Boards of Canada: Best to Worst by Luigii 
Ah Boards of Canada, one of the most transcendental acts of electronic music. For over 20 years the duo has excited music listeners with there spellbinding tunes that feel they came from the past while being from a parallel dimension. And being a subversion from other prolific acts from the Warp label of the 90's that felt could of been released in the 22 or 23rd century.
Now this isn't a new idea I decided to go on. Hell I did a list for Bjork, and will get this treatment where I go through an artist's discography. The reason why I decided to put these up is how in my diary, this setup got quite tiring. While here, I feel I could not only give more info while not getting burnt out.
Also, if there is anyone wants that wants me to include the eps from them I'll put them in. And will talk about the tracks later on, Why I love this new setup way more.
- Chart updated: 10/15/2018 17:45
- (Created: 09/24/2018 02:03).
- Chart size: 4 albums.
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God damn! To me this is the best thing the duo has ever done. After In A Beautiful Place Out In The Country, Boards were in the works to make there sophomore album. Hell tracks like 1969 and Sunshine Recorder shares either both in sound as well as the spoken parts that reference the David Branch Davidian. However, with the world changing incident that was 9/11 Geogaddi ended up being morphed into the album that it is. Even after all this time, this album still feels the most cutting edge out of this bunch.
Geogaddi starts off with the one two punch of Ready Lets Go and Music Is Math. The former being this spell binding opener that out of the four albums gets me the most pumped that fills the listener with curiosity as well as confusion. While the latter emulates what it feels like waking up for a brand new day. Emulating the Snes Sim City soundtrack. But something is off. With the sloshy synths and the ominous vocals stating that We All Fall becomes a trip to the ears. However that's not what makes this track amazing. It's actually the breakdown of the track where it transports the listener to purgatory. The ghostly synths and groove patterns of the drums just gets me all the time.
Next is the track Beware The Friendly Stranger, a staple of internet culture due to being the mainstay of Salad Fingers. Being the spark for weird,otherworldly and creepy videos on the internet. Which then transitions very nicely into Gyroscope. A hypnotic track laced with these speedy African inspired grooves while retaining this other worldly vibe as well as the tension. Then you get Dandelion. A track that actually features Leslie Nelsen. But unlike being the comedian he was during the 2000's here he's actually a lot more serious. But the bigger thing that is featured on this track is palindrome. The technique of reversing the sound of the track. And this isn't the last for the technique. But it reinforces the oddity of the album. And though artist like Lovesliescrushing as well as Outkast inserts this technique on Glisscuele and The Love Below, to me at least if you took this away from Geogaddi, it wouldn't have been as amazing as it was.
Now if you would ask me what was the track I would listen to the most from Geogaddi, it was Sunshine Recorder.That track reminded me of a combination of Dj Shadow's Changeling or Bjork's Alarm Call where there was something futuristic and head knocking like Alarm Call while bringing the moody and chill qualities of Changeling. As well as the progession the track goes through. Then again, one of the best qualities of the duo was making there long tracks feel like an event or in better terms feeling essential. Also by the tail end of Sunshine Recorder, the track ends up reflecting qualities of the funk with the vocal sample where it reminds me of James Brown.
After Sunshine Recorder comes In The Annexe, where it feels like the innocence of humanity drifting away. With its striking synth tones, it just sounds melancholy. But it's just to hold listeners over with the one two punch of Juile and Candy as well as the interlude The Smallest Weird Number. Man, that interlude in particular is incredible. To how Julie And Candy transitions into SWN flawlessly. With how the opener of the track gives off this fake feeling of getting out of the woods of the album but then realizing your still stuck and then the vibe of the track is so heartbreaking. Somewhat reminds me of Earthbound. Then again, Boards work always reminds me of the Mother franchise. But we also have to go back to Julie and Candy. For one this is one of two track that has some atonal qualities to it. Where on first listen was a bit of a turn off but now adds to the experience of being this trippy and psychedelic head knocker. But you know what else shares those qualities? 1969. Man that's also really good. It somehow presents this blend of happiness and dread. Also the spoken bit about the Branch Davidian is actually quite hilarious when you realize what the voice is actually saying. Though the other vocal that states 1969 in the sunshine also gets to me in a joking manner. Reminds me of Glados from the Portal series.
After this comes Energy Warning, a song that definitely fits in the mold and context of the album. A hazy sounding PSA revolving around finding healthier alternatives. However, I'd be lying if I would say on it's own it's a bit eh. Hell even when I consider an album like this a masterful record, there will always be minor things to say. But then comes The Beach At Redpoint. God damn this track is amazing. The chilling while also enveloping synth tones as well as these playful flute sounds and African sounding drum patterns. Which will grow into a meditative head knocker. Morphing into a tunnel that takes the listener to the afterlife. And that becomes more prominent with Opening The Mouth, a track that takes the flute sounds of the previous song and makes the listener feel somewhat unsettled. Feels like that tunnel took you to hell instead of heaven. [First added to this chart: 09/24/2018]
Geogaddi starts off with the one two punch of Ready Lets Go and Music Is Math. The former being this spell binding opener that out of the four albums gets me the most pumped that fills the listener with curiosity as well as confusion. While the latter emulates what it feels like waking up for a brand new day. Emulating the Snes Sim City soundtrack. But something is off. With the sloshy synths and the ominous vocals stating that We All Fall becomes a trip to the ears. However that's not what makes this track amazing. It's actually the breakdown of the track where it transports the listener to purgatory. The ghostly synths and groove patterns of the drums just gets me all the time.
