Decent Work For Decent Pay

There's a good reason for service tunnels at Disneyland. These underground motorways keep the real-world sights of maintenance and refuse collection out of sight. Theme parks, much like some music, are there to be enjoyed without having to see the nitty-gritty that is required for their upkeep or creation. We are there to lose ourselves and watch the parade of gigantic cartoon characters, or similarly, to lose ourselves in the music. The seamless illusion can be shattered if we are not allowed to indulge in pure enjoyment, and are instead subjected to the behind-the-scenes machinations.

Far too often during Decent Work For Decent Pay, Diplo does not allow us the privilege of pure entertainment. Due to his endless trickery, the image of him in his imaginary DJ kitchen is thrust upon the listener and the enjoyment is interrupted. The Philly native is there, adding "just a bit more beep" or just sprinkling in a little more scratching. It all gets quite irksome. Perversely, if we were actually there to witness the creation, we might be more impressed, as he doubtless possesses real skill. However, we are not and he chooses to display performance skill (to which we are blind) at the expense of album fluidity.

The negative effects of his incessant tweaking's can be illustrated by the fact that the more successful (read: listenable) of his tracks are those in which he has shown the most restraint. He shows a deft, composed touch with his light mix of M.I.A's ‘Paper Planes’ but on way too many occasions, such as with Daft Punk's ‘Harder Better Faster Stronger’, you are left pining for the original. His attempt at eclecticism is praiseworthy but amongst them lie disappointments. One expects something more original and fresh than CSS and Bondo do Role from a man who has spent considerable time in the Brazilian favelas.

The best chefs release the natural flavours from their ingredients. They know when to spice and how much. They understand when to sizzle and when to simmer. Ultimately, this DJ has overcooked the goose, he's over-salted the soup, he's over-spiced the curry. I don't know if I'd be so harsh but Gordon Ramsay would tell him it was fuckin' shit.