Daft Punk’s 4th studio Album “Random Access Memories”
Dear God I hope no one saw me enjoying this album. Because I did. And from jumpstreet I admit I am not a fan of electronic music.
But this record is undeniably good.
You know what would have made this go from good to great? If some one had taken a baseball bat to that autotuner they use for most of the vocals.
Random Access Memories is the 4th studio album from the enigmatic french electronic music maestros Daft Punk. It’s old school vibe is full of soul, despite the plastic nature of the genre; best described as disco meets Tron (the 80?s Tron, not that bust out 2010 Tron*) with a pinch of Parliament thrown in.
But as with most Daft Punk music, the lead vocal is almost always heavily effected by auto-tuners and vocoders- and in a lot of their tunes its seamless and works. On this record however, I found it to be way over the top and distracting from what would otherwise be great songs. They let their gimmick get in the way of the music.
The guest turns are certainly interesting: from Nile Rodgers to Paul Williams (yes, the guy from Smokey & The Bandit) and for a change the lead radio single with Pharell Williams is actually one of my favorite tracks. His vocal is a perfect match for the Daft Punk funk being laid down.
To all my Rock & Roller buddies, I’m telling you I tried to hate this album, but the insistence of the groove Daft Punk is laying down is pretty tough to ignore.
If only they’d hire a permanent singer…
Hot Fire of Truth: It’s for sure worth owning and judging by the iTunes charts, everyone else has downloaded it, so you may as well do it. I’d rather hear this at a club than whatever terrible Usher/ Bieber mash-up is trending this week.
If You Only Download One Track: “Give Life Back to Music” is a cool tune and if you can’t dance to it, you’re just not trying. Even though it’s a good song, there’s to reason to download “Get Lucky” Featuring Pharell Williams because radio is going to beat the hell out of that one.
You’ll Like This If: I’ve been trying to NOT say Jamiroquai for this entire review, but damn it, that’s what it reminds me of. which is not meant to be insulting at all. If you want something to dance to and you’re too old to still live in the vapid pop-wasteland, this disc will help you.
Read all my reviews at www.shockinglytruthfulmusic.wordpress.com and follow me on Twitter @maynardradio
*yes, I know they did some soundtrack work for the 2010 Tron. But that movie was awful.
Maynard, your criticism of Daft Punk’s use of vocoder is slightly curious.
Additionally, I liked Tron 2010.