Can't Stop the Music - Village People

It's March, and I have been doing this now for 3 months, so let's keep up the steam and keep on going with this classic. When you find out the history of this record, its very funny that this is what its titled. This is the sixth studio release, if you include the Sleazy half of Live and Sleazy. This is a soundtrack to the movie of the same name, titled after the production company Can't Stop Productions. This movie is, how can I put it, ridiculous. This is also the first record not to feature original lead singer Victor Willis. Though he did write the words to Milkshake, Magic Night and obviously the previously released YMCA.

1. Can't Stop The Music: The first track, which also happens to be the title track and the last in the movie (big finale). The biggest problem is this song is too long in the movie, and while is catchy, it goes a little too long. As catchy as In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida is the middle percussion solo goes a little too long, nothing really happens. This is much of the same..... In the film at least.  It wasn't until I heard the full version on its own that I really "got it". Then I realized, this song is actually not half bad. It's kind of good, which is odd, but it's good. Like I can't listen to the album 3 minute edit, I need all 7 minutes of it baby. Really it's much like hearing an edited version of Love to Love You, Supernature or any extended cut that you really need all 10+ minutes of. The song is very tastefully arranged, has some great vocals and is one of the best disco songs I have heard. It's very fun, even though I can sing In the Navy in the beginning, and you can dance to it. Wasn't that the purpose of disco? Besides appealing to Gay men. The bass on the song also tops what most rock bands could ever dream of playing. It's just I wish there was more variation. Not to say there isn't, but if I'm not in the mood the longer instrumental part can be a bit grating. It was for the review, but literally ever over time I listen and dance in the car it goes by so fucking fast. Maybe it's because I have to sit and listen and can't move you know. Fighting the natural order of the song. But at the end of the day I feel like an injustice was done, it's like an edited version of a song [on the album]. This isn't Let's Go Crazy, we need the whole thing. Plus it doesn't kill the momentum of the song having the whole thing either.
2. Samantha by David London: With an introduction that reminds me of My Sharona, and a glam rock inspired by a Rocky Horror, this song isn't anything to rave about. Well maybe more along the lines of a chorus off the more popular Styx songs. It makes me smile a bit because of that, but they did it better than David London. This song is pretty easy to take, but as easy as it is to hear it is to forget. Like I forgot about it in between listens.
3. Give Me A Break by The Ritchie Family: This tune isn't half bad, but there is something that keeps me from loving or wanting to revisit this track. I couldn't wrap my finger around it until listen number 3 that I understood. That's when I realized it wasn't that great of a song. I mean there are better songs on the album, why does this group have to be on the album. Really it's a pretty boring song. I mean I feel like it's kind of trying to evoke other songs that I think are better. Some songs include Bad Girls, My Prerogative (I know that's from 1989) and throw in kind of generic disco sounds. The bass also reminds me at one point of Good Times. For whatever reason.
4. Liberation: As much as I feel this should be looked at as campy and just clearly a pro-gay song, I can't help but want to chant along. It's also pretty hilarious when in context of the film, but when not its kind of a fun song. I mean it's very very very heavy handed, but I don't care. I mean this isn't I Am What I Am. Also there is some nice guitar in this song that I didn't think I'd hear in a disco tune. Tasty. I also like the dual guitars in the song. This is like a sort of good bad. Like I roll my eyes when I hear this, but I feel like there is a possibility it could be kind of good. Not like the title track, but like, it's not the worst thing I've ever heard and it's far better than the last two songs. And also has more potential.
