Hip Pop Stop

Posted by RC Daniel (A) on September 11, 2008 at 04:24:09

Lately, I have been listening to Lust Lust Lust when not listening to ambient.

I had not heard any of the Raveonettes’ previous releases, but when I started listening to this album I thought that my sister's stereo had broken. Really. All upper midrange and treble distortion and reverb. I hated it. But, with repeated listens that cold reverb has lost its edge, becoming more a part of the music rather than a gimmick that serves as barrier to enjoying it.

I guess it is a guitar and vocals driven post-indie-pop (more indie than pop) album that at times reminds me of the Primitives, at others the Supremes (I think), and on occasion Julee Cruise with all tracks performed in a reverberant dance-hall or large public toilet. It may sound curious, but I find it melodic, vital, and upbeat. It works well as an album, having genuine variety while remaining cohesive, by virtue (or vice!) of those production values. At times, I find Lust Lust Lust quite emotionally shifting in a way not common in this genre. I encourage folks to have the perseverance to get past the broad aesthetic themes and feel the music beneath; if not, album may seem a little repetitive and overly long.

For me, this album has gone from hate, to appreciation, to genuine enjoyment. Yeah, I like it.

Edits: 09/11/08