Record #783: M83 – DeadCities, RedSeas&LostGhosts (2003)

Before the double-album pop masterpiece that was Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming brought them widespread acclaim, M83 was an obscure, mostly instrumental act that blurred the line between shoegaze, post rock, and electronica.

On paper, the transition from experimental instrumental band to Billboard Charting Pop Group seems like it would yield albums that sound like completely different bands. However, the group’s sense of composition gives Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts the same sort of emotional storytelling and cinematic soundscapes that made Hurry Up such a huge hit.

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Record #528: M83 – Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming (2011)

If ever there was a post rock crossover pop hit, it’s M83’s Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming. 

This record debuted at number fifteen on the Billboard Top 200. The bouncing single “Midnight City“, complete with a screaming saxophone solo, was ubiquitous. The group appeared on a number of late night talk show performances. Songs were played in commercials and movie trailers.

This is only made more impressive by the fact that it’s a double album by a band that made their name playing synth-driven drone music.

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