Artist Albums
Jan 1, 2003 12:00 PM
GROOVE ARMADA
Lovebox (Jive)
Swanky London duo refuses to box itself in
The eclectically inclined Groove Armada tosses all attempts at constancy to the wind and does just what it feels on Lovebox. The album features guest vocalists ranging from rappers Red Rat and Nappy Roots to ragga MC M.A.D., soulboy Richie Havens, sexy crooner Neneh Cherry and dancefloor diva Sunshine Anderson. Threaded together by a palpable funk feel, musical styles vary from rock-heavy and skanking ska to dub and hip-hop, torch songs, club hits, soul numbers and laidback cuts. Although the record was completed with production savvy and strained through the Groove Armada mood filter, the end result is too unfocused to emerge with a single identity. Nevertheless, each track stands strong on its own, with highlights being the tear-jerking “Think Twice,” the rolling “Madder” and the trumpet-happy “Cos' I Feel High.” The overall feel of Lovebox, however, is closer to an open-minded compilation than an artist album.
— Lily Moayeri
****
BLUPRINT
Foundation (Exceptional)
Music to make babies to
There's something irresistibly sexy about Foundation. The breathy ambience, hazy instrumentals, sinuous bass lines and languid rhythms aren't unusual or groundbreaking in and of themselves. But they're manipulated to create delicate yet deliciously substantial music. With silky bossa rhythms (“Pesto”); darkly suggestive tunes (“Cross Park Soul”); and soulful, sensual numbers (“Answer Me”) rounding out the collection, Foundation is a nearly surefire way to land that special someone in the sack.
— Christine Hsieh
*****
ROB DOUGAN
Furious Angels (BMG/Cheeky)
Kylie songwriter's serious solo debut
At first glance, this release appears to be just pop fluff: Rob Dougan's résumé includes stints writing songs for Kylie Minogue and playing with Faithless. But his own work is far more ambitious than his pedigree would suggest. Furious Angels is an epic work dominated by strings, growling vocals and dramatic electronic splashes, with each song seemingly plucked from the opening credits of some Hollywood blockbuster. Imagine Tom Waits singing with Leftfield, and you're halfway there.
— Aidin Vaziri
***
)EIB(
Shot Down on Safari (System)
Drum 'n' bass for dirt lovers
Since 1998, this tech-stepping drum 'n' bass foursome — known in the United Kingdom as Bad Company — has had a stranglehold on dancefloors with their gnarly bass lines and terrorizing beats. Although )EIB( has been derided as formulaic, its winningly grimy and cantankerous sound is in place here. Funky and vocal-featured numbers are present, but the rude and nasty bits work best. The domestic release includes a mixed “greatest hits” disc for the full-on )EIB( experience in one knockout punch.
— Lily Moayeri
****
ERASURE
Other People's Songs (Mute)
Curious move by '80s synth-pop duo
After surveying the disasters that befell synth-pop contemporaries Duran Duran and Simple Minds when they hitched comebacks on covers albums, you would think Erasure might have reconsidered this effort. Yet Vince Clarke and Andy Bell risked campiness with Elvis' “Can't Help Falling in Love” and predictability with The Buggles' “Video Killed the Radio Star.” However, versions of Peter Gabriel's “Solsbury Hill” and the Three Degrees' “When Will I See You Again” are among the best things Erasure has done in years.
— Aidin Vaziri
***
STAKKER
Eurotechno (Rephlex)
An acid trip worth remembering
Eurotechno is a blistering 25-minute exploration of searing techno and acidic bass lines navigated by Brian Dougans of the inimitable Future Sound of London. Originally released as a music video more than 10 years ago (Dougans' music accompanied graphics by Mark McLean), this multilayered, intricately assembled, 303-heavy acid workout still sounds fresh, new and innovative. This is no nostalgic nod to the past, mind you. Rather, Eurotechno is a testament to the timeless quality of solid electronic music.
— Christine Hsieh
****
SUBTHUNK
Just a Few Notes Before You Go (Urenelly)
Eerie, urban sci-fi dreams
Like a cross between Photek and P-Funk, Subthunk merge ominous electronic with bastard funk and laptop-aided drum 'n' bass improvisations. This sci-fi quartet is a band (drums, bass, guitar and guitar synth) that transforms its muse with an Apple iBook. “Wax” works deep funk with Allan Holdsworth — worthy guitar, “Beach Buggy” is humid drum 'n' bass for tots, and “Toast” cruises a surreal Land Rover path to the moon. A collection of fusion beats for acid-washed ravers? Who woulda thunk it?
— Ken Micallef
***
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