AWmusic

Yeah, if there was a sort of dog year equation for Internet/blogosphere time, then that’s like 2 years ago…but we’re talking about music here, people. With a few exceptions, when it’s good, it stays good. I was introduced to Starfucker through their self-titled debut, which is, in my less-than-humble-and-really-a-bit-misguided-at-times opinion, quite simply a good time. As such, I was psyched when Jupiter came out, and am pleased to say that the only disappointment is that it’s a mere 8 songs. Which begs the question…at which point does an EP become and LP, and vice versa? And how many b-sides does a single have to have before becoming an EP? Or does it even matter any more in this digital world we live in? Food for thought, indeed, but there I go digressing again…

Jupiter! The fifth planet from the sun, and the largest in the solar system (I did research). Also, it’s the second planet past Earth as you move away from the sun (more research…my brain hurts), so maybe we can refer to Starfucker’s debut album as Mars. Or not…just a thought. Yes, I am enjoying myself, thanks for asking.

Jupiter doesn’t waste any time before getting into your head with a rhythmic synth riff and dance beat before diving into a chorus that’s sure to hook you with its “take. your. medicine.” refrain from the opener, “Medicine”. Good start. My toes are tapping, my head is nodding, and I’m ready to serve some medicine to all those who deserve it. The tapping and nodding are joined by ass shaking and arm wiggling when “Boy Toy” kicks in and then melds into “Dance Face 2000″ with some proper space age beeps and whatnot at both ends. Now, I am NOT a fan of the vocoder. Let’s establish that fact. But in “Dance Face 2000″, the vocals are straight up robotic. None of that horrid Kanye-esque vocoder warbling. So naturally, at this point, I’m doing the robot. “Bed Stuy (Super Cop)” rounds out the first half of the album as another dance-ably pleasing track, with just some unintelligible (for me, but then I’ve never claimed to be overly intelligent) but perfectly complementary backing vocals.

For my money, both the best song AND song name leads off the second half. “Biggie Smalls”. I loved it before I even heard it. Then I heard it and loved it more…just a great tune, a real banger. I have no idea what the hell they’re singing, and I don’t really care. What this song really showcases is Starfucker’s ability to meld a bunch of sounds into one big, melodic cacophony of happy dance-y fun. Whatever that means. But whatever it does, indeed, mean…I stand by it. So at this point, I’m smacking the ass of my imaginary dance partner and we’re having ourselves a grand time. Next up comes their cover of Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun”…which isn’t always true, you know. Don’t get me started on girls. I do, however, always want to have fun with them. It’s a great cover, but it’s…well, a Cyndi Lauper cover. Probably a good way to get airplay, etc…but I’m way more partial to their original stuff.

Two minutes of the instrumental title track come next, and it is what it is: a solid little two-minute instrumental. And just like that we’re into the final track, the Strategy Remix of “Rawnald Gregory Erickson The Second”, the original of which is found on the debut album. I quite like the original, and this remix compliments it well…I figure it’s a nice end to the album, which really builds into the a crescendo with “Biggie Smalls” before kind of meandering off, but in a good way. With Jupiter, just their sophomore album, Starfucker has moved into I’ll-buy-anything-they-release territory for me. Because if there’s one thing I like, it’s a good time.

Biggie Smalls by Starfucker
Boy Toy by Starfucker

Starfucker’s myspace
Buy it at emusic
Or itunes

Tags: album