Search - Ratatat :: LP4

Better than LP3, Not as Good as Classics

Nigjiz | USA | 06/08/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"LP4 is a "weirder" continuation of what Ratatat experimented with in LP3, continuing the trend of almost all instrumental guitar and synthesizer rifts with the occasional sound byte. Having been made in the same recording session as 2008's LP3, its too bad the album couldn't have come sooner, but Ratatat continues to deliver, and if your a fan of imagination inducing music, then you won't be disappointed.



First the Bad: The album delivers a variety of good songs, but no amazing songs. You won't see immediate "blow your brains" songs in this album like Classics "Loud Pipes" or LP3 "Mirando". The sound bytes used aren't as effective in this album. Where they've succeeded in say Classic's "Wildcat", with the ferocious roar of the wildcat, the soundbytes of Mike's interview with Linda Manz don't serve the songs they're in and are more for comedic purposes. The worst song is "We can't be Stopped" as its the most boring song on the album and doesn't culminate to anything it sets up for.



But the Good!!! As mentioned above, its a very well-rounded album with all good songs with great melodies. The album has a nice unity to it, as most songs often lead into the next beautifully. Because they don't rely on vocals, they bank their successes on catchyness, and LP4 doesn't disappoint. There are no particularly bad songs like there was in LP3 (a bit of a mixed bag in my opinion), and their experimentation with new strings pays off in songs like "Mahalo", "Bare Feast" and "Sunblocks", which all have very distinctive sounds. The best song is arguably "Bilar", which is equal parts weird and captivating.



Conclusion: Ratatat delivers the goods once again. And despite the repetitive album name, Ratatat continues the trend started in LP3 with a higher rate of success in their fourth iteration. Add this one to your collection."

Sublime

Chris G. | Providence Forge, VA, US | 06/12/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have literally never written a review on Amazon before, but I think this calls for a first.



This album is fantastic. A lot of people say its not better then Classics and perhaps even LP3, and PERHAPS when you listen to it at first its true; however you very quickly fall in love with what they tried to accomplish with this album. Taking a very southern Southern SOUTHERN tone, with a mix of ambiance and animals tones, they have created a wickedly addicting and creative album. Where Classics is just... well... Classic, and where LP3 is the perfect additive for movie credit scores, LP4 is a touch to your native side.



MUSE used to be my favourite band. Ratatat has been rapidly replacing them."

A full string orchestra, piano chords, parakeets & their usu

shroomdoodler | NY | 06/18/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If you're a Ratatat fan, you will not be disappointed with LP4. Even though it's a clear departure from what they've done in the past, it's still distinctly Ratatat. And by that I mean: there's a lot of creative percussion (ROWDYY! and awesome) and a great assortment of weird sounds blended in a dazzling way. Evan and Mike have said that it's important to them, as musicians, to make up for the absence of lyrics in their music with interesting melodies--and it's nice to see artists have integrity with that these days. "Sunblocks" (absolutely beautiful) and "Party With Children" are probably my favorite melodies on the album. Other standout songs are "Drugs" (my favorite from the first listen), "Grape Juice City"(multi-layered percussion greatness), and "Alps" (this one could bring me to tears).



As with some of their past music, a few songs on LP4 might take a few listens for you to decide how you feel about them. I think this was the case for me because there is a LOT going into your ears but once you become more familiar with it all, you start to really REALLY enjoy it."