5. Magic Night: This is such a happy song, this is one of two songs I bet will be stuck in your head. It's funny how simple the words are, but how infectious this song truly is. It's the kind of infectious that you only get from innocence, or ignorance (on part of the performer). Who cares, it's great and makes me want to dance and got some nice four on the floor. Thought, I don't think the drums sound that good... but that could just be the MP3. I could hear someone saying it sounds sped up, and when you pay deep attention it kind of feels a bit sped up, but when you just hear it without that it doesn't. But then again I could be a bit buzzed and that's why it feels a bit sped up, at the end of the day it's fun, dance-to-able and memorable. Nice disco tune, and nice guitar licks.
6. The Sound of the City by David London: If anything this reminds me, vocally, of Elton John. Seriously, this sounds like his vocals on Philadelphia Freedom. In fact if this was a little more orchestrated and lavish sounding I'd bet this could be Philly soul instead of disco/dance pop.  The introductions to the songs seem top be rather weak. The thing that sucks is that I remember liking this tune so much more in the context of the film instead of by it's own self. I also can't get behind the orchestra hits. It's like over use, Horrace what the fuck were you thinking. This is a disco tune, not a Bond theme. Also the tune is far too long. But really, this has too much orchestration, it doesn't really make sense to me.
7. Milkshake: Like most of the songs in this movie, they are so stupid. This is the stupidest, but it's also by far the catchiest. It's got that same happiness in Go West, but its so stupid. If you take the corniness of the 90s kids commercials extreme, and up the anty to making milk glamorous. Also get this, not just glamorous, the exact line in the movie for what they were going for "we're going to make milk more glamorous then champagne". This plays during the commercial that attempts to do that. This also happens to be the length of at least 3 commercials, maybe 4. I don't think I can exaggerate how dumb this is. But its also one of my favorite songs on the album, and is a favorite of all time. The intro to this is so musical, the beat and vocals work great and the strings are just ON. I can't find anything wrong with this song. On its own its great, the text of the movie elevate the like-ability of it. The only down side is I wish they took the " one more time" and repeated the song again on the album. PS they don't do it once more. 
8. Y.M.C.A.: The only real difference between this and the Crusin' version from 1978 is Ray sings this, if I'm correct. I am saying that because the vocals sound a little different. Ray does sing in a similar style as Victor, but I don't know. I really can't say anything else other than, in the film it was PG and you see a few schlongs (not counting), and its during this number. Also the girl's (1) topless too, at a part, so I guess it's even....... Kinda. Oh I also prefer the original. When I revisited it I heard more guitar in the track, but that's really the only other main difference. Also I think i hear a clavichord in this version. The charm of the original isn't really present on this version. Maybe because Ray sounds more like a homy polone than the butch that Victor was. Ray also isn't as emotional and soulful. Like this feels less energetic.
9. I Love You to Death: This tracks sung by the Construction Worker. Now I wasn't sure if this should be highlighted or not. This is easily the most rocking song by the group I heard. It kinda of makes me think Rocky Horror meets the Flight of the Conchords' tracks Love Is Your Weapon of Choice and Demon Woman. If that sounds interesting check it out. But in the movie it sounded a little off. I couldn't figure if the vocals were off tempo, pitch or choppy or if the instrumental was one of those. It took me multiple listens to get what the hell was "off" about this track. Also, did anyone else who saw the movie think this was one of the gayest things they have ever seen. The scene, with the imaginary music video of sorts. The sort of breakdown could so be in the Rocky Horror musical. Really it would work quite well there. 
10. Sophistication  by The Ritchie Family: This is probably the worst track in the entire movie. It's so bland, uninteresting, stereotypical disco female vocal group. It's like a bad Donna Summer's track of the time. Even though some tracks are repetitive and some are cheesy as hell, this is the least interesting and easily forgettable track here. I mean I began to tune out about 30 seconds into the singing and, the only interesting part was the woman's breasts. Seriously. 

