Most people by now know the trademark "Benassi sound", even if not by name. They've heard it in the clubs, on the radio, even in that weird Wendy's commercial with the hamburger equalizer. It became a worldwide phenomenon with "Satisfaction" back in 2002, which was being spun by practically every major DJ in the world. So many artists and groups began copying this awesome bass sound and using it in all sorts of songs (although not having the same effect as the aforementioned original Benassi tune). And everyone loved it, basked it in, rejoiced upon it, even praised it as a new musical religion.
But all that has nothing to do with this song.
Memory Of Love does not follow the typical formula for a Benassi tune. It doesn't feature the trademark bassy noise that is an essential component in past Benassi singles. It's tough to describe the instrumentalism of this song; it actually feels a little ancient, but is still funky in its own right. Starting off with a faded faux tom-tom, we are progressively lead into a flurry of electro-bliss which, while generally sounding repetitive, doesn't feel as repetitive as it sounds. (Try and figure that out.) And eventually, we are treated to the unique vocal stylings of Paul French, who is half of the vocal duo "The Biz" (whom the Benassi Bros. occasionally produce music for), and has also appeared in other Benassi Bros. productions (particularly their odd number from 2002, "Don't Touch Too Much"). His vocal talents are not exactly breath-taking, but they adequately fit their electro-funk surroundings in this song. And he sings about how "it's hard to take back this memory of love". He probably dumped his girlfriend or something, and I guess he regrets it a bit. So he croons this tune. Yep. Overall, I like the track. It's not particularly special in any way, but it has a thumpin' beat, and the feeling of the Benassi Bros. stepping into new electro territory. You can't go wrong.
Antoine Claraman delivers a remix of this song, and it's...very full. The drumline does deliver a house-type feel, but unfortunately, the bassline to this is absolutely horrid. It is far more repetitive and unmelodic than that of the original. The song also borrows some of the pluck-synth stuff from the original mix, but sadly, that doesn't hide the bassline well enough. I am unimpressed.
If you are to pick up this package, you'll be buying it for the original version (the Extended Mix) only. The remix is not very inspired in any way, and will likely be skipped over during most playbacks. Thank goodness for the talent of the Benassi Bros. to make this release shine... in a way.
