Track Deconstruction: Massive Attack - Unfinished Sympathy @ Ableton Loop, Berlin

Watch as our lead course developer Ski Oakenfull recreates Massive Attack's seminal 1991 hit 'Unfinished Sympathy' from the ground up. Get loads more deconstructions and full tuition in Music Production with one of our courses online. Find out more info here :: bit.ly/2sXlAfW
Point Blank is The Global Music School, with courses in London, Los Angeles, Ibiza, Mumbai and Online. Voted 'Best Electronic Music School' by DJ Mag, you can learn music production, sound engineering, DJ'ing and much more via our online courses or in our state-of-the-art studios:: www.pointblankmusicschool.com

[@johnsummers9660]

I think it's safe to say that Blue Lines, No Protection and Mezzanine are all classics at this point.

[@dazdavison1]

John Summers dont forget heligoland amazing album thats seriously underrated! I would say its second to mexzanine, bit nothing touches mezzanine.

[@k-leb4671]

Daz Dee Heligoland has been my favorite since it dropped.

[@vladimirukrainian2268]

100th window - best album MA

[@ScantSquad]

Also 100th window with sinead's vocals

[@AKAtAGG]

Mezzanine came out on the exact same day as Boards of Canada's Music Has the Right to Children. Has there ever been two albums of that level that came out at the exact same time? Doubt it.

[@bridgetbunny123]

Unfinished Sympathy finally getting the respect it deserves. Wow, his version is SO close to the original! One of my favorite pieces of music ever.

[@Borat808]

What in your opinion would have helped to get it the respect it deserves somewhat earlier? 😉 Glad you at least didn't come up with the usual underated-blahblah.

[@palaHD]

this track has been highly respected since the day it came out

[@pegasvsmusic]

26 years old, and that song still brings tears in my eyes each time I listen... The strings. It's all about the strings. Great tune. Great deconstruction. Thank you v much.

[@primitivo4604]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqq3aGqVg9N9qJo

[@k-leb4671]

Those strings are the jewel in the crown of Blue Lines. Whoever composed the string chords (I think it was Mushroom but don't quote me on that) and Will Malone (arranger and conductor of the orchestra) are the reason why Blue Lines is one of the most seminal albums of all time.

[@ukaszm.3859]

43 here. Same tears.

[@iraklismoschonas5214]

It’s all about the strings AND the vocals. The vocals bring so much emotion to the track.

[@myriaddsystems]

A lot of tunes do that to me - even more so as time goes on - and I'm sixty now 😆

[@EvilEddtheRed]

That rare thing: a highly technical and analytical deconstruction, that's still inspirational.

[@Padsock]

My buddy Andy Montgomery and Q were two of the 'Jr slave uncredited' engineers and programmers at Matrix on this track, I recall clearly the day when Monty came home from working on the strings for the Wild Bunch excited with whatever they had completed and he played me a DAT of just the strings, i was happy he as happy with what had happened, but it was just strings with no context. A few months later I got the demo of the full album from Paul Rump when I was doing some AR at Island and I was blown away, this would be in the summer of 89 (I think) and it still took 2 more years before it comes out.

[@skioakenfull]

Wow, thanks so much for the story. What a privilege it must be to have been involved in such an amazing piece of music!

[@TheBirdBrothers]

Wow that must have been amazing!! Do you happen to know where the sample is from for the tympani/percussion part?

[@k-leb4671]

Wait, Blue Lines had a demo in 1989? I've never heard of that before. Also I would kill to hear the strings on their own. I want that DAT.

[@Padsock]

@@TheBirdBrothers only took me 11 months to respond, my apologies. Sorry I have no idea.

[@Padsock]

So I met Cameron McVey (Neneh Cherry’s hubby) at Glastonbury last summer, we were reminiscing about that Blue Lines sessions at Matrix, I mentioned Monty and Q and how I got first introduced to Massive Attack, we spoke about those strings and I can’t remember what he said about how they came to be however I told him I had the demos, which he corrected me on and said that what I had was probably a set of promo mixes from Circa and that he has the all demos which are safely guarded and not for public consumption. I think they were all done at his home studio. Cameron and Neneh bank rolled MA (And Portishead) and mentored them both through those early days. He was a really cool dude. I spent a few hours hanging out with him, Fourtet and Neneh, she is such an amazing person, I felt I was in the presence of greatness and I whispered in her ear as we departed “ you are my queen,” and I felt so humbled and thankful for the time I spent with them both and I’m sure we will meet again soon as my bestie is now her agent.

