I’ve been a huge fan of Brian Transeau since his first album back in 1996. I don’t remember how, or where I heard it, but the first time I heard Blue Skies I was hooked. Since then, I’ve eagerly awaited each new release from BT.
It’s been over 3 years since BT released an original work (read all about it here), but it was definitely worth the wait. There isn’t a weak track to be found anywhere and in my book, this is his best work yet. From the first track to the last, BT takes you on a journey through an incredible landscape of sound. Along the way he drops some kickin’ hooks that you just can’t get out of your head.
If I had to pick some of the standout tracks, I’d have to say “Superfabulous”, “Somnambulist” and “The Force of Gravity” are some of my favorites. However, with most artists that would mean that those are the tracks that I pick out for a playlist. With Emotional Technology though, I just start it from the beginning and let her rip all the way through and then repeat. As a side note, “Somnambulist” has been entered into the Guinness Book of World Records for the most edits most edits in a recorded piece of music. How many you ask? 6,178 on the vocal track alone. :O
BT always surprises with the directions he takes with his craft. Every time I think I know what he might do next, I find I’m way off. One of the surprises on this CD is the amount of vocal work that he did. He’s no stranger to having guest artists, and there’s plenty here including Rose McGowan on “Superfabulous”, but BT has a great voice and this is his first time it’s been featured so much. In a quote from BT Network he once said “Dude, if I could have afforded a decent microphone IMA would have had more vocals.” So, he must have finally purchased a good mic. 😉
If you’re a BT fan, then this CD is a must have. If you’re new to BT, then this would be a great album to cut your teeth on. The best part is that you can listen to it, in it’s entirety at http://www.briantranseau.com. Granted it’s low quality, but it’s enough to let you know what you’re buying before you buy it.