Orboretum: The Orb Collection vinyl

Dr. Alex Paterson's latest endeavour, Orboretum: The Orb Collection, is a limited-edition retrospective that spans the career of The Orb, charting their decades-long journey across a four-LP set. Beautifully packaged in an octagonal sleeve that unfolds into a massive flower, each disc is pressed in a unique colourigreen, lilac, orange, and blue, reflecting the four seasons that inspired the collection's structure. With tracks carefully selected by Paterson himself, the compilation delves into their storied output, mixing iconic cuts from Abolition of the Royal Familia and Prism with rarities and fresh takes on classics. This set isn't merely a nostalgic trip through The Orb's golden years, though, it's a "director's cut," as Paterson puts it, one that reframes their vast catalogue to reveal new pathways and connections between works that span decades. Discs A and B highlight their collaborations with Universal, while discs C and D turn the spotlight on their independent ventures with labels like Cooking Vinyl, Kompakt, and Liquid Sound Design. With sleeve notes by Kris Needs and each track handpicked by Paterson, Orboretum is a masterclass in electronic evolution, blending roots with recent highlights. For die-hard fans and newcomers alike, the four-LP set is an ode to the timeless, boundary-pushing ethos that has kept The Orb relevant for over 30 years. The collection is also available as a two-CD set with a 24-page booklet, ensuring everyone can find their own slice of ambient heaven.