Felix returns with the third installment of his legendary, well crafted, usually completely out of the ordinary story telling albums. In keeping within the tradition of his very “electro clash” oriented tales, the big man himself is back with a much more elaborate fable. This fable in particular calls upon the powers of the early 1970’s black folk’s music. Virgo Blaktro gives a nod to soulful disco roots, with a dash of funk classics. Altogether encompassing what we have learned to expect from Felix’s music: straight up electronic grooves. While this album may lack more of a structured plot in comparison to his previous efforts, it’s still one kick ass piece of work. Just because I’m a fan of some of the artists I review, I refuse to rant and rave about how much I liked their album. With that being said, I’m definitely a very big fan of all his work and I will try my best to point out certain aspects that are missing from this album. More importantly, I will try my best to give specific reasons as to why some other reviews may have given it two thumbs down. But between us, I truly loved the whole thing!
“I wanted to go like George Michael and Pet Shop Boys, only them being black”. That statement clearly embodies his vision for this album, but I’m sorry I didn’t hear George or the Boys anywhere. Tell me you want to sound like France Joli and the Bee Gees if they were black, and we’re in business. Movie Disco, the albums opening track is classic Felix, very melodic and as always the man knows how to use male vocals with a vocoder kick. The albums lead single Like Something for Porno, sounds like a beefed up track that at one point was all the rage at the infamous Paradise Garage. As appalling as the hook taken from Devo’s Snowball may seem to some, it’s pure electronic perfection when Felix does his magic on SweetFrosti. My biggest problem with this album is that 12 out of the 16 songs are all under the 2 minute mark. I received the album leak back in August and at first I believed I was given pure shit. I thought some of the songs had cut off too early. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case and for whatever reason Felix chose to abruptly end most of the songs on Virgo Blaktro, which leaves the listener wanting more. Perhaps that was the point, but to be honest with you I have a soft spot for his over the 5 minute marker tracks.
The very minimal sounding Monkey Cage uses a lyrical sample from a classic Prince track named America. And Looking My Best with lyrics such as “Mirror, mirror on the wall. Who’s the coolest of them all?” sounds as if its Felix’s inner ego speaking to us through his music. I guess you can say he’s electronic music’s Diddy, or worse, Kanye West. However, he actually has the background and stamina to hold a heavyweight title in this genre. He is also much kinder, so it’s all good. A Felix Da Housecat album is not complete without a total techno dance floor killer, and that would be the haunting Tweak. The man’s use of a synthesizer couldn’t be any more magical than the electrical parade at Disney Land. As the tracks interlude states, “Pretty girls don’t dance, they just pose to techno”. I’m amazed this track doesn’t make pretty girls get down and dirty to techno, while lifting up their skirts and gyrating on each other’s C U Next Tuesday’s.
Virgo Blaktro may not push the boundaries as far as the “cutting edge” genre is concerned, but it’s fresh and new and definitely boasts a bona-fide groove. Essentially, this album isn’t going to make or break Felix’s career, but it will definitely establish him in the electronic music hall of fame now more than ever. In his world of silver screen shower scenes, harlots, and neon fevers, one would dream that eventually Kittenz, Devin, and Virgo would turn into major motion pictures. It’s another business venture Felix should definitely consider. Till then, at least we have the official soundtracks to hold us over! And away we go!
Great Review