Overall I have to give this album a 6/10. This could quite possibly be the most consistently good album released by these guys. And with that in consideration..... That kinda makes this their best record. Now when you make pop music you want a catchy song, good hook, and for it to stick with you. There is enough variety, where there isn't on past records, and futures ones also. If you watch the movie I dare you to get Milkshake, Liberation or Magic Night out of you head. It can only be done with extensive time away from it, or therapy. And still they play in your head and don't leave when you utter the titular phrases. But seriously, this record isn't half bad. And even without the other artists considered, each song by the group isn't extremely similar. They all have their distance sound and idea. There isn't nearly as much overlap musically as on Crusin', Go West, Village People and so forth. Please do me a favor and check this out if you want to just have fun. 

Ghosts of Download - Blondie

This is the newest album released by New Wave legends Blondie. Their last album was released in 2011. And before that their last was from 2003. So they really don't release them very often anymore. So I was kind of looking forward to this album. They have a lot of features on this album, maybe because they are trying to make a current album. Now I know they also added the whole Blondie 4(0)Ever rerecordings with this, but why waste time doing that. I heard it, and to be honest it's ok.... not as good as the originals but I'm focusing on the new material. Actually I preferred Comeblack's rerecorded song over this album's. Although, that isn't anything special either.

1. Sugar On The Side: This track features someone called Systema Solar. I mean I like this song, and I like the accordion thingy. But I'm not huge into the chorus and how she doesn't keep up with it. Also the whole Spanish part is just OK. There is something humorous though about this track. I wish I could speak spanish, but I still do enjoy the track.
2. Rave: This track features someone named Miss Guy. I like some of the electronics on this tune. It's kind of fun to hear, and it also reminds me of a song I like a bit Prepare For The Fight by The Lovemakers.
3. A Rose By Any Name: This is another Ok song, that the worst part is the chorus. I like that Blondie isn't afraid of EDM and trying to embrace it, but you know. This song is p[retty decent, I mean I don't love it, but it doesn't hurt or bother me to listen to.
4. Winter: There is something about his tune that makes me think of winter. I'm kidding, but to be serious this isn't half bad. I like the atmosphere and I like the synths on the track. I also dig the guitars and the over all just feel.
5. I Drag You Around: I really dig this tune, it's simple but there is something that's peaceful abou it. I could kind of see my self being upset and visiting this tune to sort of come to reality. Not like insane depressed or anything like that, but sort of a "friend" to rely on down you know.
6. I Screwed Up: This track features someone known as Los Rakas. I've heard this numerous time, and the chorus is what kills it. I mean I think it could be a solid tune in the verses, but that off ness of the chorus is just.... it doesn't really work for me. I mean it sort of works better in later choruses, but that first one just ..... it takes me too out of the tune. And the rap is just..... Okay I guess. That guitar, the nylon sounding one, is pretty solid I think to the fade.
7. Relax: This is a Frankie Goes To Hollywood cover. This is a piano ballad rendition, until the ending. But to be honest, while it's different from the original, it's not nearly as good and Debbie sounds kind of bored. That is until the songs half over, then they make a techno sounding version that sounds more like the music from DDR.
8. Take Me In The Night: I don't really know what to say about this. It's okay, but I mean I'd probably skip it if not for the review. The sort of bridge is pretty solid in my opinion though.
9. Make A Way: I don't really have anything to say I didn't say in the previous track.
10. Mile High: I think this sounds like a song I would have heard in High School on the bus to Summer School. So I guess there is some nostalgia value, thought I don't love it, but I do like this tune.
11. Euphoria: This kind of sounds like a glitchy remix of The Sign by Ace of Base. I dig that tune, but I mean.... This isn't as good. Or like another song is playing in the background while I'm listening to this because I was on a Tab site or something. If you play guitar you know what I'm talking about. I like some of the 80's sounds here though. This does go a little long though.
12. Take It Back: Ehhh
13. Backroom: Not half bad but again..... I don't really know how to feel., It's okay I guess.

Overall I have to give this album a 5/10. This might have worked better as an EP, but I mean I don't like the 13 tracks. It isn't terrible, but I just...... I just don't really think it's as good as I wanted. I still think it's cool they tried this and did something more current, it just didn't work for me. This feels like more of a celebration album than a serious one though so.... whatever it may be, it wasn't horrible.

2001: A Sex Odyssey - Blowfly

So let's keep this train a rollin' and review another record. This is the 1996 or 1997, different sites day different dates, album by the classic Blowfly. There isn't much info that I can find on this album. AllMusic doesn't even have a review with info for this specific album. But I'm pretty sure this is from 1997 and I'm putting it as that. This was released on Hot Productions and was one of his few released on that label. One thing for certain is this is one of the first album I heard by Blowfly, and it may not be is best but is a good starting spot. Also I want to note, I don't know if all theses are parodies so.

