Customer Reviews

Today

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In a recent visit to LA's Amoeba music store I picked up Junkie XL's May 2006 release Today. Listening to it on the way home I was unmoved in the same way that I was with his Radio JXL: A Broadcast from the Computer Hell Cabin. Despite some winners and rocking energy, Tom Holkenborg's pop fusions just seem too formulaic, too obvious, too much. Granted, the man who remixed Elvis Presley's "A Little Less Conversation" into a worldwide hit has made a fortune this way and clearly he's a stellar producer in the technical sense. But what's disappointing is that he's also gifted artistically, which is mostly evident with his MP3-only "radio transmissions." Still, there are two great tracks here worth special mention, "Mushroom" and "Such A Tease." These instrumentals successfully channel Holkenborg's obsession with the baroque moodiness of Disintegration-era Cure -- all strumming, underwater guitars and deep, damp bass.

It makes sense that as more techno artists engage pop formulas that they've returned to artists like The Cure and New Order for inspiration. But the current fascination with Disintegration's gothic beauty, as also heard in Jonas Bering's "Melanie," for example, creates a deeper sense that we're entering a musical period not dissimilar from the late 1980s. This has to do with generational cycles and global events perhaps. Sofia Coppola's upcoming Marie Antoinette film, which features The Cure's "Plainsong" will only strengthen this sense of deja-vu. Out of anger and the death of innocence, comes sadness and today's obsession with the past. Next, I would hope, is a genuine lust for life.

If I were to compare this album to any prior work of JXL, it would be the 3AM disc of Radio JXL: A Broadcast From The Computer Hell Cabin. Today is a much lighter, airy album than his previous works, but to be honest, I enjoy the difference. If you compare Saturday Teenage Kick and Big Sounds Of The Drags, there is little difference in the overall sound of those albums. Tom is definitely growing as an artist, and this album is evidence of the transition. Today still contains JXL's hard-hitting and driving bass, but also manages to create a ethereal soundscape in the process. It may also be argued that this album is heavily influenced by the likes of New Order and Depeche Mode. If you enjoy those bands, or just JXL in general, I would invite you to give it a listen.

I haven't heard too many of Junkie XL's previous albums. I've a single or two everynow and then, and they seemed a lot different that what is presented here. This is A LOT more mellow than what I've heard before from him. There are no crazy, tranced out beats here, just sort of relaxed, laid back tunes. Honey is a stand out track, but all the tracks have something to offer.

Almost 10 years ago I was lucky enough to stumble across "Saturday Teenage Kick" in a record store. I took a chance on what looked like an interesting artist, and it was without a doubt the best 'mystery buy' I ever made. I had grown up on classic rock, blues and alternative, but at this time I was really starting to delve into hip-hop and electronica. I was blown away at how JXL was able to draw from all these influences without going nuts. After this debut, buying 'Big Sounds of the Drag' was a no-brainer, and I would go as far as to say Big Sounds is one of my personal top 5-10 albums of all time. 'Radio JXL?' Great cd, especially considering the high standard set by 'Big Sounds'.
As for 'Today,' I can't say that I'm suprised by the mellowness of this album, as JXL's sound has progressively gotten softer and more refined with every album since Saturday Teenage Kick. Every track is very listenable, but I still personally prefer the more dance-driven tracks on the cd. One thing I would say 'Today' is lacking is the diversity and cutting edge of his previous three. Nevertheless, it is a great listen. I respect Holkenborg for his willingness to explore new sounds and styles. I've witnessed many artists/groups in all genres attempt the unfamiliar and either fail miserably or basically just create crappy material.
Saturday Teenage kick was a 4.5 in my book, Big Sounds a 5 (no questions asked) and Radio JXL a 4. I would give this one a 3.5. Not a bad album by any stretch of the imagination. Many artists would be hardpressed to create such a cd, but his previous work sets the bar incredibly high. Holkenborg will continue to change as an artist, and that will be interesting to listen in on, but I hope he continues that progression while keeping with him the elements that made his music so kick a** in the first place.

