Old Reviews

Fatboy Slim - You've Come A Long Way, Baby
This is such a cool album - it's all very, very cool (With the exception of F****** In Heaven, which is rubbish - contains the F-word 111 times - Trainspotting has roughly the same number!!). The album has lots of different styles of big beat, but it's all unmistakably Norman Cook's work. There's a superb introduction to Rockafeller Skank, which is a real radio excerpt from the 'States. There are loads of potential singles in there too - it's better than Beastie Boys, but I still prefer ADF's and Faithless' albums to it - at the moment.
Jurassic 5 - Concrete Schoolyard
This rules - it's a very summery track from the American hip hop stars Jurassic 5. The song, which features loads of kazoos, is set to chart in the UK, after their very well received set at Reading '98 - good luck to them - they're great.
Africa Bambaataa Vs. Carpe Diem - Got To Get Up
This is one of those landmark dance tracks which seems to have been around for ever. It's a classic, yet sounds very fresh, very cool. There's a Tall 'Camisra' Paul remix too, but that's not as good as the radio edit, or the stunning Loop-Da-Loop remix. Definitely worthy of being in every reader's collection, it's even better than Fatboy Slim's new single, which is saying something!
Fatboy Slim - Gangsta Trippin'
Fatboy Slim (Norman Cook, Freak Power, Mighty Dub Katz, Pizzaman, Beats International, Housemartins) is back with his brilliantly cheesy Big Beat track Gangsta Trippin' (With a video featuring an exploding toilet). If you look at the CD single as a whole, it's poor - the two B-sides are not of typical Fatboy Slim quality - the previous single all had excellent remixes or B-sides. This does not. But Mr Cook couldn't really release an EP full of great songs, as he'd loose all his credibility for being too good. The thing is, the underground critics criticise him for making some of the best dance records of all time, but as far as I am concerned, that's great - and I cannot wait to get my hands on the new LP. Anyway, the A-side rules, and is almost as good as Rockafeller Skank, but is the poorest of all his releases, yet the fact that it's brand new, and it has not been played hundreds of times (yet) makes it more enjoyable to listen to.
Spacedust - Gym And Tonic THIS REVIEW IS COMPLETELY WRONG!  Check out Bob Sinclar instead!
The follow up to Stardust's Music Sounds Better With You is, apparently, Spacedust's Gym And Tonic - on a different record label. I do not know if that is definitely true, but that's what I heard. Anyway, the song is one of 20 or so different work-out songs currently doing the rounds - this one goes "Back, 2,3,4,5,6,7,8", others go "Step,2,3,4,5,6,7,8" or "Jump,2,3,4,5,6,7,8" - one is even to the tune of Music Sounds Better With You. This one is my current favourite - although the pure-pop side of dance is not really that good (often), this is enjoyable, and does get interesting as the song progresses. Also, unlike some of the other work-out tracks, there are real samples from videos, and it's got obvious connections with pop sensation Steps, which could either help the single to chart a lot higher than you might expect - or make it miss the chart completely, and go away, never to be heard again. Like Brock Landars' SMDU.
Placebo - They Don't Care About Us
Placebo rule! The first single (Pure Morning) from the forthcoming album was released a couple of months ago. That song was truly great - one of the best singles of the year. The new song is brilliant, but not as good (Though there are two superb remixes of Pure Morning on CD2 - from Wall Of Sound's Les Rhythms Digitales and Howie B). The real reason to buy this single (well, CD1 at least) is the B-Side. Although I do not usually like covers, especially of excellent singles from excellent bands, but this is an exception. Placebo's cover of T-Rex's 20th Century Boy is not as good as the original, but still sounds very cool. Musically it is understandably superior to the original, though Brian Molko's voice cannot be compared to Bolan's.
Placebo - Pure Morning
This is one of those songs that you hear once and can't get out of your head all week, so you have to go and buy it, and then you listen to it on repeat for a few days, and then you'll probably get tired of it, though I'm not yet. Placebo are one of coolest bands on the planet, and out of all their releases, this is my favourite - yes, it's even better than Nancy Boy. The lyrics are so clear and easy to understand, that you can't help singing along - "A friend in need's a friend indeed/A friend with weed is better. A friend in need's a friend indeed/A friend who'll tease's better" a lot different to lines such as "Slacker bitch, fag hag, whore/Always knocking on my door". I also happen to be a friend that teases, so I'm better - yeah!
Chicane - Strong In Love
Chicane have released some brilliant singles in the past - every one an Ibiza classic. This, however is one of the poorer releases, with the Disco Citizens remix being the only redeeming feature. Unlike '96 and '97, this year's biggest Ibiza anthem is not from Chicane or Mighty Dub Katz, but from either Energy 52 or Nalin & Kane.
Club Hits 98/99
I do not usually review compilation albums, but this is something very special. Sky TV's annual football anthems CD this year features some stunning tracks. The CD is worth buying for the Adam & Joe Footie Song alone. Adam & Joe are the funniest comedy duo on television, and the footie song was the highlight of their last series. The two Channel 4 stars know absolutely nothing about football, yet set about writing a football song that turned out to be better than all the competition. On this CD there's the League Edition with a new verse and some classy guitar riffs - they even rhyme Chelsea with Wee-Wee! Also on the CD is Chris Evans' favourite We're On The Ball (A new '98 version with a cheesy rap), the insanely infectious Great Escape '99 & Herewegoherewegoherewego. Other football related songs on the 37-track double CD include Massive Attack's Angel (From the Adidas World Cup Ads which were pulled as soon as Beckham did you-know-what), Fatboy Slim's Song For Lindsy (The theme to Sky Football) and Chumbawamba's Top OF The World (Ole Ole Ole). The CD is not just about football, as there are many other cool songs on there too - the infamous Perfecto Mix of Mansun's Wide Open Space, Supergrass' Tonight & The Commodores' Machine Gun, both from the Carling Premier Adverts, Robbie Williams' Let Me Entertain You (yeah!), David Holmes' My Mate Paul, Fatboy Slim's overused, yet still cool Rockafeller Skank, Stretch 'N' Vern's cool mix of Cyclone by dub pistols, Mighty Dub Katz (Fatboy Slim/Norman Cook) mix of Fluke's Absurd, the awesome mix of the Luniz classic I Got 5 On It, Blondie's Atomic 98 (Tall Paul's superb new remix), Storm's anthemic Storm, SMDU, and a wicked unreleased new big beat remix of Jamie White's The Cool, The Fab & The Groovy - Soul Bossanova. The only thing that lets this CD down is the inclusion of Three Lions '98. Shame.
Faithless - Sunday 8PM
Beastie Boys. Freestylers. UNKLE. Skinny. They all released great albums, but this is my favourite album of the year so far. Reverence was a brilliant debut, and this seems to have moved on from where that left off. There aren't as many obvious singles as in the debut. With the exception of God Is A DJ, nothing instantly seems to be a smash hit single - it's all too good! Tracks like Bring My Family Back, Postcards and She's My Baby are utterly brilliant. This is is super-album, nothing like the usual dance album - there are lyrics, not samples, there are stunning melodies and real drumming as opposed to the usual drum-machine beats you might expect. Unlike Freestylers or Skinny, this album has to be played again and again - in full - there's no skipping of tracks or anything like that - once the CD finishes (it's almost an our in length) you just get up and press play again. I can't fault the record to be honest - I know I'll be listening to it for many years to come. I cannot say which of the two Faithless albums I prefer - I do not know, though I have a sneaky suspicion that after a few more listens this will be one of my favourite albums of all time. There's even an appearance from Boy George - he co-wrote and performs on Why Go?. I hope that Faithless release Hem Of His Garment - if so it would probably be single of the year as far as I am concerned - it's just over 4 minutes long, and very radio friendly. There's not a track on the CD that I don't like, so I'm sure all my readers would love this CD too - go and buy it - I'm sure you won't be disappointed - just don't expect the Faithless of God Is A DJ and Insomnia - it's mostly completely different - there's something on the record for everyone, but it's not all dance.
Krust - True Stories
Krust is part of Roni Size's Reprazent and the Dope Dragon project. His new single is excellent, though not very radio friendly - it's a lot less easy to listen to than New Forms. The CD features just two tracks - True Stories and Cold War. There's no radio edit. The first track lasts almost 12 minutes, and the second track brings the single to 20 minutes.
187 Lockdown - The Don
The third (well technically fourth) wicked 187 Lockdown single in a year or so. The bass line is typically fantastic - Lockdown's Speed Garage classics may be a bit cheesy, but that doesn't stop them being some of the best songs in commercial British dance music - with this track being no exception. There's also an awesome Sharp "DTPM" remix.
Lauren Hill - Doo Wop (That Thing)
The third ex-Fugee is set to launch a massive solo career - this is her brilliant debut, which will be followed shortly by the 10/10 album The Miseducation Of Lauren Hill. This is a very groovy, slow, summer anthem, which I am sure will not chart nearly as high as it deserves to in the UK (It's very much better than the current Mel G (Scary Spice)/Missy Elliot number one single. The video for the single is pretty much the best video I have ever seen! OK, so it's not Bohemian Rhapsody, but it's very, very cool - look out for it.
Nalin & Kane - Beachball
Two million Brits went to Ibiza this year, and this is one of the songs that every single one of them will definitely have heard. This is a typical Ibiza classic - expect it to come back again, and again, and again (Beachball '99, Beachball 2000 etc. etc.). I'm sure this will hit the lower end of the top twenty as all the usual Ibiza anthems do - though this year the horrible CIN chart ruling reduces the amount of remixes on the single, so perhaps not so many people will buy it - opting for the superb Kiss and Ministry Ibiza mix-CDs.
