Every once in awhile, I need a break from lyrics and just need some good jams to listen to when I’m not in the mood to think. Ratatat is a New York duo that provides just that and they do in such a way that, in my opinion, keeps things fresh.
Key phrase: “in my opinion.”
One must beware of Ratatat because they are a very polarizing band. Because they are an instrumental band consisting primarily of electric guitar and synthesizers, I have heard people complain that they’re too boring. I disagree and their album Classics is a perfect example.
The album starts off with “Montanita.” This track begins with an accordion of all things fading in and making way to a slow, lightly distorted guitar solo and the two instruments seem to compete with each other while wavy organs play in the background. Eventually, acoustic guitars and sporadic clapping kick in and it just all comes together very well.
Immediately after is “Lex,” one of my favorites of the album. The synths, beat machines and guitars are so massive in this song that it blows my mind. I can’t help but put this song on full blast whenever I hear it! The breaks in between the massive-ness are awesome too, even though the muffled guitar melody isn’t loud like the rest of the song. When you put it all together you get the perfect song to get dance to! I picture working up a sweat at a club with drink in hand and this song playing in the background!
Another great song is “Wildcat,” which goes perfectly with the album cover. Unlike “Lex,” this song is actually really mellow until you get about a quarter of the way through when extremely heavy and distorted synths fade in and out, but only for a split second. It’s a don’t blink or you’ll miss it type thing! Those split seconds of heavy synths plus the random wildcat roars thrown in definitely make this song! Not to mention, the more upbeat, wah-wah’d guitar solos and melodies that kick in halfway through.
“Tropicana” is actually pretty different from the other tracks while still having that Ratatat sound. This song features a lot of strings and piano on top of the guitars and synths, which provides a whole other vibe. These guys have a real talent for making layers and layers of sounds sound good when otherwise it may sound like a hot mess! This song is a good example of that.
Another favorite on top of “Lex” is “Kennedy.” What makes this song is the drums! Not the beat machine, guitars or synths. The off-beat hi-hat makes you want to shake your ass as soon as the song starts! The slow ska-inspired guitar really helps out the situation as well although it may become repetitive, depending on your taste. Like I said before, Ratatat has a good way of mixing it up and making it interesting despite the fact that there are no lyrics or even spoken words (aside from one or two tracks on different albums).
Though it’s not the last song on the album (it’s second to last), “Nostrand” is the perfect way to bring Classics to a close. It’s more of a mellow, weave-and-bob-your-head type song. It includes more wah-wah’d guitars and organs with a very slow solo … Until the heavy part kicks in. This part includes a live audience for a few seconds that give you the feeling that you’re watching a kick ass show in a tiny, sweaty club! I love those types! This part of the song features two or three guitars with the perfect amount of distortion. One thing I want to say about Ratatat that can be overlooked is the amount of distortion they use on their guitars; I love it!
Hopefully, I’ve convinced you that you don’t necessarily have to have lyrics for music to be great. Ratatat has three albums of super fantasmic music that don’t include lyrics at all and I can only hope that Classics becomes just that: a classic!
Ratatat have three full-length albums (Ratatat, Classics and LP3) along with two remix albums (Ratatat Remixes Volumes 1 and 2). Keep your ears and eyes open for LP4, rumored to be out soon.
“Loud Pipes“
“Lex“
“Nostrand“
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