808 State

Celebrating, as the title hints at, ten years of work together, 808:88:98 makes the brilliant case for 808 State's place as a modern techno pioneer. Time has shown that while a rougher breakbeat approach ended up defining much of dance in the broad public eye during the '90s, 808 State's own slightly cleaner approach was no less energetic and instantly compelling. Starting with the hyperactive shimmer and smooth flow of "Pacific," an instant trip back to the acid house days of the late '80s, 808:88:98 merrily makes its way through the years, touching on both the smash hits and some side diversions.

ZTT Records picked from its enormously influential '80s catalog for this 11-track compilation of long-out-of-print remixes and such. Among the goodies are rarities by 808 State ("Pacific 707" plus a remix of "The Only Rhyme That Bites"), Frankie Goes to Hollywood (mixes of "Welcome to the Pleasuredome" and "Two Tribes") and Seal (mixes by William Orbit of "Killer" and "Crazy"). It's a great collection for '80s enthusiasts as well as novices wishing to explore the decade's influence on '90s dance.