Air

10000 Hz. Legend

Visual

Review Score:

(8/10)
The reviews on this one are rightly mixed. It's no surprise that some of AIR's fans are a little baffled by the new one, some it can be difficult listening. I was a somewhat confused when I first listened to it, but I think I have found a way past that first impression.

Everyone loved the last three records; they were completely unabiguous and, let's admit it, the true definition of easy listening. I found my way into the new record by reminding myself of what the cover looks like. Kind of nutty, but it works. This record is AIR's country rock album. If I picture the futuristic desert scene and imagine them actually making their particular brand of semi-avant, electro-pop with that backdrop it gets easier to understand the new way they are weaving their influences into the new material without losing the AIRness.

This record sounds like the two have taken what makes AIR so appealing and filtered it through the desert, a really swank pad, and a really cool 70's record collection.

Or maybe I'm nuts and just don't get it.

This record is worth listening to like Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" was. Each listen directs your attention to another layer. The other AIR records are pretty 2 dimentional, this one is more 3D. The textures are a little bumpier than what they have done previously, but the deeper you look, the more amazing it seems (Is it a coincidence that "Dark Side of the Moon's" inner sleeve featured the desert? Hmmm.).

Or maybe I'm nuts and I just don't get it.

If you like AIR, the uneasy easy listening of 10,000 hrtz is really worth the effort.

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