Last Night (Moby, 2008)

[X.]

Moby's albums after the brilliant Play have been hit-or-miss, mostly miss for me. But with Last Night this bald-head electro-blues vegan DJ seems to have gotten back his groove -- literally! Last Night is best described as a funky concept album wherein Moby tries to recapture the nostalgia of the acid-house nightlife of NY clubbing. There's even some French chick doing a retro-cool vocal on one of the tracks!

Produced by Dan Grech-Marguerat who has helped Radiohead, the album has a heavy disco and hip-hop influence, featuring the legend Grandmaster Caz among other funky guest stars who break it down on the most satisfying and, dare I say, sexy record from this musician in a long time. (And he doesn't sing in this at all.)

Last Night will make you wear your day-glo suits and go club-hopping, even if that's not your thing!

Favorite tracks:"I Love To Move In Here," "257.Zero," "Alice," "Hyenas," "Lucy Vida (Hidden Track)"

[X.]

And here's possibly my most favorite track "Hyenas" (obviously it's not the official video).

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/TkWh-iTxAxI&rel=1" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/TkWh-iTxAxI&rel=1</a>

[fizz]

Ak, are you telling me, that despite being more techno cool Moby has swung back? I thought the strong ambient sounds of Play was his high as well and everything after that has been just plain downhill. Knowing this, is the album still worth a listen? Better than 18?

[X.]

Last Night is not as good as Play, his masterpiece, but it is better than any record Moby has made since. Don't be misled by the fact that this album does not 'take itself seriously' -- it's a fun, sexy dance record kissed by Moby's sophisticated arrangements. Give it at least two listens before you judge it.

[fizz]

Cool...my verdict in a week.

Heard REM's latest yet? Been getting great word of mouth. I'm giving it a listen today on the way back (see, the thought of driving back home can still be fun...)

[X.]

Heard REM's latest yet? Been getting great word of mouth. I'm giving it a listen today on the way back (see, the thought of driving back home can still be fun...)

I heard their first single "Supernatural Superserious" many weeks ago, and thought it was R.E.M repeating themselves once again. Then heard it a couple of times since and I find my foot taping! The song's still fluff but what the hey, right. Open a thread (can be a mini-review; just your thoughts) so I am forced to listen to the full record!

[fizz]

I love that song! "Supernatural Superserious" is back to basics for them. Mini-review before end of week.

[fizz]

Ak...this is a pretty decent album. Thanks for the recommendation, I don't think I would have normally given this a listen. You are right, the tracks grow on you. On first listen I thought you were out of your mind to recommend what at initially seemed like a collection of trash, electronica. But the upbeat mood and the groovy tempo are fun to listen to you. My personal favourite track is "Stars", I've had it on repeat for many hours now! A different breed altogether.

P.S. After the dismal "18", I had given "Hotel" a pass, but am now contemplating picking it up...any thoughts?

P.S.S. Speaking of ode to NY, have you heard the excellent track "New York, New York" from his greatest hits album a couple of years ago? It would have been a fitting inclusion in this album.

[X.]

"Hotel" is a mixed bag; famous for Moby having forgoed vocal samples for a 'purer' sound (not sure it worked 100%). There is a touch of 80's disco, especially with the track "Very," my favorite cut on the album.

Give it a listen.