Product description AIR - MOON SAFARI CD 10 TRACKS (61411) Review There are a few albums in this world whose currency has become so devalued by repeated plays that they almost cease to exist. This reviewer hasn't really HEARD Dark Side Of The Moon, Sgt Pepper or OK Computer for years. Familiarity doesn't breed contempt, just nonchalance. And so it is with Air's Moon Safari. Not only was it used as the background music for every lifestyle programme ever made in 1998 (and 1999, 2000 etc. etc.) but it sold in squillions, meaning that there's barely a music fan over 25 who doesn't own it or know every note. Of course, there's a reason for its ubiquity. It's great, and now in a sparkling, expanded version, ten years on maybe we can listen properly again.What Air achieved may seem simple now, but at the time was deceptively clever. In true Gallic fashion they melded cheese with cool, making the two indistinguishable. The bubbling synths, lush strings and funky loungecore Fender Rhodes; all were signifiers for the contemporary trend for reclaiming the easy listening schlock of the early '70s. But somehow Nicolas Godin and Jean-Benoit Dunckel created the perfect blend for post-clubbing languor.It's not just one great fondue though. Before Sean Rowley invented the odious Guilty Pleasures franchise these French kids were incorporating the the best of the Beach Boys and ELO: Often on one track (Remember). Vocoders (Kelly watch The Stars), doomy synth pads (Sexy Boy) and rippling acoustic guitars were all used, ironically or not. And when guest vocalist, Beth Hirsch sang on All I Need, the tunes could almost break your stimulant-weary heart.Eventually one senses that Moon Safari became the band's albatross. In later years even the writers felt the need to turn what would become to be known as a classic 'chillout' album into pummellingly loud concert numbers, just to get something new out of them. But at its heart MS is a wonderfully pretty album, and as a precursor to the likes of Lemonjelly and their ilk it remains a landmark. It's up to you, the horizontal listener, as to whether you can still really hear it. Let's hope so! --Chris JonesFind more music at the BBC This link will take you off in a new window
M**N
Perfect thanks
Perfect
T**R
A beautiful electronic gem
I have to admit, I didn't bother with Air back in the 90s, my music collection being firmly dancefloor-oriented but I'm glad I gave Moon Safari a proper listen, now I'm older and wiser! The first 2 tracks are the sort that you've heard a hundred times over the decade since its release but never knew who they were by, so recognisable are they. They are easily the highlights of the album in my opinion but further listening reveals several more sintilatingly smooth and sexy tracks that just ease away your troubles and melt your soul in a way that I don't think any other electronica album has done before or since.My only gripes with this are that a) the use of vocoder voices is over-done and I find it rather cheesy and pointless anyway (they particularly spoil 'Remember', which would be a great track otherwise) and b) This is the pinnacle of Air! The other numerous, prolific products from the French duo verge into cringeworthy, commercial, self-indulgent bilge. Truly, their other albums are dire in comparison to this or in fact any other album - do not expect more of the same. Fortunately, Moon Safari is one you'll keep coming back to years down the line.
Z**D
Superb album, good quality vinyl.
Amazing album, decent quality vinyl. I'll not review the Album - if you're buying to this on vinyl you'll know it's such a good record to chill out too.
D**.
stone cold classic in 180gm vinyl
so glad I purchased this, wonderful record - sounds different to the cd, artwork and design look brilliant - very happy.
P**Y
How do you review a Classic?
Moon Safari is a stone cold classic album, that helped create a whole style of retro futurism, as well as define a French eletro-ambient pop sound that is still going strong. I have a chance to name drop with this one, as I've actually met Beth Hirsch; the lovely woman who does all the amazing female vocals; and got a chance to sing with her on a friends song, alas my part was removed, so I'll never get a chance to hear it with me singing with her; but it was wonderful to get a chance to do it.This Album is a masterpiece, and it's best heard on Vinyl, trust me.
R**R
Classic album that sounds great on 180g vinyl
Great pressing of a classic album on 180g vinyl, sounds very clear and no noise on quiet sections
J**A
Masterpiece
I knew this album would be amazing even before I heard it just from reading about it pre-release. I was not disappointed. For those who claim everything Air has done subsequently is inferior I would point them at their sublime Virgin Suicides soundtrack and the Premieres Symptomes EP.
S**C
4 stars
sound great , only few surface noise , but I can accept
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