![]() No matter what format you listen to, Random Access Memories has a natural soundstage, midrange that’s luxurious but not overly sweet, and clean, extended bass.ĭespite the sound already being excellent, the original US pressing cut by Chab at Translab, plated at Optimal, and pressed at Pallas could be slightly improved upon. I’ve seen Reddit posts asking “how do I make my record sound like Random Access Memories?” and if you’ve read the highly informative Sound On Sound article about the technical process… good luck, hopefully your savings account is full. Recorded at Conway, Henson, Capitol, Electric Lady, and Studio Gang, Daft Punk and their engineers tracked the sessions to tape and Pro Tools simultaneously, built and edited songs in Pro Tools, mixed it almost entirely in the analog domain, and printed the mixes to both tape and hi-res digital before choosing the best sources for each track. Daft Punk spent four years and a million dollars of their own money making this, and it sounds like it.Īnd yes, the sound is part of what makes the album so special. Criticisms towards RAM’s nostalgic focus remain valid, though thankfully it didn’t cause a nonstop barrage of 70s throwbacks, and the few who tried didn’t get very far. Time and distance reveals it to be more about craft than the actual (decent) songwriting, but few records are so immaculately constructed. Now the focus of an expanded 10th anniversary reissue (way to make the younger generations feel old already!), Random Access Memories still holds up. It won Album Of The Year at the 2014 Grammys as well as widespread critical acclaim. With its disco stylings, obsessive studio polish not seen so blatantly since Steely Dan’s late-70s heyday, and “real instruments” that the older establishment sorely missed in 2013’s pop landscape, the album was practically industry bait, and intentional or not, it worked. The French duo of Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo released their fourth and presumably final album at the end of the era when labels still spent big money promoting their A-listers, and Columbia certainly promoted the hell out of this one the album’s lead single “Get Lucky” and images of the helmeted duo were everywhere. No matter how hard you tried, in 2013 you could not escape Daft Punk’s Random Access Memories. A must-listen.Daft Punk’s Newly Expanded ‘Random Access Memories’ Leaves You Wanting More The original album? Great as ever. While 07 was more live-focused, 97 serves its purpose as both a live and party album to jam to in your garage or outdoors. I do think it triumph’s over the newer 2007 version, for reasons too obvious to mention. “Alive 1997” is an album you can truly appreciate, and also flash your friends once in a while on its sheer brilliance. What keeps the listener tuned is its professional and dedicated approach to the genre.ĭaft Punk has proved that dance music can be more than just Boten Anna lack vocals and Casio board sampling. The songs, apart from the surprise drop-in’s from “Da Funk” & “New Wave”, sound completely fresh and exhilirating.Īt points it breaks down into an amazing buzz of techno-rave, quite the right dose to give you an orgy. The only flaw I see is the attempt to revive DJ Bangalter’s almost dying past career. ![]() Even though it felt Bangalter had a stronger performance here, Guy-Man is hardly noticable behind some of Thomas’ older solo tracks that are frequently mixed. Unlike its 2007 release, 1997 flows throughout the length. There are no individual tracks, no breakdowns or interludes. Unfortunately, this live album is purely made for parties and clubs. “Alive 1997” is a well mixed 45-minute jam session, filled with trademark French house and swirling electro beats. The year was 1997, and shortly after the success of “Around The World”, Daft Punk began side projects focused on underground club-goers. “Alive” was there shot to stardom, immediately topping charts and scoring big with dance fans. One of the places being the popular Rex Club in Paris. But long before the helmets were forced on, Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel De Homem Christo were DJ’s at many small local clubs. One of the reasons is there image, in robot helmets and suits its hard not to like these guys. Daft Punk is the legend we all know, whether its pure house music, anime-referenced pop or robot rocking, it still manages to appeal strongly to the mainstream. Then in the early 90’s, two French electro-heads happened to pass it by, and shape it well. House music has been around for many years now, jumping from country to country and recreating itself with traditional style. Review Summary: “Alive 1997” is a well mixed 45-minute jam session, filled with trademark French house and swirling electro beats.
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