Daft Punk - Random Access Memories

French musicians Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter

"Loaded with guest starts and dazzling hooks, Random Access Memories is the long-anticipated return of Daft Punk. For their latest album, the French duo calls of a list of collaborators that's every bit as unexpected as the music itself, including legendary Italian electro producer Giorgio Moroder, vocalist/producer Pharrell Williams and Singer Julian Casablancas of The Strokes."

So, that's what the description on iTunes tells us, but have you heard the new Daft Punk album?

The album 'leaked' online earlier this week, and sure enough shortly after the album was available for streaming online across the globe whilst the duo launched their album at a celebrity filled shindig at The Shard right here in London Town.

Random Access Memories Track listing:

1. Give Life Back to Music feat. Nile Rodgers
2. The Game of Love
3. Giorgio by Moroder feat. Giorgio Moroder
4. Within feat. Chilly Gonzales
5. Instant Crush feat. Julian Casablancas
6. Lose Yourself to Dance feat. Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers
7. Touch feat. Paul Williams
8. Get Lucky feat. Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers
9. Beyond
10. Motherhood
11. Fragments of Time feat. Todd Edwards
12. Doin’ It Right feat. Panda Bear
13. Contact feat. DJ Falcon

And what did we all think of the music?  Well it's safe to say a fair few million of us were blown away.  Reminding us exactly why they are so awesome, Daft Punk's house music roots are evident throughout the track, with tracks injected with enough disco and funk to keep your body groovin' into the wee hours of the morning. (yes - "groovin")

Give Life Back to Music Feat Nile Rodgers - The song that featured on the Random Access Memories  teaser trailer - is almostly ridiculously epic but the build up is warranted being that is has been 8 years since the duo's last studio album. 

The Game of Love, the second track on the album is slow, passionate and deep but stays true to the signature sounds of Daft Punk.  Classic disco drum kit dance beats take you to a dark room where music is being played live and drinks are served on the rocks.  So many of these songs transport you to another place and time - Random Access Memories perfect mix of classic and modern music.  Timeless.

Daft Punk - Coachella - 2013

By now we've all heard the smash hit Get Lucky ft. Pharrell Williams and the funky riffs have a presence throughout almost all the tracks on the album.  Vocals aren't constant throughout the album, but even without the lyrical elements and even without the monoluges it is as if a story is being told through the entire album, and as well as individual songs.  Touch in particular takes you right back to another time. It's romantic and beautiful.

Giorgio's monoluge is gorgeous though, inspirational and passionate. He speaks of disco techs and the desire to create music with the sounds of 50s, 60s,  70s and the sound of the future.  Enter the syntheniser -  the sound of the future, the sound of Daft Punk.

STAND OUT TRACKS? Runners up to Get Lucky include Lose Yourself To Dance and Doin' it Right.  Clearly the best tracks on the album.*

There are so many good tracks on this album - keep an eye and an ear out for remixes which no doubt will be hot on the heels of the album release, happening 17th May 2013.

Can't wait till then? stream the album here

Also, check out interviews with all the collaborators on Random Access Memories
at www.randomaccessmemories.com

*according to Zach Camilleri.

Alt-J (∆): An Awesome Wave.

Dreamy melodies, buzzing harmonies and heavy guitar riffs. Poetic lyrics and piano chords, ambient noise and that feeling in your chest from the bass, when you play it nice and loud.

Alt J's debut album "An Awesome Wave"
is on sale now.

Oh, and that voice.

Alt-J gives it to you hard. Their debut album, An Awesome Wave, is undeniably addictive – it’s the noticeable cool and frenetic, yet relaxed, energy of the album that does it to you.

The first release, Breezeblocks, lyrically punches you in the heart. It grabs at you and demands you feel it too. And you do. There’s no wonder they chose this as the virgin release. It’s a mix of everything this album is about.

Alt J (∆)'s debut single - Breezeblocks

Something Good takes you on a little wander through highs and lows. Twinkling notes leading you from verse to bridge to chorus and back again. It’s happily mellow. The interludes (there are three) help weave the story of an album laden with clever, tight, expressiveness – with or without words. Song after song, a stimulating, vivid picture is painted of whatever you need it to.

Fitzpleasure is a little heavier, a little more rock, and a little bit sexy. It’s littered with dirty crooning harmonies, building to an unmistakable climax of rhythm and motion. It drags you in. Before you know it, you’re pulling right into the perfect barrel of an awesome wave.

Paddle your heart out and get on it.






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Alt J (∆) are

Gwil - guitar/vocals 

Joe Newman - guitar/vocals

Gus Unger-Hamilton - keyboards 

Thom Green - drums

http://www.altjband.com