Varied, eclectic mix
charlesdexterrward | The East | 11/19/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Illuminati is a collection of remixes from the eclectic band the Pastels. The remixes are extremely varied from the soothing sounds of Ian Carmichael to the funky vibes of Stereolab. Featuring much of the band's best work, Illuminati will surely please all of the Pastels fans out there, but given the great artists who take the Pastels songs and re-shape them and turn them into cool trip-hop/lounge style tracks this is a great album for fans of electronic music. One note: the Kid Loco remix of the Viaduct (which is also remixed spectacularly by Ian Carmichael) is an instrumental mix, whereas on Kid Loco's brilliant "Jesus Life..." album the remix contains the vocals. For any fan of Viaduct you know that the lyrics and the enticing singing make it the beautiful song that it is. The Loco track is still creative and cool, but his other one is better. Good, soothing, laidback, music for any occasion."
Nice
Blackberries | PA | 03/07/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Although I bought this in January, I'd have to classify it as a summer album. I don't know to much about the Pastels. I do know that they're from Britain, and there are a lot of big names here from the indie world that make this cd look very enticing. Jim O'rourke, Stereolab, Cornelius, John McEntire, etc. I was let down just a bit after hearing the first couple tracks, and even after listening to the whole album, I still felt like it was missing something. I listened to it a few more times during the next week, and the songs slowly started to wrap their arms around me and whisper in my ears. Windy Hill, Leaving This Island, and The Viaduct (Bill Wells) really made me start to appreciate this album. Most of the songs, including the three aforementioned ones, are mellifluous, drifting along at their own pace. If you like breezy reading music that's not to heavy on the ears, but has enough substance to have you humming the tunes, try this."
Lovely
Beautiful Freak | 05/16/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Cycle, remixed by My Bloody Valentine, is one of the loveliest songs I've ever heard and abides forever dear to my heart. I both love and mourn that it is obscure, that this album full of shimmering sweet music goes largely unnoticed, even though it is an homage of deepest authenticity and affection. Rather than rate it 5 stars, I'd prefer to rate it Pearl of Great Price. Simply beautiful."
Track Listings (16) - Disc #1