Wax Tailor a Refreshing Franco Taste
Parisian DJs who have a better grip on "cool" than their American counterparts? Sounds pretty on par.
Wax Tailor
In The Mood For Life
Released on Dec 10, 2009
In the Mood for Life is one of those albums that will take you on a journey with sudden jolts. The album is very eclectic as it can go from feeling very hip-hop to feeling more pop electric. If I had to choose an American DJ equivalent, I would have to pick Ratatat. Throughout all the tracks there is an influence of jazz and funk. Strategically placed are various “skits” to break up and introduce the next track, they help piece everything together.
The second track “Dragon Chasers” is one of several favorites. Jean-Christophe Le Saoût (Wax Tailor) lets his DJ talents shine with the many highs and lows experienced. Charlotte Savary provides the vocals, complimenting the beats created by Tailor. There is much beauty in this track, while feeling gritty and urban. This is another common theme that is carried throughout.
Another track fave, “Dry Your Eyes,” feels deep and heavy. Sara Genn provides the vocals, which are very low and melancholy. This is very on par with the title and the lyrics. She breaks into chorus and sings “Dry your eyes, those tears are all you're given…” It gives you the feeling that you are lost and alone in a large urban streetscape.
On a more upbeat note, “Leave It,” has a very jazz, funk, swing feeling to it. I felt like I should have been listening to this on vinyl, before getting in my Ford Pinto. The soulful vocals of Dionne Charles help to bring the track back to an era when protesting was in fashion. “Leave It” certainly provided a good breaking point within the middle of the album.
“I Own You” sounds like a more refined, worked out version of an Amy Winehouse song. The vocals of Charlie Winston feel very similar, without the crazy addictions. It’s a very easy track to feel the need to dance to, given the almost swing like feeling of the background music. It’s amazing how this track feels different from the rest of the album, while still being a part of it.
Until this album, I had never heard of Wax Tailor. After listening to it, I have to ask: why hasn’t anyone talked about him? The album is pretty solid, and there is enough versatility to attract a broad audience. Hopefully this French DJ will leave more of an impression in the American music scene. It seems there is a lot of unleashed potential with his music talent.
High Point
The eclectic nature of the album. There is enough for almost anyone to get into.
Low Point
Some of the album feels too jolty, but maybe that’s the effect he was going for.
Posted by Jacob McPherson on Dec 10, 2009 @ 6:00 am
