Is UV a good place to start with The Shamen?

Yes, UV is recommended as a starting point for new The Shamen listeners. A kaleidoscopic blend of techno beats and psychedelic textures, pushing the boundaries of electronic music into experimental territories. UV, released in 1998, marked The Shamen's evolution post their commercial peak with the hit album 'Boss Drum'. At this point, they were navigating a shifting electronic music landscape while experimenting with their sound, moving away from mainstream success toward more avant-garde expressions. This release came after a hiatus, showcasing their desire to explore new sonic dimensions.

UV works well if you're into wave-like pacing with peaks, vibrant auditory exploration and dynamic journey through sound.

How many songs are on UV?

UV has 13 tracks, running approximately 62 minutes.

UV

The Shamen · 1998

62 min · 13 tracks · psychedelic rock

A kaleidoscopic blend of techno beats and psychedelic textures, pushing the boundaries of electronic music into experimental territories.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Mercury Start here — This opening track sets the tone for UV with its hypnotic rhythm and ethereal vocals, encapsulating the album's psychedelic essence.
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Sativa ’98 — With its deep basslines and intricate layering, this track exemplifies The Shamen's ability to blend organic sounds with electronic elements seamlessly.
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U Nations (Mr C club mix) — This remix stands out for its infectious groove and dancefloor appeal, highlighting The Shamen's connections to the club scene during this era.
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Beamship (Brief Sighting) — At just under a minute, this interlude serves as a sonic palette cleanser that introduces an otherworldly atmosphere, enhancing the overall journey of the album.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

wave-like pacing with peaks
vibrant auditory exploration
dynamic journey through sound
for energetic gatherings
headphone detail hunting

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward song structures
seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — The album pushes boundaries with innovative fusion of genres, diverging from earlier styles.
Themes: psychedelic exploration· club culture evolution· hypnotic rhythms
Career context: UV, released in 1998, marked The Shamen's evolution post their commercial peak with the hit album 'Boss Drum'. At this point, they were navigating a shifting electronic music landscape while experimenting with their sound, moving away from mainstream success toward more avant-garde expressions. This release came after a hiatus, showcasing their desire to explore new sonic dimensions.
Stylistic neighbors: The Chemical Brothers· Orbital· Underworld