Eternal Repeat Mode
Some things get sweeter with time. So it is with some cds, and typically electronic music. Electronic music, and mix cds in particular, are better the more that you listen to them. Why? Because with a minimal supply of lyrics (in mixed albums), it isn't as easy to appreciate a song on your first encounter per se, and neatly finalize your feelings toward the song. When the focus is on the music, rather than the lyrics, it may take a second listen to absorb it all.

Lyrics can be sour and sweet, depending on your assesment. When sweet, lyrics can be very powerful and touching, provoking emotions. However, once you hear the lyrics, the song has reached its own end--its purpose, and even though the music which accompanied the lyrics may be quite beautiful in its own right, the muisic can never speak other emotions contrary to the message. It does help that most songs use a degree of abstract poetry, so as to allow your mind to paint many different pictures. As for me tho, I would rather not hear that same message repeated over and over again, as I do with other cds in my cd players. If a song is sour, well my patience for that song will only last one good listen, maybe two. Lyrics can damn the song the same way a river is dammed, or its listenability.

Yea so anyway when you are listening to a song devoid of lyricial benchmarks (ie, chorus) it's a little harder to recognize the patterns and identify the composition. When you give an electronic cd a few listens, you may note that it becomes more exciting once you have heard it enough to recognize where the beat is going next, and most importantly, which bomb track is going to freak your speakers next. When you can predict which instant the music will blow up, and then get fresh, mellow out, and then get back into the zone, you can really ride the waves.

But as it is with most cds, one listen will do, then I'm on to something else. But some cds are special and they continue to get sweeter on the next listen. The newest cd to be left on repeat for 10 plus listens is Dj Icey's second installment in Pete Tong's acclaimed Essential offerings. The album is aptly titled Essential Elements, and you may note that it is listed on the updated "Heavy Rotation" list on the left. It does help that Icey is one of my favorite djs. He's so consistently fresh and smooth--he's always on point.

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