1. Expansions
This record is a masterclass in cosmic funk-jazz, a testament to analog warmth. Smith's Fender Rhodes and ARP synthesizers create sprawling, atmospheric soundscapes, underpinned by a rhythmic section that grooves with effortless precision. The pre-digital studio captured every shimmer and swell, blending spiritual depth with undeniable rhythmic propulsion. It truly defined a moment when jazz was looking to the stars and finding its body in the dance.
2. Solid State Survivor
A landmark in electronic music, this album is a prophetic blueprint for synth-pop and techno. YMO masterfully exploited the nascent power of synthesizers like the Prophet-5 and ARP Odyssey, crafting meticulous, often cold, yet utterly infectious grooves. The programming here, captured with pristine analog fidelity, established rhythmic and melodic templates that would echo through the next decade, proving that machines could possess soul.
3. Deceit
“Deceit” remains a disquieting artifact, a brutalist monument of post-punk and industrial abstraction. Its analog production amplifies the claustrophobic textures and unsettling rhythms, often sounding like a decaying factory floor. The band’s improvisational precision and unconventional instrumentation, recorded with stark immediacy, forged a singular, confrontational sound that challenged perceptions of what rock music could be. It's truly a harrowing experience.
4. Come Away with ESG
Raw, unadulterated funk stripped to its absolute essence. ESG's debut EP is a rhythmic marvel, a testament to the power of a tight, analog rhythm section. The production here is sparse but perfectly captures the infectious, almost hypnotic groove of bass, drums, and percussion. This wasn't about studio wizardry; it was about the undeniable swing, influencing everyone from early hip-hop DJs to house producers for years to come.
5. Into the Pandemonium
Celtic Frost’s audacious pivot on "Into the Pandemonium" is a fascinating study in analog ambition. Moving beyond rudimentary thrash, they incorporated operatic female vocals, orchestral flourishes, and industrial textures, all captured with a rich, if sometimes chaotic, pre-digital sheen. This wasn't merely metal; it was an avant-garde art statement, pushing genre boundaries with a fearless, almost reckless, experimental spirit.
6. Amnesia
Les Rita Mitsouko crafted a sophisticated, often quirky, synth-pop masterpiece with “Amnesia.” Its analog production delivers a vibrant sound palette, from biting synth leads to pulsating basslines, all imbued with a distinct European art-school sensibility. The interplay between Catherine Ringer’s charismatic vocals and Fred Chichin’s intricate arrangements is dynamic, showcasing how creative analog synthesis could still thrive in the late 80s pop landscape.
