Hot Chip – One Life Stand

I had gotten home and was debating what to listen to so I went into the other room and grabbed two random records to play. One was a hip-hop album, the other was this one. I grabbed the electronic one simply because it felt right and after searching to ensure I hadn’t talked up this album before, I was surprised. Coincidentally, I wrote about one song off this album practically TWO years ago. First off, two years is a long time to have a blog. It’s sad to not see the kind of growth and progress I/we had hoped for but oh well. It’s also good to see it’s been up for two years now. I guess, no?

Anyways, it made sense to find this album and discuss some of its gorgeous aspects. There’s the way the band gels into a fantastic blend of beats, synths and drums. I never was much of a Hot Chip fan (saying some dumb stuff in that aforementioned post, man my writing can really suck a lot) before this album but once I heard “Thieves in the Night,” I was floored. The vinyl version for this one is a thick, 2-LP, 180-gram, set that really allows the sounds to jump off the record. The way the layers are added altogether into one lulling pull is mesmerizing. The lyrics are joyfully optimistic and the ending culmination makes for an exceptional opener to the album. It’s maybe the best song on all of it but fortunately, the album’s filled with pace and amazing songs throughout; this one just happens to open it.


Before, I had written about the title track and its romantically-infused vibe. Before it comes this song, “I Feel Better,” where the theme is mostly a rising one; almost out of the shell of darkness. The strings on this song are tremendous: they backdrop the entire song as layer after layer of sound is added and they compellingly lead the drive in the song too. It’s a basic toe-tapper where if you blast it you’re gonna find yourself bopping your head away and I imagine, in a club it must hit hard. Who knows if they play this kind of electronic in a club nowadays? All I know is I play this at house parties and people look confused and bored. Personally, I love the flow of the song and how it syncopates the rhythms against the chorus and melody until it all rides away. There’s a strong presence here – of time and precision – and the band’s take on riding the theme of love and all its encounters is grippingly strong. Such great electronic music and such great themes: not boring at all if you ask me. – Bryan

Best Albums of 2010 – through the first quarter – Part Three

4. The Souljazz Orchestra – Rising Sun (Strut)
A largely acoustic album, the sounds on this brilliant release are rooted in African rhythms, gorgeous jazz and varying styles. The musicianship is where it’s at with musicians that easily travel into different modes and keys before always finding their way back home – even when it isn’t exactly to the tonic. And that’s just the thing, even when they’re all over the place, there is still a richly warm tone to their sound and in every sense of the word, this is an outstanding album.

3. Gil Scott-Heron – I’m New Here (XL Recordings)
A true legend, Gil Scott-Heron took fifteen years off before returning to present a poignant and stirring album. Call me crazy but being able to make superb music so late in the game is one amazing accomplishment and one that not only places Scott-Heron back into his classic status but it leaves you wondering just how many people still don’t know about him. Everything about I’m New Here is downright flawless, that it should be vitally remembered for years and years to come.


2. Hot Chip – One Life Stand (Astralwerks)
In making amends for a previous album that left you stale and cold – wanting more songs as good as “Ready for the Floor” – the electronic group returned with what is easily their most accomplished work to date. The best treat in any kind of music following is when a band who’s been dabbling in greatness for a while finally comes to the plate and smashes a home run over the fences. It’s sincerely deserving of praise because Hot Chip has presented an unstoppable force of exceptional music to behold.

1. Titus Andronicus – The Monitor (XL Recordings)
The New Jersey band has created something both masterful and brilliant with their second release. A concept album that is loosely based on the Civil War, it still holds the amazing music that has made Titus Andronicus such a beloved band. And while its subject matter was devoted from lead-man Patrick Stickles’ studying of the war, the band fills the album with exciting music that is always out with one mission in mind: thrill and stun. And with The Monitor, mission accomplished.

The final songs for this batch are a double bill courtesy of Mr. Scott-Heron and the guys from Hot Chip. The latter is first with their fantastic song, “One Life Stand.” The video is the promotional one for the song and thus, it is shortened but let those lovely synths, corresponding rhythms and the terrific wordplay take you over.


And then there is the video for “Me and the Devil.” The music is stormy and dark, allowing Scott-Heron take over with his matured and distinct voice. It’s an incredible entryway into what the album is about and for all of its mystique, it’s an undeniably outstanding piece of art. – Bryan