Hillman Minx - I've Had Enough
This isn't so much a song as a list. The list is of everything that sums up British life at this moment of time. The song itself is not that good - it's pretty simple to be honest, but it's interesting to listen to a song covering everything from Jerry Springer to "Surfing the net" to Ginger Spice and everything in-between.
The Wiseguys - Start The Commotion
Oh yes! This is so cool, yet so simple - I guess all the catchiest songs are - it's from Big Beat label Wall Of Sound's Wiseguys, who almost had a hit with Ooh La La earlier this year, but this is much better - the whole song is just samples with an MC rapping over it, but the song is great - if you like that sort of thing. It reminds me a lot of Space Raiders' brilliant debut Glam Raid - though that song was a lot better in my opinion. I doubt it'll be as big as it deserves, but then neither was Space Raiders'.
The Wiseguys - Ooh La La
Wall Of Sound records come up trumps again with yet another brilliant slice of Big Beat which sounds just like Fatboy Slim and also a bit like Busta Rhymes' Turn It Up.
All Saints - Bootie Call
All Saints' forth hit single (There was of course the first single which failed to hit the top 40, and then the double A-Side of Lady Marmalade and Under The Bridge) will most certainly be Bootie Call - set to be their third UK number one single (Assuming they can hold off Five and that). This single is better than the immature I Know Where It's At, but I personally prefer Never Ever (Both are included on one of the singles - Never Ever being the stunning Booker T remix - which is almost as famous as the Norman Cook remix of Brimful Of Asha - and it's almost as good - even though it's a year old). The Other CD features a mediocre remix and a new song - Get Down - which is more like a snippets version of the All Saints album. Oh and there's also the promo video for Bootie Call on CD2. The song's not that bad, but it's not that great either, not with songs like Lost In Space, God Is A DJ and Music Sounds Better With You floating around the airwaves.
Sheryl Crow - My Favourite Mistake
I do like Sheryl Crow quite a lot - she's done so many great singles, and this is yet another quality release from her - and it's nearly as good as A Change Would Do You Good. There are two singles, but I got the one with two non-LP tracks - Carolina and In Need - both are good songs, and make this a typically decent Crow EP
Tin Tin Out - Sometimes
Tin Tin Out's hit Here's Where The Story Ends was a massive hit - and deservedly so. After it's astonishing success, Tin Tin Out and Shelly Nelson decided to get back together and record a carbon copy of that song, with what seems to be the intention for it to sell in bucket loads and get played on Capital FM & MTV constantly - which they've achieved, but it's kind of disappointing, though I guess they are a pop-dance band, and that's what pop-dance is all about. The addition of a Camisra remix redeems the record, but I hope Tin Tin Out go back to their Strings Of Yasmin originality with the next single.
Tin Tin Out - Here's Where The Story Ends
This is an amazing follow up to last year's 'Strings For Yasmin'. Featuring Shelley Nelson on vocals, it's been on my chart for weeks on promo, and has now finally been released. Already a Pepsi Top 30 hit on radio airplay alone, it's destined to be massive.
Honeyz - Finally Found
This is a very catchy slice of Pop R&B from this English-French girl group. The song seems it's always been around - it flows very well and generally sounds 'nice'. It's not the kind of record I'd usually buy, but it makes a good contrast to the harshness and aggressiveness of some of the music I've been listening to recently - I can't stop listening to Asian Dub Foundation and Foo Fighters at the moment, so I've been buying a few down-tempo records to counteract that the last couple of weeks.
Faithless - God Is A DJ
Oh yes! It's finally arrived - one of the best dance acts in the world, Faithless - are finally back after a long wait, with the last new material from them coming out in spring '96 - since all we've had is endless re-releases. This is an amazing single, and the forthcoming album looks set to be the best release this year - even better than UNKLE. The video features Maxi Jazz singing and using sign language to emphasise the lyrics. If you like Faithless, why not check out the amazing Rollo & Sister Bliss remix of Moby's Honey (Wicked!)
Moby - Honey
This is SO much better than his last single - James Bond Theme - it's original, catchy, and comes complete with top notch remixes form Aphrodite (Urban Takeover/Natural Born Chillers) and Rollo & Sister Bliss (Faithless). There's also an EP with tracks Micronesia and Memory Gospel. Oh, and the sleeve artwork is definitely Mackie-The-Star material for the future.
Moby - James Bond Theme (Moby's Re-Versions)
LTJ Book'em has just remixed the James Bond Theme with David Arnold, but this is the other version, appearing on the forthcoming soundtrack to the 007 movie Tomorrow Never Dies. The James Bond Theme is also on Moby's new album I Like To Score - his album of film soundtracks remixes. The James Bond Theme is obviously catchy. This is the version for the next millennium... very good indeed.
Danny Tenaglia + Celeda - Music Is The Answer (dancin' and prancin')
This is very cool - there are two CDs, sadly with only two tracks each, but that's CIN's chart ruling for you (Two of the remixes are much longer than ten minutes, so they had no choice really). Fire Island's "La Misica Es La Respuesta" remix rules, but the radio edit is not that hot to be honest.
Manic Street Preachers - If You Tolerate This
Don't bother buying this (Unless you want the David Holmes/Massive Attack remixes) hold out for the forthcoming album, produced (in part) by none other than Apollo440 - brilliant.
Alda - Real Good Time
This is that song form the Capital Gold advert on TV. It's instantly recognisable, and very catchy, and, although not really that good, it's so poppy that it has the same appeal as a Cleopatra record, but, likewise, it's hardly gonna be my favourite single of the year or anything like that. "Maybe I laugh, maybe I cry, maybe I scream, maybe I sigh... I enjoy making some noise... Sure you know how to have a real good time" An excellent pop release.
Embrace - My Weakness Is None Of Your Business
Embrace are strange. Yeah, so I've bought pretty much everything they've released - their songs are good, but they seem familiar - all the Embrace singles not only sound like each other, but also many Verve or Oasis songs. I know this has been picked up by many other people, but until now it has never really effected the enjoyment of their records. I'll probably still buy Embrace singles, because it's still decent quality music, but
Airscape - Amazon Chant
Xtravaganza release yet another corking single, from the group that gave us last year's brilliant Pacific Melody. This song is just as good - it's a shame that this stupid CIN chart ruling means it's just over 17 minutes long - which isn't enough.
Tanita Tikaram - I Don't Wanna Lose At Love
She had a couple of pretty big singles last decade - like that More Than Twist In My Sobriety thing, and this is her interesting come back, backed with an excellent Asian Dub Foundation remix - the reason I got it - the radio edit is pretty pants to be honest.
Tzant - Bounce With The Massive
Tzant are back with one of the coolest singles of the year. Mackie's World's regular visitors will be familiar with the title of this track - I exclusively revealed it months ago, when the song wasn't even finished - I was the fourth person in the world to know the title - Tzant/PF Project fans should return every few weeks for more exclusives of this kind. Anyway, on to the record... The single's split between two CDs - this is because of that stupid rule which forces UK chart singles to be less than 20 minutes long, but it's quality, not quantity in this case (Apparently, Faithless' next single, God Is A DJ, will go for quality & quantity - a 3 CD release!). CD1 features the superb radio edit, Extended Club Mix (Not as good as the remix of the week that was the astoundingly good Club Mix of Sounds Of Wickedness, but nevertheless, it's still a brilliant mix), and L-Dopa's Summer Of Love Mix (My least favourite of the four remixes, this is great, but not as great as a certain other remix which I'll talk about in a minute. The problem is that, although I love remixes very much, sometimes there comes along a song which has such a perfect radio edit, that if a remix is too distant from that mix, I'd rather listen to the radio edit, and for me, this seems a bit too distant - though I've only heard it once as I write this, so my thoughts may change over time. In contrast, every mix on the Sounds Of Wickedness single seemed to have kept the right elements of the single. Having said all that, the remix is good, but I'm sure a large proportion of my readers would prefer the radio edit or the remix I'm just about to right about...). CD 2 has the CD Rom video for Bounce With The Massive (The video rules - it's so much better than the usual promotional videos you see on MTV, especially for "dance" acts, such as D'Menace). It also has the video edit of the song, so people without access to computers don't miss out. The next track is the Colour System Inc. Classic Vocal Mix (My personal favourite remix (Though it's a very tough decision). You really don't expect the piano riffs, which make this mix unusually great - there's even additional rap from Marcel, and the whole mix has a great summery feel to it - perfect for the heat wave which is temporarily over Britain). To top it all off, there's a very cool remix of Sounds Of Wickedness - again, not as good as that Club Mix, but still excellent, and it saves you switching your CDs - unless you are fortunate to have a CD multichanger or a Mini Disc or something like that, but anyway, the mix is called the "B-Line Mix". My advise to you is to buy both CD 1 and CD 2 if you can, but if can only afford to get one, go for CD 2 - It's better overall, but you miss out on that great Club Mix.
Stardust - Music Sounds Better With You
Daft Punk are an extremely cool band, who have had loads of excellent singles, and, although they may seem a little dull on first hearing, end up staying in your CD player for months on end. Yeah, but what has this got to do with Stardust?, I hear you ask. Well, I was just about to tell you - One of the blokes out of Daft Punk is responsible for this epic release, which is certain top be a very big hit - and justifiably so - although not that exciting on first hearing, it's so infectious, that, like Da Funk, Around The World, Burnin' and Revolution 303, it will end up getting stuck on repeat 'till the end of the year - or when you get board of it - which ever comes sooner.
