THE ORB - OKIE DOKIE IT'S THE ORB ON KOMPAKT (2005)

WASH AWAY AND DO IT BETTER
ARTIST``````THE ORB
ALBUM``````OKIE DOKIE IT'S THE ORB ON KOMPAKT
GENRE``````AMBIENT TECHNO, EXPERIMENTAL
YEAR`````````2005

WHY:
I've stopped listening to Kompakt artists few years ago but then I rediscovered this gem and hell, I'm interested again. Great, great work by one of the genre's finest producers.

THE ORB SHORT BIOGRAPHY:
The Orb virtually invented the electronic genre known as ambient house, resurrecting slower, more soulful rhythms and providing a soundtrack for early-morning ravers once the clubs closed their doors. The group popularized the genre as well, by appearing on the British chart show Top of the Pops and hitting number one in the U.K. with the 1992 album U.F.Orb. Frontman Dr. Alex Paterson's formula was quite simple: he slowed down the rhythms of classic Chicago house and added synth work and effects inspired by '70s ambient pioneers Brian Eno and Tangerine Dream. To make the whole a bit more listenable -- as opposed to danceable -- obscure vocal samples were looped, usually providing a theme for tracks which lacked singing.

ALBUM REVIEW:
Absurd title aside, Okie Dokie marks the Orb's absolute absorption into Cologne's Kompakt label, following a series of 12" releases and compilation appearances dating back to late 2002. The principal factor is Thomas Fehlmann, a longtime associate and Kompakt elder statesman whose presence is felt on every track, consequently inhibiting Alex Paterson's whimsical impulses. There are no incongruous vocal appearances, silly spoken bits, or lumbering dubwise squibs. All the unnerving flights of fancy and widespread deficiencies that made Cydonia and Bicycles & Tricycles the slightest Orb albums have been washed away, exchanged for a stern focus and a series of productions that are also consistent for their even level of quality. Okie Dokie is a prime, stimulating example of what can happen when innovators find themselves inspired by younger producers who have been deeply influenced by their work.

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