The Avalanches - Since I Left You ALBUM REVIEW 

This is one of the best albums of all time. Truly ground breaking, it’s amazing what they could do by only using samples. Such a beautiful album.

You left me?

Since I left you is definitely more then just a dance album. It is a symphony of samples come together to make the most beautiful piece of art you’ll ever listen to. When this album clicks with you. It clicks.

this album being made up of 3,000+ samples is really mind blowing to this day, one of the greatest albums of all time

I don’t know about the rest of the world, but Frontier Psychiatrist charted in Aus and despite not climbing very high, has remained a part of the public consciousness in some way or another for the last 23 years. Everyone has heard it here, and those that know what it’s called were undoubtedly enamoured by it from seeing one of its two music videos on Rage.

I actually just cried listening to Frontier Psychiatrist. When they totally change the context of the woman asking the girl “Can you think of anything else [that talks, other than a person]?” And the girl says “Um….a record?” and the beautiful acoustic guitar gallops away…for me, that simple sample flip just emphasizes how much music can “speak” to us, as well as what a masterpiece this record is.

I'm still amazed about how they used samples soo masterfully on this album. Absolute classic

Since I Left You - 2:43 Stay Another Season - 2:58 Radio - 4:09 Two Hearts In 3/4 Time - 4:21 Avalanche Rock - 4:46 Flight Tonight - 4:54 Close To You - 5:10 [Diners Only] A Different Feeling - 5:28 Electricity - 6:03 Tonight May Have To Last Me All My Life - 6:13 [Pablo's Cruise] Frontier Psychiatrist - 6:20 ETOH - 6:41 Summer Crane - 6:52 Little Journey - 6:52 Live At Dominoes - 5:53 Extra Kings - 6:59 groundbreaking and amazing album in every way

This album is the 10est of 10s, a masterclass in sampling.

I’d love to see more 2000s albums in Classics Week, tbh. They’re a lot more interesting to see what would people consider modern classics.

SILY is a journey, the album is like music therapy. It takes you on a tour of your own emotions and headspace, effortlessly drifting from pure euphoria to melancholic nostalgia to blissful relaxation. It is bottled magic and one of the greatest records ever made.

This album is so good it's unfair. Some of the moments on here are so blissful and beautiful I would show them to an alien race if they landed on earth and had no idea what music was

This has always been my "desert island" album. I also have a similar fondness for Burial's "Untrue" and the 2 are intertwined in my mind for some reason.

One of my absolute favorite music memories is listening to this album for the first time as a freshman in college. I was going about my day at the library and literally stopped in the middle of the lobby, just taking in the absolute awesomeness that is this record. It’s been one of my favorites ever since.

Frontier Psychiatrist is one of my favorite electronic tracks of all time. I saw the Avalanches play a DJ set in Bangkok a few years ago but it was just ok, nothing as wild and weird as their first album.

I was hoping to see Vashti Bunyan in classics week one day! Her album Just Another Diamond Day is a classic for me. Great review Mr Tano!

"Which feels like a more pillowy and sweet version of something you would hear from Daft Punk's Homework era." Funnily enough, Electricity (which succeeds A Different Feeling, which he's talking about here) actually samples Da Funk.

This was the first CD I ever bought with my own money, and I've absolutely loved it ever since

SINCE I LEFT YOU I FOUND THE WORLD SO NEW

Never thought I’d see this day.

Endtroducing and SILY were the holy siblings of the plunderphonics genre. Both of em which have this Yin and Yang feeling to em

This album never fails to put a smile on my face

Anthony, loved the review, but was a bit unusual ending it with the words "Unlike the title of the LP, I will never leave you. I'm here forever. I will be the last thing you see before you die."

YESSSS I LOVE THIS ALBUM SO MUCH!!! I was just thinking about whether if you’d do a classic review of it. Such a masterpiece, especially the original cut with all the samples still in.

Anthony thank you from the bottom of my heart ♥️

This thing is just, an unbelievable work of art. Assembling music out of basically nothing but thousands of samples of other music, having it all come together cohesively, having it sound so incredibly good, AND having it be as detailed and as dynamic as it is, alongside clearing all the samples... it's honestly galaxy-brained stuff and I'm glad an artist out there managed to try it at least once on this album, and I feel this is an album you get one time and one time only. Not to downplay other classics in the genre, but this album is a masterpiece that is truly admirable on every level.

I'm so proud of you for talking about this album. This one is truly an underrated gem. I remember reading about it before it dropped in 2000. Some critic raved about it in a magazine. The review was so glowing, I was intrigued and went to the record store to buy it without hearing a note of this record. On first listen, it was such a psychedelic experience, I couldn't wrap my head around it. It was like Paul's Boutique, but more abstract. Over time, it grew to be one of my favorite albums. 23 years later, I still listen to it from time to time and it's a record I've always demanded a physical copy of. Interestingly, I thought of this album as a "personal" classic. I've never seen anyone else through the years "know" this album or the Avalanches. Glad to know there's others who adore this album. Excellent pick.