Cleopatra - I Want You Back
Cleopatra have had two huge top five singles, but aren't listened to by anyone other then small children - or that's what most of the music press wants you to believe, but it's simply not true. Both 'Life Ain't Easy' and 'Cleopatra's Theme' had such good remixes that millions of people gave them a lot of respect - especially as they can sing very well, and have the ability to write their own material. This time round, however, they haven't written their own song - they've done a cover of the Jackson 5 classic - a group which they've often been compared to. The cover is, actually, very well done - and, to me, just as enjoyable to listen to as the original. Unfortunately, the Brooklyn Funk remix, which we now expect on Cleopatra singles, is not there, but there is a great R&B mix - good enough for the record company to invest in a full colour, full page advert on Page 2 of a popular British R'n'B magazine - not the place you'd expect a pre-teen pop band to advertise - Cleopatra are anything but.
Sweetbox - Everything's Gonna Be Alright
Bach's Air on a G-String (Well, according to The Sun, G-Strings are in this season!) was heavily sampled by Sweetbox for an advert for a perfume or something. The advert, to my knowledge, was screened worldwide, and everybody wanted to get their hands on the record. It sold in bucket-loads in Europe, and has finally been released in the UK. It will probably emulate that success this side of the channel - when I went to the local record store, they only had tapes left - a possible number one, then.
D'Menace - Deep Menace (Spank)
This song is so catch, it's unbelievable. Although there are no proper lyrics, it's got the most infectious tunes within it. The song has a very controversial sampled line, which rivals Mousse T's Horny for the prestigious "Biggest sexual innuendo within a song" award - Spank! Ooooh let's get to it, to it. At the end, however, a dubious sample changes the whole meaning of the song - there's sounds of a boy being "spanked" followed by a man saying You've been a very naughty boy. The lyrics are definitely strange, but the amazing music makes up for it - it's equal to Da Hool's Meet Her At The Love Parade in terms of catchiness - and that's saying something!
Placebo - Pure Morning
This is one of those songs that you hear once and can't get out of your head all week, so you have to go and buy it, and then you listen to it on repeat for a few days, and then you'll probably get tired of it, though I'm not yet. Placebo are one of coolest bands on the planet, and out of all their releases, this is my favourite - yes, it's even better than Nancy Boy. The lyrics are so clear and easy to understand, that you can't help singing along - "A friend in need's a friend indeed/A friend with weed is better. A friend in need's a friend indeed/A friend who'll tease's better" a lot different to lines such as "Slacker bitch, fag hag, whore/Always knocking on my door". I also happen to be a friend that teases, so I'm better - yeah!
Fun Lovin' Criminals - Love Unlimited
Puerto Rican Huey from FLC doesn't have a car - he has a BMX bike, yet he's a member of "The coolest band in the world" as VOX so famously put it. He's also written a song about his dog, and lost 40% of his brilliant debut album Come Find Yourselves royalties to Quentin Tarrantino. Well, this is the come back single, which, at first, sounds a bit pants, but after listening to it endlessly on MTV and Radio 1, I've grown to like it very much. The lyrics talk about how Barry White saved his life - and it's got nothing to do with any heroics by Barry or anything like that, but actually about how Barry White records taught him that women aren't horrible etc.
4 Hero - Star Chasers
Hopefully this band will win the Mercury Music awards, for which they're nominated this year - they're even on the same record label as last years winners, Roni Size/Reprazent - the excellent Talkin' Loud - they're underground dance superstars, but claim they don't want the international stardom that Roni Size has gained - I'm afraid they don't want to tour the world - they only made their live debut the other day.
Sash! - Mysterious Times
Anything Sash touches turns to gold - and this is another Sash single set to be massive - but it has nothing on Lost In Space or Needin U. Unfortunately, due to the chart rules changes, there are half as many remixes this time compared to all the other releases, but the few that are there do rule - including Todd Terry & Tin Tin Out.
Sash! featuring La Trec - Stay
Multiply records come up trumps yet again. Sash are stunning. Of the three singles (five CDs) all have gone straight to number two (assuming this does). As usual, there are many remixes (ELEVEN!). Unlike many dance CDs, the remixes on Sash singles always are superb. The obvious highlights of the Stay double CD set include Armand Van Helden, Lisa Marie Experience and The Magnificent 4. This is the only single that could knock Dario G from the number one spot on my singles chart.
David Morales presents The Face - Needin' U
Morales is one of my favourite remixers - he's up there with Norman Cook and Apollo 440 and Todd Terry and Roni Size and Rollo & Sister Bliss and RIP. This single release of his is absolutely amazing. It's one of the best dance singles around, and is certain to be massive - especially in my record collection.
apollofourforty - Lost In Space
Right, so here it finally is - possibly the best single of 1998 - Apollo440's Lost In Space - the theme to the forthcoming film of the same name. It is epic, the song is amazing - unbelievably good - never before has there been a song this good written for a film - it's the best - there's none higher than Apollo440. There are two CDs - the first is an EP, featuring the theme version of Lost In Space, brand new song Will & Penny, and a new version of Omega Point (Alpha Point), then there are some really cool remixes from Jason Nevins, LionRock and DJ Cam on the other CD, not to mention the Imaginary Forces Video Edit version of Lost In Space (It's like a second radio edit, though there are lots of differences). Everyone should buy this record it is amazing - a must for everyone's collection - they could teach Jamiroquai and Puff Daddy a lot about how to write a decent theme to a film!
Puff Daddy & Jimmy Page - Come With Me
Forget about the radio edit (There's nothing wrong with it, it's just not that spectacular) - skip straight to the Apollo Four Forty and Stealth Sonic Orchestra remixes - they're amazing - as you would expect from @440.
Puff Daddy featuring The Notorious BIG, Ma$e, Lil' Kim, The Lox, Dave Grohl, Perfect, FuzzBubble, Rob Zombie & Size 14 - It's All About The Benjamins
This single first came out in 1997 - with 'Been Around The World'. This time round, it's something really special. Dave Grohl (Ex-Nirvana, and now of the Foo Fighters) has provided two amazing 'Rock' remixes, which make this the coolest record of 98 so far (Yes, even cooler than Fatboy Slim's Renegade Master remix). There is also a mediocre Drum 'N' Bass remix, which is no way near the quality of a Roni Size or Apollo 440 remix.
Lucid - I Can't Help Myself
This is cool - it sounds as if it's a couple of years old, but that's to it's credit - the bass line is brilliant - and infact it sounds a bit like Faithless
Dee Jay Punk-Roc - Far Out
The second single from Dee Jay Punk-Roc - it features a load of cool remixes, but they're for the UK only, so I won't go into them, but the song itself is cool - though not as good as My Beatbox (And the video isn't as good either - the first one had people with radios on their heads!). The original controversy about Dee Jay seems to have gone now - Apparently, he sent out two press photos of completely different people, and no-one knew which (if any) was real - also, they didn't believe he was American (He does sound French and he does sound British).
The Cool The Fab & The Groovy Presents Quincy Jones - Soul Bossa Nova
This rules! It's by Jamie White of Tzant and is the song from the Nike advert - where they're playing football on the beach, and the ball is kicked into the back of trucks that collect rubbish, and then Ronaldo is looking at his shoe, and then this Italian bloke points out it's made in Italy... The song is from the film Austin Powers too - the sleeve artwork is more reminiscent of that then the advert... The single feature three tracks. The third track is the original Soul Bossa Nova - as heard on the advert - without being remixed or anything, but it's track one and two that you've got to get this record for - they've been remixed by Jamie White & Jamie Ford, and they sound amazing - this cannot be compared with the remix of Mas Que Nada by Echobeats (the song from the other Nike advert) this is in a completely different league - this is the remix of the year, without a doubt!
Charli Baltimore - Money
This is a brilliant debut by yet another star from the Puff Daddy family - Ma$e's Feel So Good is even mentioned in this song. Oh, and she's named after a character from top film A Long Kiss Goodnight.
Jamiroquai - Deeper Underground
This is the best song off the soundtrack to the forthcoming Godzilla film (OK, so anyone in the USA reading this have had the film & CD for ages, but we haven't got either yet). But anyway, this single is the first piece of new Jamiroquai material for a long time, and is sure to be one of their biggest ever hit - as accompanied by a million dollar video featuring a cinema getting flooded and taxis on fire - great...
Massive Attack - Angel
I'm not the biggest Massive Attack fan, though Unfinished Sympathy ruled, but this new single is excellent - it's the one featured in THOSE Adidas Beckham adverts - the ones that were cut short after THAT incident. Anyway, the song is brilliant, and there's even a cool remix by Blur's Damon & Graham.
Breakbeat Era - Breakbeat Era
Roni Size and Reprazent are back after massive success with their debut album New Forms, this time recording under a new name - Breakbeat Era - the track is excellent - just as good as the New Forms project, and the record sleeve is amazing - featuring loads of different signs and logos on top of a rusty background. This record is released on Reprazent's' own 'Full Cycle' label - in conjunction with XL (Home of the Prodigy).
Brock Landars - Smack My D*** Up
This song is very, very cool - infact it's the coolest single since Song 2 by blur or Prodigy's Smack My B**** Up - probably because it heavily samples both of them! That's right, throughout the whole song all you hear is Woo-Hoo part of the classic blur track (plus a selection of the guitar riffs). Then, after a minute or two cue the introduction to SMBU, which goes really well with the song. Over the top of all this is some rap, and some excellent beats, and loads of other samples - it is very good, but hardly original!
Jazzy Jeff & Fresh Prince - Lovely Daze/Summertime 98
Summertime is one of the all-time classics, and here it is, remixed for 98 to compliment a cover of the 1977 Bill Withers hit Lovely Day, with new Will Smith rap of course! To coincide with Mackie's World's birthday celebrations, a year after the original Mackie The Star was Mackie as Will Smith in MIB, Mackie will be Jazzy Jeff & Fresh Prince Star.
