Tame Impala, Lonerism & Todd Rundgren
23 October 2012
Tame Impala seem to be pretty ubiqutous right now but that’s no reason not to mention their great new album here. The brainchild (in every respect) of Kevin Parker, he allegedly spent two years making the album, most of which was actually picking apart what he’d already recorded, re-working individual sounds and details over and over again until he was absolutely sure of the sound. Such is the freedom of modern production technology, where it’s no longer necessary to spend tens of thousands of pounds on studio time, to get the perfect mix. Now you can just drive yourself insane doing it in the comfort of your own home!
Nevertheless, it has to be said that the results of this neurotic self-doubt are quite magnificent, albeit unashamedly retro, and should at least make Parker feel that his excessive labours were worthwhile, as everyone falls over themselves to heap adulation on this notorious loner’s shoulders, while also shining a light on a somewhat introspective, cliquey scene in his Australian home-town, Perth.
Put it this way, it doesn’t sound new exactly, but Parker still knows a good tune when he hears one and has managed to combine classic rock with electronics in a way that somehow sounds fresh. So, if you like the psychedelic rock of the Sixties, the Beatles output c. 1966-68 (Revolver to Sgt. Pepper) etc, not to mention the likes of The Flaming Lips, Spiritualized et al, you will definitely dig it.
And that’s not all. One of the strongest tracks on the album, glam-rock stomper Elephant, has been given a fierce make-over for the floor by legendary American genius Todd Rundgren (picture below, who also recently contributed a great remix for that Nordic talent, Lindstrøm). You can grab a copy of the remix here but it’s well worth getting your hands on the whole long-player, with all the other bonus tracks it includes, for the full work-out.
Pass the halucinogenics, this one’s a trip!
