AIR French Band* – Moon Safari

An astounding album that has only grown in stature over the decades. Notable for its role in establishing what would become "Chill Out" music forever more, this album is also a masterful highlight of musicianship, instrumentation, and analog studio techniques. While the UK was pioneering the Big Beat genre, driven by samplers and the long tail of Northern Soul and Acid Jazz, the French were playing (and painstakingly maintaining) their analog studios well ahead of the curve of the Moog, Arp and Sequential nostalgia that would surge soon after. Catchy, poppy, beautiful, fun... Moon Safari is timeless.

I wonder how this version compares to the differently mastered version that is also UK, the one that has the different star and MILES MASTERPIECE etched in the matrix runout? anyone care to venture something on this?

Mine is pretty crackly but I play it anyway. The cover is a great sturdy tip on sleeve, seems like from an ancient collection.

Wow! I see prices have shot up on this great album. Got my NM original years ago and it’s still in my collection. Definition of the phrase ‘classic album’

A simply beautiful piece. The barest essence of electronica, stripped down to vapor and moonbeams. Each minimal song fades easily and softly into another, though none of them are weak. There is a total lack of overly abrasive songs on the album, which makes for an entirely calm and peaceful listening experience.

Thoughtful, tranquil and minimal in the utmost the French band AIR (which by the way, is just called AIR, they merely happen to be French) has created one of the greatest albums within the downtempo and minimal fields, perhaps only bested by some of the more obscure Japanese works like Anomaly.

Vocals are often absent on the album, and ethereal and haunting when present. Light synthetic drum lines and soft pulses and waves define the basis of the composition, with transient, bleeding songs that mix and mesh with each other despite clearly and easily distinguishable as their own. Masterful in the utmost.

The main instrumentation is comprised of soft 70’s vintage even at the time in 1998 Italian synthesizers, keyboards and slowly timed percussion. For any wondering, it is excellent for intimate companionship and sex, as well as any pensive activity really: Art, Meditation, Journaling, Cleaning or over some tea and a nice book at 4 am.

Added to the seductive, intimate, almost teasing and whispering nature of the vocals as though sharing in some great secret; And a downtempo, lounging and relaxed atmosphere makes a tone of intimacy and pleasurable evening listening.

10/10

Favorite Track: Talisman

🧿🌬🇫🇷

What on Earth is that “French Band” crap all about? This band is called AIR....there’s no “French Band” in their name! Just because it’s on the sleeve doesn’t mean shit.

Funny that no one discussed this until 2019)

rare gatefold stating only 12 pressed hmmm 13 have it and 2 for sale just on here BS

Decent press, good album. I purchased it for the track 'All I Need', it's an old favourite. I think that the line up is a bit discombobulated. Having said that, that's an appeal for some people.

This album to me is brilliant and is one of those albums that will never get old. When I fist heard them I heard and saw Talkie Walkie live I was truly blown away by the changes, beats, layers and beauty. I then bought Moon Safari and literally took me back to my childhood memories of the late 70s with this weird modern adaptation. I am not sure how they achieved this sound but Moon Safari, 10 000 HZ, Talkie Walkie, Virgin Suicides are just amazing albums. Pocket Symphony and the other one doesn't capture what I was looking for in the earlier albums. These guys are talented and hope they continue to impress us with more music like Moon Safari.