Himawari
Swayzak
2000
by Roy Luckett
March 24th, 2008
This electronic duo (it seems like many electronic acts fall into the category of duo) forge elements of minimalist techno, tech-house and even modern dub into a winning combination. The sound ranges from the house stylings of “Caught in This Affair” and “Kensai Rising” to the electro and Yaz-inspired “State of Grace” featuring female vocalist Kristy Hawkshaw. They even throw in what sounds like a Scottish child reciting poetry over dance music. And if you really want to experience phat basslines, there is the closing track “Betek.” Definitely worth exploring.
Posted in Electronic , House , Techno
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Homework
Daft Punk
1997
by Roy Luckett
January 13th, 2008
A fantastic debut from these pioneers in electronic music, this album wonderfully represents the “French House” sound, which focuses on tastefully filling a dance floor with warm, thick bass lines and almost kitschy, filtered sample hooks. It also melds progressive house, funk, electro, and techno, with sprinklings of hip-hop-styled beats. There is a lot of great stuff going on here, but my favorite is “Revolution 909,” a track with a thumping bass line that will knock your socks off. Also check out “Fresh” for something soothing and “Around the World” for something fun.
Posted in Electronic , House
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Discovery
Daft Punk
2001
by Roy Luckett
January 13th, 2008
On their second album, Daft Punk sticks to the fundamentals established by their debut but creates some distance by exploring European disco and pop influences. The result is another standout, definitely worthy of a place in your CD collection. It is highly likely that you have heard music from this album — Kanye West’s current hit “Stronger” revolves around the track “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger.” To me, the true highlight is the opening track “One More Time,” which is such a dance floor anthem that I made sure it was played at my wedding!!
Posted in Electronic , House
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Cross
Justice
2007
by Roy Luckett
January 13th, 2008
Think of Justice as Daft Punk with a harder edge. Although they have a darker electronic sound, the output is still stellar. Their biggest hit, D.A.N.C.E., has been described as a Go! Team-influenced track with its “double Dutch” schoolyard chants, but the similarities end there; Justice, with its grimy mix of dancehall, techno, ’80s R&B, and grinding groans, combined with an adherence to melodic hooks, stands on its own.
Posted in Electronic , House
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1999
Cassius
1999
by Roy Luckett
January 13th, 2008
Another “French House” specialist, Cassius incorporates a little more disco tendency in its music, weaving together snippets of diva vocals and flexible bass lines. They also show a hip-hop attitude in some of their tracks, most notably “Mister Everyready” and “Planetz.” It’s all good fun.
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