Premiers Symptomes - Air

Chances are if you're thinking about getting this, you already own and like Moon Safari - in which case, you will certainly like this (if you have yet to own Moon Safari, I'd recommend buying that first, as it's blatantly superior). It's more of the same, but slightly worse, in that it's a bit simpler, and a bit shorter. That'll be why it's cheaper too. Oh right, now I see. Premiers Symptomes is a compilation of early Air tracks, in the main just as dribbly, flowing, cheesey loungey softnwarm as the pretty stuff on Moon Safari. There's very little by way of vocals, so avoid if you're picky like that. There's also a bit of ...  Read the complete review

This is easliy Air at their very best. Most of the tracks segue beautifully together in what has to be the most relaxing (mini) album I have. A personal highlight is a fantastic Fender Rhodes solo towards the end of the second track "Cassanova 70" - in itself worth the price. The only problem with this release is the widely varying price. Some record stores seem to consider it an import and will try to charge you £10.99 or even more, HMV being particularly bad. I've seen it for as low as IR£4.99 in places, so it definiely pays to shop around. All in all though, a victory for electronic music. ...  Read the complete review

Premiers Symptomes is a collection of unreleased material, remixes and early gunk from the pre-'moon safari' era. Some would call this a cynical marketing ploy riding on the back of the safari album, I would call it an attempt to make the early stuff more accessible to a wider audience. But I'm gullible that way. This album has all immediacy and get up and go of a Jamaican slumber party. Be warned, the pace can be frighteningly laid back so dont put it on the car stereo after midnight. It's a lounge lizards delight apart from the 'brakes on' tracks at the end which raise the tempo somewhat and hence feel a bit 'bolted on'. ...  Read the complete review

This album was initially released in 1997, and re-released following the success of Moon Safari. Despite being a collection of the duo's earliest work, the quality is still remarkable. The sound is entirely keyboard based, and the songs are intricate, well written and sophisticated. Although the tempo is very layed-back, it is more than background music, and the songs deserve to be listened to carefully. The high-point of the album for me is the wonderful 'Le Soleil Est Pres De Moi', with its layering of moog, church organ and various other keyboard instruments. ...  Read the complete review

This 7-track album, a more recent re-release of a five track EP (if memory serves) first released before the popularity of Moon Safari, is about as chilled out and soothing as music can get. Apart from the more lively last two songs, the music on Premier Symptomes is a great compliment to the aforementioned Moon Safari, being slightly less complex, slightly less instantly catchy, but equally (if not more) relaxed, soothing and charming. Stick this on after a hard day's work, or a hard day's play, and you will start to calm down a treat. Not as good as Moon Safari, but well worth having nonetheless. ...  Read the complete review