Classy electronica
Here we have an electronica collaboration that mixes the best of current high end dance outfits. With its core members consisting of Le Tigre's JD Samson, Ladybug Transistor's Michael O'Neill and Ginger Brooks Takahashi of LTTR, MEN is a musical art/performance collective. Throughout its 12 tracks "Talk About Body" shows it's an 80s throwback mixed with the best of today's dance and electronica. The music and lyrics speak of all the issues that are dominant in the news today including wartime economies and the demand for liberties. The titles are indicative of the themes on offer including "Credit Card Babies" and "Rip Off".
Although all the tracks have something great on offer opening track "Life's Half Price" was particularly effective, setting the mood for the rest of the tracks to follow. To mark the quarter stage "Boom Boom Boom" has a ridiculously catchy chorus and hook which stuck in my head long after the album finished. "Who Am I to Feel so Free" is anger and aggression to a dance beat and perfectly encompasses the feelings of frustration and fury of the current world economic climate.
A highly accomplished album with great beats, lyrics and rhythms it could be interpreted as being ridiculously pretentious. However, to combat that this album is also ridiculously effective and the sound produced is that which begs to be put on loud before a night out on the tiles.