So we have already heard Moby acquit himself with dance, techno, Trance, rave, metal and other modern forms over these past 15 years. Sometimes successfully as with one of his biggest sellers Play and sometimes less so with the totally non-commercial but nevertheless still worth listening to Animal Rights.
But whether his album is a hit or not, Moby can never be accused of not putting all of himself in his work. And this is most evident in his latest moby.hotel. You have to read the revealing liner notes of the album for the reason why he chose to call it "hotel." But all that the music requires is a single listen for anybody to say that this must be his best work to date.
Surprisingly for somebody who has been known for his clever use of samples and sound layering and other new-fangled recording gimmickry, moby.hotel is a totally pared-down collection of engaging tunes. If it weren’t Moby performing, it would be easily categorized as pop, but because it is Moby, then it becomes a superior version of today’s new music.
The enigmatic Moby surprisingly dishes out very confident vocals in what may be his most commercial compositions. Mostly made up of love songs, the album smoothly segues from one cut to another. It is simple and uncomplicated but when you come down to it, really brilliant. Can you think of another artist who can go from the sparkling Spiders to the sneering Lift Me Up without losing touch with his audience? Only Moby.
Homeward Angel is Moby at his best, strange but sweet. I am sure though that there will be others who will pick out the dance track Very or the love song Forever or even his interesting take on New Order’s Temptation with guest vocalist Laura Dawn. Listen to its entirety and I am sure you will also find so much to like in moby.hotel.
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Losers in both can still get into the glitzy atmosphere by joining the MTV Movie Awards Bar Tour that will be held at the V Bar in Glorietta on May 28. There will be free popcorn and VJ’s KC Montero, Claire Olivar, Don Puno and Colby Miller will host the event. Performing will be Kjwan and DJ Ace.
It’s Like That also by Mariah Carey; Lala by Ashley Simpson; Holiday by Green Day; Mockingbird by Eminem; Hollaback Girl by Gwen Stefani; She’s No You by Jesse McCartney; Lonely No More by Rob Thomas; Signs by Snoop Dog; Switch by Will Smith; and You and Me by Lifehouse.