Audio, Video, Disco

Let me preface this by saying I've been listening to this album for a few weeks prior to making this review, and it has certainly made a difference. When I first listened to the album I was confused and a bit angry. It's in Justice key, and you can hear the signature Justice modulator/syth here and there, but that's it. It turns out that this is an album that grows on you.It starts with Civilization and Audio, Video, Disco, as these are the stars of the album. I was quite shocked at Civilization when I first heard it. My taste for music is for the dirty and powerful, which was all of Cross (minus D.A.N.C.E.). Once I became comfortable with it, however, it became very powerful, much in the way of Cross, but brighter. Audio, Video, Disco is the same way, albeit it reminds me of a heavier Daft Punk's Around The World.If you are new to the album but loved Cross, I'd start off with Brianvision, Horsepower, and Canon. A quick aside; Canon (Primo) seriously reminds me of Led Zeppelin. Canon is just a great instrumental song. If you like Cross, you will like this song. It's one of the most powerful and raw songs on the track. Brianvision reminds me of The Brainwasher/Voyager in Justice key; it's a fantastic song as well. Horsepower is Justice's version of a day at Laguna Seca. First, and uplifting pre-race beat, then the beat goes mean. The chorus starts, the lights turn green, and a powerful 70's riff puts you back in your seat. The song finishes with a 1st place podium riff. Definitely one of my favorite songs on the track.Now for the songs that will need tasting like a fine scotch - Parade, New Lands, Helix, On'n'On, and Ohio. Parade is still close to traditional Justice, but much happier. It literally sounds like parade music. A song that you'd want to get drunk and yell "NA-NANANA-NA-NANANA" with your friends. New Lands is where it gets different. The intro is straight up AC-DC, which turns into a powerful progressive rock chorus. Suddenly, you find yourself in a Rush solo. It's a well done song, just not in the typical Justice style. On'n'On is a hard song to describe. Earlier 70's, strong and happy chorus. You'll just have to listen to it. Helix is where Cross and A,V,D are on two different ends of the spectrum. It is a good song, but it screams 70's workout sequence to me. Again, one that is difficult for me to explain.Ohio... Yes. Ohio. I hate 1/3 of this song, sit well with 1/3, and my most favorite part of this album is 1/3 of this song. The beginning is annoying. The states have nothing in common with anything, the syllables sound awful, and his voice doesn't match the song... Until the second 1/3 of the song. The back beat starts matching him, and the song starts to make sense. This is all fine and dandy until the break happens, and then the most glorious, dirty, fat, beautiful synth comes upon you like antibiotics to the plague. It's glorious. Listen to it.Overall, I would recommend this album, although I would have preferred a harder/more electro album. It's different and well done; completely solid. Definitely an album that needs some time to sink in, but once it does it satisfies. If you are a little shy, follow my recommendation of songs to listen to above. It may be easier than plunging into the icy water.Eager to hear what people think about the album.

Xavier de Rosnay and Gaspard Augé, the Parisian pair that make up Justice, took the world by storm with their 2007 debut record, "Cross." Drawing instant comparisons to the likes of Daft Punk, another electronic dance duo, Justice quickly began selling out arenas and headlining festivals with their heavy hitting beats and instantly catchy hooks.On "Audio, Video, Disco," Justice expands upon their successful debut with more elements of rock and roll including songs driven by power chords and electric guitar solos. That is not to say Justice has strayed away from the electronic dance tunes that gave them an audience; far from it. "Audio, Video, Disco" is still a dance album likely to receive a heavy rotation in clubs around the world, but Justice's sound is more progressive than before and they're formulating a more unique identity for themselves as their sound evolves.For the first minute of the opening track, "Horsepower," it sounds as though the song could fit just as easily on a Dream Theater record.Harmonized guitars playing arpeggios, drum fills on the third and fourth beats of every measure, and only hints of a synthesized loop in the distance. The track continues to build rapidly, however, filling the listener with anticipation until an abrupt fade out followed by the Justice entrance everyone was expecting."Horsepower" eventually blossoms into one of the most familiar sounding Justice tracks on the entire record. A kick drum pounds the ears on every beat, synthesizer chords filter in and out, and the guitar work that sounded like a progressive rock intro in the beginning quickly blends right in with the rest of this powerful instrumental. If there's one track on this album destined for another commercial spot, it's this one.The biggest hit to come from "Cross" was "D.A.N.C.E." thanks, in part, to an incredibly infectious vocal part. Like their debut, "Audio, Video, Disco" once again calls on the occasional guest vocal to really get the crowd moving. "Civilization" leans heavily on British singer Ali Love to carry the melody and although the track is repetitive, the addition of Love's voice makes the recording one of the most memorable of the entire record.Although the more balanced blend of electronica and rock and roll sets Justice apart from many other electronic groups and DJs, there are still certain elements of their rock side that feel less original. The guitar work on "Newlands" is exceptionally reminiscent of much of AC/DC's catalog and the "We Will Rock You" style stomps and claps of "Parade" are not even trying to hide their similarities to Queen, but the end result is still enjoyable and proof that Justice has plenty left in store for the world.Similar Artists: Daft Punk, Deadmau5Track Suggestion: "Horsepower"