1. 2001: A Sex Odyssey: This takes spoof of the Also sprach Zarathustra  by Strauss. It was the theme used in Space Odyssey. It's funny because this isn't the first time he's using that song, that honor goes to the appearance on Zodiac from 1975. Also for the record, I never though that was too bad.
2. Cum For Me: This could be a parody, but I'm not sure of the original. I do like the tune though. This has a DDR vibe to it, but not the annoying songs. This is pretty solid, almost a song that could be (with clean lyrics) in Night at the Roxbury. Also if Fly's correct about being the first rapper ever, he's also the only one to say he has a small member. I really like the chorus vocals, they aren't as bad as some of the other vocals one later albums (post-1980's). Also that woman is hilarious, she appears on other tracks. I got to find out who she is, I hope she is on other albums (not just Fly records).
3. Y.M.C.(G.)A.(Y.): This is pretty obvious the spoof. The Village People's hit Y.M.C.A. from the 70's. The intro to this makes it ok for him to make a track like this. I guess it does, I mean I don't need him to justify why he can I still think it's kinda funny. This is only made all the more funny now that I reviewed two of their records. 
4. Another One Learns To Fuck: I'm surprised he didn't do this sooner. This is the Queen track from 1980 Another One Bites The Dust. 
5. Insomnia: Thanks in part to AllMusic I was able to find this is a parody of the track Insomnia by a group called Faithless. I mean to be completely honest, he changed the song to being about his dick not being able to sleep because of he's "horny". I didn't like the original, and I don't care for the remake either. The upside this one has is this is almost 4 minutes, the original is over 8.
6. Planet Twat: I don't believe this to be a spoof, if it is let me know, but I can't think of a song or couldn't find one it was spoofing. Although, that part (the synths) sound very similar.
7. Fuck Is Love: some tracks he spoofed here are old, even in 1996. This makes sense since its from the 90's. it's What Is Love by Haddaway from 1991. That is one of my favorite songs ever. Not only is it hilarious, it's music video is even more so. That beat thou, so infectious. I'm glad Fly'a dirtified this. 
8. Please Don't Blow: A parody of KC & The Sunshine Band's number 1979 Please Don't Go. Now while I'm not insane about this band some of the originals and Fly parodies are pretty solid disco tunes. This on the other hand..... it is not. So honestly, I don't think he picked the best track to use you know.
9. Blue Monday (How Does It Feel?): See, based off the title I can assume this is a parody of Dylan or The Doors. But when I listen to the track, I realize I don't really care for this. Thought it does remind me of Fashion Is Danger by FOTC.
10. When Doves Cum: This is a spoof of the classic When Doves Cry off Purple Rain from 1984. The intro to this track features one of the funniest intros to a Fly song I've heard. It's him having sex and the woman is saying it's messed up. Classic.
11. We Will Fuck You: Spoofing Queen's 1977 classic We Will Rock You off News To The World. This is the full track spoof, an earlier WWFU appeared on Fuck Wars, I believe, off 1988's Blowfly For President. To be honest, I don't like the original that much so this isn't really up my alley. I prefer the abridged version from BFP.

Overall I have to give this album a 6/10. Now someone who is into classic rock, or 90's electro music, may appreciate this album. This is also a good starting point for someone to maybe get into Blowfly. Outside of those two very redeeming qualities of that this album somewhat has lost it's flavor with me. And the thing with Blowfly is either I liked it at first and it grows on me, or I don't like it then it grows one me. This album has kind of done the opposite. Though I still enjoy it, it's not his best, but a good starting point. This covers songs from the 70s to 90s.

Déjà-Vu - Giorgio Moroder

Finally deciding to review this, and to save myself from a terrible review of Underworld, I finished this up. Besides it's four and I'll just watch Caligula tomorrow.This is the 19th, or so, studio album by Giorgio Moroder. It is also his first since 1992's Forever Dancing. Now I can't say that what I've heard by Giorgio as a solo artist has blown me away, he's a much better producer in my opinion. On that front he's made some of the greatest disco tracks with Donna Summers to ever exist. So I was kind of looking forward to this album, when I heard it was announced. After hearing the first track to drop I quickly lost faith in the album, and the only thing that kept my interest alive was the features. I was curious. I didn't expect to like it, I just wanted to listen out of curiosity. Also I am working on the B.B. review just haven't finished it yet. Note: I need to mention that I listened to the commentary album that was on Spotify. It helped me a little I think. And it's kinda like the intro to Giorgio.

