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Thursday, December 14, 2006

The second album I choose to spotlight for 2006 is Supersystem's sophomore (and sadly, final) album, A Million Microphones.

Now, I know there were a lot of haters before, but I personally enjoyed Supersystem's 2004 debut, Always Never Again. Yes, it was derivative and a little bland, but it was also intelligent and catchy. I knew I'd eventually listen to their follow-up when it came out this year, but my interest was piqued when I heard the first single, "White Light / White Light". Yes, it was a driving dance tune with electric guitar slashes and competent drumming, like the previous album's "Defcon" without all the cowbell...only it was intensely more likeable. The boys of El Guapo-Supersystem had finally figured out how to make their music without alienating the listener with repetition and loud disco noises! Also, the Tron-inspired music video instantly won me over.

Album opener "Not The Concept" immediately sets up the new standard for this album, with hooky synths, lively but spacious drums, a more relaxed but intent swagger, and a craving to clap your hands and wiggle your hips. Later tracks even challenge the listener with concepts that seem completely disparate from this genre introduced with ease a grace. "Eagles Fleeing Eyries" is a relaxed balad about migratory patterns. "The Pinnacle of Experience" sings the joys of teenagers eating hallucinogenic mushrooms. "The Only Way Its Ever Been Done" even makes a countdown from thirteen to one sound skillful and danceable!

The album closes on an absolute high note (though it smostly composed of low bass synth beats) with "Revolution Summer," where frontman Justin Destroyer (real name: Moyer) regales us with "a story that you've heard me tell before" about traveling as a child with his parents and seeing a band play on a rooftop and not understanding what he saw until years later. Its a sweet and introspective moment from a dace-rock band that somehow meshes perfectly with everything they'd done before.

This review is bittersweet as Supersystem/the former members of El Guapo announced last week their breaking up after making music together for ten years. The good news is, their last album may very well have been their best.

12:19 PM
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