Daft Punk - Random Access Memories

I can't quite find the words to describe the oddity that is Daft Punk. They've had a career spanning over 16 years, their debut album Homework having been released in 1997. In the spirit of unpredictability, the two Parisian DJs Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter announced that they would be doing the soundtrack to Disney's Tron: Legacy. Undoubtedly, the duo's signature electronic sound perfectly fits the mould for the film, but for two pop stars to turn their hand to writing film scores is a turn of events that nobody could really have predicted. IndeShaft, but somehow Daft Punk don't seem to be the likely candidates to make the same kind of move. But that's exactly what makes them so refreshing.
ed, it has been done before by the legend that is Isaac Hayes for

There's an element of mystery behind the two Frenchmen; in the more obvious sense, they're constantly in their robot gear and pictures of their faces on Google Images are hard to find. In a more musical sense, they keep their voices disguised by a copious amount of electronic effects, and many of the songs don't feature any vocals at all. Not only does it allow them to maintain a relative amount of anonymity, but it abides by Walt Disney's golden rule: "Always leave them wanting more."

By now, pretty much everyone has heard the unforgettable Get Lucky featuring Pharrell Williams. At 6:10 it's not your typical single; catchy, yes, but the length is not exactly radio friendly. Nile Rodgers, the man who produced David Bowie's Let's Dance and has played alongside musicians like Aretha Franklin and Chic, collaborated on Get Lucky to create its infectious guitar rift; this essentially makes the song.

It's incredible to see how skilled the two Daft Punk members really are, even with their robot hands on. The bassist (whoever he may be) is slightly awesome, and handles the funk-based riff with ease. The drummer sits at leisure at the drum kit, not really bothered by the antics of the rest of the band. Pharrell Williams doesn't have the strongest voice, but the low-key nature of the backing means he's not overpowered. It does have a slightly whiney quality when it gets to the higher pitched bridge, but it does lend something to the chorus.

One of the more stand-out tracks is Giorgio By Moroder. It's 10 minutes of an interview with Giovanni Giorgio Moroder, an Italian producer and musician who came to prominence in the late 1960s with his single Looky Looky. It's interesting to see the fascination he holds for Daft Punk, particualrly as he talks about the "sound of the future" being the synthesiser. The song is exemplar in the context of the album because the interview acts as the vocals, shaping the song and leading down into its different sections, and indeed, the sections become symbols for the message contained in that specific part of the interview. For example, the breakdown occurs just after Moroder talks about freeing ones mind of "harmonic and melodic progressions". The song is a sort of tribute to the man whom Nile Rogers claims invented dance music, and it's clear to see the iconic status he holds for Daft Punk.

It's the perfect summer album, timed perfectly to exacerbate the longing for summer of all the tired, bustling workers. Expect to hear Get Lucky at every house party you attend this summer.

Rating: 7/10

Recommended Tracks:
The Game Of Love
Lose Yourself To Dance
Contact