1. 4 U With Love: This opens the album with something that reminds me of whats current. This sounds like something that I'd hear being promoted in dance music on a Spotify commercial. I can't say I'm a nut about those tracks, but I do enjoy them while they last. This track I love the little wood block thing sound, or at least it sounds like the wood block or wood log setting on my keyboard. Not as strong I think as the others, it's just an interlude, but still pretty solid and gets you pumped to hear the rest of the album. The only real complaint is it doesn't segue into the following track. The U is his wife, according to the commentary.
2. Déjà Vu: This is the title track and features Sia and damnit.... I heard it the day the album dropped and shit. I genuinely dig this. I mean I have heard her hits, and I thought his gimmick was bullshit because she doesn't want to show her face on her. My complaint about Sia is the pre-chorus, where she sounds like.... I don't know. But the chorus, where you understand even less, is fine by me. The music really has a great disco vibe to it. This is so damn happy, I feel like you could play this for someone who may be sad, and it'll cheer them up. Hell I feel great when I listen to that track. Hopefully it isn't like most bubble gum pop though, and fade quickly. I really want to listen to this three years from now and if not like it as much, like it more. And after the initial happiness wore off, I"m still digging this thing.
3. Diamonds: This track features on Charlie XCX. This is another surprisingly great track. I mean I don't care for Charlie, outside of her physical appearance, but here she sound great adding to this being another solid track. I can hear the more current EDM sounds here. I'm not as in love with it upon re visitation, but it's still pretty solid. I mean I could careless about the lyrics. The thing is this sounds like an older song. The lyrics and the vocals, sounds like they were taken from the 60's. If not inspired by, maybe sampled. Hell I could see this being a cover of a 60's song. A song like The Supremes or another girl group would do.
4. Don't Let Go: Mikky Ekko is the feature on this track, and I can't quite pin it down but the intro reminds me of something. At first it was Paradise by Coldplay, but I don't think that's it. I've never heard of this guy before, but I think his voice is pretty good here. The strings more than anything remind me of that song. The keys, I can't quite pin down. I like that little click that comes in during the second verse. This doesn't drag me off my feet like track two, but hey it's still pretty damn solid.
5. Right Here, Right Now: Featuring Kylie Minogue, and it's great. The song has this bassy, vocoded voice (vocoded something). This reminds me of 90's music and I have a deep love for cheesy 90's house music. I also dig this sound presented here. The bass in the background reminds me of Daft Punk's older non RAM stuff. This song makes me kinda wanna dance. This is another track that doesn't sweep me off my feet like the first time. But still solid and upon revisitation I can say is probably my favorite track here.
6. Tempted: "By the fruit of another, Tempted but the truth is discovered". This track features Matthew Koma. This is very sweet sounding, and very easy to listen to. But Mat reminds me a ton of a mix of a few different people at parts. First someone I can't think of, but then at other parts reminds me of Andrew VanWyngarden and then at other parts a higher pitched Adam Levine. The thing is there isn't much to complain about here, I mean it reminds me a little of one to the remixes of Get Lucky, but this proves the album came out at the perfect time. Summer. Also I swear they sampled a song for this track. It's uncannily similar to another track that I can't think of. 
7. 74 is the New 24: The first single, and to be honest...... I lost faith in the album. But the thing is upon revisiting this with hearing the other tracks.... it's not that bad. I'm digging the Get Lucky guitars, the piano break, and even that techno "drop". This title is taken from the fact that he noticed there were young people in his crowd.
8. Tom's Dinner: This track features Britney Spears. Seeing how the others went over so well I can't wait to hear his track. This samples a track I can't think of, Its in the Hooked on Polkas or Polka Power. I think it's a pretty decent track, and doesn't has Britney really singing. She's most talking in a hushed voice. This is actually completely different than the rest of the album, it's not that it sticks out like a sore thumb. I just don't think it's a good as some of the others. But I do like that it does change pace, rather than giving us similar sounding stuff. It is a actually a cover of Tom's Dinner which was from 1990 by DNA featuring Suzanne Vega (Originally just by Suzanne from 1987), and was featured in the Polka Your Eyes Out.
9. Wildstar: This track features Foxes. Sonically this reminds me of the other tracks, but the voice reminds me of Eisley at parts. Of which Rising Fawn has a new album coming next month on the 28th.
10. Back and Forth: This features someone I don't know Kelis. I was feeling the intro, but when the vocals came in I was really feeling it that much.
11. I Do This for You: This track features Marlene ∞, someone whom I don't know. Another song that really has little to no impact on me. 
12. La Disco: This opening grabs my attention, especially the guitar in the song. Not as exciting as I'd wanted, mostly because the instrumental exciting parts kinda of sound similar elsewhere, but hey this is still a solid record.

