Arpanet – Wireless Internet

Just a heads up for those who care (anyone?), the original version (and 2006 straight repress) cut by IO sounds louder, more vibrant and 'beefier' than the 2021 repress. I've just done a direct comparison. The reason? Well, I can see from the run-outs of the 2021 pressing that it was re-cut by one of MPO's circle of out-sourced engineers, so perhaps the original files were missing or a different method was used. All engineers have different ears as well of course. I should say that the 2021 version is still good, just not quite 'as good' ;)

Just a heads up for those who care (anyone?), the original version (and 2006 straight repress) cut by IO sounds louder, more vibrant and 'beefier' than the 2021 repress. I've just done a direct comparison. The reason? Well, I can see from the run-outs of the 2021 pressing that it was re-cut by one of MPO's circle of out-sourced engineers, so perhaps the original files were missing or a different method was used. All engineers have different ears as well of course. I should say that the 2021 version is still good, just not quite 'as good' ;)

This is one of my favourite electro albums of all-time. It's an incredible skill to craft an album that is in some ways so minimal yet mesmerising. For me personally, I find the tracks have a Synesthesia like quality and I start visualising images as I listen to them.

As a concept album, following Kraftwerk traditions reflecting on new technology, it straddles the moment in time when suddenly humanity began to access everything, everywhere. The focus is on NTT DoCoMo's i-mode service, which launched in Japan in 1999, with a view to how this model would soon extend to the rest of the world.

Others have covered the tracks in detail below, but I'm going to put in a good word for 'Software Version', which receives mixed feedback. Whilst comparatively aggressive, I find it completely mind-popping; it contrasts well with those melodic offerings in the context of the album. It has a funky live-jam groove to it, with less rigidity than some of the other tracks.

'Wireless Internet' is so emotional and beautiful. A perfect end to the album, reflecting both the optimism and uncertainties raised in the opening track, 'The Analyst'.

This version is not a white lable as stated … It is the regular reissue. Just be cautious from this seller as I asked many times and no response.

Side D is missing its label, is that just a unique mistake or are all copies like this?

There is a repress September 2021. Check out the online record-stores.

“ In 1999 I started writing to Gerald Donald via email. His band Dopplereffekt had just released "Gesamtkunstwerk" the compilation of their first singles, and I got in touch in order to distribute it. Gerald was renowned for being hard to communicate with, I had no problem with that, I even enjoyed his cryptic messages a lot.
A couple of years later, I had just started Record Makers and suddenly I received a mysterious DAT tape which appeared to be from Gerald. His first solo album under the moniker Arpanet : "Wireless Internet". The music was mindblowing. I felt its addictive power instantly. My kind of record, definitely.
When you run a label, you better have a deal with the artist, otherwise you expose yourself to a lot of complexity. And before I sign a deal I like to meet in person.
Visiting Berlin, where Gerald was based back then, I proposed a date. Before we actually met, I had to follow his precise instructions, go to a special restaurant where I found the address of another cafe, where from I had to make a call to a phone booth, and so on. Wtf, is he a secret agent as well? Once in front of the man, I was impressed. He was strange, kind and passionate. We signed the deal, and the only picture that he allowed was us shaking hands.
It’s interesting that with the years "Wireless internet" has become the classic that it always was for me. You have to realize that in 2002 we had cellphones, but they were far from being as smart as they are nowadays. He had it all figured out, in Kraftwerk’s prophetic tradition.
Finally, after 20 years, the first Arpanet vinyl, "Wireless Internet", is now back in stock such as the next one, "Inertial Frame".
- Marc Teissier du Cros (Record Makers)

Sounds great, no issues. Packaging is also great. Appears to be identical with the original release.

Interesting listening, it offers a dark , relaxing and sci-fi experience , some of the melodies are interesting. the only track i don't like is "Software Version" it's very aggressive and stripped of any melodies.

This is definately one of the best electro albums of all time. Arpanet is another thematic alias from Gerald Donald, this was the first album released under the Arpanet monniker. The sound troughout this album is warm, hypnotic, deep and at sometimes industrial.

The very first track is 'The Analyst', it is a long monologue by a computer animated voice. The monologue is about what the future will bring us in terms of wirelessness. Next up is 'Illuminated Displays', this is just a tremendous electro track. It is a warm gentle sounding composition, absolutely beautiful.
The B side starts with a more serious, dark hypnotic track called 'i-mode'. It's a short track, but very effective though. 'Wireframe Images' is up next, this track has a clinical Dopplereffekt thing going on. If I listen to this track closely I can actually freak out, great braincracking sounds.
The C side is the only side which contains three tracks. C1 'p2101v' is the first of two beatless tracks on this album ('The Analyst' not included). Great track, Donald has made quite a few of this kind electro/ambient tracks in this millenium. I love each and every one of them. C2 'ntt docomo' is another dark, rugged, hypnotic track. Again a computer simulated voice is heard, talking about the Internet and wireless information. The last track on the C side, 'Software Version', is the track I like the least. It's a very organic beat, it moves up, down and everywhere. I think he recorded this track live in the studio.
Now there is one side left, the D side. Wow! These two tracks are almost unparallelled. They are two of the finest pieces of electronic music ever made in my opinion.
'Devoid of Wires' just does it for me. The complete track, from the snare to the vocal, it's a masterpiece. I just can't find the right words to describe this one. So, I will talk a little bit about the very last track; 'Wireless Internet'. This is the second beatless track on this album. The start of this track will wake you up anywhere anytime. But when the actual sounds of this track hit your ears you'll be in heaven for a little while. The deep, dramatic sounds will take you to another level. A great way to close down this legendary album.