Daft Punk

Alive 2007

December 4, 2007

Electronica

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On the robot duo's second live album, Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo display excellent crowd control, pacing the record well, spacing the hits, and building the mood like the good crowd-pleasers they are. It has the feel of a greatest-hits-live concert, but energized by Daft Punk's talents at weaving songs in and out of each other. Even songs from the comparatively desultory Human After All sound rejuvenated in context, with "Robot Rock" getting the show off to a rousing start.

- John Bush

Loretta Lynn

Don't Come Home a Drinkin' (With Lovin' on Your Mind)

1967

Honky Tonk

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The title track was one of those defining songs for Loretta Lynn, not only one of the best but one of the most likeable country & western artists. She bats one home run after another in these vocals, singing her brains out and coming across as totally convincing in each role she takes on. This here is stone-cold country, and it doesn't get much better.

- Eugene Chadbourne