Mandatory Chaos,
CD Review
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Artist: Magnifico
Album: Magnification
Rating: 4/5
Slovenian superstar Magnifico (Robert Peut) looks like something that walked right out of the ’70s, complete with a thin, porn star moustache, a white suit, yellow-tinted aviator glasses and a cowboy hat. Combining the suave of Gogol Bordello with James Bond’s guitarist, Magnifico’s horny, Balkan jams will get you thinking about socialism in former Yugoslavia as much as long nights of sexy dancing.
Magnifico aims to push boundaries in a culture redefining itself. He’s even starred in Slovenian movies such as “Porno Film,” something like “Zack and Miri” but (mysteriously) without any nudity. His music, a combination of Balkan, funk and disco with glitchy electronica, also rub against the edges of multiple genres with an eccentric sense of humor to match.
Magnification is his 10th studio album, which caters more toward English audiences than his mainly European fans. Many more of his songs have English lyrics, but remain faithful to his style. On the downside, the album is much more tame than usual for this character.
“Zum Zum,” the album’s opener, includes Black Francis-like wailing and enough salsa dancing for a Pace picante commercial. Branded like an Apple product, “iThink” has more Southwestern influence with plenty of Mexican horns. Unlike an Apple product, the song’s political message calls for less talking and more acting.
With cool, surf rock guitar riffs, “The Land of Champions” mimics the lyrics of “House of the Rising Sun” while giving a history lesson on Magnifico’s tarnished homeland.
While Magnification mixes strong sexual desires with rampant political activism, it also brings back exotic music branded with Magnifico’s signature smirk. His catchy riffs will blend well with anyone who likes raunchy, European fun. 07/08/10
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