Music: The Rapture

There is a place where disco music and punk rock meet. Though not musically intuitive, it's true. Discopunk exists at the intersection of a hi-hat drumbeat and an angular guitar riff. It's first wave emerged in the late '70s and early '80s in New York City and the UK. Earlier this decade, discopunk experienced a resurgance, again in NYC. Of the current practitioners of the style, the Rapture are, in my mind, the best.

Echoes (2003)

Beginning life as a Cure cover band, the Rapture gradually came into their own over the course of several tours and this album. The music sounds cracked and brittle, always on edge. It's the perfect soundtrack for the whiskey and drug-fueled nights the band was experiencing in the NYC club scene. The leadoff track, "Olio", starts with a drumbeat that subtly shifts and morphs into your 3rd drink buzz by the end of the song. If you've ever wondered what I mean by "scratchy" or "angular" guitars, check out "House of Jealous Lovers" for a primer (and a healthy dose of cowbell). Yes, they have a guy in the band to play sax/ synthesizer/ cowbell. Honestly, fans go nuts at shows when the cowbell comes out.




"House of Jealous Lovers" live on Letterman

Pieces of the People We Love (2006)

Where Echoes was all neon lights at night, Pieces sounds warmer and brighter. The contrast is evident simply by comparing the 2 album covers. But don't get me wrong, it still sounds sparse. Luke Jenner's yelp is still intact and the scratchy guitars haven't left either. Leadoff single "Get Myself Into It" is the perfect soundtrack for the roller disco featured in the video. Other favorites are "Don Gon Do It" and "Whoo! Alright - Yeah...Uh Huh".

"Get Myself Into It"