Overall I have to give this album a 6.5/10. I need to be honest, of all the Giorgio stuff I've heard, as a whole this is my favorite album of his. This is quick, easy to listen to and just all together fun. This kind of reminds me of Random Access Memory. Like his last album was released in 1992 and this might be the album that was written back in the 90s and he was waiting to record. But this sounds like it's just updated version of an older, possibly retro, style. I may not be blown away by its genius, but I'm blown away that I dig this so much. I read somewhere this combines disco and EDM, I guess it does. I mean I don't listen to EDM, so I wouldn't know. Maybe in a year from now I'll be going to EDM festivals, hell if "EDM" sounded like this I'd have not problem. The thing is though towards the end it gets very tiring listening to the same exact thing over and over. I wish he would have played with the whole Britney song or the pacing of that song more. Like adding more variety outside of the vocals. Needless to say, this will be in my CD collection by the end of the year. And I can see myself coming back for multiple listen front to back. Now I need one more review to keep up with my two per month. Or to equal rather :) Also Sirens sucks. Hopefully his follow up will be this fun.

Louder - Lea Michele

This is the debut solo album by Lea Michele. Now I know that I may not seem like a pop person, but I do like some Gaga and Katy Perry. Not enough to say I'm a fan, but I do like some of their stuff. I also enjoy listening to some T Swift sometimes also. After being excited to do this review, it hit me.... she's a member of Glee. So, I swallowed my pride and did this review to the best that I could. You know, without being an asshole. I tried to be as serious and open minded as I could be. So yeah..... But one thing I wanted to say was I tagged producers who produced things that I plan on reviewing in the future.

1. Cannonball: There is a 90's type of feeling that I'm getting from this reverb that is present. This song isn't bad, but it isn't that great. I don't think I'll probably revisiting this track. It's pop, and I could see people liking this who enjoy pop. But you know, not me.
2. On My Way: Like I mentioned earlier, I damned myself and I have to do this review. This is the type of song I would listen to in a movie, and listen to but not the whole album at once. It doesn't matter how cute the girl is, she ain't worth it. I feel like this is her atempt at a Wrecking Ball.
3. Burn With You: Well, I did this and the prior track in the same day. What I learned is that I can't do that. Also this track is deeper than Going To Hell........ hahahahahaah.
4. Battlefield: Love Is A Battlefield right? I be that's gonna be the theme of the song. This is just ok, and you know, kind of like the other songs.
5. You're Mine: This supposedly contains a sample of You Only Live Twice, since that's one of my favorite songs ever it better be good. And to be completely honest, this doesn't sounds that much different from the other tracks. The sample is kind of cool, but it doesn't really live up to what it should. You're using a song by the great Nancy, and the song isn't anything special.
6. Thousand Needles: This track kind of slipped through that cracks, and I didn't retain anything from it.
7. Louder: I'm not huge on the auto tune in this track. If it's not autotune then the effects on her voice. And honestly, I could see the radio appeal, but not for me.
8. Cue The Rain: This is an ok song, but it isn't that different from any other track. If anything it's inline with Foster The People/Mylo Xyloto vocal harmonies.
9. Don't Let Go: At this point I've run out of positive things to say.
10. Empty Hands: ......................
11. If You Say So: This is kind of a thought less pop album that isn't in anyway deep.

Overall I have to give this album a 4/10. She is a good singer, I'll give her that. But on top of that, there isn't much more I can say that is positive other then it's also her first album. So there, I was open minded and honest. She is hot though, so that's a plus. Trust me, the next review will be a 10 (Hopefully). I not only know the album, but I love the hell out of it and am almost done with the review. I'll add the producers If they are on other albums I review in the future. One thing I do plan on doing is making this review today, then another tomorrow and then I plan on one weekend doing a bunch and then posting them over the course of a month.