Halcyon On and On

On Orbital’s second eponymous 1993 album the track “Halcyon + on + on” appears, a slightly more upbeat and melodic remix of the original song. In contrast to the original, the remix is far more widely known, and has been featured on several movie soundtracks (most notably Mortal Kombat, Hackers, CKY2K and Mean Girls).

Eric mentions liking “Orbital” pg(26189) and purchased from Angelo’s Records both the “Orbital” (’92) and “Snivilisation” (’’94) cds  pg (26187)

There are numerous references to “Halcyon” by Dylan pg (26406), (26412) and (26414) and given that Orbital is “Techno and Trance” style music, it is quite likely he was familiar with the song from their recent albums and began adopting the term in his writings and putting his own spin on it as a kind of “heaven” or “paradise” state of mind/existence that awaited him, and his True Love, upon leaving this life.  I would bet that the two went to see the Mortal Kombat movie and heard this featured song.  We know Dylan had played Mortal Kombat as a kid with Brooks Brown.

Sad to say, Eric and Dylan would not have seen Orbital in concert. Oddly, Orbital had a fairly limited US tour in the nineties even though techno and raves were a pretty big thing. The bulk of their touring was in the UK and other Euro-International locations.  Apparently, Orbital only visited Denver at the Ogden Theatre in ‘93 and  the last time in 2001.  ‘93 would’ve put the boys in Jr. HS and it’s doubtfully they had gotten into this type of music at this point in time let alone been allowed to go to a concert at that age. In any case, there is no mentioning that they ever saw Orbital live. 

The live video I selected above is from ‘94 in Glastonbury England.

Halcyon – Hal-see-uh

Various definitions:
1. calm; peaceful; tranquil:halcyon weather.
2.rich; wealthy; prosperous:halcyon times of peace.
3.happy; joyful; carefree:halcyon days of youth.
4.of or relating to the halcyon or kingfisher.noun
5.a mythical bird, usually identified with the kingfisher, said to breed about the time of the winter solstice in a nest floating on the sea, andt o have the power of charming winds and waves into calmness.6.any of various kingfishers, especially of the genus Halcyon. 

The actual song “
Halcyon" was written and performed by Orbital, dedicated to the Phil Hartnoll’s mother, who was addicted to the tranquilizer Halcion  (spelled differently) (Triazolam) for many years.

“The everything, the halcyon, the happiness is ours” – DBK

A little side note: Orbital happens to be a fav of mine. 😉