For the purposes of this review, I received the single album. The double album expands upon the duo’s second compilation of greatest hits after 2003’s Singles 93-03 with a selection of “Electronic Battle Weapons.” The ten tracks act as the groundwork for some of the group’s most exciting musical experiments.
In comparison to the Singles 93-03 album, nine of the 13 tracks appear on both discs. This notion naturally begs the question as to the purpose of Brotherhood. Mainly, is there one?
Well, newer fans of The Chemical Brothers may be drawn in by some of the band’s more recent work. The presence of “Galvanize” is welcome, for instance, and opens the door to some of the group’s most popular and exhilarating pieces.
But the presence of the new tracks also displays a bit of a problem. The Chemical Brothers’ new material seems rather profoundly reliant on guest spots and collaborations. Q-Tip’s appearance on “Galvanize” is one, while “Do It Again” from We Are the Night features Ali Love. That’s not to say that the guest spots don’t work, but rather to point out a possible reluctance (?) for the duo in terms of going it alone. And yes, I’m aware that “Star Guitar” is the obvious exception to the rule.
Older, more tested fans of The Chemical Brothers have few reasons to pick up this set.
The new track, “Keep My Composure,” features Baltimore’s Spank Rock delivering a pretty solid MC segment over a twirling and tweeting backdrop. And “Midnight Madness” is a digital single that is contagious and joyous.
But those two tracks don’t really sweeten the deal. There’s no question that The Chemical Brothers are dance pop pioneers and that their work is above reproach, but the true nature behind this compilation is somewhat empty. The songs are good and new fans will enjoy themselves, especially if they spring for the two-disc (I assume).
On the whole, however, a better bet is to simply pick up a few standard TCB albums. Dig Your Own Hole comes to mind for a start.
Article comments
1 - Sterfish
I picked up the Singles 93-03 when it was released strictly for the bonus disc but I won't be doing that again for Brotherhood.
As for the use of guest stars, I wonder if that's their way of "staying relevant" in a music landscape that has seen some of their contemporaries fall by the wayside.