Obituary
I have just read that William Orbit has died at the age of 69. He is best known as a producer for Madonna, Blur and many others but my most played album of his is Pieces in a Modern Style, which applied chill-out production to classical standards. I was the sound track to many a relaxation with a spliff at the end of a night out back in the day. YouTube link in comments.
Oh crikey.
I nearly bought a Strange Cargo CD in a charity shop today, until I realised I already have it.
Ah, this is sad news. I’d been rediscovering Strange Cargo and The Painter recently, especially enjoying the latter.
Sad news.
Yes, very fond memories when the kids were quite young of us all raving to him at 4 in the afternoon in the dance tent at Camp Bestival.
In addition to all of the above can I recommend (may not be on streaming) his double compilation/mix Odyssey.
The Barber in the Ferry Corsten mix is an all-time dance classic.
Great single
Sidebar: After WO produced Madonna’s Ray Of Light album and reinvigorated her career, she instantly and permanently ghosted him for not giving this song to her first…
I’m not sure that’s true as they worked together on two more albums.
All you need to know
He did good stuff, but was clearly a bit disturbed based on the various obits I’ve read. The last TV interview with Jools Holland was evidence of that. Which is a terrible shame: his production and writing were top notch, and I love his scrappy guitar playing.
Seems that his career was littered with albums and projects that were hastily released and then withdrawn, artist breaking contact after a massive success with him, and not many albums from beginning to end were produced by him. Must have been a trip to be around him. I’m spinning Ray of Light at the moment. The moment where it all came together for him.
As well as the above this is a tremendous remix from the golden age of Weatherall, Oakie etc and must have been played on the Annie Nightingale Sunday request show every week. The comedown in one georgeous track.
Disappointed that no one thought to title this post ‘William Obit.’
Oh I say, Sir…! That’s brilliant.