Album: Music Has the Right to Children
Artist: Boards of Canada
Label: Warp, Skam and Matador
Year: 1998
Rating: 4/5
Summary: Warm, fuzzy nostalgia.
The first widely available album by Scottish duo Boards of Canada,
Music Has the Right to Children sees them refine their unique sound,
practically establishing it as a genre in its own right.
In general, this album feels laid back, albeit with dark undertones.
Despite its chilled vibe, the actual sounds used are far removed
from the well trodden path of ambient techno, without an eighties
synthesiser preset or Roland drum machine in sight. Instead, Boards
of Canada created their own distinct style consisting of smooth beats
and dreamy, lazy melodies played on old synthesisers, mixed in with
the occasional indistinct talking and children's laughter. This
combination of sounds evokes a feeling of nostalgia that is for the
most part warm and fuzzy, although at times it can be slightly creepy.
From Aquarius, with its infectious bassline and samples of children's
television shows, to the shimmering beatless masterpieces like Olson
and Open the Light, this well-polished album regresses the listener
back to a more innocent time, making it ideal music to lie back and
unwind to.