Asiandubfoundation - Black/White
This is a good song, but I didn't buy it for the radio edit - I bought it for the Maximum Roach remix, which rules - check out the apollo 440 page for exclusive info on the hottest new band - click here
Disco Citizens - Nagasaki Badger
Yeah! Disco Citizens (AKA Chicane) return with yet another brilliant slice of Ibiza 98, and is sure to be another massive hit for them, following on from last year's Footprint '97. Also, anything with Badger in it can't be bad, now can it - especially if it's Bodger & Badger.
Reggae Boys - Rise Up
Oh well, the World Cup dream for Jamaica's over now, what with them loosing 5-0 to Argentina on Sunday, but it was still a great start to World Cup football for them - Earl scored a memorable goal against Croatia last weekend. But anyway, I'm mainly an England supporter, and as I write this we've just lost to Romania, so on with the review. This is a brilliant football song, and would be a great pop song even if it was in no way related to the World Cup. It features Shaggy and a load of other great Reggae stars, and will hopefully be a big hit, though it seems unlikely given the vast range of English foot anthems available here.
Propellerheads - Bang On
Wall Of Sound's main men release another sure-to-be-massive single from their top ten hit LP Dexndrumsnrocknroll. The track 'Bang On' is not nearly as good as the b-side 'Velvet Pants', which is definitely worth checking out.
Dana International - Diva
Eurovision winning Israeli transsexual Dana International has finally released Diva in the UK, after it's already been a hit all over Europe. The single features the new English version, as well as the much more entertaining Hebrew version, plus remixes. The record's illegal in Egypt, which is a shame, as it's dead catchy, and even features a line about Cleopatra.
Studio 2 - Travelling Man
Complete with Banana Republic remixes, this is a summer anthem if ever I heard one. A guaranteed hit, at least by the generous MTV rotation, this record will never chart as highly as it deserves - there's too much competition from Dario G, Fat Les, Fatboy Slim etc, but hopefully it'll be a small hit anyway.
Janet Jackson - Go Deep
Janet Jackson's music has got better and better. All the previous singles from 'The Velvet Rope' LP have ruled, and been on MTV and the radio permanently, and this is no exception. The main reason that this release is even better than her previous offerings is due to the fact that the CD comes complete with remixes from Roni Size and Masters At Work - other than say Fatboy Slim or Apollo 440, there are none higher!
Refugee Camp Allstarz presents Pras featuring O.D.B. and Mya - Ghetto Supastar (That Is What You Are)
Produced by Wyclef, and featuring Wu tang Clan's ODB, this stunning record was supposed to be released this Monday, but it was not, so I have no idea when it's released, but the promo I have features the Main version and TV version (both very similar) plus an instrumental and an acapella version. The records yet another from the whole Refugee Allstarz thang, and it has this cool part in the promotional video where this campaigning politician removes his face to reveal Pras' face, and it's strange to hear an American rap star singing about football as well. 'Kick your balls like Pele'.
Granddad Roberts And His Son Elvis - Meat Pie, Sausage Roll (Come on England gi's a goal)
This is a promo, and I do not have a release date, but I shall review it now anyway. Of all the football songs released to cash in on the hype surrounding World Cup 98, this has got to be the worst, but that is to its credit, and makes this one of the funniest of all the foot singles, though its got nothing on vindaloo.
Fatboy Slim - THe ROCkAFELLER SkANk
Without doubt, this is one of the best singles of 1998. This is so funky! There isn't much in the way of lyrics in this record 'Right About Now, The Funk Soul Brother/Check It Out Now, The Funk Soul Brother... Rockafeller Skank'. It's a brilliant single, and it's paired with 'Always Read The Label', and the ludicrously similar to last year's 'everybody needs a 303' - Tweakers Delight. Fatboy Slim is a genious - this better go UK top ten, or else!
Dario G - Carnival De Paris
Another of the best singles of 1998, this is a World Cup song for all the nations, and is brilliant - if you liked last year's 'Sunchyme' you'll love this - it's such a great summer anthem, as well as the best football song so far, other than Fat Less, but this is great for different reasons to Fat Les, and there's definitely room in my CD collection for both World Cup Foot Anthems.
Fat Les - Vindaloo
Here we go, another of my favourite singles of 98, this is so funny, so cool. The video is the best video I've ever seen - it's everything that's British all rolled into one, and even pokes fun at the Verve's Bittersweet Symphony - this time Richard Ashcroft (Denis Penis) is run over by the red car!. The lyrics are amazing, written by Keith Allen, who sings on the record - he also wrote the smash hit New Order track back in 1990 - World In Motion, and he's in Trainspotting, and he owns, with top British artist Damien Hirst, the Turtle Neck records which published Vindaloo. Damien Hirst has also designed all the artwork, which rules - the sleeve features Damien's teeth with Vindaloo written on them. In the special limited edition CD (100,000 copies only - buy 'em NOW0 there's a special CD-Rom video and a free poster featuring a bucket of vindaloo and some red arrows writing vindaloo in the sky. The bass played from Pink Floyd is featured on the record, as is Alex from Blur, and it is gonna sell millions, guaranteed. I love it so much, the words are so cool - cheddar cheese, knitting, tea, and buckets of vindaloo. If this doesn't inspire England to win, then nothing will.
Lightening Seed & Skinner & Baddiel - Three Lions 98
This is nothing compared to Fat Les. It does have a Bentley Rhythm Ace remix, and I do like them, but on principle I'm not gonna buy it, cause Vindaloo is the best football record ever, though Jean Michel Jarre and Apollo 440 - Rendezvous 98 rules as well, but that rules for different reasons - a true foot anthem has to have a catchy, uplifting memorable chorus, such as Fat Les. Three Lions talks more of us loosing than winning - Fat Le is all about England scoring one more goal than the competition.
Embrace - Come Back To What You Know
Embrace's fourth single (If you exclude the original limited edition fierce panda release of All You Good Good People, Embrace's first top ten hit from last year. Embrace are well known for the quality of their EPs, and this release is no different. However, it will be the last four-track EP to chart in this country, as CIN have stupidly changed the rules for singles, allowing a maximum of only three different tracks per single. The CD features Come Back To What You Know, and 3 non-album tracks - Love Is Back, If You Feel Like A Sinner and Perfect Way. There is also a second CD featuring Live versions of Dry Kids and Butter Wouldn't Melt, plus Orchestral version of CBTWYK and the radio edit . This group is far superior to Oasis, and a lot better than the Verve, and deserve huge chart success in the near future.
Wiseguys - Ooh La La
Wall Of Sound records come up trumps again with yet another brilliant slice of Big Beat which sounds just like Fatboy Slim and also a bit like Busta Rhymes' Turn It Up.
Nu Birth - Anytime
This Speed Garage classic was first released last year. Nu Birth (AKA 187 Lockdown) have now re-released it on the XL label with some new remixes.
B*Witched - C'est La Vie
This band is being cited as the first Tom-Boy Band and features four Irish girls (One or two of which are related to somebody from Boyzone). The song is about a boy who lives in a tree house, and even features a Riverdance part in the middle.
Mousse T - Horny 98
This song has a line 'I tried to contact him on the internet...' but other than that, mostly goes 'I'm Horny, Horny, Horny, Horny, Tonight... It is very catchy and is certain to be a massive hit single.
Bran Van 3000 - Drinking In LA
This is a really catchy song which has been on MTV UK constantly over the past few months. The video features people smashing up an old Atari ST, which is a tragedy.
Jean Michel Jarre/Apollo 440 - Rendezvous '98
This has finally been released in the UK. The new Jean Michel Jarre remix album (featuring this remix) is out now. It's been a long time since we've had something new from Apollo 440 (Well only a few months, but that's too long for me!) This time round they've collaborated with French musical master Jean Michel Jarre to re-work his classic Rendezvous, and the amazing result, which is to be used as the theme for both ITV's and Eurosport's World Cup coverage theme tune. The CD Album is enhanced and features some amazing software which enables users to draw unique pictures with the music - strange but cool.
Beyond A Cure - Death Of The Midnight Sky
This is the demo album from a cool unsigned band, from Essex, England (The home of Prodigy). They're called Beyond A Cure, and feature Adam Gogul, who's web site is cool, and feature information on how to get the record. You can also down load some of the tracks. The record features samples from lots of top groups, including Prodigy, Aerosmith, Bjork & Underworld. Among the Prodigy tracks sampled is the unreleased 'Rock 'N' Roll' (From a bootleg tape). One of the tracks, Earwig, samples Will Self talking about the 'Smack My Bitch Up' promotional video. Other tracks sample the theme to Reservoir Dogs & Bottom. It's an excellent debut, and far better than Oasis' last release. Beyond A Cure are sure to be Big Beat stars of the future.
Cornershop - Sleep On The Left Side
Destined to be another massive hit from Cornershop's LP When I Was Born For The 7th Time. This is much slower than Brimful Of Asha, and does not come with Norman Cook remixes, but it's still an amazing release, and just as catchy as the previous release. The Les Rhymes Digitales and Ashley Beedle remixes are also great, though it is unlikely to get to number one in the UK chart like BFOA, due to stiff competition from the likes of All Saints, Aqua and Madonna, but there's always hope.
Air - Kelly Watch The Stars
Air are one of the best new groups around. They had their first UK appearance on Friday's 'Later With Jools Holland', where they played this and Sexy Boy live - using a vocoder to great effect - they did one of the best Jools Holland performances in recent times, and I cannot wait to see and hear more from them. Kelly Watch The Stars, second single from the amazing album 'Moon Safari', has also got an amazing video, and the single features a cool remix of Sexy Boy, by non other than Beck, and cool b-sides.
