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The New Wave Review:

Posted : 1 year, 3 months ago on 15 May 2007 07:12 (A review of Homework)

"The New Wave" was the first single released by French house duo Daft Punk in 1994 on the Soma Recordings label. It was later released the same year on the UMM label under license from Soma Recordings. Though it was originally a standalone single, the track "The New Wave" eventually evolved into "Alive" (evidenced in the tracklisting), which appeared in Homework. The single is currently rare and difficult to obtain.

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Burnin' Review:

Posted : 1 year, 3 months ago on 15 May 2007 07:12 (A review of Homework)

"Burnin'" is an instrumental house track from Daft Punk's Homework album. It was the third single from the album, and was released in 1997. The track's music video was directed by Seb Janiak. In the video Daft Punk pay tribute to Chicago house music producers they found inspiration in. In the party scene the video features DJ Sneak, Roger Sanchez, Derrick Carter, Roy Davis Jr., Paul Johnson, Robert Armani, and DJ Hyperactive. Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo also make guest appearances in the music video as people at the party. The video was also shot in Chicago using an office building at One South Wacker Drive as the setting.

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Around the World Review:

Posted : 1 year, 3 months ago on 15 May 2007 07:11 (A review of Homework)

"Around the World" is a song by the electronic music duo Daft Punk. It appeared on the duo's debut album, Homework (1997) and was released as a single the same year. It subsequently became a major club hit throughout the world and arrived at #1 in dance charts. The song is particularly known for its repeated phrasing of its title. It is also known for its music video, which was directed by Michel Gondry.

Structure:

The key hook is a steady bassline and a talk box-processed voice singing "Around the world" in continuous chains. In the album version of "Around the World", the phrase occurs 144 times in total.

Upon analysis of the song, Michel Gondry noted its distinctive structure: "I realized how genius and simple the music was. Only five different instruments, with very few patterns, each to create numerous possibilities of figures. Always using the repetition, and stopping just before it's too much."

[edit] Music video
Michel Gondry's music video for the song features robots walking around in a circle on a platform (which represents a vinyl record), tall athletes walking up and down stairs, women dressed like synchronized swimmers (described by Gondry as "disco girls")[1] moving up and down another set of stairs, skeletons dancing in the center of the "record," and mummies dancing in time with the song's drum pattern.

This is meant to be a visual representation of the song; each element in the video represents a different instrument. According to Gondry's notes,[1] the androids represent the singing robot voice; the physicality and rapidity of the athletes symbolizes the ascending/descending bass guitar; the femininity of the disco girls represents the high-pitched keyboard; the "itchy" skeletons serve for the guitars; the mummies represent the drum machine.

"Around the World" was Gondry's first attempt at bringing organized dancing to his music videos. "I was sick to see choreography being mistreated in videos like filler with fast cutting and fast editing, really shallow. I don't think choreography should be shot in close-ups." The sequence, initially developed by Gondry, was further expanded and streamlined by choreographer Blanca Li. Costumes for the video were designed by Florence Fontaine, the mother of Gondry's son. The flashing lights were operated by the the director's brother, Olivier "Twist" Gondry. As Michel Gondry stated, "It all came down to a family affair."





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Da Funk Review:

Posted : 1 year, 3 months ago on 15 May 2007 07:07 (A review of Homework)

"Da Funk" is a single by Daft Punk from their 1997 debut album Homework. It was released as a double A-side with the track "Musique", a track which later appeared in the album Musique Vol. 1 1993-2005. Primarily based on a single riff, "Da Funk" and its accompanying video (directed by Spike Jonze) are considered a classic of 1990's house. A reversed 50-second sample of "Da Funk" is also on Homework and is listed as "Funk Ad".

