X-Nico

3 unusual facts about 808 State


808 State

The song "Contrique" samples the bassline to Joy Division's "She's Lost Control" and "10 X 10" is a gospel-house track built on the foundation of The Jam's "Start!".

Capital Manchester

The 102 MHz frequency in Manchester has a chequered background, initially it was occupied by Sunset 102 which included regular shows from house music innovators 808 State and a Saturday evening rave show from Sammy B; both were cited by Dave Haslam in City Life to have been instrumental in reflecting and developing the early rave culture in the city.

The Big Country

A theme from Moross' score of The Big Country (as performed by the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra) was sampled by MC Tunes versus 808 State in a top 10 UK chart hit, The Only Rhyme That Bites, in 1990.


Comet Kohoutek

The English techno group 808 State wrote and recorded the instrumental "Kohoutek", which appeared on their 1996 album Don Solaris.

Owner of a Lonely Heart

"Owner of a Lonely Heart" has been remixed numerous times, including by 808 State ("2 Close to the Edge Mix" and "Not Fragile Mix" on the 1991 CD single ressue), in 2004 by Deep Dish, and most notably by Max Graham in 2005, whose version reached number nine in the UK Singles Chart.

Storm Bugs

Snatch Tapes was part of the then burgeoning cassette culture scene and also released tapes by David Jackman (later of Organum), and Claire Thomas & Susan Vezey as well as tracks by the Lemon Kittens, Alien Brains, Cultural Amnesia and the Beach Surgeons (led by a young Graham Massey, later of 808 State).


see also