Underworld's creative genius is reduced to near nothing on this release of formulaic techno-barf. Thankfully we can buy individual tracks in this day and age. You might find one or two worth having. Hopefully some redemption can be found on the 2-CD version.

Essential. Don't miss the detail that only this INFECT 10CDRX version has a second disc of additional remixes and B tracks, (not to be confused with the Australian 2CD version that just contains the album "Dos Dedos Mis Amigos" on the second CD). Some of these excellent additional tracks are otherwise unavailable on CD and a few appear to be exclusive even from vinyl.

If your ambient tastes encompass Budd/Eno collaborations or Goldmund, you will likely enjoy this underrated gem. It is probably disappointing to those expecting the usual, wonderful, updated Berlin School sound that Ultimae does so well.

All tracks found on other releases:
Audio Deepest Night - Various - Fahrenheit Project Part Four
Blue Embers - Various - Fahrenheit Project Part Five
Floating Retention - Various - Oxycanta
Hawaii Transit - Cell - Live At Kumharas - Ibiza
Risky Nap Under Blue Tree - Cell - Hanging Masses

With Fusion Monster, Arkin Allen leans to the electronic end of his spectrum. (As Mercan Dede his releases have a more traditional slant with subdued electronics.) He still does conjure wonderful instrumental performances here, but they are set to big DJ-friendly (but not out of place) rhythms. It's consistently eastern. Subtlety and restraint are exercised. The energy is often subdued and there is no rush to break the beautifully constructed tension. I find Fusion Monster to be an essential Mercan Dede release.

It is surprising how much better these track are as instrumentals, and tragic that this the instrumental version is not widely available. Essential if you like Fluke - Risotto.

All these tracks are available on other releases, some under other aliases:

Lost At Sea: Egg, The - Forwards (and other releases)

Venice Beach: Egg, The - Forwards and Various - Backroom Beats as Stuph (and other releases)

111.111 Beams Per Minute: Egg, The - Venice Beach EP and Various - Cornwall Eclipse - Shepherds Warning as Menzel 3 (and other releases)

Quickstep: Various - Mellout as Stuph

Rich Garden: Various - So Fa

This release marked the beginning of OMD's golden age of iconic, accessible, popular albums, though sadly less experimental. 'Junk Culture' has an important twist though that makes it my favorite OMD release. There is a Caribbean flavor throughout and about half the tracks are unmistakable, head-bobbing, all about the bass-line, dub.

This is certainly one of the more cohesive and accessible NIN EPs. It is not so "experimental". Most tracks you can actually listen to all the way through and some are quite good. I still prefer original album versions for all tracks though.

The best NIN track ever in my opinion. It amazes me that such an expressive, energetic track can have such a clear sound. Top notch engineering. Because it is available on "Natural Born Killers" there is no need to dig up this promo, but if you are a collector this is a gem.