first of Skylined I love your sign. Best inside album art ever. I want it as a huge painting for my room.



So here's my review on "Push the Button" I got it friday, I also work in a store where they sell records and I got it for 10 euro's :D



I listened to it three times back to back also after reading a review in a dutch magazine who called it a repeating of what they have always done.



1. Galanize: Excellent starter, as always the first track is used to blow the dust out of your speakers and it does.

2. the Boxer: a good track, keeps the flow going not the best vocal track

3. Believe: great track, when the low bass and the high bleeps hit your ears you get blown away

4. Hold tight London: this is a beautifull track. Beautifully and fragile lyrics. It has a great climax in it as well where you get all euphoric.

5. Come Inside: Great tune. This is a live pleaser. As we heard in the Chili set. Can't wait to hear it live. It has some of the old big beat sound as well as a eastern house beat in it

6. the Big Jump: a very hip track. It has a punkfunk feel to it, reminds my a lot of the latetst prodigy or Alter ego. It has that seem electro feel it

7. left right: the Chems go political!! It reminds me a lot of Eminem-"Mosh"

8. Close your eyes: a lovely romantic track I got me thinking of Primal screams "Keep your dreams" Just a lovely relaxing moment of the album

9. Shake break bounce: A good break-beat track. The chems doing their weird break thing. sounda alot like a track we mostly get as a b-side

10. Marvo King: a repeating slow beat to let you know the end of the album is near. It's a build up to the real outro:

11. Surface to the air: And what an outro it is!! It's the first time I got the feeling they made a track with that same feel as TPPR. You can't help yourself pumping up the volume a smiling like you are on a musical high. Only downside, it has the exact same beat as Golden Path and the ending which I won't spoil for the you who haven't heard the album yet, but when you look at the remaining time while playing this track you get the feeling something's wrong.



All in all a very good album again. It is build up the same way all the other albums are build up. My favourites are Hold tight London, with Believe on one side and Come Inside on the other, and Surface to the air.

The funny thing about Push the Button is all kinds of sounds you know you've heard before. And maybe that's also a point of critism. Before you have heard a new Chems album you know how the track build up will be and you will hear familiar sounds. And that's ok cause they keep delivering good solid albums. But maybe next time they can do something completely different and surprise us again.

sneakerbeater Escribi�:

?We help to make the world a better?.?

Yeah, that's sort of what my husband said about that sample - but he guessed "reach out and make the world better and better"



Of course, I said, "there's a fucking animal in Eric's house"



Oh wait. Wrong song!

Joslyn Escribi�:

9. Shake break bounce: A good break-beat track. The chems doing their weird break thing. sounda alot like a track we mostly get as a b-side

I really like what they did with this song. I think out of all the tracks on this record, this one was, as sneaker put it in another thread - a challenge. Because, to me it feels very different in style, almost experiental in appraoch to what they've done before - sort of has a Latin feel with the guitar. Yet at the same time it's all Chems (how the hell do they do that??) crazy gear turning sounds. It sounds like Tom and Ed were let loose in a wind-up toy factory!

Joslyn Escribi�:

10. Marvo King: a repeating slow beat to let you know the end of the album is near. It's a build up to the real outro:

God, I love this song. It just feels good to listen to it! A real head nodder, yet it makes me want to kick up my heels at some tripped out, backroads Chemical hoedown. As hokey a description as that is. It's very folky, and it reminds me of Otter Rock, like it picks up where Otter Rock left off. It has a very organic feel. It sounds like there's a slide guitar in there, maybe a harmonica - I read that it was a guitar lick laid by Tom that was put in reverse. You are right, this is a great buildup to the outro song!

Quote

Ed's described this track as being the closest to The Private Psychdelic Reel. I dig the buildup, and the epic layering of textures as the song progresses. I really love the positive vibe this song has. Another feel-good song of the year. I agree Surfaqce to Air has the same feel goodness of The Golden Path. It really is smile-inducing, like it's releasing all the serotonin in your brain. It's well put together but there's something whimsical about it that I've yet to put my finger on.

