Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Royksopp - Melody A.M.

YOURZ

I think Royksopp was originally pointed out to us by an old friend of ours, Dan, a sound engineer who I used to work with years ago.  But I'm not going to dispute Mine's recollections below as she probably read a good review of this album around the same time. (Mine says: no no no... I bought this when it came out in 2001, BEFORE we were an item my love, you bought the next album in 2005 and that's what you're probably thinking of)

The big question for me to come out of listening to Melody A.M. is - what's the difference between electronica and dance?  Royksopp call themselves electronica and rightly so but there's also dance elements to their music.  Mind you, it's not the 'doof-doof' school of dance but the more chilled, cool groove I really enjoy.  Either way, it's hard to believe this album is nearly ten years old.

There are some very good tracks on this, but I particularly like Remind Me, featuring vocals by Erlend Øye from Kings Of Convenience and The Whitest Boy Alive and Sparks, featuring vocals by Anneli Drecker.  But in general, this is beautifully layered, chilled music, perfect for a quiet night in with a few good friends.

VERDICT: TURN IT UP


MINE

One of the albums I bought using my Music Magazine Mojo (MMM), Melody AM sounds just as fresh and interesting nine years later.  The samples, the cool beats, the instrumentals, the vocals - they're all delightful and fun to rediscover.  I could label it a Forgotten Gem, but the truth is I haven't forgotten it - I just don't play this music as often as I used to.  There haven't been the occasions for me to do so, I guess.

I mean, here we are, getting on toward half way through this project, and I'm starting to get irritated by the fact that my listening schedule is being dictated to, day after day.  Not that I don't want to listen to all the music that's being selected - I do - but I don't often have time to play some music just for the hell of it.  Hmmph.

Anyway, the only thing I can tell you about Royksopp is they're Norwegian, and put out very cool electronica.  If that's your bag, this album's the best place to start.

VERDICT: TURN IT UP


For further information go to: http://www.royksopp.com/

In our collection we also have The Understanding

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