This week, we'll feature the music of the Orb. Of all the bands that inspired us and helped formulate the scope of this program, it was The Orb's determination to move the mind as well as the hips. Blending the pioneering electronica of Tangerine Dream and the beats of Chicago's warehouse scene with the deep dub of scratch Perry and Byrne and Eno's Bush of Ghosts sampling, The Orb remain a central pillar of today's electronic music. And so dawn breaks for 'A Beautiful Day' That comes from The Orb's 2007 release 'The Dream' but 'The Truth Is...' Look for more at www.theorb.com 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 synthwork and effects inspired by '70s ambient pioneers Brian Eno and Tangerine Dream.
The Orb's first actual foray into ambient house appeared in October 1989. The 22-minute single "A Huge Ever Growing Pulsating Brain That Rules From the Centre of the Ultraworld,” actually hit the U.K. charts that year. In June 1992, the single "Blue Room" hit the British Top Ten. The longest single in chart history at just under 40 minutes, it earned the Orb a spot on Top of the Pops. A dozen albums plus singles later the Orb made its 'The Dream' album available to podcasters at the Podsafe Music Network. Here is 'Codes' This is The Orb special on Idyllic Music.
Visit the Cornershop where you can help support many of the artists you hear on Idyllic Music by buying a song or CD from them. There is also a book corner with where you can browse through 20 great music books including Miles Davis's autobiography and the Trouser Press Guide to Music. And look for all 4 Volumes of The Idyllic Music iMix. Thanks for listening. I'm Jim Nye. |
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