We are only a couple of weeks into 2008, however, I’ve already found my favorite new record of 2008. The Million Dollar Orchestra, which is a project put together by UK producer Al Kent, has just released a new full-length LP entitled, Better Days, and the record is nothing short than brilliant. At first listen you might be asking yourself if this is a disco reissue from 1976, however this record is as new as Radiohead’s “In Rainbows” record(which is also really good, I might add). Kent put together a large group of musicians to record two years of compiled original material with the hope of producing a record that sounds like it came straight out of the ‘70’s. After a few listens, you can say that Mr. Kent definitely “hit it on the head” here, with Better Days, putting together a very solid disco production. The record definitely has a 70’s analogue disco feel that’s very dancefloor friendly. The music includes multiple female vocals, keys, strings, solid bass grooves, funky percussion, and a horn section. The whole eight track record is pretty exceptional, with my favorite cuts being “Doncha Wanna Get Down”, “Get It Boy”, and “Keep On Doin’ Whatcha Doin’ ”. I know it’s way to early in the year to be having “record of the year” discussions, however The Million Dollar Orchestra’s Better Days LP can at least already be a strong candidate in my mind. If your a fan of Brooklyn’s Escort, you’ll definitely enjoy this. Nice work.

The Million Dollar Orchestra - Keep On Doin’ Whatcha Doin’
The Million Dollar Orchestra - Doncha Wanna Get Down