808 State – Utd. State 90

Quite a lot of music on this single LP, can anyone speak to sound quality?

Now this is something special. What's there not to adore? It's 808 State at their peak. Many say this is the peak for them. But even their subsequent releases still hold up well. However, for newcomers to their music, I'd recommend starting with this or 'Ex:el'. Both albums are not only timeless but also revolutionary in shaping the electronic music landscape. 'Pacific' is the obvious classic standout, but in my view, tracks like 'State to State', 'Sunrise', and 'Magical Dream' are equally captivating. For those not familiar, this was the album that made its way to the US back in the day. While "808:90" is often regarded as the more complete album, this one includes tracks that were omitted from the other release, giving each album its own unique listening experience. I particularly like this album for songs like "State to State" and "Revenge of the Girlie Man." State to state being a song previously released on Quadrastate but overall the added songs brings this album out to 12 making it more bang for the buck compared to 808:90 8 songs more like 7 if we take out the fat shadow.

jonarmst
richgers
Roland4387

I still have fond memories of that place in the summer and fall of 1991 as I would round up several girls and guys to head out there each Wednesday night, all the way from 1000 Oaks. The smell of fog machines hit you as soon as you walked down the stairs into the tiny space, which was dripping with sweat by the end of night, as were all of us.

Aldo Bender, Michael Cook & Gary Glitz? were the three mainstays as I recall.

We'd often have to stop at Dunkin' Donuts on the way back home to replenish ourselves from that full night on the floor.

Those nights often ended with Rozalla's "Everybody's Free."

Great times.

Utd. State 90 is probably the best electronic dance music album ever made. 808 State are my favorite electronic music artists. They were from the moment I heard Pacific 202 and this album back in 1989/90 and remain so to this day. The amount of musical genius applied to their music just blows my mind.

It was always a curious thing for me that (at least here in America) I never heard an 808 State song at the rave. I went to my first rave in 1990 or 91 and continued to do so for the rest of my life. I think maybe 808 State was simply too good for the dancefloor.
This was music for the mind and soul as much as the body. Was it too cerebral? Was it too far removed from the 4/4 beats? Was it too different than the hardcore sound that was ruling the dancefloors? I kind of think so. Otherwise, I don't know why it was never played here. I can't speak for my raver brothers and sisters over in the UK, but I'd love to hear your thoughts on this.

Not pictured here is the United state CD came in a long box. I think that used to be standard for us released cds at one point so they stood out amongst vinyl in the racks before cds were more commonplace.

My favorite tracks on this release are Boneyween, Magical Dream, and 808080808.

Some nice hidden gems on this release. Still fresh for 2015 !

For me...it all began here. This was the first full length techno album I had ever heard and what an initiation. I was immediately back at the local shop looking for more the next day. Dreamy, hooky and at times metallic and punchy, this was the music my soul had been searching for forever. Instrumental soulful techno that breathes with a life of its own. Pacific, Cubik, 8080808, Donkey Doctor etc. May the 808 state live forever.