Discovery, the new project by Rostam Batmanglij of Vampire Weekend and Wes Miles of Ra Ra Riot, capitalizes on music editing software and the electro sound that is the shifting focus of current music. The LP features catchy electro-pop songs with clean, often 80's reminiscent beats and quietly love-torn lyrics sung by the boys' sweet voices. The duo proves to be fond of cutting vocals and making use of vocal tuners, but only in the best possible way, in the spirit of this electro revolution.Examples of Electronic Fails:
1) Many rappers opt for the digitalized effects of auto-tune in order to stay relevant. I suspect that some also use it so that they can sing their own choruses and take credit for all vocals of the song... but maybe they shouldn't. Ex: Best I Ever Had - Drake
2) Singers who regularly use auto-tune are accused of having no talent. Ex: Blah Blah Blah - Kesha
3) The U.S. is finally catching on to the electro-dance genre that's already taken over Europe and Australia. Ex: Love is Gone - David Guetta. But Pop in general is totally going electro, trying to keep up. Unfortunately, combining digital music, auto-tune, and simple lyrics makes for the dumbest pop music yet. Ex: In My Head - Jason DeRulo
Electronic Wins:
1) Pop sensation Lady Gaga's music is electro themed, but her vocals are generally untouched by tuners.
2) Electro Dub, a new love of mine, is a new spin on dub that replaces traditional up-stroke guitar chords with MIDI notes and manipulates vocal samples that contribute to the overall feel of the music. Ex: Elders - Clouds
3) MIA sometimes uses auto-tune in more digitalized songs, such as my favorite, 20 Dollar.
4) Animal Collective, a band that marks the age of the New Psychedelic, and is arguably one of the most creative and incredible bands of our time, relies on samples and synthesizers without compromising the sophistication of the structure and lyrics of songs.
