Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
CD Review: Digitalism 'Idealism'
Artist: Digitalism
Album: Idealism
Release Date: June 2007
Label: Astralwerks
Digitalism is a duo, composed of a couple German guys, Jens Moelle and Ismail Tuefekci - they played at Coachella this year and will be back in LA to do a DJ set at the end of October. Even though I've got the video of 'Pogo' linked above, I don't think that track is representational of the album. 'Pogo' is much more rock oriented than the rest of the tunes on 'Idealism'.
I was fortunate enough to see Daft Punk on their recent US tour, and some critics have compared Digitalism to Daft Punk. I kind of agree, they do sound a bit like Daft Punk but with more human-like vocals and perhaps a bit more guitars. Unlike 'Pogo', most of their songs are club/dance-oriented, and generally much harder than Daft Punk which I thought was a good move. They also tend to mix things up a bit more, some tunes are just a couple minutes long and then there's the more groove-oriented ones that get up to four and a half minutes or so. The problem with a lot of electronica artists is that they try to milk a groove for as long as they can and you end up with a collection of tracks that all push six minutes and that shit just gets tired.
Digitalism doesn't seem to be afraid to write more songs and not play them out to death. I'm enjoying their fearlessness, I'd totally check out their DJ set this fall (October 27th, LA Sports Arena)
Digitalism - 'The Pulse'
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.

-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline.
-
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.