My dad used to say to me that you know you’re getting old when the songs you grew up with get the electronic treatment. Something tells me he’d hate The2070s, the new album from Australian DJ and producer GEM. But he’s not the target demographic. While this album might make my father cringe, its songs might be just what young people need to discover these classic tunes.
I’m not as precious about classic tunes the way my dad is. I think it’s exciting to hear where music can go. New interpretations can make a track feel fresh and encourage you to appreciate it in a new way. These songs are often radically different from the originals, and the risks don’t always work. I felt like the emotion of “Wild World” and “Fly Like an Eagle” got a little lost in the treatment. But there’s enough here that does impress to make it worth a listen. Elaskia’s tender take on Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” is beautiful. Jesse Oneill’s cover of The Eagles’ “New Kid in Town” is also a stunner. I can imagine GEM’s shimmery reinterpretation of The Rolling Stones’ “Miss You” packing out dancefloors. The poptastic cover of “Burning Love” with Victoria on vocals is pure joy.
I also appreciate that GEM is introducing us to new voices here. She’s worked with vocalists who grew up in her community in country New South Wales. GEM’s own input is also important. At a time when 98 percent of music producers are male, it’s wonderful to see a talented female making her mark.
Open your ears and mind to The 2070s. It builds on a base of quality music and takes it in a fresh new direction. It’s out now.