Punk comes alive on new CD
By william earl
2007-11-27
In the vibrant genre of house music, no group has made an impact on the scene like French duo Daft Punk. Achieving commercial success while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of the genre, Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo blend a thick pop sheen into their robot jams, trumpeting rave beats to the mainstream.
Along the way, Daft Punk has also proved to be a top-tier live act. Through the use of elaborate sets, futuristic costumes and epic light shows, the group always delivers a program which not only bests traditional minimalist DJ setups, but inspires all of the senses.
Strong visual presence is what makes the group’s newest live disc, “Alive 2007,” a gamble. The timing is certainly right, thanks to massive new exposure from the “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger” sample on Kanye West’s massive summer jam “Stronger,” coupled with large-scale summer dates to support 2005’s “Human After All.” But many fans have stormed the internet, demanding a DVD to couple with the disc in order to deliver the entire Daft Punk experience.
Sadly, such a DVD is yet to be officially released. Yet fans and newcomers alike will be more than satisfied with “Alive 2007.” Although the set focuses a little too much on newer material, while disregarding the groups’ genius early work, it is interesting to hear a unique spin on the boys’ hits. The combination of hits such as “One More Time” and “Aerodynamic” may sound like bizarre bedfellows on paper, but the computerized soul of “Time” meshes with the latter track’s guitar solo, growing into a super-sized version of a Daft Punk track.
As odd as the pairings might be, it is fascinating to hear some of the less-expected mashups translate into completely new tracks. Particularly engaging is a blending of two “Human” tracks (“The Prime Time Of Your Life” and “The Brainwasher”) and two from the duo’s debut, 1997’s “Homework” (“Rollin’ And Scratchin” and “Alive”). Although many critics panned “Human” for not rising up to the expectations set by “Homework” and 2001’s “Discovery,” this charging interpolation of the two beautifully illustrates the complex associations the two albums share.
If nothing else, this live album allows Daft Punk more room to stretch the visions it creates on its own albums. It is clear that the tracks which make up the cohesive albums are also very malleable, allowing the group to cleanly shift them into new art. This piecework approach to music making is just another way in which Daft Punk manipulates its vision, not only for big beat music, but for pop in general.
Along the way, Daft Punk has also proved to be a top-tier live act. Through the use of elaborate sets, futuristic costumes and epic light shows, the group always delivers a program which not only bests traditional minimalist DJ setups, but inspires all of the senses.
Strong visual presence is what makes the group’s newest live disc, “Alive 2007,” a gamble. The timing is certainly right, thanks to massive new exposure from the “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger” sample on Kanye West’s massive summer jam “Stronger,” coupled with large-scale summer dates to support 2005’s “Human After All.” But many fans have stormed the internet, demanding a DVD to couple with the disc in order to deliver the entire Daft Punk experience.
Sadly, such a DVD is yet to be officially released. Yet fans and newcomers alike will be more than satisfied with “Alive 2007.” Although the set focuses a little too much on newer material, while disregarding the groups’ genius early work, it is interesting to hear a unique spin on the boys’ hits. The combination of hits such as “One More Time” and “Aerodynamic” may sound like bizarre bedfellows on paper, but the computerized soul of “Time” meshes with the latter track’s guitar solo, growing into a super-sized version of a Daft Punk track.
As odd as the pairings might be, it is fascinating to hear some of the less-expected mashups translate into completely new tracks. Particularly engaging is a blending of two “Human” tracks (“The Prime Time Of Your Life” and “The Brainwasher”) and two from the duo’s debut, 1997’s “Homework” (“Rollin’ And Scratchin” and “Alive”). Although many critics panned “Human” for not rising up to the expectations set by “Homework” and 2001’s “Discovery,” this charging interpolation of the two beautifully illustrates the complex associations the two albums share.
If nothing else, this live album allows Daft Punk more room to stretch the visions it creates on its own albums. It is clear that the tracks which make up the cohesive albums are also very malleable, allowing the group to cleanly shift them into new art. This piecework approach to music making is just another way in which Daft Punk manipulates its vision, not only for big beat music, but for pop in general.