VARIOUS ARTISTSDFA Compilation #1 Record label: DFA Format: CD Release date: 30 September 2003 For the past year and a half, the DFA label has been connecting the dots between punk rock and various forms of dance music. You could say that this label represents the next wave of No Wave, playing in the same genre-splitting sandboxes that Liquid Liquid, ESG, A Certain Ratio, and others once romped through. The DFA sound is energetic, it’s got attitude, and it’s hella fun. Thankfully, the label has blessed the strictly CD massive with a collection of their previous 12-inch singles. By now, most folks have heard of The Rapture. Their big single from last year (“House of Jealous Lovers,” included on the comp) still tears up dance floors worldwide. But check the B-side “Silent Morning” for an about face from their ass-shaking antics for something more transcendental and slightly melancholy. While all the hype surrounds The Rapture, DFA has loads of great talent. The Juan Maclean always puts their best foot forward, be it the electro/new wave stylings of “By The Time I Get To Venus” or the dark disco of “You Can’t Have It Both Ways.” A current favorite of mine is the dingy punk funk of LCD Soundsystem’s “Give It Up.” And far be it from me to explain how Black Dice creates the sounds they make on “Cone Toaster,” but it’s some of the finest altered techno around. With the long-awaited full-length by The Rapture getting rave reviews, one from The Juan Maclean on the way, and singles from other artists in the queue, the future looks extremely bright for DFA. If you’re new to this label, feel free to jump on the bandwagon - don’t worry, we won’t clown you. Besides, we’d rather see that look of anticipation on your face while you’re waiting for the next 12-inch to drop. Don’t think it can happen to you? Pick up that compilation and just you wait... {chloe knuckles}
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