[@diyhell8712]

I'm impressed: deconstructing in front of a live audience!

[@spu77]

Summer of 1996, had the chance to see Massive Attack live in concert here in Thessaloniki, Greece. The DJ actually scratched the "Hey hey" section in real time!

[@bogey]

I'm from England and a big part of my family is from Thessaloniki!

[@escaton74]

hopefully without the snare ;)

[@k-leb4671]

Who was the DJ? Mushroom?

[@spu77]

@@k-leb4671 can't tell for sure. But he got the scratch real close to the album version.

[@chrclmnky]

The best 36 minutes and 45 seconds I have spent all my life.

[@PointBlankMusicSchool]

thats some high praise!

[@YaGenezis]

your girl just said the same to me )

[@realfacthunt]

You need to get a decent fuck under your belt.

[@_AJH_]

I just stumbled across this while working on an assignment. This is amazing and one of my favourite songs of all time. Maybe not the best but it's certainly up there.

[@Barney-ii1no]

wow

[@kiely4561]

That bell collecting dust in your parents kitchen for decades finally had its time to shine lol

[@diddydavidz]

Ski Oakenfull is so talented to sample this completely live and then perform it afterwards. Absolutely blown away this has made my day.

[@ToxicSapien]

MAD enough to emulate it; to compose it over 30 years ago - genius. Easily one of my favourite works of music. Haunting.

[@emulus7871]

I'm not a music student, just a fan of good music and an interest in how things are made. This video was truly fascinating and the way he puts it all together is amazing

[@agrelista]

Ski mate how are you great tutorial this is John that was hanging out with you Snaiith , Steve and Rob when I was living in Seattle and Snaith and Steve told me come to the Bay Area of San Francisco in the late 90's and you Galliano were on tour. I'm glad to see you passing your skills to the youth of today. God I really miss you and all my friends in the UK and London.Good to see that positive attitude and humbleness of yours. I always remember you telling me when Was I going to move back to the UK. Thank you for being who you are and keep reaching for the stars mate. It's good to see a familiar face from my youth on you tube.

[@jpa_fasty3997]

That vocal acapella is absolute magic from your friend.

[@keyserpapa]

No wonder, she is not just "a" friend: the vocals are by Valerie Etienne, one of my favourite singers ever. www.discogs.com/artist/5954-Valerie-Etienne?type=Credits&subtype=Vocals&filter_anv=0

[@wadewilliams1892]

As a student of Point Blank I am fortunate enough to see the team making these videos - I am very fortunate

[@emulus4000]

I always love the fact that TOTP was never live but they always got some instruments on stage

[@marcosilver]

FANTASTIC a perfect way to show new music makers the Art of painting pictures with sound

[@meretricious2977]

A rare sighting of Ski without a hat!

[@sethtaylor7519]

Thanks for letting those of us who couldn't be there to see it live feel apart of the event! Love these deconstructions too.

[@DanJohnson]

That Mahavishnu sample was actually vocalised by the drummer on the track, Narada Michael Waldon who went on to be a legendary producer.

[@TheBirdBrothers]

Weather Report / Walden

[@EinzigfreierName]

This song is a true masterpiece and one of my all time favourites. Still remember the time when the video was on MTV's heavy rotation :)

[@vvlvmusic]

Probably my favorite deconstruction so far. Brilliant, loved the informational tidbits.

[@manrez5295]

I was so glad when he put the piano Part in. Thought hed forgotten it. Herbie would ve been proud!

[@spammebabe]

Stuff like this always makes me realize how passively I normally listen to the music. Live gigs and this kind of stuff takes it to another level. Thanks!!

[@ronrobins3513]

Thanks Ski this was fantastic!!! This record (Blue Lines)was definitely one of my favs from the 90's and possibly all time

[@TheWinterShadow]

One of the best videos I have ever stumbled across in my life. Thank you.

[@tarkus123dave]

Stumbled on this and glad I did, Brilliant. Loved it

[@damiensmith371]

Epic job as always Ski. One of my old time fav tracks here and beautiful to see how you broke it all down like you did in the time you did. Thank you! And of course big up Massive Attack for creating such a classic.

[@ElTrolldego]

Small thing, but he forgot the second sample from Planetary Citizen, the "Are you ready" sample. It's not super important, so I can see how it would be dropped due to time constraints.

