The Future Sound Of London – Accelerator

I fucking LOVE this album. Accelerator is FSOL's debut album from 1992 and it is perhaps the sonic essence of that era's Techno sound. Hot off the heels of 808 State and boldly moving into the future of Electronica; with wild sample work, groovy psychedelic soundscapes, bombastic basslines, and unique drum patterns, this was an era where Electronic music was coming into its own yet there was still so much room for experimentation and unique soundscapes.

In 1989 I was still a metal head. Within a year or I had been converted to indie. The Cubik:Olymic came along an alerted me to dance. I became a DJ and danced to Happy Hardcore like it was 1991. This FSOL album is one that totally grabbed me too. Until then it had all been about white labels, but here was a whole album!! Along with Ex:EL - for me - seminal.

I think I first bought this in 1994. I only listen to it on rare occasions to keep it special. Pulse State and Calcium are my favourites. Two absolute gems.

I was just listening to this and I was moved to post a comment. This album to me is easily in my list of top 10 electronic music albums. It's really meant to be listened to as a CD, straight through, as an experience. Foresee myself in my 60-70s if I live that long playing this. Thank you guys for making this. PNG single-highhandedly changed my life by opening me to the world of techno (even though I'd long been an EBM/industrial guy) in 1991. I used to think it was just about PNG but there's so much more here. Every track incredible. On a lovely spring day, I'll have another.

Popularly believed to be their first album, Accelerator is their first full length to use the Future Sound of London name exclusively but it is their SECOND album. Originally they released tons of singles and eps under various band names, and their first full length was a fake various artist album (a "various artist album" where every band was them) called Earthbeat.
https://www.discogs.sitioby.com/Various-Earthbeat/master/110505

Also check out The Pulse eps from the same time period. The 4 eps have been reprinted as one full length album, but they started as eps so they don't count as their 1st album. This is where the "Future Sound Of London" bandname was first used (as one of the 4 "different" bands on the eps).
https://www.discogs.sitioby.com/The-Future-Sound-Of-London-The-Pulse-EPs/release/1340421

A 5 star LP and a very important LP in the evolution of techno. 'Pulse State' rates as one of my favourite tracks ever committed to vinyl. I can easily loose myself in that 303 bass line and those 808 claps intertwined with some heavenly chords. I wish it lasted for 60 mins..... For me the highlight on a exemplary LP.

For those looking to source the sample on 'Central Industrial' take a dive into Throbbing Gristle's '20 Jazz Funk Greats' from 1979. The track 'What A Day' has the riff you are familiar with over all these years

"Welcome to Central Industrial - we ARE the future!"

FSOL are arguably one of the most influential acts to arise from the late 80's / early 90's electronic rave scene. This album is their signature moment and it set a standard that few have tried to equal with a debut album. Here FSOL proved that techno / trance / house was a serious, mature musical genre. The production was clean and deep and the music was much more varied than 4-4 beats for the pilled-up generation.

It's difficult to imagine the electronic music scene without FSOL as they opened the door for other acts. Even now certain tracks on this album sound well ahead of the pack. Worth owning just for the seminal track 'Papua New Guinea' (if you don't have the CD single version) a piece that practically defines the early 90's. Also to be found here are 'Expander' and 'Moscow', two tracks that FSOL contributed to the soundtrack for WIPEOUT on the PlayStation. All the tracks have something to offer the post-Kraftwerk house generation and serious music fans should not be without this.

What an amazing album, from start to end it is awesome and well ahead of its time. The only track that is sort of disappointing is "Moscow". That track, although it isn't bad, just got on my nerves after a while. Other than that, this album is a must have. Particualr faves of mine include the infamous "Papua New Guinea", "Calcium" and "While others cry".

I am the first to comment of this album??? Incredible! I am absolutley stunned and confused. Simplistic, futuristic, dark, moody techno music with a distinctive sound. One of my favourite albums ever.