Computerization a.k.a. Derek is a one man band from Brooklyn akin to the likes of Figurine. This comparison is particularly strong on “1Point14Me” where the artist’s friend Ashley does a fantastic job of imitating Meredith Figurine. The rest of the self-titled album realizes just how low-fi an electronica project can be. Aside from the opening track there is no vocoder within earshot, instead there’s an off kilter warbling whisper of sometimes too intimate lyrics. Some songs come out as straight up awkward like “MyBody” which sounds like a rejected carnie’s struggle with narcissism or “Fukuwinicu” which you can decipher by looking at for a little while. It’s not as eccentric and self indulgent as early Panther and Treasure Mammal releases, if you can get past the voice, there’s some nice melodies and analog keyboard sounds. That opening track is particularly sweet. Check it out.
May 28, 2008
Computerization
June 11, 2007
AZLTRON Summer Dance Mix 2007
Ladies and gentlemen, it is summer, that means that I will soon be driving to and from a sweet job lifeguarding at a state park. Since I will be driving this means that I must have a series of the sweetest bass-tastic supergrooves. I have dedicated the better part of a day to compiling some bangin’ (In my opinion) dance tracks that should sound great blasting out of your car stereo. So without further ado, I give you the first annual AZLTRON Summer Dance Mix.
1. Erlend Oye – Prego Amore (w/ Jolly Music)
3. Ghosthustler – Parking Lot Nights
4. Sally Shapiro – By Your Side
5. Sebastien Grainger – When You Go Out
6. Panther – How Does It Feel?
April 14, 2007
There’s a Panther in your Lawn
If there was a karaoke version of TV on the Radio mixed with generic hip hop beats, it would be Panther. Even when he has something good going on, he ruins it with some of his crazy falsetto vocal antics. Like on “You Don’t Want YR Nails Done” (7) where the beat starts off strong enough for you to start bobbing your head, but immediately after you’ve bobbed a few times, Panther starts stuttering over the word “Baby” for 30 seconds before stuttering “Jacque Cousteau” for 30 more seconds. Then of course he has to throw in a “MuthaFucka!” just for good measure. The other tracks, even if more tolerable vocally, are just meandering drones with frantic falsetto jabbed through them. There is one shining moment on the entire album where Panther controls himself and yields a bumpin’ dance number in “How does it feel” (3). Panther feels like he has all of the elements that should make something good, but he just isn’t. If he was going for worst porn soundtrack ever he’s come close. I can only hope that he was cutting his teeth with these elements because if he can make more stuff like “How Does it Feel?” I will be very eager to listen.
Buy “Secret Lawns”