Next is the track Beware The Friendly Stranger, a staple of internet culture due to being the mainstay of Salad Fingers. Being the spark for weird,otherworldly and creepy videos on the internet. Which then transitions very nicely into Gyroscope. A hypnotic track laced with these speedy African inspired grooves while retaining this other worldly vibe as well as the tension. Then you get Dandelion. A track that actually features Leslie Nelsen. But unlike being the comedian he was during the 2000's here he's actually a lot more serious. But the bigger thing that is featured on this track is palindrome. The technique of reversing the sound of the track. And this isn't the last for the technique. But it reinforces the oddity of the album. And though artist like Lovesliescrushing as well as Outkast inserts this technique on Glisscuele and The Love Below, to me at least if you took this away from Geogaddi, it wouldn't have been as amazing as it was.
Now if you would ask me what was the track I would listen to the most from Geogaddi, it was Sunshine Recorder.That track reminded me of a combination of Dj Shadow's Changeling or Bjork's Alarm Call where there was something futuristic and head knocking like Alarm Call while bringing the moody and chill qualities of Changeling. As well as the progession the track goes through. Then again, one of the best qualities of the duo was making there long tracks feel like an event or in better terms feeling essential. Also by the tail end of Sunshine Recorder, the track ends up reflecting qualities of the funk with the vocal sample where it reminds me of James Brown.
After Sunshine Recorder comes In The Annexe, where it feels like the innocence of humanity drifting away. With its striking synth tones, it just sounds melancholy. But it's just to hold listeners over with the one two punch of Juile and Candy as well as the interlude The Smallest Weird Number. Man, that interlude in particular is incredible. To how Julie And Candy transitions into SWN flawlessly. With how the opener of the track gives off this fake feeling of getting out of the woods of the album but then realizing your still stuck and then the vibe of the track is so heartbreaking. Somewhat reminds me of Earthbound. Then again, Boards work always reminds me of the Mother franchise. But we also have to go back to Julie and Candy. For one this is one of two track that has some atonal qualities to it. Where on first listen was a bit of a turn off but now adds to the experience of being this trippy and psychedelic head knocker. But you know what else shares those qualities? 1969. Man that's also really good. It somehow presents this blend of happiness and dread. Also the spoken bit about the Branch Davidian is actually quite hilarious when you realize what the voice is actually saying. Though the other vocal that states 1969 in the sunshine also gets to me in a joking manner. Reminds me of Glados from the Portal series.
After this comes Energy Warning, a song that definitely fits in the mold and context of the album. A hazy sounding PSA revolving around finding healthier alternatives. However, I'd be lying if I would say on it's own it's a bit eh. Hell even when I consider an album like this a masterful record, there will always be minor things to say. But then comes The Beach At Redpoint. God damn this track is amazing. The chilling while also enveloping synth tones as well as these playful flute sounds and African sounding drum patterns. Which will grow into a meditative head knocker. Morphing into a tunnel that takes the listener to the afterlife. And that becomes more prominent with Opening The Mouth, a track that takes the flute sounds of the previous song and makes the listener feel somewhat unsettled. Feels like that tunnel took you to hell instead of heaven. [First added to this chart: 09/24/2018]
Year of Release:
2002
Appears in:
Rank Score:
3,218
Rank in 2002:
Rank in 2000s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
26
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Now, even though I have ranked Geogaddi as the best of there career, The Campfire Headphase is the other album from the duo that I find to be masterful. Mainly being a deviation from there sophomore album. Unlike being a haunting album Campfire ends up being an uplifting and dreamy album. Kinda like Gas's Pop. But also reminds me of some of my favorite electronic albums from the 2010's like Caracal as well as Darius's Utopia. But also introduces qualities from folk music. Hell I could see this album be related to Joni Mitchell since the duo does love her.
I mean with an intro that is Into The Rainbow Vein, it lets the listener know you have enter into a haven. Also it ends up being the shortest opener of any Boards album so far. Unless whenever album #5 gets announced has like a 20 second interlude. But Chromakey Dreamcoat really sets the deal for the chill vibe while being wrapped in dreamlike synthesizers and punctuated drum patterns. As well as acoustic guitars, a focal point of going on a road trip through the north of America. Hearing hints of nature through the track. But really is the closer where the track stops and presents these hazed tones that feel you are falling to Earth while going the slowest speed possible.
Then Satellite Anthem Icarus as well as Peacock Tail are some of the most chilled out jams you would hear like ever. The later starts from being a simple gathering close to the bonfire with family and friends while transforming into sonic highways. Like the progression from the intro to the end of Peacock Tail is nuts. While the former track feels like walking on the beach or relaxing in a spa, melting away your fears or anxieties. Even if they might come back.