I have had this album for almost three months, and the disc keeps growing on me with age. I think that it is one of those rare albums that after listening to it after a few times, the melodies and hooks get in your head and stay there, and keeps you wanting more. I have heard of Junkie XL's work for years now, but not too much of his solo efforts. The Junkie XL I am familiar with are his remixes, which have an unusual and upbeat sound featuring addicting guitar melodies and astonishing synthesizers. I loved alot of his remixes, everything from BT and Tiesto to Depeche Mode and Sarah McLachlan. I am more of a listener of Paul Oakenfold, Tiesto, Sasha, Digweed, and Sandra Collins to name a few, but many of Junkie XL's remixes and singles have appeared on many of these DJ mixes. This was the type of sound I was hoping for when I heard that he had a new album out. But after reading a few reviews, some were saying that it was a disappointment and too much of a chill out album. I took a chance and purchased it anyway. After listening to it, I thought that it sounded pretty good, but wasn't too adicted to it. After pulling it back out a month or so ago, it really started to grow on me. "Today" features more relaxing and catchy guitars without the busy sytnhs and basslines that I am more familiar with. I wouldn't quite call it a chill out album, but not necessarily call it a hard dance album either: its more falls somewhere in an area I have never heard from an artist in ages. It's almost like Depeche Mode and Zero 7 combined. The standout tracks on the album are "Today" for its addicting guitar riffs and catchy vocals, "I've got a Xerox to Copy", "Yesterdays", and "Honey". If you are looking for more upbeat dance collections, this may not be the album for you. Though, if you are seeking for something more mellow and out of the ordinary, check out this album.

The best CD The Cure and Cocteau Twins never put out. Those who compare this CD to New Order and Depeche Mode are going in the right direction, but barking up the wrong tree. Junkie is channeling similar, but in my opinion, greater talents. Junkie's collaboration with Robert Smith on A Broadcast From The Computer Hell Cabin was Robert Smith's best song since Disintegration. Musically, this CD is more in the same vein. While this is even further removed from Big Sounds of the Drag and Saturday Teenage Kick, for those of us who grew up listening to late '80s early '90s "alternative", this is the closest and best thing you can get to a time machine-your favorite bands updated with a y2k "techno" bent. This album may be derivative, but in the best sense. By the way, if you like this CD, old Cure and U2, check out the now defunct Carolyn's Mother from Denver, particulary 30 Pieces of Silver, if you can find it. If you never saw them live, you missed out.

"Today" is not like "Radio JXL". Make sure you listen to some sound clips on the net, prior to purchasing it. All the material is still fresh and draws the listener closer to the creator behind the songs, although you'll be left wanting more. "Today" ends too quickly on a quieter note, leaving me wanting...or should I say, expecting more. I listened to some sound clips prior to purchasing the CD and the clips did the songs no justice. Doing this is practical when you know the artist has gone in a different direction. And now, I'm ever-so-happy to have bought it because it appealed to me in more ways than one. Actually, the CD arrived to me in the mail today, yet I saw it in the store this morning. Since this is a toned-down album, I wonder how the sales will do. There are many available 2nd hand on amazon and i was a bit worried I wouldn't like the CD. Fortunately, it's at the top of my CD pile with the other urban and electronica music I've got.

"Today" reminds me much of Conjure One's 2nd album, "Extraordinary Ways" minus the dancy numbers. I read in a review of this CD, saying it sounds quite Depeche Mode influenced. I believe I'd like to ask Where? I do miss Saffron's voice and wish Junkie XL could've done another album like "Radio JXL". But, times change and so do music styles.

Tracklist:
01- Youthful
02- Mushroom
03- Such A Tease
04- Today
05- Drift Away
06- I've Got A Xerox To Copy
07- Even In This Moment
08- Yesterdays
09- Honey
10- We Become One

The booklet is filled with pics of good-looking Junkie XL. I'm really happy to have purchased "Today" and recommend this and "Radio JXL" to anyone whom wants to expand their music collection a little further.

This album is a little gem, i prefer this to his newer stuff.

A great 'electronic' album with plenty of warm 'real' instruments...original tunes. and to boot, this guy can actually play real guitar/drums/bass, unlike the legions of producers who think they're artists because they a) have some programming knowledge b) own a mac C) are signed to the armada label. respect.

there's about 4 or 5 tracks on this album that are really great - the rest aren't my taste - but it gets regular airplay in my household.

highlight tracks:
2. mushroom (the radio edit is better imo)
6. i've got a xerox to copy (doesn't that just say it all....)
...the last few tracks are great too, remind me of old school gerling.

enjoy. do buy :)

A must for any electronic music enthusiast. A great Euro sound to the entire album. I would definitely buy this whole album over again.

This here is some real music to chill out to. It's very calming and ideal if you just want to relax a little. Today is one of the best songs I have ever heard... a year and 4 months and it is still on my favourite songs list! Wonderful, happy album. Highly recommended if you are into electronica/trance... or techno that is more than just a repetitive synth beat.