Daft Punk
Live 1997
Virgin
Daft Punk are like gods to me, albeit French ones who wear robot helmets. Homework was one of the best albums of all time, and Discovery, after an initial outrage at the cheesy vocoder tracks, has grown on me to the point where tracks like “Aerodynamic” and “Faster, Stronger…” have become Golding family anthems. For the most part, live electronica consists of a couple nerdy guys standing on a stage over turntables and laptops, pushing buttons and trying to look cool. While this may not sound very exciting, listening to Daft Punk Alive 1997, recorded in, uh, 1997, makes me wish I had been there. The set starts off strong with a 16-minute version of “Da Funk,” but after about twenty minutes, the relentless beat becomes grating. Another disappointment was the fact that they didn’t play “Around the World,” which might be a mixed blessing. Imagine a twenty-minute version of “Around the World.” Shudder. Despite its drawbacks, Alive 1997 is a must have for those who live the Daft Life. Also, it comes with a sheet of Daft Punk stickers, which are nearly worth the purchase price alone.
Rating: VVVV
Kori Golding
Julie Doiron
Désormais
Endearing Records
There is perhaps no other Canadian indie-rock performer who is preceded by a reputation as huge as Julie Doiron. In the early 90s she made waves as part of East Coast rockers Eric’s Trip when they were signed to Sub Pop records. She turned heads in 1996 with her solo work as Broken Girl. Julie Doiron and the Wooden Stars won a Juno in 1999. All this wave making, head turning, and Juno getting means Doiron is free to try new things. That includes releasing her first disc of French songs. Hence, Desormais. And, incidentally, proving that her reputation is well deserved in any language. Desormais offers 10 delicate ballads in a contemplative tone.
Rating: VVVV
Rob Thomas
