Where he really shines on these songs is taking a sample, mixing it with other music, and
taking it in more directions than you dreamed possible. At its best, this is really imaginative, amazing music. At its worst, it is just dumb and excessive, such as the song "In Heaven," which has the "f" word repeated more than 100 times. Wisely, that song is left off Greatest Hits.
The new songs – "Champion Sound," featuring Lateef of Blackalicious, and "That Old Pair of Jeans" – are, frankly, not his best. But the remixes of Cornershop's "Brimful of Asha" and Groove Amanda’s "I See You Baby” are excellent reminders of what he can do as a DJ when working off another artist's songs.
My favorite track is “Weapon of Choice,” off the Halfway album. Not only does it have some of the best samples and lyrics of any of his songs, I love the video for it, which features actor Christopher Walken seemingly dancing on ceilings.
Some of you may be unfamiliar with electronica. Blogcritics contributor uao compiled an excellent primer on electronica and some of its top artists. However, Fatboy Slim is conspicuously absent from that list and deserves to be added.
It remains to be seen what Fatboy Slim will produce next, but I am pleased to report this compilation is a worthy addition to any music lover's music library.
CD Tracklisting
- Rockafeller Skank
- Praise You
- Brimful of Asha (Norman Cook remix) by Cornershop
- Weapon of Choice
- Gangster Trippin
- I See You Baby (Fatboy Slim remix) by Groove Armada
- Wonderful Night
- Right Here, Right Now
- Going Out Of My Head
- Sunset (Bird of Prey)
- Everybody Loves a Carnival
- Don't Let The Man Get You Down
- Demons
- Sho Nuff
- Slash Dot Dash
- Santa Cruz
- Champion Sound
- That Old Pair of Jeans
Article comments
1 - Matthew Milam
Unforunatly, Fatboy Slim never appeared on the "She's All That" soundtrack because it ended up never being made. Something about producers having fights over rights and stuff.
Good article thou.
2 - Scott Butki
Thanks, Matthew. Was he supposed to be on that soundtrack?
3 - A.L. Harper
Good review Scott.
4 - Scott Butki
Thanks a lot, A.L. Are you a fan of him?