innerspaceboy

N.A.S.A. - The Spirit of Apollo

The best and most succinct description of this record comes from RYM user, aphexquan, who sums it up thusly:

I didn't set out to agree with Pitchfork on this one. But really, they're disapproval here is apt.

The problem is that there are WAY, WAY too many cooks in this kitchen. The result is an unshakable aimlessness to it all. The tracks seem half-conceived and lack any impact or memorability. The lineups preceding each track set up the listener with great anticipation, but sadly nearly every selection leaves you staring blankly, asking, "is that it?"

The animation was decent - I really love album-as-film projects. But once again, there's really nothing novel or memorable about any of these film vignettes.

Perhaps the greatest disappointment was the flat-falling unfunky "There's a Party" feat. George Clinton. Like many other songs here, the biggest names touted in the liner notes end up playing minimal roles in their respective tracks, and the result is sadly unsatisfying. The listener is left wondering about the lost potential of this record.

I understand that hip hop / alt. dance crossover records are by design not intended to be earworm radio-friendly hits. They're supposed to be strange, leftfield, and clever. Avalanches achieve each of these in spades. N.A.S.A. has all the ingredients for a great off-beat record, but they seem to have misplaced the recipe.

4/10

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