I'd say their best album was Ninetynine, because it was such a modest and
laid-back record with a good concept that challenged perceptions of what the
band was really about. A shame that their later records completely exited
that road and were much more conservative sounding. I lost all interest at
that point.
I've always had a soft spot for Frames: The Remix Album, because it was
the first haujobb I heard (and for a long time, the best I heard.) I also
like Matrix -- another remix album.
ninetynine, ninetynine remixes, and Solutions... are good, too. After
ninetynine remixes, though, I kind of lost interest -- because, as you
mentioned, they entered a somewhat reactionary phase. I have the single
for "Penetration" (more remixes... hm....) and enjoy it when I'm in the
mood for quality dancefloor ebm of that variety.
np: VNV Nation _Burning Empires_
--
Jamie Rosen's e-book _Vessel of Heaven_ is now available from Jintsu Etexts
Check it out at http://www.eggplant-productions.com/jintsu