Music Video:

Directed by Spike Jonze and actually entitled Big City Nights, the track's music video focuses on Charles, a character possessing the physical characteristics of a dog as well as a human gait, a leg cast, a crutch, and "urban" clothing. Charles, who has lived in New York City for only one month, is shown walking around with a boombox blasting "Da Funk" at a high volume. His hobbled walk is made fun of by a pair of children. He is turned down when he attempts to participate in a public survey. His boombox annoys a bookseller on the sidewalk from whom Charles buys a paperback novel entitled Big City Nights. Charles meets a woman named Beatrice (who was once his neighbor), and they agree to have dinner together at her home, traveling by way of a city bus. Beatrice boards the bus, but Charles is startled by a sign stating "NO RADIOS". He continues to stand outside as the bus drives off with Beatrice.

Thomas Bangalter has stated that although the video has drawn several interpretations, there is no real story and the video "is just a man-dog walking with a ghetto-blaster in New York."


"Fresh" Video:

Charles would return in the music video for the Daft Punk track "Fresh" (also from Homework). In this video, he is an actor shooting scenes for a film set on a beach. When the day's shoot is over, he discusses techniques with the director and then runs into Beatrice; they have apparently become boyfriend and girlfriend. The two make plans to go to a restaurant for dinner. Charles gets into Beatrice's red convertible and they drive off into the sunset. This video echoes the concept of the "Da Funk" video in that the song is treated as nothing more than a soundtrack against which the story plays out. "Fresh" was directed by Daft Punk themselves; Jonze makes a guest appearance as the director of Charles' film.


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Revolution 909 Review:

Posted : 1 year, 3 months ago on 15 May 2007 07:04 (A review of Homework)

"Revolution 909" is an instrumental track from Daft Punk's 1997 album Homework. It was released as the fourth single from the album in 1998. The title bears resemblance to the Roland TR-909, which Daft Punk have confirmably used in their productions.[1] The music video for this track was directed by Roman Coppola.

Music Video:

The music video for this track shows a rave taking place in an alley. Police officers suddenly arrive to break up the party. While several people are rounded up, a young woman who looks to be captured notices a stain on an officer's shirt. This triggers a flashback beginning with a tomato seed being planted, then sprouting, then harvested and then packaged. The packages are eventually transported to a grocery store where a lady selects the tomatoes to take home with her. As she is preparing tomato sauce, subtitles accurately instruct the viewer on the recipe for making the sauce for spaghetti. The lady places the prepared meal into a tupperware container. The officer from earlier in the video appears with the meal in his squad car. He dribbles the tomato sauce onto his shirt while eating it and creates the stain. This brings the flashback to the beginning of the video. When the officer looks down at his stained shirt and is distracted, the young woman gains the opportunity to flee. Someone appears on a platform above and pulls her to safety.

The music video is featured in D.A.F.T., a collection of videos from Homework. It is also available on the limited edition CD/DVD of Musique Vol. 1 1993-2005. Roman Coppola's audio commentary for "Revolution 909" in D.A.F.T. mentions friends of his who saw the video and noticed a person resembling Thomas Bangalter. He would not confirm if it was Thomas or not. Coppola also refers to the video as the "Tomato video". He stated that he used the tomato "setting" because he had always wanted to produce an instructional video.



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Homework Review:

Posted : 1 year, 3 months ago on 15 May 2007 07:02 (A review of Homework)

Homework is the debut album of French electronic music duo Daft Punk. The album was released on January 20, 1997 in the United Kingdom and March 25, 1997 in the United States. Homework is considered a blend of house, techno, acid and funk and widely noted as one of the most influential electronica albums of the 1990s. It features the hits "Around the World" and "Da Funk".

Recording History:

In 1993 Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo presented a demo of electronic music to Stuart Macmillan of Slam at a rave in EuroDisney. The contents of the cassette eventually saw release on the single "The New Wave", which was released in April 11, 1994 on Slam's Soma Quality Recordings label. The record also contained the final mix of the track "The New Wave" entitled “Alive”. The tracks “Da Funk”, “Rollin' & Scratchin'” and "Indo Silver Club" were also initially released under the Soma label.

