Day 32, Hot Chip - One Life Stand

Stars: 1.25
Favorite Track: I Feel Better
Show: 4$

The same person who recommended Mastodon’s Crack the Skye, which is without question the heaviest album encountered so far during this project, also suggested Hot Chip’s One Life Stand, the wussiest album I’ve ever heard—ever. For his safety, I’ll keep Colin’s name a secret. But honestly, Weird Al could whoop these guy’s asses.

One Life Stand is the British electro indie-pop band’s most recent release. It should be a straight dance album, but it is infected with feelings. Personally, when rubbing myself up against a sweaty stranger in a dark, dank European club, I don't like to be interrupted by someone' lamentations about their mother. One Life Stand is rooted in dance, but everything else seems to be pulling—yanking—away from that. In fact, the only things that make this a dance album at all are the beats and certain effects. Listen to “Feel Better.” Take away the techno beat, and trash the cheesy syths and auto-tune, and you have your self a great Annie Lenox song!

So it is clear, then, that this album is not meant to spin on repeat at London’s, 20 quid cover, dance clubs near Lester Square. It is supposed to be something you sit down to and reflect on after a receiving a disheartening text-message from your crush.

Lyrically these guys can’t cut it either. “My friend once told me something so right, he said to be careful of thieves in the night.” Very true! In fact, I just told my friend the same thing last week after finding out he doesn’t lock his front door. “Two people are alley cats. We have an unhappy cat…Monkey grooms, blossoms bloom. Do you dig germs? the germs.” No comment. “I can play 'Xbox' with my brother. It's not about who won or lost with my brother. We play to be free.” This is bad, but they try to save it and make it about the effect of new baby joining a family, but by the time we get to “when will we be three again, my brothers?” the damage is done. There are loads more gems like these, but I’ll leave them for you to find—like a scavenger hunt!

Well, here is one more: “Humuna, humuna, humuna, humuna (x1000000).”

In it's defense, One Life Stand can be catchy. The title track bumps and has a nice hook. The chorus slides up into a major key, leading it toward a climactic rejoice, but then it is mauled by a ferocious, dissonant synth line which is plopped right on top, the way a disgruntled lunch lady serves mac and cheese. Put this song, "Thieves in the Night," "Feel Better" or "We Have Love" in the background of a moderately energetic party and nobody will miss a beat, but try to avoid direct contact, especially with the "touchy-feely" tunes.