Adventures in Clubland: Robyn and The xx Back on the Floor

Photo courtesy of Erik Adamsson (Mr. Tophat and Robyn) and Laura Jane Coulson (The XX).

Robyn struck gold with her last proper album, 2010's Body Talk, and while the Swedish darling has yet to drop her next great solo record, her new collaboration is the most intriguing thing she's done in years. On Trust Me she's teamed with fellow Swede Mr. Tophat for a trio of sprawling disco cuts that recall Donna Summer at her late-'70s zenith. And for anyone still doubting her status as the indomitable dancing queen, she's enlisted none other than ABBA drummer Per Lindvall for the beats.

But if Robyn is basking in the glow of the mirrorball, The xx remain in the club's darkest corners, observing the crowd and plotting their next move. I See You, their first LP in nearly five years, sees the British threesome fully embracing producer Jamie xx's penchant for brooding house music and clever sampling. Like any good night out, the result is wistful and euphoric. Case in point: the standout track, "On Hold," which interpolates the Hall and Oates classic "I Can't Go for That (No Can Do)."

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