Cleopatra - Life Ain't Easy
Cleopatra, now signed to Madonna's Maverick label for American distribution, release the second single from the forthcoming debut album (Album snippets are featured on one of the singles). The single is nice, and has a video which follows on from the original 'Cleopatra's Theme' promo - featuring the girls' mum and little sister.
Freak Power - No Way
Not to be confused with No Way No Way (Manna Manna) by Vanilla. This single is from the group whose career started with a single called 'Turn On, Tune In, Cop Out', which was featured on a Levis advert (I think it was the one with a girl shaving in a taxi). Can You Feel It was another great single in 1996, but that was not a hit. Now Freak Power (Norman Cook (Fatboy Slim) and bald-headed Ashley Slater) return with the epic 'No Way', which features Norman Cook remixes and an extremely catchy chorus.
All Saints - Under The Bridge/Lady Marmalade
An amazing R&B cover of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers classic, Under The Bridge is the follow up to the phenomenon that was Never Ever. Lady Marmalade is another cover, featuring the classic line 'voulez vous couchez avec moi ce soir' [My French isn't very good, but you know what I mean]. The singles feature good remixes. One CD has a poster, and the other has the Under The Bridge video. These two and the previous two releases are available on the million+ selling debut LP 'All Saints'.
Jungle Brothers - Jungle Brother
This single's been re-released to coincide with it being featured on a film soundtrack. This time round though, it is much better, due to the wicked Urban Takeover Mix.
Madonna - Ray Of Light
Title track from Madonna's recent number one album, and follow up to her UK number one single, Frozen, this release has already been tipped as a landmark dance single for '98. I, however disagree. I think it's a brilliant piece of pop-dance, but needs some hat beats from someone like FatBoy slim - Renegade Master 98, Brimful of Asha, All Seeing I's Beat Goes On, Air's Sexy Boy and so on, all were much better 'dance' releases, but that doesn't make 'Ray Of Light' any less enjoyable.
Lo Fidelity Allstars - Vision Incision
Yet another classic release from the amazing Skint Records. The CD also features a storming Midfield General remix
Novy vs Eniac - Superstar
An amazing dance track - a little commercial maybe, but still excellent. There's a great Jason (It's Like That) Nevins remix which accompanies this too. Also, any remix called 'Funky Diablo's Custard Gannet Mix' has gotta be good!
The Dandy Warhols - Not If You Were The Last Junky On Earth
A very cool song. Check out the video for this track - it features a load of people dressed up as giant dancing hypodermic syringes
Tzant - Sounds Of Wickedness
Tzant is actually Jamie White, also known as PF Project (Of 'Choose Life' fame). The rap on this track is provided by Marcus Thomas, who used to be in clock, and had massive hits with releases such as 'Whoomph! Here it is'. This is a classic! Check out my new page on Jamie White and his groups.
187 Lockdown - Kung Fu
This is destined to be massive. One of my favourite singles of 1998 so far, this combines a catchy classic Kung Fu hook, with a load of Kung Fu film samples and Speed Garage beats. Wicked. And check out the amusing video that goes with it too.
Busta Rhymes - Turn It Up (Remix)/Fire It Up
This song is SO cool! It was originally 'Turn It Up' from Busta Rhyme's album 'When Disaster Strikes, but has now been remixed and features a hefty sample of 'The Knight Rider Main Theme' which rules!
Ultra Nate - Found A Cure
Ultra Nate's catchy follow up to last summer's smash hit 'Free', accompanied by many cool remixes, but sadly not a RIP mix like last time.
Goldie - Believe
The third single to be taken from Goldie's new album 'Saturnz Return', it's a great follow up to Digital & Temper Temper and features cool VIP & Grooverider remixes.
Skinny - Failure
The first new signing to Faithless' Cheeky Label release their debut single, featuring a cool video and a David Homes remix
Tin Tin Out - Here's Where The Story Ends
This is an amazing follow up to last year's 'Strings For Yasmin'. Featuring Shelley Nelson on vocals, it's been on my chart for weeks on promo, and has now finally been released. Already a Pepsi Top 30 hit on radio airplay alone, it's destined to be massive.
The All Seeing I - Beat Goes On
A superb dance single which is, apparently, a cover of an old Cher B-Side, re-vamped with a hefty beat and infectious rhythm for 1998.
Spice Girls - Stop
One of the girls' better releases, this comes complete with remixes from David Morales and Stretch 'N' Vern, so is well worth checking out. No jokes about the Spice Girls and the chorus 'Stop right now, thank you very much', OK?!
Spice Girls - Spice Up Your Life & Step To Me
From their second Album Spice World, The Pepsi-Cola promo single arrived through the door this morning - the day of the release of Spice Up Your Life. Although it took a lot longer than the '28 days' promised, it was worth the wait, as this single comes with two Matthew Roberts remixes which rule. Spice Up Your Life was worth paying the full price for, as this stunning single comes with two superb mixes from David Morales and Murc. I would like to point out, before my reputation is completely destroyed, that the singles were purchased for the remixes alone. The same applies to the single below.
Pressure Drop - Silently Bad Minded
In a similar style to Finley Quaye, and infact, labelmates, Pressure Drop give us their critically acclaimed debut single, featuring top notch remixes from Roni Size and from Stereo MCs.
Run DMC vs Jason Nevins - It's Like That
The Run DMC classic has been given a new lease of life by Jason Nevins. Already massive all over Europe, this single has been tipped for the UK number one spot, even with stiff competition from the Spice Girls - if anyone can do it, Run DMC can. This is great, and has been all over radio and MTV, like a bad rash!
Don - How Free
Following on from groups such as Oasis and Embrace, are Don, with their whopping debut London Records release. The single also features B-Sides 'Detonator' and 2"99. Better than any of Oasis' recent stuff, and almost as good as Embrace, but not quite.
Roni Size/Reprazent - Watching Windows
Roni Size and Reprazent are the best drum 'n' bass act that isn't apollo 440! They're much better than Adam F. Roni's released a load of singles - each on e better than the last, but, to be honest, they're not that good as singles - much better in the context of the album. However it is worth getting the singles, for the stunning remixes, especially the NuYorican Soul (Masters At Work) remix. There are also awesome offerings from the likes of DJ Die & Ed Rush, plus remixes of Down, and New Forms.
Adam F - Music In My Mind
After the superb debut, Circles, the second release form cool Adam F's LP 'Colours' is an excellent follow-up. There is even a brilliant remix by DJ Krust of Roni Size's Reprazent.
Cornershop - Brimful of Asha
The best single of 98.... Possibly. for a full review click here
Dust Junkies - What Time Is It
There is the most amazing apollo 440 remix of 'Nothin' Personal' on this CD, featuring an interpolation from Fleetwood Mac's 'Oh Well'. Definitely worth a purchase!
Air - Sexy Boy
The debut single from the hottest band of the moment has finally arrived. The French duo, Air have already stormed the album chart, and now we can finally hear the cool new remixes, from (among others) the one, the only, Etienne De Crecy! Wicked!
Lilys - A Nanny In Manhattan
Levis Ad - the one with the hearse... need I say more? I think not.
Cleopatra - Cleopatra's Theme
Following the phenomenal success of The Spice Girls & All Saints, are Cleopatra. These three Mancunian teenagers (aged 13, 15, 17) have the ability to sing well, unaccompanied, as do All Saints. The Spice Girls, however, do not have that ability. This is really just a plain pop single, but I guess it's fun - if you like that kinda thing.
Puff Daddy featuring The Notorious BIG, Ma$e, Lil' Kim, The Lox, Dave Grohl, Perfect, FuzzBubble, Rob Zombie & Size 14 - It's All About The Benjamins
This single first came out in 1997 - with 'Been Around The World'. This time round, it's something really special. Dave Grohl (Ex-Nirvana, and now of the Foo Fighters) has provided two amazing 'Rock' remixes, which make this the coolest record of 98 so far (Yes, even cooler than Fatboy Slim's Renegade Master remix). There is also a mediocre Drum 'N' Bass remix, which is no way near the quality of a Roni Size or Apollo 440 remix.
Aqua - Doctor Jones
Aqua return to the charts, after Barbie Girl. You may ask why someone like me has this in my collection - well it's a) because its stupid b) because there's a cool interactive CD-ROM part to it - with video and pictures and lyrics and more, and c) because of the remixes.
Green Day - Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)
This is Green Day at their most mellow. From the UK top ten album Nimrod, this is the punk band's cool new single, which is available on two CDs, both with excellent B-Sides.
SoMore Featuring Damon Trueitt - I Refuse (What You Want)
Originally released.... last week, under the name 'Industry Standard - What You Want, What You Need' on 'Nice N Ripe' records, the real version has now been re-released on XL featuring (amongst others) Industry Standard and Double 99 - RIPGroove remixes. It's a cool Speed Garage anthem and should storm the charts.
Goldie featuring Noel Gallagher - Temper Temper
After the number one collaboration with the chemical brothers, Noely G is back with another dance duet - with chart breakthrough Drum & Bass bloke, Goldie. This is in aggressive Firestarter style, and the single even features the CD-Rom video. The video has Goldie smashing up statues with a baseball bat. Then Goldie, in a now largely cut scene, gets a chainsaw and holds it up above Noel, then later you see Noel's guitar covered in blood...
Wildchild - Renegade Master 98
Renegade Master, one of the coolest songs ever, returns, this time with top remixes from two of the coolest remixers around - Fatboy Slim and Stretch 'N' Vern. Probably set to be the highest new entry of 1998 in the official charts, and already high on my singles chart.