Let’s also not forget the incredible single that was left out of the album release “with my baby.” Such a banger!

this is *the* Plunderphonics record... about time

Anthony thank for reviewing this album! There are very few albums I can listen to from beginning to end without having to skip a track. Are the ones that follow : 1. DOOM & Madlib - Madvillany 2. Quasimoto - unseen 3. RJD2 - Dead Ringer 4. Avalanches - since I left you

based this album is absolutely perfect. so honoured I got to see it performed live with an orchestra last year.

SILY is a euphoric listen every single time and it fits with so many moods. It's calming but rousing, it's good background music while also being great music to emerse yourself in, it's a strong 10.

Its such a shame that 'With My Baby' was left off the official release of this album.

I got to see them live last year at a small club on the Vegas strip. I danced the WHOLE show and got to introduce my partner to this album that I love and meant so much to me over the decades.

I was in tears and high up in the sky first time listening to this and still go on the whole journey every time I listen to this album..! Loving it!

Thanks for reviewing this album, Anthony. In my friends-group this is the nr. 1 classic album of all time! You should have mentioned the fact that the streaming versions are sadly losing sample after sample, so if you want the real experience, you have to either buy it (if you can find an old version with everything still on it), or be a naughty pirate. Just a heads up to anyone looking into the record for the first time, and a footnote about how copyright-issues are far from resolved.

My favorite album of all time hands down, I could write a book on how perfect this album is ❤️

It can't be stated enough how good this album and Wildflower are. Perfection.

This album is literally the greatest album of all time. Easily my favorite. Just incredible.

I'm a stoner/space/psych/punk/garage/metal type and had absolutely no interest in this band or album when it first was released, but now I can just put this album on and love every second of it, this and Primal Scream Screamadelica are brilliant pieces of work.

listened to this album for the first time a few months ago and i was instantly hooked from the first spanish guitar sample. i fell in love with the title track and it just kept going from there. now i’m absolutely obsessed with this album. one of those albums where the first listen is completely magical because you just know you’re listening to what’s gonna become one of your new favorite albums

For anyone new to this album, or haven't heard the original, please find a version not on streaming services - there's an orchestra/flute sample missing on the streaming versions of Summer Crane, and most importantly, the ending of Extra Kings, that really hit differently

It can’t be stated enough how intertwined every minute of this album is

One of the most cohesive and best sounding albums of all time, love it

Now THAT'S another CLASSIC, the MF DOOM bonus track was one of my favourites For real make more classics week during the year it's more interesting than checking during the whole year if you gave something a 10 on the description

Started listening to all the albums in the Classics playlist in January of 2021. Thanks for putting me on to so much excellent music, Fantano! Looking forward to Classics Week 2024.

one of my favorite albums of all time. everything about it is just a vibe, sounds like I’m on a beach or in the middle of the ocean like the cover

The video for the title track is a masterpiece too

You work too hard Anthony. Thank you for always blessing us with more content ❤

Been waiting for a classic review of this album! One of my all-time favorites, a 10/10 imo, feels great to see you showing it some love

One of the very best LPs I've heard in my life. A wild party from the first to the very last note. And yet, still pretty much unknown.

My favourite album of all time. Each song sends me to a different and beautiful summer memory of my life, whenever it was from my childhood enjoying life with my family at our sea coast house, or an amazing beach party getting drunk with my friends during my college years. I still blast this gem every summer and it makes me love this season and my life more every time I listen to it.

easy personal top 5 album, maybe even top 3. I can't count how many times I've played this album from start to end, wherever and whenever, and still not know half of the titles on the tracklist and in what order coz I don't really care anymore. it's best just to get lost in this blissful haze of a sonic soundscape time and again to melt all your day's worries away

thank you for finally reviewing one of my fav albums ever

The label that released this, Modular Records, are one of if not the most influential labels when it came to indie music and electronica in Australia, the acts under them include yours truly, Tame Impala, Cut Copy, Bag Raiders and The Presets who locally made history getting the ARIAs Album Of The Year for their 2008 album Apocalypso, which was the first EDM album to get it.

I probably have to thank my parents for this album being so good, if they didn’t give me good disco and funk as a kid to listen to I don’t think this album would have that first magical listen for me.

YOOOOOOOOO HOLY SHIT IVE BEEN LISTENING TO THIS FOR A MONTH AND WAS HOPING YOU'D DO IT FOR CLASSICS REVIEW

this album feels like falling asleep on an old cruise ship and hearing the sounds of people muffled in between your dreams

Yesssss! I got into this album a few months ago and it's quickly become one of my favorites

great description! never thought of the steinski touchstone, bang on. I'm still bumping this album and it sounds fresh as a daisy 24 years later

Also, the Zomba version of this album is on SoundCloud somewhere and includes almost every sample that couldn't make it to official streaming or vinyl pressings. It even has an entirely unused track 3!

I was fortunate enough to see them perform this album Live with South Australia's Sydney Orchestra Hearing how the composer had to slog through every tiny detail of each song to then compose it into something playable by an Orchestra is something incredible in itself.

