by Ben Tausig
Me, the Disco Machine is a collection of Antonelli Electr.'s 12" singles released on the German label Italic between 1997 and 1999, including the hit song "Automatic Music." In the late '90s, Electr. made fun and cutting-edge electronic music. His clear affinity for disco was reflected in flawless propulsive dance grooves and the occasional anthemic refrain. Like Giorgio Moroder's best tracks, his basslines bubble below a straight-ahead beat, and the melody brings the whole affair into ecstasy. Me, the Disco Machine also reflects a bit of Electr.'s experimental side. Though these are for the most part straight dance cuts, there are nods as well to the production styles of dub and modern abstract electronic music, where sound manipulation produces unexpected tones and surprising rhythmic complexities.