Spektrum, "May Day" (YSI link)
Spektrum, "May Day (Tramp! remix)" (YSI link)
Spektrum, "May Day (DJ T remix)" (YSI link)
As I mentioned in the previous post, today is May Day, the rest of the world's Labor Day, to speak in hideously America-centric terms. It's a day for workers and unions, although it's really become synonymous as a time for protest and disobedience. The original reason for the day has been obscured over the years, but it first came about as a day to remember the Haymarket Riots of 1868 martyrs.
I think that one of the main complaints for a lot of people with dance and pop music is the lack of political commitment or protest. While I actually kinda like that fact, I think it tends to obscure the history of dance music and in particular how a music can be radical and world-changing without coming right out and saying so. Spektrum should appeal to fans looking for a more explicit political message in their music, as their song "May Day" celebrates this most radical of holidays. It's a good track, a sort electro-punk number that sounds great and angry at the same time. The key aspect is that it doesn't come across as preachy, instead conveying the excitement and energy of the situation.
Ironically, confirming my status as a pussy apolitical hipster, it's the remix with almost no lyrics that is the best of the bunch. DJ T puts on a sick sick reworking, turning the original into an electro-house burner that you never want to end. DJ T, a.k.a. Thomas Koch, is a big part of the Get Physical label and scene, and this reminds me that it's long overdue that I took a look at them.
-Some political links to come, it's been a long day.
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