Ratatat
LP3
XL Recordings (2008)
Even if you haven't heard of Ratatat, you've heard them. They boast an impressive list of their songs featured in endless commercials and movies. Ratatat is everywhere. Beginning in 2004 as simply a guitar and synth, they recorded their entire debut album on a laptop. With their fortunate connections they released Ratatat in the U.S. and the U.K., and quickly garnering continuous play of their single "Seventeen Years." They're like the Soulja Boy of electronic pop. They have since been gaining more and more popularity with high-schoolers and pseudo-hipsters alike, creating an empire of simplicity and marketability. It should be no surprise that Ratatat's latest full-length LP3 is just another collection of two guys messing around with electronics and a guitar. The album begins with their first single, "Shiller," a slow and quiet track with a simple progression and minimal variety. The song isn't bad, but you can barely bob your head with the beat due to the lack of substance. The second track, "Falcon Jab," boasts more electronic sound effects and percussion, but still never seems to really get off the ground like you want it to. Ratatat experiments a little more with differing song structures and synth effects … Read more
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