Mountain is just a great track. I got a bit bored in one or two tracks, but they're not really made for a dull, grey Wednesday afternoon on the sofa. Tracks from this and Boss Drum will remain on my dance playlist for ever more.

I love it when groups just totally change their sound. The Shamen did this moving (as noted in their bio) from psychedelic rock to 'rave'. Sometimes you can see this as changing with the times. But this album feels like people who simply wanted to make more electronic based music. And that ain't that far from electronic anyway.

Solid nineties electronic dance music.

Getting a good laugh out of all the negative reviews on this site. Sure, it's nowhere near the best electronic/EDM music I've ever listened to.. but the beats are solid, with fun layering, and when listening I feel transported back to a rave club in the early 90s. With a tab of acid I'm sure it'd be even better.

Vibe with this a lot. Haven’t heard a ton of dance music from 90s and added a couple songs.

En-Tact was a pretty surprisingly enjoyable album for what it was. For some reason, i have an odd affinity with this type of weird electronic music and this album really showed me just how much i have it. The beats were super catchy in a lot of the songs and many of them had cool enough elements that i didn't get bored of it, even with a 65 minute runtime. Granted, not all of the songs are perfect as some of them have elements that i just didn't really like which made me wish the album cut them out. There was not a single song i really hated though so this album remains a really good one in my eyes. Best Song: 666 Edit Worst Song: Lightspan Soundwave

Coming off the high point of the late 80s acid house movement, The Shamen wanted to ensure that the feeling remained intact over the course of an hour and they largely succeed with flying colors. En-Tact maintains the balance of psychedelia and electronica without falling into unnecessary cliches, even though the quality would dip at times. While not an essential classic of the times, it is a plentiful listen. Favorites: Move Any Mountain, Human NRG, Possible Worlds, Evil is Even, Hyperreal Orbit, Make It Mine, 666 Edit, Make It Minimal, Hyperreal Selector.

4.1 - I was dreading this after reading a bit about it, but this really surprised me. Some really good songs and found I wanted to relisten

It’s a little silly, and definitely dated, but it made me nostalgic for this era of Hi-Energy dance where everything didn’t need to be so serious, divided, technical, and picked-apart.

Hell yeah

Fun notes

I really enjoyed this. Reminded me a bit of Stereo MCs.

Nos-Talgia. I enjoyed this album. Now I feel dirty.

ezer good. Unlike ebeneezer goode

En-Tact is the fourth album from the Shamen, a Scottish band that evolved from a psychedelic guitar band into an electronic, dance club band. Frontman Colin Angus combined house and techno elements to create the band's danceable tracks. En-Tact features "Move Any Mountain," one of the band's biggest songs. It has become one of the early "classics" of industrial house. The simple, catchy lyrics run with the driving bass to make one of the most frequently remixed dance club songs in history.

Like this way more than I thought I would 4/5

some classic tunes

Now this was a vibe, it sounded like if Tears For Fears had a love baby with Wham! Do with that information what you will.

I know I’ve heard this album before but I have no idea where. Good early house.

I get the feeling he can move any mountain

Apparently the tracklist listed on the book is the vinyl tracklist, which is different from the 1990 CD tracklist, which is also different from the newer 1991 USA tracklist (which is also the one on Spotify)? I was gonna give it a 3 mainly because it's too long and filled with fluff, but considering the vinyl tracklist I guess I'm changing it to a 4 Favorites: "Omega Amigo", "Hyperreal Orbit", "Make It Mine", "666 Edit"

I enjoyed it.

good eletronic album

It’s got a good beat

cool!

3.75, mainly for nostalgia

Electronic, 1989. Animado y no cansino.

Interesting as a precursor to EDM - especially enjoyed 1 Possible worlds 2 Hear me

Enjoyed it WAY more than expected. Some late 80s electronic. Its like New Wave meets Nine Inch Nails meets something i dont even know how to identify. Maybe because i went in with such low expectations, but was pleasantly surprised. Would listen again, not daily, but again

En daar zijn ze weer, de beatjes en de samples. Wel grappig dat dit iets jonger klinkt dan het is, ze waren hun tijd enigzins vooruit. En ow, wat waren ze net als iedereen blij met de van de tv opgenomen stemmetjes die in hun computer stonden en te pas en te onpas ertussen konden mikken. Zoals bekend is voor mij de achilleshiel van dit soort platen de elektronische leegheid en de eindeloze herhaling. Die vallen hier mee. Ik word er eigenlijk best vrolijk van, dus vooruit maar weer.

This is really good music to listen to while going on a caffeine fueled cleaning rampage

I've been an Electronica hater on here but I actually liked this one. It's not as plodding and repetitive as other albums in the genre I've heard. It was pretty groovy.

I learned of The Shamen after the re-release of "Move Any Mountain" in 1991. I never came around to listen to this album, but I loved their next one, "Boss Drum", released in 1992. "En-Tact" foreshadows what "The Shamen" would transform into. It is a bit rough at the edges, but still full of positive energy.

Pretty good early 90s dj album

The bad reviews on this one I think are reacting to the sometimes corny rap lyrics, but the music itself is fucking awesome.

I liked this record. Interesting beats, positive lyrics.