I've been listening to this CD for the last 2 weeks while on vacation with family. Not only through my earphones at every chance, but also as playback in my head when I'm bored riding in a car with no tunes. Yes, the tunes are very memorable! When a friend turned me on to Justice a few weeks ago, I started by listening to Cool Cats and then Cross. But Audio, Video, Disco is bar far their best album even with the release of Access All Arenas. I'm old enough to remember the various stages that YES went through and enjoyed them all including 90125 and Tormato which were later releases. Justice reminds me very much of the post Wakeman era of YES, but with a bit of Daft Punk's electronic disco funk vibe added in. As I'm a big fan of all of YES regardess of who was singing or playing guitar. I enjoy Morgan Phalen's singing on selected tracks of Justice's AVD. He definitely has that John Anderson/Trevor Horn lyric tenor. The lyrics might not be as trippy as what was being written by YES or ELP in the era of LSD, but the tight sounds of Gaspard and Xavier of Justice really hit the acid house sweet spot.All said, the album is a tribute to legendary sounds I grew up on but with a electronic twist that makes them fresh and very enjoyable.

Is a very good record to have. Justice rocks!!

After the adrenaline-filled house antics of "Cross", "Audio, Video, Disco" understandably ruffled a few feathers, because it's a great shift in focus. But it's a great shift. AVD (as I shall call it henceforth) has a lot more to do with 70s synth pop than French house music. If Daft Punk had gone in a different direction, I could see them making something in this genre. The title means "I Hear, I See, I Learn" and it's so fitting. This album is not in-your-face like its (awesome) forerunner, but a cracking listen that stands on its own merits.I'll be honest, I have never been a fan of the first two tracks, "Horsepower" and "Civilization", both of whom sound anthemic and big but rarely grab me. It's first with the low-key "Ohio" that magic really begins to reveal itself. The song is simpler than even the simplest on "Cross", and is light and breezy, yet oh so captivating. Why "Canon" had to be split in two tracks is anyone's guess, but both parts are very catchy.It's from track 6 onwards, however, when AVD really becomes a winner. "On'N'On" is one of my favourites, with a steady beat and a gripping melody that's interestingly centered on the singer. Racing from "Brianvision" all the way through the supersonic closing track is a gamut of winners. "New Lands" has a very catchy chorus and "Helix" ought to delight even the most jaded "Cross" fans.AVD is a very brave, successful shift in tone. It doesn't try to be a "Cross: Part 2", but rather a stand-alone work that does the synth pop genre (fused with some rock tones) proud.

If your considering this because you liked Cross proceed with caution. I didn't so was initially disapointed as it doesnt have the heavy bass and typical french electo sound. I've heard it described as more of an electronic Prog rock which isn't far off. Second listen is better. I think this will be more of a grower, maybe trying a bit too hard to be obscure and arty, musical equivilent of remaking favorite childhood programmes without the cheese.

I have anticipated this follow up album for a few years and feel very pleased with the acoustic experience it offers. It is often cinematic, electric, eclectic and a good let-play cd. It has some good music references to hard rock, 70s guitar rock and has that Justice feel to it.I am overall very pleased

How can a great 1st result in this

bought as a gift