Vinyl of the Week - 14 June 2020

Random Access Memories, Daft Punk

This week we take a look at something completely different. Random Access Memories is the fourth album for French electronic duo Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter. Formed in 1993, Daft Punk was the final iteration of the band the two of them started while at school in the late 80’s with friend Laurent Brancowitz. The trio called themselves Darlin’ after the beach boys song, which they covered along with an original track for their first EP. A negative review labelled the music “daft punky thrash” which they found amusing and would eventually inspire their name. Darlin’ didn’t last much longer but the original duo began experimenting with their sound using drum machines and synthesisers, heavily influenced by a mix of funk, techno, disco and synthpop. They went on to achieve massive popularity but Daft Punk is one of those bands that manages to stay pretty much anonymous despite everyone knowing their music. They rarely give interviews and have hidden their identities behind the masks and helmets they have become known for since the late 90’s. Hits such as ‘Around The World’, ‘One More Time’ and ‘Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger’ have cemented Daft Punk in electronic pop culture and R.A.M. continues that success with tracks like ‘Get Lucky’ and ‘Lose Yourself To Dance’. I find this album is one I put on when I need a lift, you can’t listen to this album and not feel happy. Go give it a try - DS