Moby – Play

I’ve re-added the upcoming events section. If not for my own benefit but maybe so we can get some COOL upcoming events coming. If anyone reads this, ask away and we can reply in the chat box. Darcy made a twitter account once, who knows maybe we can use it? I don’t know but here’s to whatever.

The first line-up section of the second Neon Desert Music Festival was announced recently. There was a lot of immediate reactions, a lot of negative energy, a lot of clamor and some appreciation. Announced in ‘two phases’ the sheer release method is confusing right? Nonetheless, with appreciation in mind the first phase features many, many bands that are noteworthy and honestly, great. It’s a one day fest, so this already creates some definite schedule conflicts. The second ‘phase’ will probably be even better.

Moby’s mention is a bit sad because it has “DJ SET” next to his name in smaller, yet significant print. This means, he wont bust out with all the songs off Play but it’s reason enough to mention some of the music off that classic – sounds about right – album here. I remember hearing this in high school and really melting with its display of diversity. Who knows what the producer/DJ will play but this album, when released, was a magnificent album during its time. From the get-go, with “Honey,” Moby takes the attention and places it solely on the layering of sounds. It’s catchy, it’s syncopation, it’s driven with pace and mostly, it’s a fantastic way to start it off. Easy and safe I suppose.


During this album’s success, it spawned a myriad amount of singles and with timely guest appearances, Moby was a booming success. His next few albums didn’t reach the towering achievements this album did but phew, for these songs, it’s pretty great that’s for sure. I remember hearing this album and really falling for the gelling steam of “Porcelain” and sure, “Bodyrock” is stunning, but one of my first loves was “Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad?” With a chiming piano, a soulful sample that Moby found from a 1953 gospel choir and soaring climaxes, it’s a gripping song. The song’s effective simplicity leaves the ultimate title of it up for multiple interpretations. In the end, what mattered most was the sound and flourishing qualities; a great song too.


But I also remember seeing Moby get some fair share on the Grammys that year, or the year after – I don’t remember. He was able to perform a song off this album, “Natural Blues,” with then hitmakers Blue Man Group and sultry-voiced Jill Scott. A combination of artists that were all at prime positions back then, the version of the song takes the original, growing beast and places it onto excellent pedestals. This is one of the best songs off Play and there’s strength everywhere. Here’s that video for fun as well.


It’s also great because whenever Blue Man Group is brought up, I immediately think of this.
Best show ever? Still, in the end, Play was and still is, a breakthrough album filled with tremendous music. – Bryan