The popularity of their singles led to Daft Punk's signing with Virgin Records in September 1996. Their departure from Soma was noted by Richard Brown of the Glasgow-based label. “We were obviously sad to lose them to Virgin but they had the chance to go big, which they wanted, and it's not very often that a band has that chance after two singles. We're happy for them."

Although Virgin held exclusive distribution rights over Daft Punk’s material, the duo remain the owners of their master recordings through the Daft Trax label.Bangalter expressed that "To be free, we had to be in control. To be in control, we had to finance what we were doing ourselves. The main idea was to be free." Daft Punk discussed their method with Spike Jonze, director of the "Da Funk" music video. He noted that "They were doing everything based on how they wanted to do it. As opposed to, 'oh we got signed to this record company, we gotta use their plan.' They wanted to make sure they never had to do anything that would make them feel bummed on making music."

Daft Punk worked in the studio to record other tracks, including "Revolution 909" and "Around the World". All the recording and finishing productions was done in their own studio, Daft House in Paris, France. The album was noted for being recorded using an 8 track recording system.


Structure:

Daft Punk deliberately ordered the album's tracks with a two-disc vinyl LP in mind. As stated by Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo, "We had many tracks and we had to put them on four sides... there was no intended theme because all the tracks were recorded before we arranged the sequence of the album. The idea was to make the songs better [more listenable] by arranging them the way we did; to make it more even as an album."

"Daftendirekt" is an excerpt of a live performance recorded at a Fuse Party in Gent.It served as the introduction to Daft Punk's show and is likewise used to the begin the album. The following track, "WDPK 83.7 FM" is considered a tribute to FM radio displayed in the United States. The broadcast compression is one of the major influences in Daft Punk's music. As stated by de Homem-Christo, "Some people like the really good sound of a guitar, and we really like the sound of compression in general." The repeated vocal phrase used in "Musique" also appears in "WDPK".

The opening skit in Revolution 909 is said to be a reflection on the French government and its stance on the rave scene. When asked on the motivations of the stance, Thomas Bangalter presumed, "They pretend it's drugs, but I don't think it's the only thing. There's drugs everywhere, but they probably wouldn't have a problem if the same thing was going on at a rock concert, because that's what they understand." "Revolution 909" is immediately followed by "Da Funk", which is considered to carry elements of funk and acid. In Daft Punk's audio commentary for The Work of Director Spike Jonze, the duo stated that the "Da Funk" theme involved the introduction of a simple, unusual element that becomes acceptable and moving over time.

Bangalter felt that "Phœnix" is "an important track, but not anymore important than any of the other tracks." Daft Punk agreed that their concept for the piece was to create gospel-like potency in a house music track. In contrast, "Fresh" is stated to be breezy and light. In the audio commentary provided in D.A.F.T., the duo consider its structure to be comical.

"Around the World" is believed to carry influences of Hot Butter's hit "Popcorn". Michel Gondry likewise compared the track's bassline to that of "Good Times" by Chic. The track "Teachers" is an homage to the pioneers in the Detroit techno and Chicago house scenes and acknowledges (among others) future collaborators Romanthony, DJ Sneak, and Todd Edwards. "Indo Silver Club" is based on a sample of "Hot Shot" by Karen Young. Prior to its inclusion on Homework, Daft Punk's track was released as an anonymous single in two parts. The final mix of "The New Wave" was included on Homework as the fifteenth track. Finally, "Funk Ad" is a reversed portion of "Da Funk".


Reception:

Daft Punk felt that the majority of pressings should be in vinyl, so only 50,000 albums were initially printed on CD. Upon its release in 1997, overwhelming sales of Homework caused distributors to accelerate production and satisfy demand. The album appeared in 35 countries throughout the world and sold over two million copies in a few months from release.

