Discovered: As Sampled by Daft Punk
Monday, 21 Jan 2008 13:23
Discover where Daft Punk find the magic.
K7 Records, out January 21st.
In a nutshell…
It's daft funk but it ain't Daft Punk
What's it all about?
A collection of the original tunes that shows us where the French duo took their original samples from. These 12 tracks lay down enough funked-up soul and disco to start your own 70s themed club night; an assortment of favoured classic with enough hidden gems mixed in to keep us both interested and informed.
Who's it by
Brought to us by the Berllin-based-K7 label ( known for their electronica and artists such as Erland Oye and Koop) the main driving force are the artists behind the tracks themselves. Though lacking the endorsement of the Daft Punk, the names of Chaka Khan or Oliver Cheatham carry enough of a reputation for us to know the quality we're getting. Other contributions come from Sister Sledge, Eddie Johns and Edwin Birdsong amongst others.
As an example…
"Saturday morning, Friday's enemy/Housework is calling, but where to begin?" – Oliver Cheatham: Get Down Saturday Night
Likelihood of a trip to the Grammys
Given the nature of the compilation album as a record generally overlooked in award-season the chances of a nomination are increasingly slim. But back in their day these songs should all have been up there fighting the cause in their own respectable categories.
What the others say
"For any Daft Punk fan or dance music lovers out there- these tracks are essential listening." –SoulSeduction.com
"It's hard not to perceive a slightly malicious intent behind this (unofficial, I should add) compilation that collects songs that Daft Punk have sampled, because listening to this disc will make your reassess the French duo's musical prowess." –Rave Magazine
So is it any good?
Despite the undeniable quality of many of the featured artists, warming to the idea of Discovered... as an album in its own right is difficult given that it seems to only have been conceived off the back of the success of Daft Punk's back catalogue. When artists release their own mix-tapes it's often a wonder to find out what tunes make them tick but here there's no such personal touch and all we're getting is the collection that any super-fan could have put together.
Yes, the quality of the album is good but the songs are chosen through necessity only, not because they compliment each other or make a coherent listen. Anyone can download the songs sampled by their favourite artists so it feels cheap and lazy to have someone else do this for us.
The tunes may be great but Discovered... was never going to fight its corner in the same league as Back To Mine or DJ Kicks. So, advice is: if you want a collection of classic soul-funk you may well be better of rooting through your Dad's old vinyl.
6/10
Mat Strowbridge
Agree with this review? Have a different opinion? Let us know your thoughts (without being too abusive to our poor reviewers please) and we'll post the best ones on the site.
Write your comments below: