Space Maker is the first track on Air's album Pocket Symphony. This post is longer than usual, as i am covering a brief history of the album. To get to the section, scroll down to the middle paragraphs.

Album cover for Pocket Symphony (2007)

History & Criticism

Pocket Symphony is Air's fourth album, releasing on March 5, 2007. Pocket Symphony is the on the second half of Air's six album discography. Just like Talkie Walkie, the album is produced by Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich. This album is considered the beginning of the end for Air's commercial career, and where the band would find themselves in a commercial slump. Pocket Symphony had received massive hype on its release, with the single Once Upon A Time releasing a couple months prior to the album's release. The album featured lead singer of Pulp, Jarvis Cocker, aswell as The Divine Comedy's, Neil Hannon.

Pocket Symphony uses more organic instruments, bringing back real drums. Notably, JB had learned over the course of 3 years to play a variety of Japanese instruments, such as the Koto. Pocket Symphony is Air's most dreamiest album, returning the darker moods present from 10K Hz Legend, and a softer tone compared to Talkie Walkie's energy. Essentially, Air created the succesor to both Moon Safari and Talkie Walkie. So how did they do on this album? Users on r/airfrenchband will determine this, along with my opinion on the music.

Pocket Symphony initially released with mixed reviews from critics and fans alike. The album was criticized for its moodier, dreamy like atmosphere. Critics thought the songs off the album were too predictable, and repetitive. While people still defended the hell out of the album on its release, its commercial performance would do less for the band. Pocket Symphony initially toped the billboard at #1, however sales would slow down once the hype died down. Pocket Symphony would only sell 77,000 copies in the United States, so maybe around 200,000+ copies were ever sold. At the time, it became Air's lowest selling album, which scared the band, as they would only make 2 more albums after.

So, how is Pocket Symphony now? Many of Air's fans LOVE this album for mood and quality. I personally favor this album's production and scale. It's ambitious, and perfectly crafted. So, now that we have the history of the album out of the way, lets talk about the songs themselves.

Back cover for Pocket Symphony

Space Maker

Space Maker is the first track off the album, and this album could not have started with something more exciting than this song. Space Maker is an instrumental track, featuring little to no vocals. It is one out of four (excluding High Point & Crickets) instrumental tracks on the album.

Space Maker starts with a cold, sterile sounding drum. Guitars begin to key in, as well as the piano. Like most of the songs off this album, the piano plays a key role in the songs production. This song is progressive, and gradually expands into a climax. At the end of the song, it gets progressively louder as more instruments key in. Eventually, the song calms and comes to a close.

I consider Space Maker to be one of Air's most exciting tracks, one that gets you ready for the album. It showcases the album's rich production, and dream like mood.

Space Maker has never been played live by the band, or any of the members on solo concerts. Its a shame though, this track is very exciting to listen to.

What do you think of Space Maker?

IF ANYTHING NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED, LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENTS. Thanks!

OP’s Review: 10/10 (OP reviews do not count in scores)

Système de notation de la qualité de l'air

1. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Terrible
2. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bad
3. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Not Good
4. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Below Average
5. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Average
6. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Above Average
7. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Good
8. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Great
9. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazing
10. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Classic (aka MUST LISTEN)

Pocket Symphony Balanced Score:
OP's Score:

Pocket Symphony Song Scores:

1. Space Maker
2. Once Upon A Time
3. BONUS: High Point
4. One Hell Of A Party (Featuring Jarvis Cocker)
5. Napalm Love
6. Mayfair Song
7. Left Bank
8. Photograph
9. Mer Du Japon
10. BONUS: Mer Du Japon (The Remixes)
11. Lost Message
12. Somewhere Between Waking And Sleeping (Featuring Neil Hannon)
13. Redhead Girl
14. Night Sight
15. BONUS: The Duelist (Featuring Jarvis Cocker, and Charolette Gainsbourg)
16. BONUS: Crickets

Next album: Love 2