New music from Daft Punk

The arrival of every new Daft Punk album has been a major occasion since the duo of Guy Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter made it big in the field of electronic music way back in the early ’90s. Aside from the fact that they made good atmospheric sounds and were quite innovative in their approach to music, they were also considered lots of fun. How else would you describe guys who chose to present themselves as robots, who later became successful not only with the music but with visual presentations that won acclaim everywhere.

These past two decades have seen Daft Punk go from one success to another. There were albums like Homework, Alive 1997, Discovery-2001, Human After All 2005, and Alive 2007. The duo collaborated with Kanye West in the big-selling Stronger, did the music score for the sci-fi adventure Tron: Legacy, made films like Interstella 5555 The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem and DP Electroma. They designed Coca-Cola limited edition bottles and scored Louis Vuitton fashion shows and had their robot personas dressed up by trendy fashion names.

Of course, driving all these along were the hit tunes, which went from acid to house to synthpop to trance to etc., etc. Da Funk, Around The World, Face to Face, One More Time, Digital Love, Robot Rock, Technologic and Human After All. Among several awards were two Grammys, for the single Harder Better, Faster, Stronger as Best Electronic Dance Recording and for Alive 2007 as Best Electronic Dance Album. Then last April, there came a No. 1 selling single in Get Lucky from the album Random Access Memories.

The element of surprise has been an integral part of the success of the Daft Punk guys from their Paris beginnings. The very question of what helmets they will be wearing in a show can send fans into a frenzy. But the biggest surprise of all came not out of what robot they will choose to hide in but in their music. Daft Punk in Random Access Memories has ditched electronics and instead performed with a live orchestra. Seems like they have decided to say that electronics maybe cool but there is really nothing that compares to an orchestra played by real live people.

Random Access Memories is just what the title says. It is memories of disco music from the ’70s spiced with rock and funk and good old pop. Carrying the theme along are guests like Nile Rodgers of Chic, (Remember Le Freak?) Julian Casablancas, Todd Edwards, Paul Williams and Pharrell Williams who sings in Lose Yourself To Dance and the big hit Get Lucky. Would you believe that there are even sound bytes from Giorgio Moroder, the legendary producer of Donna Summer and of Blondie’s Call Me in the cut Giorgio By Moroder?

The whole album sounds like a motion picture score from a French film of the ’70s. It is breezy and funny and laid-back in the dramatic moments and supposedly modern at the time. This is the music that you dance to in an underground disco, what you drive to in the French Riviera or what is playing when you get home to a chic apartment.

Love this album, which by the way is also available on vinyl LPs. And I cannot help but think: Just when all those other electronic masters are coming up with more and more disembodied sounds, this is what Daft Punk was busy with. What a delightful surprise!

Now, if it is real electronic sounds that you enjoy listening to then I recommend that you check out the electronic dance music festival Dreamland 2013. This show stars the world acclaimed DJ Paul Van Dyk, whose music has enthralled millions of fans from North to South, East to West and from every social ladder. 

Van Dyk, the virtuoso DJ, record producer and Grammy winner is set to bring a one of a kind night life experience in these very special performances brought to the Philippines by Viva Concerts and Events South, Inc., and Redstone Media Productions, Inc. These will be held at the Republiq Club at the Newport Mall in Resorts World Manila in Pasay City on Friday, July 12 and at the Waterfront Hotel in Lahug, Cebu City on Saturday, July 13. 

Van Dyk has had a hit-studded career that trendy Pinoys are familiar with. Among his biggest sellers are Love Stimulation, 1998, New York City, For An Angel, Still Alive, Gimme More, A Magical Moment, White Lies, Time Of Our Lives, The Age Of Love and Flaming June. Expect to get them all plus some new stuff in his shows. So prepare to dance, trance, get dreamy or experience other feel-good emotions when you join Van Dyk in his local visit.

For tickets, you may call Republiq Club at 0917-5508888 or the Waterfront Concerts & Events Counter at 032-232-6888 or 0925-555-7221 or 0925-555-7222.