Ratatat - Classics
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CD Details
Artist: RatatatEdition: Music CD
Audio: English (Original Language)
CD Release Date: 2006-08-22
Music Label: Xl Recordings
Soundtracks:
- Montanita
- Lex
- Gettysburg
- Wildcat
- Tropicana
- Loud Pipes
- Kennedy
- Swisha
- Nostrand
- Tacobel Canon
Music reviews of Classics
Music Review: Classics: Well Crafted and Catchy
Rating: 5 Stars
Focusing primarily on Ratatat's sound, the band makes heavy use of guitar, bass guitar, and synthesizer. Their songs are devoid of any lyrics or chorus but still remain intensely emotional and remarkably catchy. Typical of most electronic or "technosonic" music, the measures are looped and minimalist changes occur throughout. However, superimposed on these looping song fragments is a rigid and traceable structure that allows Ratatat's music to be listened to as though it had distinct choruses and verses. My favorite aspect of Ratatat's sound is that though the same theme is repeated, it transforms just quickly enough to keep you interested. Typically, as I begin to tire of a rhythm, the song leaps into an entirely new theme to explore.
I noticed that when I attempt to describe what a specific Ratatat song sounds like I end up describing almost every song of theirs. I was actually reminded of Ratatat by a 1964 composition using some of the first synthesizers by Moog and Buchla . This fact highlighted for me that it's certainly not the complexity of the synthesizer or other instruments used in Ratatat's songs that makes them appealing. Rather, despite the similarity of techniques and instruments used to create tracks, I never tire of their songs and it's easy to find unique aspects to appreciate in each of their songs. In fact, this is one of Ratatat's strengths; they can create textures and themes that combine to form unique songs while at the same time can effortlessly create tracks that blend extremely well with each other due to their similarities.
Turning to this album in particular, "Classics" is Ratatat's second studio album and shows definite growth and depth in contrast to their first self-titled album. Although I don't perceive any of the songs on "Classics" to have the same raw and novel appeal that "Seventeen Years" commanded, the album overall has a much smoother flow and progression. This is particularly impressive considering that "Classics" is a compilation album.
The carefully designed order and development of songs throughout the album allows "Classics" to be enjoyed equally when played sequentially or as individual songs. I perceive that this unusually smooth song progression stems from the fact that the majority of songs off the album progress through at least four stages. I'll use "Nostrand" to illustrate my point, but my general conclusions seem to hold for most songs on "Classics."
Every song begins simply. The dominant melody and rhythm of each song are usually established immediately. The songs will typically build and diverge from this original sound, but will always return back to root the song. In "Nostrand" this is the basic synth drumbeat and the bass guitar and synthetic organ attacks.
After some time, the songs begin to morph into more complex works. This happens around the minute mark for most songs and indeed occurs just after the one-minute mark in "Nostrand" when the lead guitar takes over the melody pushing the organ back to add to the rhythm of the song. Although the initial sound is present it is no longer dominant.
Thirdly, something unique and intensely interesting is introduced. For "Nostrand" this is the voices shouting "woo". For "Wildcat's" this is wildcat growl. I believe this is what keeps Ratatat's songs engaging when listened to sequentially.
Finally, the main melody and rhythm take control again to finish out the song but usually altered slightly to tie into the themes of the next song on the album. This often involves adding a sound or ample that will be used in the next track or, in "Nostrand's" case, ending on the same note that begins the next song.
In summary, in lieu of lyrics, choruses, or verses, Ratatat creates an amazing flow through each of their songs, which take the place of those typical song components. It's this unique combination that allows me to enjoy "Classics" as a record that commands my full attention OR can be used as background music OR mood music OR even something to play in the car and make your friends ask inquisitively "Who is this?" Whatever the purpose (sing alongs excluded), "Classics" will not disappoint.
Description of Classics
"Classics" remains resolutely instrumental, but the band has introduced a wealth of new sounds, from acoustic and slide guitar to sleigh bells and cello. Their vastly improved production and writing makes this record a refinement of their art. "Ratatat lay squealing metal harmonies over choppy Neptunes-style dance thumps, then break into pastoral waves of keyboard tone, riding dub tempos and hip-hop struts. They're crotch-pumping arena pimps and introverted minimalists..." - Blender. "Stroud and Mast have come up with some catchy melodies over light, snappy bass lines in what sounds like something tailored for the headphones" - Urb. The band has toured with Interpol, The Killers, Franz Ferdinand, The Stills, and Mouse On Mars.Alternative Rock CDs
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