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 Decent dance pop Jul 09, 2009
Prior to the release of `The Crying Light,' Antony Hegarty was involved in Hercules and Love Affair and I regretfully missed it on its initial release. Bathed in disco and dance music, this full-fledged production is led by Andrew Butler (keyboards, vocals) and features programming by the DFA's Tim Goldsworthy. The majority of the vocals are by Antony, Nomi and Kim Ann Foxman. Hercules and Love Affair are not disco apologists and embrace disco, as it had never gone to an early demise.
Those expecting the sounds of Chic, Seventies-Era Bee Gees and Donna Summer will be slightly disappointed because Hercules and Love Affair have updated the sounds of disco into something new by incorporating modern synths and effects as well as offbeat rhythms including some dub sounds. The majority of songs on this album belong on the dancefloor although two slow electronic songs creep in (Iris, Easy). Standout tracks include: "Blind," "You Belong" and the funky "Athene."
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 Standout tracks are amazing, the rest is decent Apr 27, 2009
Obviously the rage of NYC's dance sector upon its release, this album puts to shame its flavor of the month indie/dance/electro peers. Andy Butler, who as I understand it is the mastermind behind the project, has put together a collection of tracks that out-class the increasingly unimaginative and erroneously titled "electro" dance fad- not just building on retro synths and beats but giving them an extra dose of reality via live horns and other instrumentation. The vocals, provided variously by three singers, give the album a refreshing free-for-all sort of feel. This isn't a record label construction, or a long-struggling band that has just come into their own, rather you get the feeling that these musicians came together in a very informal way over the simple common interest of making dance music. This also gives it an "of the people" aura which I think contributes to the vicariousness of the whole thing.
I'll admit that my favorite songs are the singles- "Hercules Theme", "Blind" and "You Belong" are all where I think the group hits their stride, rocking with stupendous momentum over flawless disco basslines and airtight brass garnishes. About half the album operates at a slower pace, and I find my attention sometimes wanders during songs like "Iris" which lack the vitality of the more anthem-y tunes. I also cannot get into Kim Ann Foxman's singing. She's certainly not a bad singer, but after Antony blazing through something like "Blind" and Nomi Ruiz' performance on "You Belong", as heartbreaking as it is sensual, Kim Ann's low key murmur doesn't quite have the same vitality.
There is a definite energy behind "Blind" especially, one of those rare songs that seems to have taken on a life of its own in the hands of its creators. These are ideal dance tunes, propulsive and catchy and free of self-consciousness or stylistic contrivances. The slow tunes also allow Butler to stretch out into some interesting sound design, even if the songs themselves don't hit as hard. "Easy" forgoes the disco thump for a more leftfield and ambient approach that makes for a satisfying trip hop outing, aided by Antony's reliably engaging croon. This is certainly a divisive album as some people find it either self-indulgent or simply unpleasant to listen to, but I imagine any motivated nightlifer or dance fiend will be thrilled.
In Love with Hercules and Love Affair Feb 21, 2009
I purchased this CD after seeing it listed in several KEXP DJs Top Albums of 2008 lists, and I have to say, I have not been let down. I even had to give the CD some down-time because I was playing it way too much the first week I had it. "Blind" is definitely one of my new favorite songs. The lead singer's vocals are like something come down from Mt Olympus. I also want to note that the CD artwork is REALLY cool.
My love affair withe Hercules Feb 16, 2009
I'm a lover of house and dance music and I'm always on the look out for something new. Though I was a little late jumping on board with this group they've struct a chord with me. They are both forward looking and reminiscent of house musics great past (i.e. Frankie Knuckles and Inner City). I definitely hope to hear another offering from them in the near future.
It's Good Jan 22, 2009
H&LA really has suprised me. It's got a good beat and I can dance to it. Also, I like both the male and female voices that make up the band. It was definitely worth buying.
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