In 1985, composer John Oswald coined the term "plunderphonics" in an article titled Plunderphonics, or Audio Piracy as a Compositional Prerogative. Audio piracy is used not as an insult, though, but as truth. Yes, plunderphonic music is sample-heavy and brings nothing new to the table. But it's not unoriginal. The genre at its best marries unique sounds into something fresh.
Recently I listened to what many consider as two of the best albums in the plunderphonics subgenre: The Avalanches' 2000 debut Since I Left You and DJ Shadow's iconic Endtroducing.... Both are outstanding albums. Both artists are skilled at using previously used songs and audio recordings to convey a theme. Often both albums are frantic, moody, and beautiful.
Honestly though I don't know what to say. I liked both of them quite a bit (preferences toward Since I Left You, but that opinion could change), but I don't know why I liked them as much as I did. Does it sound good? Yea. The production on both are stellar, and are testaments to originality. Good artists copy, great artists steal, and both DJ Shadow and The Avalanches are great artists.
Since I Left You - 9.5/10
Endtroducing... - 9/10
No comments:
Post a Comment