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Maybe I’m a little embarrassed at the intense levels of excitement that were coursing through my veins when Royksopp’s Junior made it’s way to my inbox. I finally gave it a proper second listen this morning. My initial listen was vapidly rushed due to the heavy Veckatimest and It’s Blitz listening that was going down this weekend. But a new week has started and I’m ready to re-tackle Royksopp’s utterly fantastic new album, Junior. Look out for an official review later — today I’m only scoping out “Miss It So Much” featuring Lykke Li, and “The Girl and The Robot” featuring Robyn on the vocals.
It may or may not be because I love the music these women put out individually, but these two songs are definitely highlights of mine. I love (heart) them! “Miss It So Much” is as lighthearted as Lykke Li comes, despite the hard-hitting back beats. The light computer sounds cooing with Lykke’s vocals is almost formulaic. They effortlessly mold together. The clockwork-like disruptions of the back beat are more important, still. My mechanical heart/How it tears me apart, Lykke Li whispers as the Radiohead-esque computed percussion thumps into your ears (this is one of those songs that must be heard with headphones/earphones).
[rating:71/100]
One of the more exciting songs on Junior is Royksopp’s collaboration with Robyn. “It’s dawning on me now, that when we were digging for songs we must have been digging east, because in retrospect it’s quite evident that there is a strong Swedish presence on this album — vocally at least,” reflects Svein Berge, one half of the Norwegian electronic duo, as Royksopp spoke to Prefix earlier this year. Junior harbors killer Swedish vocal talents: Lykke Li and Robyn, as well as the Knife’s Karin Dreijer on two separate tracks. Out of these Swedish usherettes, Robyn’s appearance on Junior made the biggest impact in my book. “The Girl and The Robot” gives a tasteful, albeit not very subtle, nod to Justice’s more ominous records (think “Let There Be Light,” “Genesis”), as well as Robyn’s own “With Every Heartbeat.” Even though the song has a definite dark tone, it doesn’t take away from its dancefloor appeal. I expect this song to rule most sweaty playlists this summer of Oh-Nine.
[rating: 77/100]
i love girl and the robot definitely a top tune i’ve been playing it on repeat for the past week. i’ve got nothing but love for this album so far, can’t wait for it to be released!
I think your description is on point with the Royksopp ft Robyn track- very dark but likens to that electro sound that Justice like to employ.
I’m very much looking forward to the new Royksopp album Junior. The last one was almost a disappointment so this ones sounds like it could be more along the line of their first album.
Can’t wait till the album is released. “The Girl and the Robot” is just a great track, love it!
i love vision one even more.
actually i love the whole album.
very excited about seeing them in 1 month!
Nice…
These tracks are amazing. Anywhere to download them?
OH MY GOD, I loooooooooooove “The Girl and the Robot”. It’s my favorite guest-vocalist track off the album..I think Robyn’s voice really adds something. And the electrodisco beat is crazy infectious. I burned the song to a cd and play it on repeat in my car, over and over and over. It makes me want to dance my ass. Seriously fucking <3 this song.
Luis, I love the new light bulbs, not that there was anything wrong with the old ones in black and white.
Snap, Royksopp – Junior will probably be on everyone “Best of 2009″ list and “The girl and the robot” will be played a lot in the next few months, anthem of the spring/summer in clubs.