#23 - Ratatat, Classics

Release Year: 2006

Genre: Electronica

How much do I like my favorite track on the album? 14.4 points

Lex

No vocals. Just production. Turn this one way up and literally feel it envelope you with sound. It’s one of my favorites for that reason

How did/does this album influence my own taste in music overall? 11.2 points

Overall, no. However, I will say that this album (and Ratatat in general) has given me a greater appreciation for the category of Electronica. I still am not a huge fan overall, but I can make space to appreciate it.

Does this album hold up since its release? 12.8 points

Music without vocals goes a long ways to make this an easier achievement. It’s a great album overall, with lots of very catch and blastworthy classics.

What percentage of the album do I listen to? 10 points

Another entrant with no skips. There’s a lot of really interesting stuff musically, so buckle up.

What did/do the critics think of this album? 6.9 points

I disagree with the critics on this, pretty heavily. But alas, that’s why I have the final say.

What is the sentimental value to me of the album? 12 points

No real sentimental attachment for me to this album - I just plain like it. It’s good to have blasting in the car.

What was the artists involvement of the production of the album - songwriting, instrumentals, vocals, uniqueness? 12.8 points

This is a good example of production. But there wasn’t vocals to contend with, and instrumentation is all electronic.

Overall Rating out of 100 points = 80.1 points

I challenge you to not feel the beat on “Lex”, “Wildcat”, or “Loud Pipes”. Which - “Loud Pipes” is great. I always envision sliding up and down the notes like an actual pipe. Wild. Music can do that for you though. They do an incredible job of communicating melodies and filling the whole sound space up. It feels like a hug. The review for this is simple: if you’re a hater of Electronica as a genre, check out Ratatat. They may not make you fall in love, but they certainly will give you a greater appreciation for the craft.