808:88:98 is a greatest hits compilation, but features one new song, "Crash," and new mixes of "Pacific" and "Cubik" which will be available in the US exclusively on this release.

Additional personnel: MC Tunes, Bjork, UB40, M. Doughty, Louise Rhodes, James Dean Breadfield (vocals).

Engineers include: G. Massey, M. Haas, A. Fisch, A. Stone, D. Kadar.

Includes liner notes by John McCready.

Personnel: Rachel MacFarlante, Barrington Stuart, James Dean Bradfield, UB40 (vocals).

Liner Note Author: John McCready.

Photographer: Mike Diver.

Celebrating, as the title hints at, ten years of work together, 808:88:98 makes the brilliant case for 808 State's place as a modern techno pioneer. Time has shown that while a rougher breakbeat approach ended up defining much of dance in the broad public eye during the '90s, 808 State's own slightly cleaner approach was no less energetic and instantly compelling. Starting with the hyperactive shimmer and smooth flow of "Pacific," an instant trip back to the acid house days of the late '80s, 808:88:98 merrily makes its way through the years, touching on both the smash hits and some side diversions. The guitar mania and prototypical synth riff blare of "Cubik" provides the second blast, while both tunes reappear at the end in 1998 remixes. 808 State practically invented the "famous guest vocalist" cameo in techno and a slew of its various collaborations are sprinkled throughout. Bernard Sumner and Ian McCulloch aren't included, while regretfully the resolutely unspectacular MC Tunes is ("The Only Rhyme That Bites" isn't even much musically), but otherwise it's a feast of choices. Bj”rk's playfully dark spin on "Ooops" (the clear harbinger of her eventual solo career), the Manic Street Preachers' James Dean Bradfield's winsome turn on "Lopez," and even UB40's work on "One in Ten" all make for reasonable crossover winners, though Lamb's Louise Rhodes steals the show with "Azura." For all that, the group's own work stands out most of all, from the threatening vocal snippets and drum slams of "In Yer Face" to the multi-percussive clatter and charge of "Bombadin." An appreciative essay makes the case for the band's landmark work and broad appeal, among other things noting that 808 State played for American crowds numbering in the thousands well before the major labels thought techno even existed. ~ Ned Raggett

808 State holds a position of royalty among early house and techno pioneers. Endlessly inventive, while never losing sight of their break-fueled modus operandi, 808 State was successful both artistically and within the club culture (they reportedly performed live before 14,000 people in Manchester in 1988). Evidence of their innovations is packed into this superb 16-track retrospective. Elements of ambient, hip-hop, rock, soul, and jazz are woven through the relentless dance beats contained herein.

"Pacific," the set's opener, glides along with a super-smooth electro vibe, as does the charming "Olympic" (with its simulated pitch-bending flute sound). The music often has an aggressive edge, as on the pounding "Cubik," and the hip-hop showcase "The Only Rhyme That Bites" (featuring rapper MC Tunes). 808 State were big on guest vocalists; Bjork (well before her solo career took off) graces the spooky and elegant "Ooops;" James Dean Bradfield (from Manic Street Preachers) takes a turn on "Lopez;" and UB40 gives a reggae feel to "One In Ten." Each of these cameos lends color and variety to the already genre-popping creations spun out of 808 State's techno-acid sensibility. For all but completists, 808:88:98 will be a definitive look at the work of this landmark electronica act.

Celebrating, as the title hints at, ten years of work together, 808:88:98 makes the brilliant case for 808 State's place as a modern techno pioneer. Time has shown that while a rougher breakbeat approach ended up defining much of dance in the broad public eye during the '90s, 808 State's own slightly cleaner approach was no less energetic and instantly compelling. Starting with the hyperactive shimmer and smooth flow of "Pacific," an instant trip back to the acid house days of the late '80s, 808:88:98 merrily makes its way through the years, touching on both the smash hits and some side diversions. The guitar mania and prototypical synth riff blare of "Cubik" provides the second blast, while both tunes reappear at the end in 1998 remixes. 808 State practically invented the "famous guest vocalist" cameo in techno and a slew of its various collaborations are sprinkled throughout. Bernard Sumner and Ian McCulloch aren't included, while regretfully the resolutely unspectacular MC Tunes is ("The Only Rhyme That Bites" isn't even much musically), but otherwise it's a feast of choices. Bj”rk's playfully dark spin on "Ooops" (the clear harbinger of her eventual solo career), the Manic Street Preachers' James Dean Bradfield's winsome turn on "Lopez," and even UB40's work on "One in Ten" all make for reasonable crossover winners, though Lamb's Louise Rhodes steals the show with "Azura." For all that, the group's own work stands out most of all, from the threatening vocal snippets and drum slams of "In Yer Face" to the multi-percussive clatter and charge of "Bombadin." An appreciative essay makes the case for the band's landmark work and broad appeal, among other things noting that 808 State played for American crowds numbering in the thousands well before the major labels thought techno even existed. [ZTT's 2005 edition includes one bonus track.] ~ Ned Raggett