[@MoniVargas]

This is beyond impressive. I love Ski Oakenfull's own tracks & have played them for years but THIS is major. Not only because this track is one of my all time faves but to see this unfold so beautifully & tightly - is mind blowing. Very emotional watching it & can't wipe the smile off my face. LOVE!

[@bearpitrock]

Ski. Such a legend.

[@lukas3687]

This song is timeless... . only a few other songs are exact like this.

[@alsosean]

Love these deconstructions! Such a great way to learn how to use music software and instruments. Huge thx!!!

[@djlager]

The best deconstruction by far, love these videos. I learn more from these than i do university

[@rjbush7955]

Another cracking deconstruction by Ski. I've watched many of these over the years and Ski has not done a duff one yet. Always stays true to the original with the sounds.

[@PointBlankMusicSchool]

thats true - there's been no duff ones!

[@Lets-Drone-With-Bone]

Another absolute brilliant deconstruction, I've always loved this track since the day it was released. Listening to this deconstruction bought tears to my eyes, it was excellent, great to see it made part by part. Cheers for this :-)

[@dnbninja7042]

Same hear Wayne. This song holds a speacial place in my heart and the string ensemble made me cry.

[@everpuremusic]

Ski Oakenfull = Legend.

[@Minstrel88]

.

[@shanemac]

Remember hearing this tune for the first time as a teen and it simply changed me musically. Watching you deconstruct it genuinely made me smile my tits off and I clapped at the end like I was in the audience amazing job fella AAA+++

[@bernii4515]

got no tits but if, me propably ,too

[@RockstahRolln]

Absolutely INCREDIBLE Ski!! As always!

[@TommyUrbanskiDJ]

My favourite track of all times! 🙌🏻❤️ Listened tens of thousands of times and still can’t get enough of it ✌🏻

[@loontil]

SO good... 've watched a few o yr deconstructions, but this one blew me away. One of my favourite songs, not murdered.

[@consultoz]

This is absolutely legendary Ski. This is one of the most exceptional musical production lessons I've ever witnessed. Brilliant

[@mekinis]

Thank you very much Mr. Ski !

[@SKShlomo]

so pleased i found this because I was sad to miss it at loop :) so informative, big ups Ski

[@Netsuko]

Instant goosebumps whenever I hear this track. It's so amazing.

[@electronash]

Wow - Ski definitely earns his money on this one. I love how all of the elements are kept under wraps until the last moment, too. Excellent vid, tutor, and tune.

[@claudiodeluca457]

A true master at work. Thanks Ski for this one!

[@jasper374]

Please do a Boards of Canada deconstruction!!

[@phalanxiatheroan863]

As much as I would love this also, most of boc material is self made and self produced, meaning the samples they use in their tracks are their own. Add to that they keep their synths secret and after they go through their old tapes to add saturation and audio destruction its nigh on impossible to figure out what they used. It would take a lifetime.

[@fibranijevidra]

@@phalanxiatheroan863 Sadly, but that is the truth.

[@phalanxiatheroan863]

@Jason Smith I can see how the 101 can fit, but only for leads, from memory it's a mono synth so you won't get your rich pads from it.

[@phalanxiatheroan863]

@MomoTheBellyDancer also an sh101 (beautiful synth)

[@SoundMeditationPresents]

totally!

[@Sunfell]

Your deconstructions are amazing- I enjoy every single one, and learn a ton from them. I've been looking forward to this one for a long time- the song is a favorite of mine.

[@planetmusicsamos]

i NEVER miss a video from Ski .

[@martyk7211]

Fantastic! And one of my absolutely favourite songs.

[@mnieuwhof]

WOW... never listened to one of my fav tracks this way... great breakdown!

[@Unders]

Another great breakdown

[@PointBlankMusicSchool]

Thank you! more great content to come...

[@shyarcher1111]

So simple, so beautiful...

[@theshakez]

Unbelievable....Ski Is a true legend!!!

[@mintvelvet3351]

That live performance was so beautiful, emotional and moving.

[@mehtavideo]

Summer 91, Blue Lines, Lava lamp, candles and the rest is...private! Wonderful work point blank 👏👏👏

[@selectronica6769]

Bloody Awesome ! One of the tracks of my lifetime

[@stuad70]

I always thought they sampled a milk bottle hit for the bell? In fact in 1992 I even managed to copy it using my empty pinters two wooden spoons and some carefully measured amounts of water. God bless those times and that early morning milk float sound which used to be a part of daily life. Wonderful deconstruction thanks and what's next? Prodigy Weather Experience Chords have always been a bit of a subject. Cheers Stuad70

[@PointBlankMusicSchool]

Hats off to you for the dedication sir! More deconstructions are on the way, but you'll have to hold on to find out what the next track is.

