The Giant Panther

I somehow came across the new Michael Jackson Thriller 25th anniversary "super deluxe" album, and I just puked in my mouth a little bit. With remixes featuring artists who I'm sure will one day be know as some of music's all time greats like Fergie, WilliAm, Acorn?, and even Kanye taking a turn (sarcasm should be stressed), they have officially murdered one of the greatest albums of all time.

Man I really sound like on old, sour bastard right now, heck I have been known to bust out a Bill Cosby dance move or three to all the artists mentioned above, but cmon, has anybody ever heard Billie Jean and thought "Man, this song really needs to be remixed"??

I'm assuming Quincy Jones is responsible for this travesty? What does everybody have to say about this, am I the only one who thinks it's insanity?

Hot Chip is set to release their new full length, Made In The Dark next Tuesday, Feb 5. I just finished my third listen through this entire album, and in Giant Panther's humble opinion, it gets two VWF (Video Wrestling Federation) championship belts up! With each Hot Chip release, the UK band gets sharper and sharper. Constantly refining their sound, Made In The Dark is probably the most dance-worthy release to date.

Highlights to get busy to are "Ready For The Floor", "Shake A Fist". On "Hold On", they chant "Son, I have a good mind to take you outside". Is that a threat? On the next track "Wrestlers", it's "Me versus you alone, the gloves are off". There is a theme developing here. I'm confident I can't even come close to holding my own inside on the dancefloor with Hot Chip, but I may fare better outside, as I "fight dirty". I'll get my chance to find out on Monday April 14th at the Paradise in Boston. I think tickets are sold out, but you can always watch Craig's List like a hawk, or hit up stub hub and pay more than twice face value plus 10% commission.

My favorite tracks so far are the organ droning "We're Looking For A Lot Of Love", and, with a rare glimpse at electric guitar, "One Pure Thought". I'd share a track with you, but there are plenty of them out there already.

Long story long, pick this album up on Tuesday, so far the best I've heard of the young 2008.

Buy it at Amazon