Reinventing electronica

The two musical acts today have fresh CDs that depart quite drastically from the type of music they became popular for, thanks to the extensive use of synthesizers, and electronica influences. For the fans of old, there are enough traces of the old musical vision to keep the stalwart fans satisfied, while the “re-inventing” that does occur, should bring new fans and followers to the fold.

The Editors — In This Light and On This Evening (Sony BMG). When people ask me to describe The Editors’ new music, I ask them to remember early U2, Echo and the Bunnymen, and Depeche Mode, crossed with the feel of such current bands as the Kings of Leon. The deep, dark, brooding voice of singer Tom Smith dominates the proceedings, giving The Editors their muscular “sound attack.” Forget the first track, it’s when Bricks and Mortar, Papillon and You Don’t Know Love get going that the band really hits its stride and impresses. Among the latter tracks, check out Eat Raw Meat=Blood Drool, a real standout. If previously, the band was known for a guitar driven sound, the synthesizers now give their music a different feel and atmosphere, one that shows the band evolving.

Shakira — She Wolf (Sony BMG). At its heart, this is an uptempo pop album, Shakira staking her claim to reestablish herself as a music force and garner a broader audience. She still has that world music edge to her music, liberally sprinkling Colombian, Middle Eastern and Indian elements, but now with a veneer of electronica and synthesizers. Half the tracks are produced by Pharrell Williams and the Neptunes, and that makes those numbers have a strong R&B, even Mariah, feel to them. I especially liked Spy, the collaboration with Wyclef Jean, and the track Mon Amour. With the fast paced dance tracks that dominate the playlist, it looks like the odds are good for Shakira to make a favorable impression with that hoped-for new audience. Three cuts also have Spanish versions.