Artist: 808 State Album: Utd. State 90

Year: 1990
Duration: 0:0-1

The Bold Innovations of 808 State's Album 'Utd. State 90'

As lovers of music, it's easy to gravitate towards the classics of the past. But sometimes, it's important to take a step outside of your comfort zone and explore new territory. This is where 808 State comes in. The British electronic music group made their mark in the late 80s and early 90s with their unique blend of house, techno, and acid genres. And in 1990, they released a defining album that showcases their bold innovations, 'Utd. State 90'. This album mixes together old sounds with new ones, with a hint of nostalgia and a flare of futurism. As a music lover myself, I had to give this album a listen and share my thoughts with you. Read on for a of 'Utd. State 90'.
To understand the importance of this album, let's first discuss the history of 808 State. The group formed in Manchester in 1987 and consisted of three members: Graham Massey, Martin Price, and Gerald Simpson. They started out making music in their bedrooms, experimenting with drum machines and samplers. They eventually gained popularity in the underground dance scene and were signed to ZTT Records. This led to the release of their debut album, 'Newbuild', which was a defining moment for electronic music. It was a mix of genres ranging from acid to hip-hop to funk, and it showcased the potential of electronic music. With the success of 'Newbuild', 808 State continued to push boundaries with their music, leading up to the release of 'Utd. State 90'.
Now let's dive into the music of 'Utd. State 90'. The album features a variety of sounds that blend together in a cohesive way. It starts off with Magical Dream, which features a dreamy soundscape with a hint of acid house. It's a calming and soothing track that introduces the album in a gentle way. From there, the album transitions into more upbeat tracks like Pacific 202 and Ancodia. These tracks showcase the group's ability to create infectious melodies while still experimenting with different sounds. Cobra Bora is another standout track, featuring a sample from the movie 'Easy Rider' and a breakbeat that adds a layer of intensity to the song. Overall, the album is a journey through different sounds and moods, but it never feels disjointed.
One of the most innovative parts of the album is the use of sampling. 808 State were known for their use of samples, but they took it to a new level with 'Utd. State 90'. They sampled from a variety of sources, including movies, TV shows, and other songs. For example, the track In Yer Face samples a vocal from a Public Enemy song and a guitar riff from a Led Zeppelin song. It's a mashup of different genres and eras that somehow works together seamlessly. This innovative use of sampling influenced many other artists in the electronic music scene and helped to push the boundaries of what was possible with sampling.
While 'Utd. State 90' is a groundbreaking album, it's not without its flaws. Some tracks feel like they drag on for too long, like The Fat Shadow (Pointy Head Mix). It's a repetitive song that doesn't add anything new as it goes on. Additionally, some of the tracks sound too similar to each other, like Flow Coma. It blends into the background and doesn't leave a lasting impression. However, these flaws are minor in comparison to the overall success of the album.
In conclusion, 'Utd. State 90' is an important album in the history of electronic music. It showcases the innovative sound of 808 State and their ability to blend together different genres and sounds. The use of sampling on the album was groundbreaking and influenced many other artists in the scene. While there are some flaws in the album, they don't take away from the overall success of the album. If you're a lover of music, I highly recommend giving 'Utd. State 90' a listen. It's a journey through different sounds and moods that will leave you feeling inspired.