Homework featured singles that became culturally significant in the French house and global dance scenes. This includes the acclaimed “Da Funk” and “Around the World”, which peaked at #1 on the Billboard charts for the Hot Dance Music/Club Play.[12] The album itself peaked #150 on the Billboard 200. As a result of sales, Homework was certified Gold by the RIAA as of November 7, 2001.

The album is included in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.

-SOURCE: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homework_%28album%29



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Genesis Archive 1967-75 Review:

Posted : 1 year, 3 months ago on 15 May 2007 06:27 (A review of Genesis Archive, 1967-75, The interviews)

Genesis Archive 1967-75 is a 1998 boxed set by veteran progressive rock/pop band Genesis.

This retrospective release covers the band's formative history when Peter Gabriel was lead singer. Two of the four discs consist of a previously unreleased live recording of The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway from 1975. Some of Peter Gabriel's vocals on the live recordings of this box set were re-recorded by the singer in 1995 due to technical problems with the recording as well elaborate costumes that often muffled his voice. Guitarist Steve Hackett re-recorded some guitar parts as well.

In addition, Genesis Archive 1967-75 includes some performances from an unreleased live concert from London's Rainbow Theatre in 1973, demos, rare B-Sides and BBC recordings in 1970. The tracks are notable for being in reverse chronological order.

A well received package, Genesis Archive 1967-75 reached #35 in the UK.

Track Listing:

Disc one
All songs by Tony Banks/Phil Collins/Peter Gabriel/Steve Hackett/Mike Rutherford, except where noted.

"The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway" – 6:29
"Fly On A Windshield" – 4:38
"Broadway Melody Of 1974" – 0:34
"Cuckoo Cocoon" – 2:17
"In the Cage" – 7:56
"The Grand Parade Of Lifeless Packaging" – 4:25
"Back In N.Y.C." – 6:19
"Hairless Heart" – 2:22
"Counting Out Time" – 4:00
"The Carpet Crawlers" – 5:45
"The Chamber Of 32 Doors" – 5:52

Disc two
"Lilywhite Lilith" – 3:04
"The Waiting Room" – 6:15
"Anyway" – 3:28
"Here Comes The Supernatural Anaesthetist" – 3:57
"The Lamia" – 7:12
"Silent Sorrow In Empty Boats" – 3:15
"The Colony Of Slippermen (Arrival. A Visit To The Doktor. Raven)" – 8:47
"Ravine" – 1:39
"The Light Dies Down On Broadway" – 3:37
"Riding The Scree" – 4:30
"In The Rapids" – 2:25
"It" – 4:20
A remix of the 1974 studio version with a new Peter Gabriel vocal track recorded in 1995
All of the above recordings (except "It") were captured live in Los Angeles on 24 January 1975. According to Nick Davis, about 40% of Gabriel's vocals were re-recorded, as was some of Steve Hackett's guitar work.

Disc three
"Dancing With the Moonlit Knight" – 7:05
"Firth of Fifth" – 8:29
"More Fool Me" – 4:01
"Supper's Ready" – 26:31
"I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)" – 5:36
The above five tracks were recorded live at The Rainbow Theatre in Autumn 1973
"Stagnation" (Tony Banks/Peter Gabriel/Anthony Phillips/Mike Rutherford) – 8:52
A 1971 BBC recording
"Twilight Alehouse" (Tony Banks/Peter Gabriel/Anthony Phillips/Mike Rutherford) – 7:45
Originally released as the B-Side to "I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)" in 1974, but was recorded during Foxtrot's sessions in 1972
"Happy The Man" – 2:53
A 1972 single-only release during the Foxtrot era
"Watcher Of The Skies" – 3:42
An edited 1972 re-recording for a US single release

Disc four
All songs by Tony Banks/Peter Gabriel/Anthony Phillips/Mike Rutherford.

