Vince Clarke Albums (4)
'Spectrum Pursuit Vehicle'
Release Date 6/19/2001
Tracks 6
Label Mute
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What The Critics Say
Spectrum Pursuit Vehicle is 74 minutes of subtle electronic music from synth pop legends of yore Vincent Clarke and Martyn Ware. The music, spatialized using 3-D visualization software and audio processors, originally appeared as part an art installation in London, where a white cloth room saw the colors designated in each song title cross-faded to create infinite hues. Clarke and Ware crafted the music to "promote profound relaxation," and they specify in the liner notes that it's best heard via headphones at dawn or dusk. The song titles give a good idea about the overall sound of their respective tracks. "White (You Are in Heaven)" combines the sound of someone moving their hand back and forth on a large harp with chirping birds and background synth notes that recall the Vangelis soundtrack to Blade Runner. "Yellow (You Are on a Beach)" and "Red (You Are in the Womb)" mimic the sounds of ocean waves and heartbeats respectively layered over strummed guitars and more synth tones. While the album might not express the personalities of its creators, there are still moments of great emotion. "Green (You Are in Heaven Again)" is reminiscent of the pristine sorrow of early New Order or a calmer version of Angelo Badalamenti's Twin Peaks score. Though fans of Erasure and Heaven 17 might feel a bit lost in this ambient, almost new age creation, the album delicately works toward and achieves its goal of facilitating relaxation. It's an album that would be perfect for any sort of stretching, yoga, or meditation routines. ~ Tim DiGravina, All Music Guide
'Erasure's Vince Clarke'
Release Date 4/17/2001
Tracks 24
Label Big Eye
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What The Critics Say
This is the first collaboration between Erasure's Vince Clarke and Heaven 17's Martyn Ware (although Ware did co-produce Erasure's I Say I Say I Say CD). And, quite frankly, it is not what one expects from either artist. There is little or no melody on this release of electronic noises, but rather a steady flow of sound that borders on new age -- yet this music is more uneasy listening. The subtitle for the CD is "head-phone music for three dimensions," and the liner notes go to great lengths describing "soundscapes" and the "National Centre for Popular Music"; one is not sure if it is an elaborate joke or serious. The music, however, is difficult to describe and at times difficult to listen to. Ware revisits his roots at times, with some of the sounds borrowing from the old B.E.F. releases, and this is tempered with Clarke's eerie and original programming. Fans of this genre of music will Pretentious enjoyable, but it might disappoint people looking for anything danceable or melodic. Fans of both artists might approach this with indifference. Worth noting is the original CD sleeve design, which folds into a cube. It must be seen to be believed. ~ Aaron Badgley, All Music Guide
