You wouldn't think someone who spends so much time in hotels (generally sterile places) would come out with a beautiful album called "Hotel," but this is indeed the case with Moby's latest.
This is a more streamlined album than his last couple efforts. I for one could have used a little more sampling, and more guest appearances (tho kudos must go to one of the "usual suspects" on albums, Laura Dawn, who sings along on a few songs). But he doesn't go overboard with the slow ambient songs, like on some of his earlier albums, and that's a good thing.
Moby does love songs very well, with some nice textures, bringing in some "bigger themes" as well ("Where You End"). Moby does philosophical pondering even better, with the minimum of navel-gazing ("Slipping Away").
But it's his dance-able electronica that has made me a fan of Moby, and there's plenty here to enjoy. I especially like the neo-disco "Very" and "I Like It," which is way more steamy and sexed-up than the typically cerebral and spiritual Moby usually is (I hope that means he's getting some good loving lately).
Moby also does exceedingly groovy anthems. The best one on this album is "Lift Me Up." It did, and does, do what the title suggests.
One cavil: I downloaded the songs from iTunes (my first time!) and I really miss the liner notes (for instance, I couldn't tell you who the female singer is on "Very" and "I Like It"--sure doesn't SOUND like Laura Dawn). Where can I find them? Can someone tell me? I like album art and if I can't all of it from iTunes then, I'm afraid, I shant be purchasing much music there.
Posted by jeb at May 19, 2005 5:54 PM | TrackBack