Album Details

• Artist: Ghostland Observatory
• Album: Paparazzi Lightning
• Label: Trashy Moped
• Year of Release: 2006
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: mschmitt on 2007-04-13

From the start of “Piano Man” you may put Ghostland Observatory to rest. The barely distinguishable, headache inducing vocals are the final nail in a coffin of disco-styled rhythms and annoying blips. But don’t be so hasty! There are better novelties to be enjoyed here. Sort through the screaming train-wrecks that are “Ghetto Magnet” and “I’ll Be Suzy,” just be patient. There are interesting, bearable tracks among the mess of Paparazzi Lightning, the debut release from Austin’s Ghostland Observatory. “Sad Sad City” is the clear hit, mixing an Ok Go vocal/beat style with electronica instrumentals and disco effects. It may sound disgusting but its damn catchy, and at the very least fascinating like a car-crash and/or Frankenstein. “Vibrate” is straight out of the ‘80s (you can just sense the sequins on the parachute pants) but again forced around a beat that Dracula would use if he were throwing a disco party in his haunted mansion. Interested yet? Like a fully electronic version of The Sunshine Underground or a modern Prince, Ghostland Observatory rocket on through Paparazzi Lightning with one peculiar mix-match of genres after another. “Stranger Lover” is a slower, more morose track, and within “Move With Your Lover” you could swear that Prince actually had a hand in this creation. Odd as they may be, Ghostland Observatory are gaining a lot of buzz out there, and good for them. Their unique songs are a peculiarly fun listen, and the more vibrancy in the music scene the better. I just hope ‘80s-styled disco just doesn’t make a come back.

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