Album Review: Odyssey by Ian Boddy (1989)
Alright, let’s dive into Odyssey by Ian Boddy. Released in 1989 under the UK-based label Surreal To Real, this electronic gem is a mix of New Age vibes and Berlin-School grooves. It’s like taking a sonic road trip through space and time—minus the rocket fuel. The album’s got seven tracks, but I’m gonna focus on two that really stuck with me.
First up, “The Odyssey.” Man, this track feels like the soundtrack to some intergalactic journey you didn’t know you needed. With layers of synths (shoutout to Ian Boddy’s Roland gear) and subtle percussion from Tony Tuddenham, it builds slowly, kinda hypnotic, like watching clouds morph in the sky. What makes it memorable? It doesn’t rush. You can almost hear Boddy taking his time, letting the sounds breathe. It’s not trying too hard to impress—it just does.
Then there’s “Amazonia.” This one hits different. Imagine walking through a dense jungle at night, except the jungle is made entirely of synth pads and drum machines. David Berkeley’s sampler work adds these lush textures that feel alive, while Boddy’s programming keeps things grounded but still dreamy. It’s weirdly cinematic—you could totally picture it scoring some obscure sci-fi flick. For whatever reason, this track always sticks in my head because it feels both ancient and futuristic, like a paradox wrapped in sound.
The rest of the album? Solid all around. Tracks like “Chameleon” and “Masquerade” bring their own flavors, but they don’t hit as hard for me personally. Still, props to the whole crew—Gary Scott for the cover art, Mala Cabala for engineering, and everyone else who helped shape this thing.
Reflecting on Odyssey, it’s wild how an album from 1989 still feels fresh today. Maybe it’s because we’re all secretly nostalgic for a future that never quite happened—the kind of world where albums like this ruled the airwaves. Or maybe I just have a soft spot for music that lets your mind wander off without holding your hand. Either way, give it a spin if you dig electronic stuff that leans more introspective than flashy. Oh, and hey—if you’re listening late at night, don’t be surprised if you start seeing spaceships outta the corner of your eye. Just sayin’.
