It was lashing rain in Hoi An, Vietnam. Pouring down buckets. We were soaked to the bone and after a few hours of being measured, nipped and tucked at the tailors we took refuge in a bar that stood out in this town. The music drew us in. The decor was slick and the staff were edgy – particularly the DJ who may have also doubled up as the owner or perhaps the manager. His job consisted of sitting in front of an enormous iMac chatting to multiple friends online and creating play lists for the bar. Now this guy was good – superb even. The music he played was consistently amazing. Music to my ears. He even looked the part – effortlessly cool.
What struck me first was that he played Lisztomania by Phoenix. I’ve been a fan of Phoenix since about 2000 when they released United – still a favourite of mine. The Phoenix sound would be similar to that of Air and Daft Punk. And if Wiki can be trusted as a source then I found out today that Phoenix started as the backing band for a remix of Air’s “Kelly Watch the Stars” single. Soon after, they released United. The name Phoenix was officially chosen in 1996 when Laurent Brancowitz permanently joined the band after the end of the short lived band Darlin’ he formed with Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homen-Christo, who eventually became Daft Punk. Interesting eh?!
The Pheonix boys looking fairly dapper.
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