"In The Wilderness" (rough mix w/o strings) – 3:00
"Shepherd" – 4:00
"Pacidy" – 5:42
"Let Us Now Make Love" – 6:14
The above three tracks recorded for the BBC on 22 February 1970
"Going Out To Get You" – 4:54
"Dusk" – 6:14
The above two tracks are demos recorded in August 1969
"Build Me A Mountain" – 4:13
"Image Blown Out" – 2:12
"One Day" (demo) – 3:08
"Where The Sour Turns To Sweet" (demo) – 3:14
"In The Beginning" (demo) – 3:31
"The Magic Of Time" – 2:01
"Hey!" – 2:28
"Hidden In The World Of Dawn" – 3:10
"Sea Bee" – 3:05
"The Mystery Of The Flannan Isle Lighthouse" – 2:36
"Hair On The Arms And Legs" – 2:42
Tracks 7 - 17 are 1968 recordings
"She Is Beautiful" – 3:47 (became "The Serpent" with different lyrics)
"Try A Little Sadness" – 3:21
"Patricia" – 3:05 (became "In Hiding" with lyrics added)
Tracks 18 - 20 are 1967 recordings


-SOURCE: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genesis_Archive_1967-75

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Genesis Archive #2: 1976-1992 Review:

Posted : 1 year, 3 months ago on 12 May 2007 02:54 (A review of Genesis Archive #2 1976-1992)

Genesis Archive #2: 1976-1992 is a 2000 boxed set by veteran progressive rock/pop band Genesis. This retrospective covers the band's history while Phil Collins was lead singer.

The three discs consist of live recordings (mostly previously unreleased, with a few that had been B-sides), 12" remixes, a "work-in-progress" jam, non-album B-sides (many of which were not previously available on CD) and tracks from the rare Spot the Pigeon and 3 X 3 EPs. There was a minor backlash from hardcore fans as "Match of the Day" and "Me and Virgil" were left off the set (although both had been released on CD before) due to Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford disliking the former track while Phil Collins disliked the latter one. (Less talked about was the fact that "Submarine" and "It's Yourself", neither released on CD otherwise, were both edited versions -- the former due to master damage, the latter due to the band's preference.)

Genesis Archive #2: 1976-1992 did not chart upon release.


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Turn It On Again: The Hits Review:

Posted : 1 year, 3 months ago on 12 May 2007 02:52 (A review of Turn It on Again: The Hits)

Turn It On Again: The Hits is a 1999 compilation album by veteran progressive rock/pop band Genesis.

Although it mostly samples material from the Phil Collins era (1976 - 1992), the collection stretches back to "I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)" from 1973's Selling England by the Pound — the only track from the Peter Gabriel years. However, as a bonus, a re-recording of The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway's "The Carpet Crawlers" featuring Gabriel, Collins and Steve Hackett—recorded in 1997 and 1998 and intended for Genesis Archive 1967-75 — was included as well.

Upon its release, Turn It On Again: The Hits reached #4 on the UK Albums Chart and #65 on the U.S. albums chart , where it achieved gold record status.

In 2007 the compilation would be re-released in 2 CD version with bonus tracks for the new tour of the group.



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Platinum Collection Review:

Posted : 1 year, 3 months ago on 12 May 2007 02:49 (A review of Platinum Collection Genesis)

Platinum Collection is a career-spanning box set by British band Genesis and was released in 2004 in the UK and year later in North America.

The set consists of three CDs that overlook Genesis' career from their formative period with Peter Gabriel, Anthony Phillips and Steve Hackett, continuing through their peak with Phil Collins as lead singer to their most recent recordings with Ray Wilson as frontman. Alike 1998's Genesis Archive 1967-75, this collection is mostly sequenced in reverse chronological order for the purpose of providing precedence to the newer material. The majority of the tracks were also remixed by studio collaborator Nick Davis.

Going from 1970's Trespass to 1997's Calling All Stations, Platinum Collection stands as the most comprehensive Genesis retrospective available. Upon its release, it reached #21 in the UK and #100 in the US.



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