“Funplex” by The B-52’s
If this was my first time hearing the B-52’s, my question would be “what is all this random hippie crap?” Don’t get me wrong, I’m just as much of a fan of Love Shack as the next homo but, just about everyone I mentioned the new album to was super excited over it. So I feel like there might be something wrong with me for not responding favourably to this new album. Yes, “booo” on me!
This is their first CD release of the 21st century, and band member Fred Schneider comments that this new album sounds updated from their 70’s hits. “It’s the B-52s now – or fifteen years from now.” I certainly can’t fault the band for not being energetic and having their own quirky and distinct sound, but perhaps it’s all that wild and whimsical energy that makes me feel almost exhausted listening to them.
Nonetheless, there were a few tracks that caught my fancy. Pump gets you going right off the bat - its bass line and guitar riffs build a sense of anticipation for the excitement to come. Juliet of the Spirits had an yearning melody that grabbed me, and Deviant Ingredient was fun and cheeky.
“Global Groove: Live 3” by DJ David Knapp and DJ Escape
The thing about groove is that it all the songs sound the same - that’s not accidental, it’s the very definition of groove. For those who get into it, this CD is 75 minutes of enjoyment. For those like me who appreciate diversity of melody and rhythm, it can be slightly monotonous.
As with the past albums in the series, the continuous mix maintains a steady rhythm and each track touches on a simple overlay of vocals and bass. No particular song really takes hold, making the CD ideal as background music for work or driving. However, some tracks might sound familiar, as they are special remixes of songs from top artists that have defined dance music over the past decade.
Three tracks in particular jumped out at me because of their stronger melodies: The Boss, Eye Can See U, and E.Q. (I am an Effect for You). Otherwise, aside from finding Chaa Chaa Chaa a bit annoying, the rest of the tracks grooved on by.
“Crayons” by Donna Summer
By far my favorite album of this month’s batch, Donna Summer delivers a mixed bag of high energy dance songs, ballads, and more.
A big name in the 1970’s and 1980’s for her breakthrough fusions of R&B, soul, pop, funk, rock, and disco, Summer’s last album release was in 1991. “Crayons” is guaranteed to put her back on the charts right quick!
“Every song is a different color. Since I’m also a visual artist, that title ties a lot of those loose ends of my life together,” says Summer. The title track, Crayons is admittedly her favorite, and in my opinion the best on the album. “The song wrote itself pretty quickly. Taking it to the next level, we influence each other in life. …Everybody gets crayons at some point in their lives, everybody can relate to the basics. It comes down to that child in us…”
Other memorable tracks are Stamp Your Feet, and Fame (The Game). If you like a little Hispanic flavour, Drivin’ Down Brazil will give you a thrill!
“Hard Candy” by Madonna
Brace yourselves, Madonna fans, this is not the high energy dance album you were hoping for. I was a little let down too, but after getting past that fact I realized there is still quite a good selection of songs.
Candy Shop starts the collection off with a cheeky analogy for sex, as she sings about being a “one-stop candy shop” that is “sticky and sweet”. The next track, 4 Minutes is a collaboration with Justin Timberlake, however its discordant rap feel left me pretty cold.
Many of my favorite tracks were more upbeat numbers, such as Give It 2 Me, She’s Not Me, and Dance 2night. In particular, I loved the sense of happy abandonment and snap back to reality in Incredible, but I also quite enjoyed the slightly sad and nostalgic tone of Miles Away.
Spanish Lesson on the other hand struck me as fun, even a little bit silly. She seems to, literally, try teaching the listener a common set of Spanish phrases, but explaining them to have very specific, personal meanings.
The CD ends off with Voices, which conveys a very dark and diabolical sense of confoundment about who is really in control of their life and love. It asks “who is the master, who is the slave” - a very sombre melody, somewhat reminiscent of a theme from “The Matrix” in its first few bars.
Even if you’re only into Madonna for her dance anthems, “Hard Candy” is still worth a listen. It’s further demonstration of what a dynamic artist she can be.
