Arguably the best Orbital album perhaps because it is the most musical and most complex. While this album relies and the standard "loops and layers" approach employed by Orbital on all of their albums, this one is not weighed down by the addition of unnecessary vocalists like their later albums - the music is left to stand on it's own. The 2 part compositions "The Box" and "Out There Somewhere?" are the standouts for me. Like other reviewers, I'd have to agree that of all my electronica CD's, this one gets the most play.

Interesting story, but some of you may remember Red Joy Reid from the days of MP.com. Those that tried to follow here career (via internet) will note that she apparently died (as noted here in Discogs). In actuality, she was the creation of electronic musician Matt Tuozzo who goes by the name of Cerebral. His website tells the complete story which has some interesting social insights.

Incidentally, Tuozzo is a member of Team Techo whose album released back in '94 is really good (and was once available as a free download at their website).

I'd say that M83 is in the same vein as Ulrich Schnauss (A Stangely Isolated place more than Far Away Trains Passing). Mainly electronic music - upbeat/uplifting in feeling. I've read reviewers dropping these guys into the shoegazer category and I can't say I disagree with them. I've alos read comparisons to groups like Mogwai because of the "epic" and building way the songs develop - can't say I disagree with this either. There are also some progressive rock references, but I wouldn't consider them to be dominant. This a really good album, but hard to find where in North America (you'll probably have to order it).

Clearly influenced by Aphex Twin, but without the twisted sense of humour. This album wanders into glitch and IDM territory. Fractured rhythms work against the multiple melodies, keeping things interesting and "warm". There's a "machine trying to be human" aesthetic at work here (or maybe "ghost in the machine"). A little paranoid at times.

If you were around in the 70's you may remember a t-shirt that had "Eno is God" written on it. It's hard to sum up the importance of Eno's musical output from his post-Roxy music days (solo and Fripp collaborations) to his ground-breaking production work, etc. If you like anything that can be described as "ambient", you owe it to yourself to check out Eno. I recommend starting with "Another Green World" which is where you can see a cross-over from pop format to ambient soundscape.

This release will appeal to fans of both acoustic as well as electronic music. The songs are melodic and catchy, with an experimental element to them. If you are a fan of Hermann and Kleine, Ulrich Schnauss, Nobukazu Takemura, etc. this will most likely appeal to you. The other project by this artist (Kieran Hebden) is a band called Fridge and is less accessible, but highly recommended for those that like experimental electronic music that doesn't "sound" electronic.

I'm another that agree with the comments above - while it's true that Far Away Trains Passing is not ground-breaking - I have to say it's one of the best and warmest electronic albums I've heard in a long while. Some of this music is so sweet I think I'm getting aural cavities, but I love it! He has a way of creating musical loops, layering them, building them and throwing you a curve just when you think it's getting a little too repetetive. I get them same smile on my face after the 100th listen as I did on the 1st. Great album. I'll be interested in seeing how his music develops.