Todd Terje & The Olsens - The Big Cover-Up


Todd Terje & The Olsens
The Big Cover-Up
2016
Spotify

I guess this eight track record from Todd Terje & The Olsens is technically an EP, but at almost an hour long it would be hard to actually call it that. Todd Terje known as an absolute Nu-Disco dream weaver is back at it again but this time with a live band in tow The Olsens. From the very beginning "Firecracker" a six minute expansion on one groove let's you know where this record is going and what it is all about. This is an exploration of disco and that is all it is going to be, and there is nothing wrong with that. The brightness comes through where a lot of electronic music would take a deeper turn if they were trying to get a darker sound Tejre brings it up and allows the lighter tones to really shine. The first four tracks and the base and the next four are remixes that other DJs are taking a shot at matching Tejre's energy and exuberance. The use of skatting as the vocal on "Disco Circus" is a really fun turn and while in the hands of someone else could fall on the cheesy end that never happens, it remains vital and fun from the first downbeat to the last. The first tracks give Terje the chance to get out from behind the computer and bring in live instruments that can bring an entirely new energy to his shows.

What the live band brings is this idea of the 70s where nothing was off limits and a band was allowed to just get as weird as they could to see what happens. It makes for music that is always bright but has a sense of danger because you never know what is coming up next. While listening you are constantly surprised but the original tracks the four remixes leave something to be desired. They simply never match the energy or even the vibe of the first tracks and thus are a bit of a let down. The remixes really loose the silliness and lightness that the other tracks bring, the fun just seems to slip a bit once they come in. At almost an hour long the pace of the record in one sitting can be a bit of a challenge especially since you can almost tap out after the first four (still 25 minutes). Still The Big Cover-Up comes across as a really fun disco exploration that sounds just as alive and vital as it may have in 1976. Take a listen and let the polyester wash over you.

7.2 out of 10  

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