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March 8th, 2024
Admittedly, 'Fantastic Planet' is their magnum opus; but the concise nature, double-scooped with the brand of nostalgia that commonly adjoins one's proclivity for their first exposure to an artist's work sees me reaching for this record more. From the rolling, bastard of an opening riff in "Let It Drip" to the more-than-just-a-tinge-of-prog "Small Crimes," from puzzling over the obscure lyrics and marveling over some of the finest bass distortion these ears have heard, my attention ceases disregard. Highlights: "Frogs," the swagger of "Undone," which features a melody/chord progression I can probably best describe as bittersweet country-western (and also efficiently encapsulates the Failure modality), and the interlude proceeding "Wet Gravity," a haunting piece that infers future "Segue" tracks. While dark and ethereal are the primary qualities, it mostly conduces disquiet. 
I always enjoyed the singles/videos, but this was a train that I boarded (very) late in life, owing to being a lower/middle-class adolescent that purchased as many records as possible by dint of working wherever I could, but just never getting around to this one. Fast-forward a couple of decades and I finally caught it. I can only playfully imagine the effect - however visceral from then to however pronounced to now - it could have had. The exigency that inheres this record tweezes your subconscious to embrace the despair, the nihilism, the hopelessness, and the decadence that soaks through all of us. Granted, it's an exhausting listen. And is it all worth it? More or less, it's gonna end like those three final distorted guitar notes. It's worth it. The tapestry woven throughout is rich and poignant. Listening critically, I can usually discern something new on every occasion, also a testament to the masterful mixing/engineering. There are snatches here and there, maybe a drum loop or a guitar tone, that speak to its period of conception, but it's largely, jarringly (I cannot believe this is 30 years old) atemporal - especially considering the ubiquity of synths and various electronic production methods. Highlights: "March of the Pigs," the meatiest electro kick/snare ever in "Heresy," the herculean, angular climax of "The Becoming," and "A Warm Place." 
I meant to wish this one a happy 40th two years ago, but forgot. The first Zapp record is considered a classic slice of funk/R&B, and while it deserves every accolade, there's an ineffable quality in 'Zapp II' that repeatedly draws me back. "Dance Floor," imbued with sexy urgency and Roger's signature synthesized vocals, never feels like its 11-minute length. And while there's an abundance of head nodding and booty wiggling, the album reveals strata and depth, tackling relationship woes and eking out a livelihood. Highlights: "Dance Floor," the stunningly badass beat (and harmonica solos!) that adorns "Doo Wa Ditty (Blow That Thing)," and "A Touch of Jazz (Playin' Kinda Ruff Part II)." |