Everything across Lux Prima feels completely right; familiar yet new, revealing more of two beloved figures without losing what made them great all these years.
What this record does, yet again, is show that Danger Mouse has bulletproof, unassailable taste in music and collaborators. Karen is exactly the right fit for these songs, and she is absolutely the star of the set, thanks in no small part to the incredible production. This isn’t the best record that either of these mercurial artists have made, but it’s undoubtedly the finest collaboration you’ll hear this year. Guaranteed.
Karen O and Danger Mouse have a story to tell on Lux Prima; though not a traditional concept album, it does create a luscious portrayal of a small blinding light in the seemingly infinite dark.
I can’t say I ever expected to see news that Yeah Yeah Yeah’s front-woman, Karen O and genius musician/producer Danger Mouse (aka BrianI can’t say I ever expected to see news that Yeah Yeah Yeah’s front-woman, Karen O and genius musician/producer Danger Mouse (aka Brian Burton) were conspiring on an album together, but when I did I was thrilled beyond belief. What they promised in their press-release for “Lux Prima” was an album crafted around a journey rather than a destination. They delivered a bullseye in the best tradition of journeys.
From the opening epic title-track, which cruises-in from the depths of space over nine-minutes, and morphs thru three movements to Karen O’s defiant Motown girl-power throw-down, “Woman,” this album is full of welcomed twists & turns.
My standout track, “Turn The Light,” finds Karen O in gorgeous-voice singing over a disco-infused vibe... Her lyrical hook is infectious: “Starry starry night, this is how I wanna live. Gonna lay me down in love, I got so much more to give.”
Old surf, Motown, and Western undertones evoke much of Danger Mouse’s earlier work (especially with Daniele Luppi on the “Rome” album,) but there is always something familiar, yet completely original that defines everything that Danger Mouse puts his hands on. “Leopard’s Tongue” is another shining example of that.
There are scant few moments when we find someone who is not only a gifted musician & songwriter in their own right, but also a brilliant producer with the ability to draw the best out of an artist. Danger Mouse, though is in my upper echelon of those incredible individuals along with Brian Eno. This collaboration of Karen O and Danger Mouse throws down a very high bar for anyone else to surpass in 2019! Splendidly original!…Expand
When I listened to Lux Prima, I found myself waiting awhile to find a song I didn't like. Karen's vocals are at the forefront of the albumWhen I listened to Lux Prima, I found myself waiting awhile to find a song I didn't like. Karen's vocals are at the forefront of the album which is a nice treat compared to the heavy guitar riffs from the Yeah Yeah Yeah days. Karen O tends to find the pleasure center a song then proceeds to do her best impression of an acupuncturist. Simply put, this album was enjoyable from beginning to end which is a rarity today.…Expand
An absolutely brilliant album that makes perfect use of Danger Mouse's diverse sound and retro-modern style. Karen O's voice complements hisAn absolutely brilliant album that makes perfect use of Danger Mouse's diverse sound and retro-modern style. Karen O's voice complements his instrumentals perfectly.…Expand
This is a pretty decent record that I feel relies mostly on catchiness and beautiful vocals. The first track is very lengthy so that may deterThis is a pretty decent record that I feel relies mostly on catchiness and beautiful vocals. The first track is very lengthy so that may deter some people. The main positive about the record is Karens' voice. It's really hard to describe it as it is distant and near at the same time, very soothing, while the lyrics are simple and are as I said relying on catchiness.
The best metaphor I could give is, her voice is something you would hear at the end of a war movie/game, where the camera pans out and the carnage of the battlefield is shown. Her vocal range is very impressive but I did not care about the high pitched vocal on the track "Woman".
The music is also very chill and has some disco and 70s-80s aspects in it. All in all, it's better than an average record.…Expand
Lux Prima is predictable, yawn-inducing, corny, saccharine, and uninspired. Danger Mouse's modus operandi is that he writes depressing, PinkLux Prima is predictable, yawn-inducing, corny, saccharine, and uninspired. Danger Mouse's modus operandi is that he writes depressing, Pink Floydesque, psychedelic rock songs that would have sounded cliched 40 years ago; puts them over hip-hop beats; and gets someone to record boring, unimpressive vocals over them. Danger Mouse does have some good collaborations under his belt, such as Gorillaz' Demon Days and Beck's Modern Guilt. Unfortunately, however, Lux Prima falls into the former category. I would give this album a 4 but I have too much respect for Karen O; after all, she made the classic album Fever to Tell with the rest of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.…Expand
