1.08.2014

#reviewoftheweek / Daft Punk - Random Access Memories

Since the first listen to "Get Lucky" on radio waves and online, the song was virtually everywhere during 2013, and rightfully so. It was just plain awesome. But it's actually not what make Daft Punk's latest album the best of 2013. Since the duo released their album "Discovery" they haven't really put together a complete collection of music that could compete with that recording, which was essentially the best of 2000. Their new album features their signature robotic/electronic sound but this time with a twist. For "Random Access Memories" Daft Punk decided to use live instrumentation performed by a slew of musicians and a handful of vocalists including Pharrell Williams, Julian Casablancas, and Paul Williams. The most notable of the musicians in the studio with the robots was Chic guitarist Nile Rodgers. His signature disco guitar is all over the first single, which may have been the main reason for its success, but it's the inclusion of the signature sound on the first track of the album that immediately draws the listener in and gets them hooked immediately. What Daft Punk have proven, and which will ultimately win them the Grammy for Album Of The Year in a few weeks, is that electronic music whether created on a computer or live in the studio with real people and real instruments is a force to be reckoned with and is the sound of the future.