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Reviews & Discussion:
This album is a great mix CD from The Hacker. Yeah, he spices things up just enough to keep things kooky, interesting and fun. But then he also shows the dramatic side of the album's electro genre at just the right moments. Anyway, it's clear that The Hacker's skills as a musician are on show here. Listen up.
Overall, though, I guess you could say that The Hacker starts this mix at a climax, works down from there, and then finishes with a climax again (although the latter more subtler than to begin with). Sure, I'll be honest and say I've only listened to this album about forty to fifty times. But I still know it's worth a spin or two. Personal favourites for me include Scientist by Dopplereffekt, Broken Mirror by Random Factor, Anthem by Artist Unknown, Visualise by The Advent, Fadin Away (Dima Remix) by The Hacker, and Hand To Phone by Adult. So, the bottom line is that this CD won't disappoint. And LSD freaks will like it too (not speaking from recent experience). It's a 5/5 from me, Margaret. 
This is an album you'll keep on rotation for days. It has just got that perfect mix of catchy tracks, pumping beats and general slickness that comes with most of Timo's releases. Yeah, it is probably the most commercial release from Maas thus far. The popularity of the hit track "First Day" shows that. But it's with this commercialism that I think we're presented with some of his best work. He has obviously challenged himself since his last album (which was also very good) and to his credit he has utilised the time separating both albums well (e.g. reaching yet another higher level with his musical knowledge and ability). So, my conclusion is that any minimal techno or electro fan will like this album. It's good to listen to either wasted or straight and at any time of the day. Remember to change the CD in your player after a while though. Too much of one thing is never a good thing. Yeah, even Timo!
This is one of those slick, neat, and just downright fucking cool electronic albums that quite literally takes you on pleasurable journey through the eyes and ears of Tomcraft. Tracks 1 to 10, for example, follow the narrative of taking an aeroplane flight in Europe somewhere, with samples of stewards going through a pre-flight routine with passengers, the plane's captain talking occasionally, and so on. Clever and catchy stuff.
Tomcraft is a talented artist. This album is testament to that. I think additionally that this album is worth the investment for its extra tracks. Track 11 ("Fuck You") is quite humorous but at the same time a totally brilliant composition. Listen to Tomcraft and you'll see he's not one of those electronic artists who just remixes archaic tunes from the 70s and 80s with new beats and such. No, Tomcraft is a man on a mission. Lend him your ears and he won't disappoint. 
This album is brilliant. Yes, it's that simple. Highlights include tracks 5 and 10. They're the more mellow tunes. The rest is also pure brilliance though and shows a diverse range of musical genres and performance levels throughout. I'd also go as far to say that the feel of this album is quite surreal. There's twists and turns and up and downs that will always surprise with each listen. It's like a tripped out roller-coaster ride that you'll rarely tire of.
Lastly, I reckon this album is far more musical than anything I've heard from Farrell's previous projects (e.g. compared to earlier tracks from Jane's Addiction). Thus, a person who appreciates more instrumental pieces, the usual chilling and sweet vocals from Perry, and experimental beats won't be disappointed with this album. Just forget about expecting coarse rock guitar and drums though. And yes that's a good thing. Turn it up! 
This is an awesome breakthrough album from Australia's Magic Dirt. I actually grew up in the town where this band formed. The place is called Geelong and it's the next biggest Victorian city to Melbourne. Magic Dirt's lead singer, Adelita, even caught the same city bus as me when I was in my teens (mid 90's). I always thought she was a mystical woman who demanded attention. Such a vixen, for example.
Lastly, there's a track on this album called Ice (track 2). This is the song that pushed the group to become alternative royalty here in Australia. Anyway, listen and love "The Dirt". They truly are icons of alternative Australian rock. 
You will not be disappointed in this album. It is pure musical brilliance from the The Hacker, who is without question a musical genius. This album is along the same lines as Miss Kittin's "I Com" although Rêves Mécaniques is more edgy, abrupt and perhaps somewhat eerier than the stuff from Miss Kittin et al. The beats on this album, for example, pace along with no chance for you to focus much on the last track played. For example, I find that each ensuing song totally compliments that previous and when listening all you want to do is anticipate the next song. And boy are there some tracks on this album that you'll want to put on heavy rotation. The opening tune, Flesh & Bone, is a perfect introduction. You'll surely find more just like it too.
So, I like this album. Also, one of the good things is that it doesn't take that long to get into its genre and overall feel. I'm sure any fan of Miss Kittin, the likes of Ladytron and perhaps Peaches will like what Rêves Mécaniques brings to the table. It has definitely earned a place on my CD shelf and is a real favourite. Great for listening to at any time of the day too. I say don't look past this album. It's an awesome listen and an album you'll cherish for a long time to come. | ||||
Conclusion: Keep an ear out for a few classic tunes on this mix. The likes of Silver Screen, Frank Sinatra and other tracks, for example, really help to break up an otherwise instrumentally experimental mix that perhaps at times might sound a bit mental and all over the place (yeah, welcome to the world of Miss Kittin). I'd give this mix 4 out of 5 stars though. Well, that'd be four and a half stars if it was easier to type.