[@TheBirdBrothers]

Stuart Hamilton yes the actual bells origins are a mystery (not TM2MG bob james)

[@PierreKosmidis]

Always wondered where did this bell sound came from.

[@jasonwragg200]

Amazing to watch that classic track recreated!!!

[@alicjaa816]

I think I’ve already watched this a million times. Simply amazing.

[@djinstinct8059]

That was wicked. A great insight to one of my favourite tunes. Big ups Ski.

[@nicolasdwa]

What a track, just seminal!

[@bartoszborowiec7338]

Ski Oakenfull is a legend.

[@georgemcauley9819]

One of my favourite tracks ever...brilliantly written and produced. The strings and bell sound always send tingles up my spine.

[@Raffles666]

wow - simply wow - my most favourite tune of all time - you did it justice thanks

[@MarcLittlemore]

Brilliant deconstruction of a classic track from my youth. Loved this video. Thanks so much.

[@mdbham]

What a pleasurable time to hear all this come together - I adore this track - thanks.

[@carmellebandibas]

I'm loving these deconstruction videos!

[@CruxMo]

Absolutely amazing!!!

[@therarelement]

Man i’m in love with massive attack please do teardrop or protection please!!

[@RichardFarley_]

Blows me away what someone with talent and skill can do in

[@spinachisnice]

Plus the other 80 hours he spent researching and putting it all together

[@jazzmastert]

Superb! Thanks for sharing Ski!

[@brushhead]

Am fascinated by these decon videos. I used to love playing this on the radio when I was younger.

[@robertgreen7890]

Fantastic. A great watch!

[@huczenit]

This is just brilliant!

[@DJBrunski]

Thank you for this excellent demonstration

[@leeashleyanthony]

Ableton FTW :D

[@blend74music]

Thanks Ski!

[@domorewithsage]

Another masterful decon with Ski, great work guys

[@leighlevy3804]

I'm just starting on my musical journey. What a Massive Tune, and how wonderful to see it deconstructed and then re-created, one day I hope to be able to have the skills to make something similar

[@stuCameraman1]

It was the movie sound track 'SLIVER' that introduced me to this classic track. Fell in love with the track and was a big influence to my music collection in the mid 1990's. I also up graded my heaphones and Aiwa home sound system to pump out that deep bais in the 1st 7sec of the track😍

[@Proxima04]

10 Samples in and some strings and the sound is full and the breaks are fitting in perfectly, a lesson in how to get a groove and melody working without a ton of effects and edits. Superb thank you for the lesson.

[@larse.437]

Love Massive Attack. Great re/ deconstruction and awesome vocals.

[@RedMastering]

very cool!...I love that MA tune...man such a great great memories ....

[@ProfSimonHolland]

I really enjoyed that...great trk great deconstruction

[@jpsilvapessoal]

amazing video this is one of my favourite tracks, loved it

[@tubeMonger]

Oh man. I just loved this video. Thank you for sharing.

[@AnthonyKingUK]

Wow! This was BRILLIANT!

[@aelp87]

Congratulations this is awesome tune!!!!

[@hernandezurbina]

Amazing job! You're a wizard!

[@mauriciomauricio9592]

Really good one Ski! Keep them Deconstructions coming :)

[@het_gele_teken]

Bloody brilliant.

[@elohim9039]

Over 20 years old....that song is still 🔥🔥🔥

[@r7coo]

In 2023 this song is 32year's old - unbelievable!

[@bartdegroot2974]

Excellent, thank you!

[@Martin-cc5xn]

Brilliant! My favourite track, wonderful to see it deconstructed.

[@paulromelot5553]

Fantastic track. The chords and vocals are timeless.

[@mconstant007]

Valerie nailed those vocals. Impressive. 🎯😁 I appreciate the skill that goes into pulling this apart in real time and remaking it with some great fidelity. This is twice amazing to think of the wild bunch hatching this up originally in the studio. What a coup de coeur. ❤️

[@flaviokoppa8530]

Bravo, a lot of passion here, thank you

[@OneHalfOfBent]

Best track ever made, dare I say - certainly their first albums were a huge influence on us, and they are still timeless. Great video, I came here to find out where the "hey hey" sample was from :D