This came out in 1999 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
More art, less noise definitely seems to be the motto on this latest, long-awaited disc from these veteran British avant-popsters (now augmented by a new member, 10cc cofounder Lol Creme).
Still, these 13 captivating tracks inspired by the life and work of progressive 19th-century composer Claude Debussy are a long way from 101 Strings. Intercutting a succession of classical passages with gently flowing trip-funk and low-impact techno grooves, Art Of Noise add their trademark eccentricities — Lonard Cohen-ish narration from John Hurt, Rakim rapping about Baudelaire — to create a soothing, cinematic outing. I don’t know if Debussy would go for it, but it sure seduced me.
