Review: The Chemical Brothers - Push The Button (2005)

I am by no means the first to hear the entire album, but I may very well be the first to properly review it -- in a blog, online, almost 3 weeks before it is even released. And there is good reason.

Since their first major release (when I was still a 'tween), "Exit Planet Dust", The Chemical Brothers have been synonymous with great techno music both in North America and abroad. Their beats are highly emotional and deeply involved; but, at the same time, very on-beat and with purpose. Meeting them to shoot the shit would be a real dream come true. Their inspiration has brought musical joy to millions worldwide for over 11 years, and I am no exception. I love their music: I have every U.S. release (bought from a real, physical store).

On January 25th, 2005, they are scheduled to release their latest effort, "Push The Button". The likes of Q-Tip, Anwar Superstar, Tim Burgess, and the Magic Numbers are noted and publicized featured artists; but don't be fooled! This is 100% Chemical Brothers, 100% of the time!!! With 11 tracks on the release, and a couple of un-released tracks to be added to the singles, this masterpiece is bound to make any once-believers worshippers again. (Let's admit it, "Come With Us" pushed some wrongs buttons.)

Although we no longer hear references to "globetrotter" unless discussing "jet-setter" DJ's like Oakenfold and Tiesto, we should consider getting back to basics. This album flies in and out of Africa with greater harmony than the United States military can choreograph their "don't-ask, don't-tell" policy. Galvanize wakes you up to button-pressing, African discoteque blasting sensations. If you do not start bobbing your head by the 35th second, then you probably have no sense of rhythm. (Q-Tip features.)

As the alarm clock ringing subsides, the second track, The Boxer (featuring Tim Burgess) flies you into a weird out-of-this-world starship of sped-up 70's disco mixed with "Dig Your Own Hole" out-takes and 80's-style breakdancing. They know how to give you that feeling.

Believe (featuring Kele Okereke) is almost a musical 7-minutes-in-heaven -- literally. The beats are classic Chemical-style progressive, and the vocals are always just-right. On repeat, I usually get the urge to yell the lyrics out the window (with personal desire to jump into a song-and-dance and videocamera to send to MTV). "Run Lola Run" inside a discoteque; you will never want this song to end -- unless you don't like it, but we all know that won't happen.

Hold Tight London is the fourth song on the album. No need to assume disappointment because nobody you know is featured; this track runs a marathon from England to Asia, à la Marco Polo. It is very mellow in comparison, and allows your mind to breathe. Personally, aerial video of nature's finest (lakes, mountains, rural areas, oceans) breeze in front of my mind's eyes. That mental journey ends with a pleasant gallop of elephants into an urban theater, London. (Anna Lynne clearly features as guest vocal; in my opinion, she is amazing and destined to become the next Beth Orton vis-a-vis the Chemical vocals. I am anxious to hear more about her.)

Come Inside features the bass guitar beats briefly heard in the cult-classic "Shaun of the Dead". The world travels take our journey into the residential suburbia, down streets filled with homes. You are almost being chased in an 80's style teen thriller, and you are haunted by a mysterious being... then your saviour arrives. You stop, bow, and witness another ass-kicking by an Eastern Asian saviour. (I cannot wait for the music video, if there is one, to be released.)

Just when you thought the globe-trotting ended in mainland China, The Big Jump takes you motorcycle joyriding through the Tokyo nightlife and up-and-down San Francisco's famed hillside streets. America! Of course, when you think of "jump" you think of Michael Jordan slam-dunking above your head!!! Not too far, this track slams major beats as it cycles from L.A. to Miami. The beats are harder and act as interstitial for something larger yet.

Left Right (featuring Anwar Superstar -- Mos Def's brother) downgrades from happy-go-lucky to Brothers caliber political activism hip-hop. While traveling the heartland of America, this journey turns to South America where "stand up" are words that hit close to home. If you are an uptight American conservative, then you may wish to skip this song.

The Magic Numbers feature on the eigth track, Close Your Eyes. Politically, lyrically, it sends a serious message without dropping serious beats. The music transports us to the next level with their majestic spacial aptitute, we are brought into a happy place: away from here. It lends time to reflect upon the past, the present, and the future; on Earth and in Outer Space. Always remember that a better tomorrow starts today.

As the Brothers take us on a detour to South America, they did not skip out on the fruits of the Caribbean. Shake Break Bounce delivers a taste of Tahiti on a cruise ship along the Atlantic coast. The global journey is far from over as the track segues to Marvo Ging. The penultimate track returns us to the music studios of New York or London. In classic style, the Brothers tell us to get off our asses and get back to work!!! They provide the inspirational beats, and you are in charge of the rest. (I just want to get up and dance right about now, but I can't. There is still one more song to go...)

The ultimate track (sadly) on their fifth studio album is none other than Surface To Air. Some reviews have called it a slice of heaven, and I call it the prime lift-off to next-generation space flight. Alas, Julia from Sydney, Australia, will have the honors of encapsulating this precious track (as found off Google): "Mind blowing. Amazing. The BEST CHEMICAL BROTHERS SONG TO DATE. A perfect close, a perfect song. This song is GOD LIKE in its goodness, and perfectly encapsulates the mood of this album; uplifting, happy, brooding, contemplative. Unlike any other Chemical Brothers album before." [Her full-album review is available at AlbumVote.co.uk.]

It was a pleasure to have obtained a copy of this fine piece of musicolocal history; I will still pay the sticker price when the album officially launches. Hopefully the Astralwerks gods (whom I have supported since their own debut) will release a Limited Edition. I am not so much a fan of those DVDs that play music, but the extra cover work and album art is priceless! I have a smile on my face, I am half-deaf because of the blarringly loud music, AND I LOVE IT!!! 'Til next time...