The Juan MacLean

John MacLean made his first major musical mark as the guitarist for Six Finger Satellite, a onetime Sub Pop signee that merged traditional rock with synthetic filigree. Then, after lying low for a few years, he reemerged with 2005's Less Than Human, a full-out electronic opus released under the twisted...

By Michael Roberts

August 21, 2008

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John MacLean made his first major musical mark as the guitarist for Six Finger Satellite, a onetime Sub Pop signee that merged traditional rock with synthetic filigree. Then, after lying low for a few years, he reemerged with 2005's Less Than Human, a full-out electronic opus released under the twisted moniker The Juan MacLean — and the results promptly divided his fan base. Some listeners found the joy and humor in such cheeky efforts as "Shining Skinned," which featured lyrics such as "Remember the future!" delivered in a deadpan robo voice, while others saw the entire project as failed satire. Maybe that's why "Happy House," MacLean's new single, is a more straightforward affair, replete with club-friendly beats and guest star Nancy Whang's diva-licious singing. The results are highly danceable, but they have less personality than before — and MacLean will have to add more in the future if he wants his latest stuff to leave marks of its own.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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