CD Review
This review was originally written by Jose Bernardo for www.theweeklyriff.com between 2008 and 2010.
These were Jose’s first impressions of the songs and were not written after multiple spins.
Artist: Moby
Album: Wait for Me (2009 Little Idiot/Mute)
Tracks: 16
Artist website: http://www.moby.com
OVERVIEW
This is the ninth studio album of electronic/pop/rock artist Moby. I’ve listened to his work over the past decade off and on, casually. This is his first work that I’ve actually sat down to listen to from start to finish.
Much of the music is minimalistic and simple. However, this stuff is well thought out from a compositional stand point; though, really repetitive at times. The mood is very tranquil and melancholy. It isn’t so layer heavy that all the senses are working extra hard to pick out what is going on. Yet, there is enough going on to really make something so minimalist sound so interesting.
Very different from much of the other stuff out there now. Great effort. Definitely worth listening to.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Wait for Me, Division, Study War, Walk with Me, jltf
PLAY BY PLAY
Track 1 – Division
A very pretty instrumental track to get things started. Tranquil.
Track 2 – Pale Horses
Very powerful, haunting, melody. Continuing with the tranquil mood setup in the opening track.
Track 3 – Shot in the Back of the Head
It is interesting that this track was chosen as a first single, considering that it is an instrumental track. Sad emotions stirred.
Track 4 – Study War
A bit more uplifting than the other tracks thus far.
Track 5 – Walk with Me
Really interesting track!
Track 6 – Stock Radio
Noise…what’s the point?
Track 7 – Mistake
This a lot more up tempo than everything else thus far. It is still melancholy, but more pop/rock in sound. It also has a more “traditional” song form with clear verses and choruses.
Track 8 – Scream Pilots
Another instrumental.
Track 9 – jltf 1
Really ambient and floaty.
Track 10 – jltf
Really pretty.
Track 11 – A Seated Night
Very grand and nice chords, but it doesn’t really go anywhere. This is sort of pointless…
Track 12 – Wait for Me
Awesome! Love the odd time thing and the general feel of this track.
Track 13 – Hope Is Gone
Interesting.
Track 14 – Ghost Return
… did not dig this. I don’t know why.
Track 15 – Slow Light
Not sure if I like this one …
Track 16 – Isolate
Interesting track.