Joslyn Escribi�:

The funny thing about Push the Button is all kinds of sounds you know you've heard before. And maybe that's also a point of critism. Before you have heard a new Chems album you know how the track build up will be and you will hear familiar sounds. And that's ok cause they keep delivering good solid albums. But maybe next time they can do something completely different and surprise us again.

I suppose that would be a point of criticism, but in my opinion I don't think that's a *fair* point of criticism. All these familiar shounds you're hearing in this record are consistant with the Chemical Brothers style, and consistant with their catalogue. That style is their trademark, their fingerprint which is unique to them that nobody else can, imo, touch. There's that familiarity, that constancy that ties in all their records. The fingerprint is recognizable. Like for instance, the first time my 6 year old son heard this record he knew it was the Chemical Brothers (I have brainwashed my child well muahaha!!) without me telling him.



But there's also new sounds to please the ear too, so that makes this record fresh. Sure, sounds are borrowed from the past. I can draw parrallels of this record and others in their back catalogue.



But I think life would be a bore if records in an artist's catalogue sound exactly alike to the point where you can't tell them apart. At the same time I strongly feel it's not imperative that an artist reinvent the wheel every single time. I just think in terms of what I'm trying to say here in relation to Push the Button, the wheel has been upgraded and taken for a massive spin. Same shape, old and new technology, you drive it the same but it hugs the road differently. Like the bio on this site it says "push the button is the same yet different because..." and though that's a simple and broad statement that sounds vague, it really makes sense.

whirlygirl Escribi�:

[I suppose that would be a point of criticism, but in my opinion I don't think that's a *fair* point of criticism. All these familiar shounds you're hearing in this record are consistant with the Chemical Brothers style, and consistant with their catalogue. That style is their trademark, their fingerprint which is unique to them that nobody else can, imo, touch. There's that familiarity, that constancy that ties in all their records. The fingerprint is recognizable. Like for instance, the first time my 6 year old son heard this record he knew it was the Chemical Brothers (I have brainwashed my child well muahaha!!) without me telling him.

You have a good point there. I have listened a couple of times more and new the new sounds are taking over the old sounds. Hold Tight London is still my favourite and it's a fresh new sound from the Chems. I keep playing it over and over again.



Like the other albums the first half is easy to take in, the second half needs to grow on you. The one thing I need now is to hear this album live. I can't wait till 24th and 26th february!!

I really love that robotic voice in STA. I downloaded it for a day and now it's driving me crazy because I beleted it! :'(

Ok, new noise I want to know you're feelings on. It's the loud-ish noise in 'Come Inside' that sounds like a blaring trumpet mixed with a whale noise.

Also, feelings on that wierd noise sample during 'the boxer' that like "some noise... aoh-aoh. It's I think during part of the oct-cat noise in it.

TEH watcher Escribi�:

I really love that robotic voice in STA. I downloaded it for a day and now it's driving me crazy because I beleted it! :'(

Ok, new noise I want to know you're feelings on. It's the loud-ish noise in 'Come Inside' that sounds like a blaring trumpet mixed with a whale noise.

Also, feelings on that wierd noise sample during 'the boxer' that like "some noise... aoh-aoh. It's I think during part of the oct-cat noise in it.

heh, I'm listening to Come Inside right now and for both that one and The Boxer, I think you'll have to explain a little more what you mean.. perhaps give the time in the track at which it occurs.

Ok, the noise in come inside I talked about earlier starts around 2 minutes in the song and goes until 2:20- or when it gets to the part where it says, "would you like to come inside?" again.



The one in the boxer is at 2:16 to about 2:23. It's like a mix of wierd distorted noises and voices; something like "push him, fight-fight"



Those are the noises I R liek talking about, to clarify better. 8)

robot.mx Escribi�:

THE BIG JUMP



loving the: "ah ah ah" funny and funky!!!!!

Of course I was listening to this record today. Again.



But this time I noticed something I didn't catch before and I thought I'd throw this out.



There seems to be a dialogue between the bassline and the "ah ah ah" vocal. At first the bassline bends a little bit, it sounds like it's pleading and the "ah ah ah" is saying, oh know you don't!! Then the bassline gets all wiggly, the guitar comes in and the song takes off.



