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“One More Time” – Daft Punk f/ Romanthony
(Words/music: Thomas Bangalter, Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo, and Anthony Moore, available on Discovery, Virgin Records 2000) 

Even if its creators make themselves up to look like robots, even if the lead vocal clips and bends from computer manipulations, and even if the beat loops in a way that only technology could allow, the core of “One More Time” remains distinctly human.  Whether it’s the emotional ups and downs in the arrangement, the focus on the visceral and distinctly human response to music, or even the way that the track sounds like a tight soul band behind the digital curtain, the human heart outshines the mechanical components.  Here, the robots are at the service of the humans on the dance floor, pumping in the music that will fuel the celebration.  (For what it’s worth, Tom Ewing does an excellent job describing this song, particularly the breathy vocal delivery, in the Pitchfork 500 book, so I’ll direct you to that rather than retread that analysis (EDIT: Thanks for the link, Tom!)).

While we’re celebrating the end of the year (or, for many, the beginning of a new one), I’m celebrating a year of writing.  Even on the most uninspired and lethargic days, I managed to write something and I have the people who read this blog to thank.  I never expected anyone aside from a few friends to read this blog, and I’m flattered by every person who subscribes, reblogs, comments, tweets, or links to this blog.  I’m humbled every time someone takes a few minutes to read something I wrote and even more when they take the time to write back or share it with someone else.  Without all of you, I couldn’t have stuck with this blog, let alone tried to write about someone different every day. 

So thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading this year.  I’ll be more specific tomorrow with the thank yous and my plans for 2010, but you are the reason that I’m going to keep writing.

More on Daft Punk: Allmusic | Amazon MP3 | Emusic | Last.fm