Album Review: Record Collection by Mark Ronson

Mark Ronson made a name for himself in NY in the early 00s as a DJ.  He then made a name for himself as a producer, most famously producing Amy Winehouse's Back to Black in 2006. 

He has put out two albums prior to Record Collection both which highlighted his abilities as a DJ and producer.  With Record Collection though he has left the turntable behind (well not completely), has brought in real musicians, some consistent voices, and picked up the pen to write a group of songs to create a genuine album not just a collection of songs. 

Like most DJs he has not abandoned having guest vocalists and they range from Q-Tip to Boy George.  With a variety of vocalists you usually get a variety of sounds, but Ronson does a very good job of keeping the album together as a single work. 

The biggest problem with the album is simply that it has 14 tracks where it should probably have only 9 or 10.  There are some definite throw away tracks here that muddles the album and brings it down.

That aside I like this album.  I could see throwing it on for almost any reason.  It has a nice beat so it would be fun on a sunny summer day washing the car, but it also has a bit of moodiness that makes it perfect to play for a winter dinner party.   

Following the Rhapsody rating method I give it 3 out of 5 stars for Pretty Good. 

Here is my 9 track version of the album.
1. Bang Bang Bang
2. Lose It (In the End)
3. Somebody to Love
4. You Gave Me Nothing
5. Glass Mountain Trust
6. Introducing the Business
7. Record Collection
8. Hey Boy
9. The Night Last Night