The Chemical Brothers – Exit Planet Dust

Description

Originally released in the summer of 1995, The Chemical Brothers’ debut album Exit Planet Dust remains a defining record of the 1990s. Peaking at No. 9 in the UK, it introduced “big beat” music—a high-energy blend of hip-hop and acid house—to a mainstream audience. The album played a key role in shaping the British dance scene as the 20th century came to a close.

The album opens with Leave Home, the duo’s debut single and a quick Top 20 hit in the UK. It also features notable collaborations: folktronica icon Beth Orton on the closing track Alive Alone, and Tim Burgess of The Charlatans on Life Is Sweet, the second single, which reached No. 25 in September 1995.

One standout track is Chemical Beats, a signature tune for Ed Simons and Tom Rowlands. Originally released in 1994 on the rare Fourteenth Century Sky EP under their former name, The Dust Brothers, it had already become a club classic. By the time Exit Planet Dust was released, its status was firmly established.

Now, 30 years later, it still sounds massive on this 140g red-and-gold double-vinyl reissue.