Raquel

Song: Raquel

Artist: Neon Neon

Album: Stainless Style

"Stainless Style" is a really interesting record. It's a one-off record from Gruff Rhys, the lead singer of Super Furry Animals, and electronic producer/artist Boom Bip. It's a concept album about the crazy life of John DeLorean, the boozy womanizing founder of the DeLorean Motor Company. The album takes it title as a play off "stainless steel," which the company made a car out of entitled The DeLorean DMC-12. The album is a complete 80's throwback, a synthpop record made from instruments of the time.

I'm not sure what all of that's supposed to add up to, but the record is... amazing. I'm not sure how I missed it back when it was released in 2008, it's one of my new favorites. While it does sound very 80's, I'm reminded of the new Goldfrapp single "Rocket" in that it takes pretty characteristically goofy 80's sounds and adds very "now" production, mixing a bit of the past into something new and exciting.

But beyond all of this could-be-a-disaster conceptualizing... the album is just filled with some killer songs. After a two minute synth intro, you have the one-two punch of "Dream Girls" and "I Told Her On Alderaan" which sound like sublime samples of 80's pop, but not only that... they sound like 80's CLASSICS. Really really good. Next is my favorite, the sexy "Raquel," about DeLorean's 1970's affair with Rachel Welch. A dark, slow beat starts the track, and builds within the first minute, opening up to some almost "Popcorn"-esque bleeps. Once the vocals kick in... you'll be hooked.

Elements of hip-hop also pepper the album, helped by guest Spank Rock, Har Mar Superstar, and Yo Majesty. The result of all these elements is rather modern, and the concept of the record only helps deepen the experience with each listen. I've REALLY been digging this record, and would highly recommend it if you have a penchant for 80's inspired disco-rock. (But then again... who doesn't?)

Enjoy.

Raquel


I Told Her On Alderaan/Trick for Treat


Dream cars