Bamboo - Bamboogie
This cool track was originally found on the Bud Ice advert (the one with the ant eater and the ants). Well, due to popular demand, it's finally been released, and set to be a massive hit
Queen - No-One But You
This is the first song written by Queen since the tragic death of Freddie Mercury. Featuring Brian May on vocals, the CD also has a new track, and two digitally remastered classics. Great!   The first CD I ever got was Queen's I'm Going Slightly Mad.  That was considerably better than this.
The Rapsody Featuring Warren G & Sissel - Prince Igor
This single will be one of the first new hits of 1998 (along with the awful new Space track). The single features the rap of the cool Warren G, and Russian opera from Sissel. Already number one in my list of singles 1998. It may be the only one, but I'm sure it will remain popular over the next few months.
Ma$e - Feel So Good
This is one of the coolest singles this year, and comes out practically at the end of the year. Hopefully (though highly unlikely) this single will be the prestigious UK Christmas number one. The honour is probably going to go to the Teletubbies, spice girls or another Princess Diana tribute song, but whatever happens, this is without a doubt musically the best of the singles. It inevitably features Puff Daddy and will probably be huge all over the world.
U2 - Mofo - The Remixes
Yet another hit from U2's Pop LP, but this time it's actually worth while, due to the stunning Roni Size 'Drill 'N' Bass' remix.
Red 5 - Lift Me Up
After the number 11 hit 'I Love You... Stop' from early 1997, Red 5 return.
Chicane - Lost You Somewhere
One of the best groups in the world release the fourth single from their 'Far From The Maddening Crowds' LP.
Sheryl Crow - Tomorrow Never Dies
After the success of A Change Would Do You Good, from her second album Sheryl Crow, she's back with the title track from the new Bond film. Pulp also did the title track, but were rejected in favour of Sheryl Crow's offering. Which is good, because this song is much, much better. The single even features the promotional video, so is very good value.
The Chemical Brothers - The Private Psychedelic Reel
The Chemical Brothers are back. After two number one singles, and a number one (Mercury Prize nominated) album, they've built up a massive fan base. Now, they release the fourth single from 'Dig Your Own Hole' - limited to a mere 20,000 copies, of which I have one!! Number 09735 to be exact. The single will not make the official UK sales chart, because the Chemical Brothers deliberately went against their rules, and gave away a free sticker and poster with the package. They figured as the track is 9 minutes long, it would not be played on the radio anyway, so why bother try to get it in the chart. They decided to make TPPR a gift to the fans instead.
The Teletubbies - Teletubbies Say "Eh-Oh"
This is obviously silly, and won't mean anything to anybody who is not obsessed with the 'tubbies. The CD also includes the 'Again Again Mix' which features Naughty Noo Noo the vacuum cleaner. Well, this will be enjoyable for all of 4 weeks and then will go to bottom of my music collection - with Barbie Girl and Oasis.
Dreem Teem - The Theme
Next summer's sound will be Speed Garage, without a doubt. The all time Speed Garage anthem is by The Dreem Teem, and it's finally been released. It's tomorrow's music today. Dreem Teem have also remixed some great tacks recently - everyone from KWESI to Amira (See Below)
Bruce Wayne - Ready
Yet another cool dance track remixed by German genius Sash!
Amira - My Desire
Boris D'Lugosch had a cool hit with 'Hold Your Head Up High' earlier this year. His remix of this classic Garage anthem rules, as does the previously mentioned Dreem Teem remix.
Huff & Herb - Feeling Good
One of the coolest releases this year, Feeling Good does exactly what it says on the sleeve - it makes you feel good. It was released last week, but I missed it due to it being so popular. I strongly recommend Huff & Herb to anybody.
Meredith Brooks - I Need
Back in Week 2, I reviewed Meredith Brooks debut single - it then went on to become on of the biggest hits of the year. The follow up to B*tch is very good too. It is equally catchy , and is complete with interesting lyrics. CD1 features the Todd Terry (see below) remix of B*tch and other mixes, whilst CD2 has new tracks.
Todd Terry presents Shannon - It's Over Love
One of the best DJs in the world, Todd Terry, returns with another track from his critically acclaimed (I gave it a good review in Week 1) LP. Something Goin' On was a very cool song, but never got reviewed here due to it selling out too quickly!! The single, another TT classic is complete with typically excellent remixes from the likes of Funky Green Dogs (Of 'Fired Up' fame)& Loop Da Loop. Todd Terry's remixed many, many singles in the past few weeks - everything from Full Intention to The Brand New Heavies to Meredith Brooks.
DJ Supreme vs The Rhythm Masters - Enter The Scene
One of the all-time dance anthems, DJ Supreme returns again. This time, it's a remix by the rhythm masters, and features many, many other superb versions. The Klubbheads version is outstanding.
U.S.U.R.A - Open Your Mind
Open Your Mind is back too. It's one of the most infectious dance tracks of recent times, and has literally been going through my head for the past four years. I'm glad I've finally had the opportunity to purchase this song. The DJ Quicksilver radio edit is surprisingly good (I do not like DJ Quicksilver usually - ever since is appalling remix of Faithless' Salva Mea).
Sleeper - Romeo Me
Week 11 saw the first new Sleeper single of 1997, and here's the second. Romeo Me is another Sleeper-ish track, and is therefore great (If you like Sleeper). It's accompanied by remixes and new tracks, and the Peel Session track 'Nice Guy Eddie'.
Sleeper - She's A Good Girl
Sleep015CD. Sleeper have returned, with a brilliant new single, from their new LP (Pleased To Meet You) which is out next month. It's a typical Sleeper song (So it's cool) and is accompanied by two other (cool) Sleeper tracks (exclusive non - album bonus tracks, to be exact). Watch this space for a review of their new album (a less biased one, I hope).
Gala - Let A Boy Cry
A disappointing follow up to Freed From Desire, which is only just saved by the decent remixes from Rob B, Walty and Blue Ikon.
Sex-O-Sonique - I Thought It Was You
Excellent, excellent piece of dance music which contains a cool sample from jazz superstar Herbie Hancock. There's remixes and a new track, and it's my favourite new release this week.
apollofourforty - Carrera Rapida (Them From Rapid Racer)
Apollo 440 and White Town are the two most important groups to this web site, so when one of them release any new material, there is naturally a special place for the review. That is why this review is separate from the others. The release of this single has been eagerly awaited for a very long time. This single, which was finally released on the 3rd of November, was strangely a very limited 2CD release. Thanks to a kind friend, Adam, I have finally received a copy. It features an amazing 7 remixes on CD one, and, on CD two there is the entire Rapid Race soundtrack (6 tracks). Also, CD features the Rapid Racer demo for the Sony Playstation, and sound clips from the excellent album Electro Glide In Blue, and, if that isn't enough, the CD also features the video for my favourite song in the world ever - Krupa. Rapid Racer is the excellent new Playstation game for which Apollo 440 were specially commissioned to write a soundtrack for. The single, fourth from Electro Glide In Blue, after Krupa (96), Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Dub (97) and Raw Power (97), is one of my favourite songs of the year. The single was reviewed in the Melody Maker last week by Ozzy Osbourne, who loved it. I think it's very sad that this release was so limited, but at least there should be a whole new album next year - a collaboration with the Manic Street Preachers.
Robert Miles featuring Kathy Sledge - Freedom
The man behind Fable, One & One and Children finally returns with some new material (this time featuring Kathy Sledge of Sister Sledge). The single (first from his new LP, 23am, out on the 21st) is very good, as you'd expect. As with all his other singles, it will probably sound even better after a few plays.
Shola Ama - Who's Loving My Baby
Shola Ama is back, after two excellent singles (both top ten hits). This may not be as catchy as the previous two, but I still like it very much, and is already a hit in my personal playlist chart.
The Prodigy - Smack My Bitch Up
The prodigy are back, with one of the most controversial smash hits in recent time. The video was banned on every single TV station (A new video is now being issued, as the original 'experimental' video was banned by the band themselves too). The decision to release SMBU as a single is a strange one. Any other track on their LP 'The Fat Of The Land' would have been a guaranteed UK number one, but due to the lyrics, many sales will have been lost, and this may not reach the top three, let alone number one. Having said that, it is very, very popular (with both sexes), and the band will have earned lots of respect for the changes they made to the single sleeve after the tragic death of Diana, Princess Of Wales (originally a VW camper van wrapped around a lamp-post, now a breakdancer). The CD comes complete with 'No Man Army' (a new track, from the Spawn OST), a Mindfields remix by Head Rock and a SMBU remix by DJ Hype.
The Firm - Biz
Nas Escobar, Foxy Brown, AZ & Nature present The Firm, an amazing collection of some of the world's finest rap stars, release their first single - Biz (featuring Dawn Robinson). Although very explicit, this is a good track, and a good start to this group destined to be one of the biggest in the world.
Mary J Blige - Missing You
After the success of 'Everything', Mary J Blige is back with a vengeance. This is a great a song, from a superb singer, and comes complete with excellent remixes, of both missing you and the other track, I can love you.
Happy Clappers - I Believe '97
It was actually released last week, but after the day that these charts are compiled, but this amazing record returns for the third time, this time with a stomping Sash! remix. It's a true classic.
Full Intention - America (I Love America)
Full Intention, the ones who made East 57th Street's Saturday perfect, release their own single (on two CDs with 12 great different mixes, including Speed Garage master Todd Terry himself). The single uses the line I Love America throughout, but don't let that put you off (or attract you) the fact of the matter is, this is a brilliant track, with seven international remixes, and five home grown British mixes, this totally deserves it's high position on my personal play list.