Then Dayvan Cowboy. I mean the first track ever getting an official music video by the duo. A video that's over a decade old at this point. (Does anyone get a bit anxious when they see youtube videos get over a decade old? Because it's going to feel worse once videos start to get 20 or 30 years under its belt.) And one of the biggest triumphs ever. Like that music video perfectly describes the vibe of that track. [First added to this chart: 09/24/2018]
I mean with an intro that is Into The Rainbow Vein, it lets the listener know you have enter into a haven. Also it ends up being the shortest opener of any Boards album so far. Unless whenever album #5 gets announced has like a 20 second interlude. But Chromakey Dreamcoat really sets the deal for the chill vibe while being wrapped in dreamlike synthesizers and punctuated drum patterns. As well as acoustic guitars, a focal point of going on a road trip through the north of America. Hearing hints of nature through the track. But really is the closer where the track stops and presents these hazed tones that feel you are falling to Earth while going the slowest speed possible.
Then Satellite Anthem Icarus as well as Peacock Tail are some of the most chilled out jams you would hear like ever. The later starts from being a simple gathering close to the bonfire with family and friends while transforming into sonic highways. Like the progression from the intro to the end of Peacock Tail is nuts. While the former track feels like walking on the beach or relaxing in a spa, melting away your fears or anxieties. Even if they might come back.
Then Dayvan Cowboy. I mean the first track ever getting an official music video by the duo. A video that's over a decade old at this point. (Does anyone get a bit anxious when they see youtube videos get over a decade old? Because it's going to feel worse once videos start to get 20 or 30 years under its belt.) And one of the biggest triumphs ever. Like that music video perfectly describes the vibe of that track. [First added to this chart: 09/24/2018]
Year of Release:
2005
Appears in:
Rank Score:
1,038
Rank in 2005:
Rank in 2000s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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Coming out eight years after Campfire, Boards recent album at the time from 2013 takes there sound to there most desolate. To a point where some listeners were kinda underwhelmed by this album. But to me at least feels intentional to the design of the album as well as being the most emotional album from them. And it's weird to say that since all there albums are emotional. However, this album feels the most grounded to the point it feels like it reflects the world nowadays. Even when I do have optimism for this world, reading the news does bring my hope for humanity quite low.
Especially with good intro's like Gemini. A track that would start up like a feature film to a dystopic future. And at first there is a sense of hope and optimism. But by the 35 second mark, that washes away to a desolate and dread quite like Blade Runner or the 2049 sequel. [First added to this chart: 09/24/2018]
Especially with good intro's like Gemini. A track that would start up like a feature film to a dystopic future. And at first there is a sense of hope and optimism. But by the 35 second mark, that washes away to a desolate and dread quite like Blade Runner or the 2049 sequel. [First added to this chart: 09/24/2018]
Year of Release:
2013
Appears in:
Rank Score:
770
Rank in 2013:
Rank in 2010s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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Oh boy, this will piss people off. Especially when my comment for this album is one of the few comments on this site that was down voted.But the funny thing about that is I do adore this album a lot. I mean after 20 years from being released, this record still feels otherworldly. It feels like Jean Michel Jarre or Vangelis or Yellow Magic Orchestra while adding haze and techniques from the 80's and 90's. Especially acts like Cocteau Twins, My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive and Lovesliescrushing.
And for a first impression that was Wildlife Analysis....just damn. Like I wish I had the opportunity just to see the look of peoples faces when this came out back in 98. Hell even though I could relate the album to other well acclaimed albums from that year like Aquemini, these vignettes feel quite transcendental. But vignettes can take you so far. The real shining force was An Eagle In Your Mind [First added to this chart: 09/24/2018]
And for a first impression that was Wildlife Analysis....just damn. Like I wish I had the opportunity just to see the look of peoples faces when this came out back in 98. Hell even though I could relate the album to other well acclaimed albums from that year like Aquemini, these vignettes feel quite transcendental. But vignettes can take you so far. The real shining force was An Eagle In Your Mind [First added to this chart: 09/24/2018]
Year of Release:
1998
Appears in:
Rank Score:
5,606
Rank in 1998:
Rank in 1990s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
Total albums: 4. Page 1 of 1
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Boards of Canada: Best to Worst composition
| Decade | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
 |
|
|
| 1930s | 0 | 0% | |
| 1940s | 0 | 0% | |
| 1950s | 0 | 0% | |
| 1960s | 0 | 0% | |
| 1970s | 0 | 0% | |
| 1980s | 0 | 0% | |
| 1990s | 1 | 25% | |
| 2000s | 2 | 50% | |
| 2010s | 1 | 25% | |
| 2020s | 0 | 0% |
| Artist | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
 |
|
|
| Boards Of Canada | 4 | 100% |
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guzguzgarbit 10/06/2019 18:03
guzguzgarbit 10/06/2019 18:03
Yep, that's the right order. Tired of seeing MHTRTC getting so much love while Geogaddi and Campfire Headphase are getting ignored.
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