Am I just crazy and reading into this too much, or does anyone else hear what I'm hearing??

This thread is drivin me FRIKKIN NUTS!!

Just heard The Boxer!! What a fookin' club banger this is going to be!!!!

I started to bounce in the car, couldn't help it...



da-da-da-dada da da da da - dadadadadadadadadadada!

I CAN'T SEEM TO SHAKE THIS FEELING!!! I CAN'T SEEM TO PUT IT DOWN!!!



I think this will definetly be the next single...

Wall Escribi�:

Just heard The Boxer!! What a fookin' club banger this is going to be!!!!

I started to bounce in the car, couldn't help it...



da-da-da-dada da da da da - dadadadadadadadadadada!

I CAN'T SEEM TO SHAKE THIS FEELING!!! I CAN'T SEEM TO PUT IT DOWN!!!



I think this will definetly be the next single...

ditto. me loves it to death

Finally i have herd the album after all the evil temptations to download it, i waiting and im glad i did this because it was well worth the wait and was the correct moral thing to do.



OK heres what i think of each track.........



1. Galvanize, Ive herd this plenty of times now and can say this tune has really grown on me. I think its a brilliant opening track to the ablum. I love the way how this tune really grabs you by the throat and doesnt fuck about, its bam straight in. The Lyrics are cool and funky. I really like the robotic voice used to say 'Push the button' and the build ups on the track seem to focus on this. The beats are pumping! 8/10



2. The Boxer, This was the first time i herd the track and it was so so different to what i expected. I really like the intro to the track, i seems kinda old skool to me and i love the way Tims voice is overlayed. The beats of this track are really weird, they kinda remind me of the Palookville sound, but clearly alot better. The weird synth sounds are fucking cool, they sound very surrender which is great. The track seems a very jolly track with that dirty acid vibe to it. Its also very jerky allways changeing, which keeps me interested not boring me. 8/10



3. Believe, I love the way this tune starts with a clear well defined beat, showing the brothers havnt lost there club/rave sound. I also love on this track are the weird dirty acid noises. It sounds like the track has been brewing and now all the dirty acid liquid is explodeing out. The track kinda reminds me of EBW7. The voice over the top really complements the sounds! I love the bit in the middle where it kinda pauses and the beat stops and you just here the acid loop that then suddenly u here that dirty squelch sound kick in with the hard beat. 9.5/10



4. Hold Tight London, This flows and is mixed so well out of the previous track. This was also very different from what i expected and i feel sounds kinda tribal house. I feel so relaxed when listening to this. It really reminds me of all the tunes they have done with Beth Orton, with a clam lovely voice, which i think should be exploited more. I love in when the track starts to really churn and the power is amazing! I think the guitar rifts or the background sound work really well building the track giving it progression. Its really runs in waves this track with a quiet bit then suddenly dramatic which is very cool. 8.5/10



5. Come Inside, Having herd this in the summer live i had a good idea what this track is about. I like the way it starts as if a set or doors have been opened. The Lyrics I feel are quite psychadelic over the rushing build up sound. The tracks begins off very club like then after the first build up it all changes due to the powerfullness of the beats that i feel are very breakbeat. I love the outro to. This is a quality tune that really makes me wanna dance. 9/10



6. The Big Jump, Not bad but not my fave. It reminds me of Base 6. Im not keen on the lyrics they seem very simple compared to the rest of the album. However what i do like are the acid like base lines and all the weird sounds in the middle of the track. The beats are ok but not powerfull enough. Towards the end of the track i like those weird space like tunes, that i hope are used in the live set. The track is kinda calming and gives a nice break in the album preparing for whats to come. 6/10



7. Left Right, Is this The Chemical Brothers? This shows how vaired there style is and that they can do anything from acid house to a classic hip hop tune. Its very powerfull! I think the lyrics are very cool and this tune will go down well with hop hop fans. The beats are cool, however i think they need to be a bit harder. The base lines im not to keen on and i think there is to much focus on the lyrics so the sounds uin the background. 6/10



