Chemical Brothers--Push the Button CD (2005)

[markl]

OK, whether anyone cares or not, here's my review.

I know "electronica" as a format/style/category is chock full of charlatans and useless over-rated, over-hyped, baloney. Monotonous, filler crap that goes on and on and on for no apparent reason whatsoever. I'm not an "electronica" fan in general, as I'm sure you are not, either. Just because you know how to work the machinery doesn't mean you know how to make an actual *song*, this gets proven again and again if you've ever waded into the electronica waters. I know that most people of a certain age don't follow this kind of music at all (I really don't either), but just like any music form, there are certain artists who transcend their genre and appeal to everyone because they are just plain *good* at what they do, and make *MUSIC*. Chemical Bros. are one such act. But sometimes they get bashed for being too "good". They also get bashed for relying on high-profile guest vocalists to provide accompaniment to their electronic journeys. Too bad, deal with it...

Chemical Brothers get blasted by the usual indie-nerd suspects for all the usual reasons geeks bash anything-- they're too "commercial", they're too "musical", they're too "well-produced", they're too "song-oriented" etc. etc. etc., yawn, yawn, yawn.

But for you and me, their knocks should instead be construed as high praise. This band just plain *rocks*; they are great producers, their albums sound great, and their music is incredibly entertaining.

"Push The Button" falls into line with all the previous Chemical Brothers efforts. You would have to work pretty hard to go out and actively *dislike* this stuff. It pushes all the right buttons (har har har). If you are a headphone afficianado, or like psychedelic music that transports you away into brain-bashing, mind-warping territory, this is another psychedelic masterpiece for you to enjoy. Impossible to dislike, IMO. Trippy without being repetitive and boring, these guys really know how to mix a great album. I can't WAIT until they discover multi-channel; when they make their first native multi-channel disc, it will surely be a benchmark for the standard.

Thumbs way up!!! :righton:

 

[tom hankins]

I like it too. But dont go by me......I love the repetitive boring trance stuff.

 

[raif]

I am giving this a listen right now on the ps-1s. It sounds really good so far. Definitely a good suggestion.

 

[zChan]

Ugh. Its CCCDed...

 

[raif]

I never have any problems ripping the cd in iTunes.

Which programs are you using?

 

[upangel180]

I liked it too. some of the songs took a couple of listens to appreciate. I'm constantly amazed at how they are able to stay true to their style and yet incorporate elements from various different types of music. Some of this CD had elements that reminded me of the electro-clash of the late '80's, but it is still very much Chemical Bros and very enjoyable.

 

[Vidda]

Hum...that's funny. I thought this CD was pretty boring compared to older CB albums. And yes, while techno is repetitive, this one especially seemed to get on my nerves. It didn't seem too original either. Nothing really grabbed my attention like their other CDs. Oh well, flame me!

 

[Aman]

Not a particularly well-played album, but the sound quality is great!

 

[raif]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vidda Hum...that's funny. I thought this CD was pretty boring compared to older CB albums. And yes, while techno is repetitive, this one especially seemed to get on my nerves. It didn't seem too original either. Nothing really grabbed my attention like their other CDs. Oh well, flame me!

I don't think anyone is arguing this is their best work. The general consensus, politics and preconceptions aside, is that it is an enjoyable album and people should give it a spin.

 

[minya]

Hahahhaha. I like the writing style of that review. "By Idiots, For Idiots."

 

[zChan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by raif I never have any problems ripping the cd in iTunes. Which programs are you using?

Its not that. Its a bit unnerving for me to buy something that the record companies themselves appeal that quality is not assured.

 

[BlackJackSkanz]

I have to admit I have not listened to this one yet but I think this review would have been better if 75% of had not been pointless electronic music bashing/ego justification for the review in the first place and had been more about the actual album. I would much rather read impressions about specific tracks rather than assumptions like, "I'm not an "electronica" fan in general, as I'm sure you are not, either." Honestly, who cares? Let's talk about the music already.

By the way the only people that use the term "electronica" are VJs and music store displays.

 

[markl]

This review was just cut and pasted from the stevehoffman site, which tends to skew toward an older audience, who are more "classic rock" oriented. They typically aren't interested in this type of music over there, and normally, I'm not either, so my comments are at aimed at overcoming those kinds of (somwhat justified) prejudices about electronica. I suppose I should have ammended it for this site to avoid upsetting the "usual indie-nerd suspects". Oh well.

 

[DLeeWebb]

Markl I appreciate the review. I bought this CD the day that it came out. I have always been hot and cold on The Chemical Brothers. When they're good they're really good, and when they're bad they're really bad IMHO. [actually I like Crystal Method much better...they seem more consistent to me...]. I feel that "Push The Button" is an excellent effort. I like the guest vocalists and when they use actual guitars. My favorite track [which I'm listening to right now...] is "The Big Jump." "Galvanize," "Hold Tight London," and "Left Right" are all great tracks. Actually on this CD there are only three tracks that I do not like at all. If I get at least four good tracks on a CD, I'm happy. I don't know if it's "electronica," or "techno" or some other crazy subdivision of music term, [I prefer "techno"...probably committing a major mistake with that term] but its a good buy if you're into The Chemical Brothers or similar bands...