Album Results
Album Reviews
Mu is a Sheffield, England-based duo consisting of Baltimore-born producer Maurice Fulton and his wife, Japan-born vocalist Mutsumi Kanamori. They've made one of those albums where the song titles -- "Let's Get Sick," "Afro Finger," "Destroying Human Nature" -- provide some indication of what to expect. And yet nothing short of complete knowledge of Fulton's background, behind aliases like Eddie & the Eggs, Boof, and Hot Sauce, could prepare you for this lunatic jumble of electro-punk, left-field house, and flat-out noise. Kanamori's vocals take on almost as many forms as her husband's productions. During the nervous stutter-pummel of "Let's Get Sick," she chants with all the exasperation of someone who has been prodded with a hot poker, and then during a robo-pop breakdown, she reverts to a relaxed, wordless scat. Multiple drum patterns created by machines and humans trip over each other; a siren signals a series of bombs that are detonated. On the frizzling "Jealous Kids," Kanamori's voice is turned into a detached drone that is almost as imposing as the drums, which seem as if they're being pounded out by 500-pound mutants in a canyon. The slippery "Destroying Human Nature" features two Kanamoris in its seemingly deep-sea dwelling; one is a mush-mouthed ogre, the other a whispering seductress. She plays almost all the roles in "My Name Is Tommi," a quasi-radioplay -- backed by mechanical hum and spasmodic percussion -- inspired by an episode of the U.K. program Cheaters (a Candid Camera for two-timing lovers). For all its contorted, couldn't-give-a-damn attitude, at least half of the album is danceable and suitable for DJ sets that have the time for electronics-heavy post-punk (Fad Gadget, Cabaret Voltaire), oddball disco (Loose Joints, Was (Not Was)), and left-field dance (LCD Soundsystem, Chicken Lips). Lovers of smooth, pure deep-house should duck and cover. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide
Track Listing
| 1. Jealous Kids |
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| 2. Let's Get Sick |
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| 3. Afro Finger |
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| 4. Hello Bored Boz Man |
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| 5. My Name Is Tommi |
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| 6. Chair Girl |
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| 7. Tell You Something |
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| 8. I Hate U |
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| 9. Why I Left |
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| 10. Destroying Human Nature |
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| Featured Review | |
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Don't Believe In Love Dido |
| After almost 5 years, Dido is back...and was it worth the wait? The single sounds like it could have come off the last album, with a great chorus and sumptuous strings carrying the melody and packing an emotional punch in the process. Apparently this and most of "Safe Trip Home" was written about her recent breakup. Well, it worked for Winehouse with 'Back to Black', so why not? However, lyrics aside, it's actually a good little pop song and it's surprising how little radio play it has had, resulting in a relatively low chart placing. Maybe people are waiting for the album (now out), which she has worked on with the likes of Brian Eno & Jon Brion (Keane), as her sales are remarkably high due to her loyal fan case. The first two shifted over 24 millions copies worldwide between them. After a brief listen, it seems that Dido has released the strongest song first, as she did with 'White Flag' from her last effort. However, this is not of that magnitude unfortunately and the album feels a bit low key and 'samey'. But, as with all great albums, only time will tell and this lead single more than merits the wait: the haunting vocals and polished production will at least push the extremely talented Dido back into the public's consciousness, where she belongs! | |
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