8. Close Your Eyes, I like this tune as its really chilled. I think the beats are very calming and its the kinda tune you could sit in your armchair with the fire roaring holding a glass of wine, closeing your eyes. The song kinda has cool sounds in that would be really cool for putting a baby to sleep with. I also love the relaxing guitar in the outro. 6/10



9. Shake Break Bounce, This really wakes you up after the Close Your Eyes, with its pumping jazzy beats. I like the use of the guitar in this track. The backing vocals whaleing in the background are also very cool working well with the words 'Shake Break Bounce'. I also like in the tune when they make the sounds as if its on a turntable spinning the record back. 6.5/10



10. Marvo Ging, After hereing negativeness about this tune i wasnt expecting it to be very good. However i really really rate it. I like the way it was a kinda wild west feel to it. It reminds me of star guitar and an underworld tune due to it being smooth and having lots of harmony. It kinda reminds me of rain drops landing on a dessert floor. The beats are very quiet but if you listening you can tell there well produced and orginal. 7.5/10



11. Surface To Air, What a great tune, its just as good on the ablum as it was live. I really like the gargolling darlek like sounds at the start. When the beat drops in at the start it builds up so well before being at full swing when im then jumping about the room. Its got some cool acid sounds in it to that i really like. In the middle its cool aswell when it builds up before a massive release. As other people have said the outro is very sudden, however i just feel this makes it more interesting. This is such a beautifull piece of music. I think this tune is as good as Star guitar if not better. 9.5/10



Overall 8/10



I dont think its as good with surrender because a few tracks let it down, however i think it does include so of there very best work. Im really looking forward to hereing some of there new trakcs live.

I'm currently wearing a big a smile :D

you wrote a review very fast after hearing it ACIDCHILDREN

I hope u liked it. That was my thoughts after my first listen. Im sure some of the tracks will grow on me more.

I love the intro to Come Inside, mmmmm bass!

ACIDCHILDREN Escribi�:

I hope u liked it. That was my thoughts after my first listen. Im sure some of the tracks will grow on me more.

Hey, your thoughts aren't a bad impression for the first listen. Even the songs you gave less stars than the others... they will grow on you!!



Listen to this baby on your headphones if you haven't already. It will take you to another world!



Another thing I find with this record is you can listen on low volume and it still sounds good. Listen loud on a home stereo or your computer, still sounds good. Listen in your car with the windows rolled down and all the street noise flooding in... still sounds good. Listen on headphones, it's all good.



The mark of a good record with fantastic production and engineering!!

Pringled Escribi�:

you wrote a review very fast after hearing it ACIDCHILDREN

yeep took me a week of listening to get round to writing my review. i didn't want to just listen to it and make snap judgements. i wanted to fully embrase the album before writing my comments

a very excellent record. good to know they've really worked out again. love it.



best moments: siren in "the boxer", guitar and voice in "believe", "hold tight london" and "close your eyes" due to having sex with my girl :D , ah-ah-ah in "the big jump" plus all "marvo ging" (incl. the title). real nice booklet, as well.



just listening to it and discovering more and more new things. ah! it's good to be a chemical brothers hardcore-fan in this days...

whirlygirl Escribi�:

ACIDCHILDREN Escribi�:

I hope u liked it. That was my thoughts after my first listen. Im sure some of the tracks will grow on me more.

Hey, your thoughts aren't a bad impression for the first listen. Even the songs you gave less stars than the others... they will grow on you!!



Listen to this baby on your headphones if you haven't already. It will take you to another world!



Another thing I find with this record is you can listen on low volume and it still sounds good. Listen loud on a home stereo or your computer, still sounds good. Listen in your car with the windows rolled down and all the street noise flooding in... still sounds good. Listen on headphones, it's all good.



The mark of a good record with fantastic production and engineering!!

The first time I heard it was on my laptop, which has really shitty tinny (and burst) speakers. So I thought it was a bit tepid at first. Well, duh! :-// Then I got home and played it on my best sound system and then whoa baby!



I'm just so, so glad that everyone here is so excited about it and it's not just me. Is it the best album in years or what?