All Saints - Never Ever
After the astonishing success of the superb I Know Where It's At, All Saints return with their second single Never Ever. Although their last hit was very good for a girl band, the rap in it was very poor, not nearly in the league of the Foxy Browns or Mary J Blige's of the world. This effort is much better, and is supported by some very cool Booker T remixes, which could easily have been released as the radio edit (yes, that good!). All Saints have been often compared to the Spice Girls, but after this, those Spicies should be getting very worried! The All Saints are on an entirely different level to the SGs and are much more like Eternal or a British En Vogue.
187 Lockdown - Gunman
I bought this record the day it came out - the 1st of September 1997. It's a real classic, and got to number one in no less than two top dance charts. The speed garage anthem is now top of my personal play list, and is truly.... wicked! Buy this and get the sound of the summer '98, today!! Also features a superb Natural Born Chillers remix.
187 Lockdown - Gunman '98
I was right! it was the sound of the summer '98 - it was re-released in the UK around July 98 and went top 20 again. It featured a '98 radio edit which was barely different from the original. The song also got nominated for an Ivor Novello song writing award - unfortunately they did not win, but a nomination for such a sought-after award is still very good.
Faithless - Don't Leave
Over a year and a half after it's original release, Faithless' unusual ballad has been revived. This single was originally released on March 4 1996, it came after their two top thirty hits Salva Mea and Insomnia. This time round, it's a completely different story. Insomnia went top five about a year ago when it was re-issued. Salva Mea came again at the very end of 1996, and was top ten also. Spring 97 saw the first release of the title track from the debut LP Reverence - another top ten hit. Now, on it's re-release, Don't Leave (the third single from the A Life Less Ordinary soundtrack) is set to go top ten (Woolworth's predict number 5), making it the fourth UK top ten from Reverence. The single (2CD set) has seven superb Don't Leave mixes, plus a brand new remix of Salva Mea. The highlight for me is the Euphoric mix of Don't Leave, and the Simple Mix. The Danny Tenaglia mix of Salva Mea is very good, but is not nearly as good as the mixes from the December '96 re-released Salva Mea.
Roni Size/Reprazent - Brown Paper Bag
The Mercury Music Prize winners come up trumps again, with the stunning vocal remix of Brown Paper Bag. Originally a nine minute instrumental track two from the 100,000 selling New Forms LP, this song's been cut to under 4 minutes, and had an excellent brown-paper related lyric added, to make this one of the d + b highlights of '97. The single comes in two forms - A limited edition brown paper sleeve, featuring the great new track Western (which sounds like a drum & bass western theme tune, as you may have guessed). The other CD features five different tracks, including the original version, two vocal mixes and two remixes (which both sound very much like Reprazent, even though one is by the mighty Photek.
Moby - James Bond Theme (Moby's Re-Versions)
LTJ Book'em has just remixed the James Bond Theme with David Arnold, but this is the other version, appearing on the forthcoming soundtrack to the 007 movie Tomorrow Never Dies. The James Bond Theme is also on Moby's new album I Like To Score - his album of film soundtracks remixes. The James Bond Theme is obviously catchy. This is the version for the next millennium... very good indeed.
Fabulous Baker Boys - Oh Boy
A nice piece of dance music from the excellent Multiply Records (The label that gave us Sash!, Red 5 and TJR). In some respects it reminds me of TJR Featuring Xavier - Just Gets Better from almost two months ago. It's a very infectious house/garage track and well worth a purchase! To find out more about Multiply Records go to www.telstar.co.uk/multiply.
Embrace - All You Good Good People
This is the re-issue of Embrace's debut single. It is very good, and much better than Oasis' last single. Embrace and Oasis are always compared, however this can now only be an insult to Embrace, who are clearly a much more talented group. CD2 features three different mixes of the title track and a remix of their last hit One Big Family. I chose to purchase the original EP instead, as I seldom like indie-rock remixes.
Beck - Deadweight
Beck's last new single for up to two years, and a taster for his 3rd LP which Mr Hansen is about to write, this is a superb single, specially written for the soundtrack to A Life Less Ordinary (From the makers of Trainspotting, starring Ewan Mc Gregor). The single is accompanied with two other new tracks - Erase The Sun & SA-5. The sleeve is quite literally a work of art - Kleine Sonne 1969 by Hannah Hoch. The CD is very good. Beck is currently number one in the singles chart, number one in my albums chart.
Armand Van Helden - Ultrafunkula
The master returns with his classic 'Ultrafunkula' (plus mixes from DJ Sneak & Ganja Kru). This man is a remixing genius (he's mixed everyone from Apollo 440 to Sash! to Goldie to Faithless to Nu Yorican Soul, and everybody inbetween, and to great effect. This track (released on Full Frequency Range Recordings) is destined for a high place in the UK charts this week.
Michelle Weeks - Don't Give Up
This is the second ever CD single on the Ministry Of Sound Record Label. Bobby D'Ambrosio featuring Michelle Weeks - Moment Of My Life was the first, smash hit, 15 weeks ago... This single is excellent, and features remixes from M&S, the mighty K-Klass, the very cool Matthew Roberts and Baffled. A real anthem, a one of the best tunes this year.
Olive - Miracle
I HATE this single! I can't stand Olive. I hated their last two singles too (one of which, You're Not Alone, which spent three weeks at the top of the UK charts, is included here (in a remixed form). If I hate them so much, why did I buy it? because of the Roni Size remix of course! - there's nothing more to it than that - I won't even listen to any of the other tracks! Roni Size/Reprazent's new single is out on Monday - Brown Paper Bag (Their fourth single, and track two from the top ten, and Mercury Music Prize winning LP 'New Forms'). Full review next week.
Sundance - Sundance
An ambient Ibiza smash, which, although sounds slightly dated in places, is without a doubt on of 1997's anthems. By far the best track is Cut La Roc's Voodoo '89 Mix. Amazing! More info: www.react-music.co.uk E-mail: mailbox@react-music.co.uk
Scott Garcia featuring MC Styles - A London Thing
An amazing track. This is a true anthem for the London club scene. So much of an anthem for London, that everywhere outside of London, it's hated. The single is to be re-released soon, under the title of 'It's A DJ Thing'.
Double 99 - RIP Groove
It has finally arrived! The remixed CD for this classic is out now. The original version (which is also included on this CD) was released earlier this year, but unfortunately, it did not go as high in the chart as it deserved. This time round, the single must go very high indeed!
LL Cool J - Phenomenon
This is very, very cool. The single contains a fairly obvious hook from Grand Master Flash & Melle Mel's massive hit 'White Lines (Don't Do It)'. It is also produced by Puff Daddy, and contains some stunning rap from LL. The last single from LL Cool Jay got to number one in the UK charts - Ain't No Body, from the Beavis & Butthead sound track. There are also two other songs on the four-track CD: Wanna Get Paid, and the excellent Mamma Said Knock You Out.
Fatboy Slim - Everybody Needs A 303
Norman Cook, the man behind Mighty Dub Katz, The Housemartins and Freak Power, returns under the name of Fatboy Slim, with his cool, cool remixes of his single. This is really Cook at his very coolest. There are also two new songs on CD 2, plus the original versions on CD1.
Goldie featuring KRS One - Digital
Goldie is back! His new album is out in January, but this is the first piece of new material since 1995. No-one can deny that Goldie is a master - Rap, Rock, Dance, Pop, Indie and Classical (Yes Classical!) all rolled into one. Do not miss the opportunity to purchase this masterpiece.
Spice Girls - Spice Up Your Life & Step To Me
From their second Album Spice World, The Pepsi-Cola promo single arrived through the door this morning - the day of the release of Spice Up Your Life. Although it took a lot longer than the '28 days' promised, it was worth the wait, as this single comes with two Matthew Roberts remixes which rule. Spice Up Your Life was worth paying the full price for, as this stunning single comes with two superb mixes from David Morales and Murc. I would like to point out, before my reputation is completely destroyed, that the singles were purchased for the remixes alone. The same applies to the single below.
Aqua - Barbie Girl
This awful, but amusing single comes complete with the CD-ROM Video for the single. It may have an irritating radio edit, but there are two excellent remixes from The Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Of 'People Hold On' fame).
Nuyorican Soul - I Am The Black Gold Of The Sun
Nuyorican Soul (Masters At Work) make a welcome return to the UK dance floors, with this superb track, after the massive success of 'Alright, I Feel It' and 'Runaway' (remixed by Armand Van Helden on this single). Kenny 'Dope' Gonzalas of MAW has had very high charting single, back in 1995 - The Bomb.
Sash! featuring La Trec - Stay
Multiply records come up trumps yet again. Sash are stunning. Of the three singles (five CDs) all have gone straight to number two (assuming this does). As usual, there are many remixes (ELEVEN!). Unlike many dance CDs, the remixes on Sash singles always are superb. The obvious highlights of the Stay double CD set include Armand Van Helden, Lisa Marie Experience and The Magnificent 4. This is the only single that could knock Dario G from the number one spot on my singles chart.
The Brand New Heavies - You've Got A Friend
The Brand New Heavies (You Are The Universe, Midnight At The Oasis and much more) return with a whopping 6 remixes, including a stormer from Mr Todd Terry. Others include Brooklyn Funk and Ballistic Brothers. This time it's FFRR to give us yet another stunning dance single.
The Propellerheads/David Arnold - On Her Majesty's Secret Service
Blue Boy did it to The Professionals, Orbital did it to The Saint. Now another classic theme tune is taken to the dance floors - this time by The Propellerheads, with the help of David Arnold. Included on the three track CD is the orchestral version, as well as the edit and the 9 minute 24 second original version. Amazing.
East 57th ST featuring Donna Allen - Saturday
This is yet another amazing dance track, from the label that bought us everyone from Master At Work to Farley and Heller (AM:PM). It's got, as you'd expect, stunning remixes. It's the track that goes 'I Just Can't Wait For Saturday', and, given the proper promotion, would have gone top five without a doubt. Unfortunately, the CD is only being stocked in Our Price, HMV and Virgin, not Woolworth's (which accounts for a third of single sales. The best it will do is top ten (if that), but hey, chart position has nothing to do with it! This is a classy record, which should appeal to many music lovers.