This is about as 10/10 as an album ever gets. One of my favorite records of all-time

One of the best albums not only of the plunderphonics for its sweet and rewarding accessibility, but also for being one of the best albums of music due to its maximum amount of samples, my point to reach could be that the whole album feels like a single song, as if it tells us an abstract story becoming so credible to the point where as Fantano says: it becomes holistic, for me these are requirements to call an album not only a classic, but also a masterpiece. I remember when I listened to it for the first time, it was when I found it in pitchfork's list of the best albums of the 2000s and I was so attracted by the cover that I decided to listen to it, but at first it didn't catch my attention, maybe it was because of the length or probably I'm not so into the musical paradigm of electronica (I'm a very comfortable person with rock lol), until it clicked and from then on I could see all the magic it emanates, I'm glad not only to know this album but also to realize that this is one of the best examples of how samples can reach the peak of creativity, I reiterate that this is one of the best projects in music history

I wish dance music today embraced sampling the way this album did, it’s too bad so many EDM fans are so openly dismissive of sampling as an art form

One of my go to answers for the greatest album of all time. So masterfully and tastefully done

The original version of Extra Kings with the sample at the end is one of my favorite outros,that flute goes fucking insane

Used to listen to this at a nearby beach (sorrento) and recently read that it was mixed at a place pretty close to that beach. Album just fits the aus summer vibe so well

Anthony reviewed The Queen is Dead and Since I’ve Left You almost back to back and they are probably my two favorite albums ever. ❤❤

Suggestion: I love when you talk about specific tracks in your reviews, however when you end your explanation I’ve forgotten or I missed the track’s name and I have to rewind to find the moment where you mention it (sometimes you say “the next song” so even more rewind). It would be nice to have the title shown on the screen while you talk about the specific song, such as you do when you mention another record that the cover pops up. Anyways thank you for your work, great album too.

This album is like summer in audio form. Such a joyous sonic experience that I still love ten years after discovering it. Sucks that the American version left off the “Radio” intro and that enchanting flute sample at the album’s end (some versions even butchered “Frontier Psychiatrist” completely).

YES one of my favorite albums, the flow of the album is insane🔥

I was 25 years old when this first dropped, in Australia and it was unique then and there is still nothing like it.

For those who haven’t definitely listen to the Zomba Records promo release, it has some of the uncleared samples that were originally on the album as well as an incredible track that was supposed to be between Stay Another Season and Radio. A must listen for any fan of this album

HELLLL YEAHHH Wanted a classic review of this for so long. One of two records that I call 11/10s. This one is def a classic. It's so beloved that I have two copies of it. The 2001 CD and the 2021 deluxe reissue.

Extra kings is the perfect closing track.

I still get immense joy showing this record to people, especially watching their face right after the "welcome to paradise" sample.

"some birds are funny when they talk. can you think of anything else?" "uhhh... a record?...record?...record?..." My personal favorite moment in all of music

Y'all need to see DJ Dexta playing at the 2000 DMC DJ World Final for some truly magical shit. Truly a classic album. Interesting that they ditched their original idea to make the album one conceptual journey of a man chasing his love through a bunch countries but always being one port behind, because it still *really* sounds like its still there yknow?

Another my personal 10/10 album in classic reviee. Just christmas presents.

As someone who makes plunderphonics/sample based music these guys are a HUGE inspiration!!!

I have been a fan of The Avalanches since I saw them live at The Falls Music Festival over New Years Eve '98/'99. It was groundbreaking. 2020's release "We Will Always Love You"was such a great surprise as well, as I wasn't aware that they had been working on a new album.

I stumbled across this during my freshman year of college and fell in love with them. This makes me so happy. I would love to know what your thoughts are on Basement Jaxx's debut album, Remedy.

Love it! The original album included an MJ sample that you can't find on the streaming...I have the original cd somewhere, I swear! Just have to dig for it.

This album means so much to me it's unreal

God I love this album so much It's one that never gets old to me.

Highly recommend ‘An oral history of the avalanches Since I left you’ on Spotify or even The avalanches documentary on RU-vid for some cool insights from the band members on how they made it

Tonight may have to last me all my life is such a good song. When the song cuts out to the pianos, it gives me chills everytime. And the Doom remix is good in itself as well

This is in my top 10 albums of all time. An absolutely underrated masterpiece.

Never in my life did I expect this but oh boy am I exceptionally happy to see it!

7:10 I felt the exact same visual when I first heard Extra Kings lmfao that's so crazy

YESS!! SO stoked to see you finally doing a Classic Review of this album!!!

As far as I’m concerned this album is up there with Beethoven’s 9th in human musical achievements.

Anyone else know that the title track is actually about Robbie Chaters struggles with alcoholism and how he overcame his addiction “Since I left you, I found the world so new”

I *literally* heard my Since I Left You vinyl a few hours ago. This is weird

*Since Cal Left You*

This album makes me happy :)

This is the BEST ALBUM OF ALL TIME. A whole odyssey in music form

Only related to the album in the background, but I’m hoping you will review The Hybrid by Danny Brown 🤞

Although there's a John-Oswald-like experimental timbre, it's a comedic, romantic, beauteous Odyssey.