Coolio - Ooh La La
Contrary to popular belief, this is not our friendly gangster rapper's song to a certain Teletubby... far from it! This is a cool follow up to the smash hit C U When U Get There, and has an instrumental as a B-Side. The video features Coolio, a launderette, and a massive pair of underpants, I mean massive! Look out for it.
Foxy Brown featuring Dru Hill - Big Bad Mamma/Never Seen Before
Foxy returns (featuring Dru Hill) after her massive I'll Be (which ruled). Big Bad Mamma is fantastic. Never Seen Before is, in essence, a good song, but seems to rely too much on swearing. There is also an instrumental of both songs on the CD.
2 Eivissa - Oh La La La
006347-5CLU. This is very, very good! As Carlo puts it 'A cross between Gala - Freed From Desire an Tha Wildstyle - DJ Supreme'. It has elements similar to both of them, but it much more than just a copy of two superb singles. This is a masterpiece... There are mixes on this CD that should make 2 Eivissa proud. It comes on a special clear CD, which is unusual, and makes the single that bit more special. If you only buy one new release this week, make it this one! It got to number one in Spain, and, unfortunately, will not do the same here (with Elton and Oasis being such difficult competition), but hey, chart position doesn't matter - as long as the music rules, that's all that you should ever care about... though it's an obvious bonus to have your favourite group go to number one!
Sleeper - She's A Good Girl
Sleep015CD. Sleeper have returned, with a brilliant new single, from their new LP (Pleased To Meet You) which is out next month. It's a typical Sleeper song (So it's cool) and is accompanied by two other (cool) Sleeper tracks (exclusive non - album bonus tracks, to be exact). Watch this space for a review of their new album (a less biased one, I hope).
Daft Punk - Burnin'
VSCDT1649. The third single from the French duo's album Homework. There music is as repetitive as ever. There music is as repetitive as ever. This single is not their best, but is still pretty good - though DP are an acquired taste! The video is excellent (as usual). The CD sleeve is laid out as an advert for the video, and looks fantastic, especially compared to the awful sleeves for Da Funk and Around The World.
Mrs Wood - Joanna > Feels So Good
CDX REACT 107. Other than the Sash! remix, this is not too good. Its got a stupid sleeve! You can't really understand the layout. It's not a bad radio edit from Sash!, and perhaps it's worth it just for that. This is the only one this week not to make Mackie's top ten.
TJR Featuring Xavier - Just Gets Better
CDMULTY25. Oh, this is such a great song - a classic - from a classic record label...I love this - any other week it would have been number one on my singles chart, but with five other great songs, it was a very difficult choice. This is really one of the best singles of the summer (though not as good as the one I review below). It's remixes aren't really that good, but it's cool anyway. Also, it's cool, 'cause Mackie's middle name is Xavier!
Dario G - Sunchyme
WEA 130 CD. Finally - it has arrived! I've been waiting all summer for this record! I love it to bits! All the other tracks are cool too (though they don't really differ from the original very much). This is 1997's Robert Miles - Children - That's something you won't hear me say often! This is a real classic of the 90s. It's a shame it had to come from the record label that gave us Gina G, The Outhere Brothers and Motiv8!
The Adventures Of Stevie V Featuring Nazlyn - Dirty Cash
AVEX CD57. Yeah - it's the other single I've been waiting all summer for! The ultra fine remixes from Todd Terry have turned the 1990 classic into something really special! There's a pretty hopeless other track called 'Just For The Fun Of It', plus two more mixes by Stevie Vincent.
Adam F - Circles
CDFJ002. Yet another cool dance CD released this week. This is at times ambient, others drum & bass (especially the totally wicked Roni Size Mix). There are four tracks in total - it's definitely worth checking out.
Blackstreet - Fix
IND 97521. This is by an excellent group, as you most probably know. Could this song be any cooler? Well I like it! On the CD that I purchased there is the Album Version, Smooth Shomari Mix (By Teddy Riley), Linslee Remix (By Linslee Campbell) and a remix of the massive 'Don't Leave Me'.
Vicki Sue Robinson - House Of Joy
74321511492. From the master-producer Junior Vasquez (And Logic Records) this is a stunning double CD set with an amazing total of 10 different remixes spread across them, including one by Junior himself. There are also mixes from the likes of James Khari, Roger Sanchez, Rhythm Masters and John 'OO' Fleming. The genius involved in these records makes it a must for any dance fan.
The Chemical Brothers - Elektrobank
CHEMSDX6. More from the biggest brothers in Rock/Dance/Pop.... bigger than BROS, and they aren't even related.... This particular CD has These Beats Were Made For Breakin, which is cool, and a great Dust Brothers remix (See Remix of the Week). Another typically cool Chemical sleeve, as featured in the inlay of the album this is taken from, Dig You Own Hole (which rules).
Jay Dee - Plastic Dreams
RS97117CD. This has really cool remixes from David Morales, Funky Green Dogs, and more, and is hailed as 'The Dance Anthem That Got Away'! Well, it won't this time, and is tipped for the top ten. It's a ruling piece of dance music for summer 97, and beyond.
Snoop Doggy Dogg featuring JD - We Just Wanna Party With You
6649902. Another single from the soundtrack to MIB, following the four-week number one from Will Smith. This also features NAS' Escobar 97 and Buckshot Lefonque. This may not be as cool as the other two new singles, but it's a must for MIB fans.
Chicane - Offshore '97
0091255 EXT. Offshore, almost exactly a year ago peaked at number 14, and made Chicane an absolute fortune. It happens to be one of my favourite songs ever, and this remix is fully credible. Chicane (AKA Disco Citizens) have released two thumping singles between Offshore and Offshore '97 - the equally ambient Footprint and Sunstroke. Offshore is an obvious classic, but the subsequent singles have ruled too. This has to be bought. If you only ever buy one ambient CD - buy this one - and listen too it loud!
Roni Size/Reprazent - Heroes
574 849-2. The fact I purchased this CD single will surprise very few of you. I think it's great, and the new song 'Electricks' rules too. There are fantastic remixes (Including Basement Jaxx), and the CD sleeve is in keeping with all other Roni Size releases. The case comes complete with a label stating that Roni Size is a '1997 Mercury MUSIC PRIZE Nominee' He won the prize - just incase you didn't know.
Staxx - Joy
CHAMPCD.328. This is one of the best dance trax of the year by someone unknown. I love it. I'm sure anyone who likes dance with a pop edge would love this too.
Nine Inch Nails - The Perfect Drug - Versions
IND-95542. This is so cool. There are some of the world's top remixers remixing this track (hence 'versions'). Meat Beat Manifesto, Spacetime Continuum and The (Mighty) Orb are just a few. There are six trax in total (None less than 5 minutes in duration), and the quality is very high - as you'd expect. This is worth getting - we've waited so long for something new from NIN.
En Vogue - Too Gone, Too Long
EW-773 E3908CD 7559-63908-2. Guess why I bought this single - because of the four trax, two are remixes of the previous single Whatever. And one of these remixes was by (Yes, you guessed it) RONI SIZE! It's a cool remix, and the radio edit of Too Gone, Too Long is pretty good too, as is the non LP track It's About Love.
Oasis - Be Here Now NOTE: Since I wrote this two years ago, I've only listened to this record 3 times - it's the worst album I have in my collection!   I've only listened to Morning Glory 5 times ever, and I didn't even bother with the other two!
CRECD219. In my opinion the second best OASIS album to date. No way is this the best album of the year (infact it's my worst of this year (Apollo 440, Prodigy are so much better)). That's it for the negative comments - this is a great album. It was released at 8:00 on Thursday 21st August (1997). I purchased it three minutes prior to that, though the receipt says 8:04 (I think the shop's till clock was incorrect). Anyway, here is my track-by-track review.
D'you Know What I Mean? - We already know this one - the UK number one, which has grown on me, and I now love. The song goes well with the other tracks on the album, but stands out as a single more than many of the other tracks.
My Big Mouth - This is one of my favourite album tracks. I really hope that this, Magic Pie and All Around The World are released as single, as they're the best of the tracks, probably. The way assassin' is rhymed with messin' is most amusing! This is a cool, cool track
Magic Pie - Magic Pie (A bit too similar to Flaming Pie perhaps?) is a great track also. Another song with typical Oasis lyrics - Cos you see me I got my magic pie! This is brilliant Oasis at their most, well, brilliant.... Listen out for the ending - interesting!
Stand By Me - This is an awful track - it has rather dull lyrics, compared to, say, The Girl In The Dirty Shirt.
I Hope I Think I Know - Oh, why didn't Oasis call the album this? Be Here Now is the worst of the three album titles.
The Girl In The Dirty Shirt - This has a great title... but you knew that already, didn't you? 'If I may be so bold could I just say something... The clouds around your soul don't gather there for nothing... If you ever find yourself inside a bubble... You can call me anytime you're seeing double'. Just from reading the title you somehow knew this was gonna be another 'She's Electric'.
Fade In-Out - Pretty dull really
Don't Go Away - Pretty dull really also - just like it's review...
Be Here Now - Be my magic carpet ride (Which came first - Oasis' or Mighty Dub Katz').
All Around The World - This was my favourite track on the album.
It's Gettin' Better (Man!!) -This is my real favourite. Build something build a better place and call it home. Even if it means nothing you'll never-ever feel that you're alone.
All Around The World (Reprise) - My favourite track on the album. Need I say more? But this is like, well the Reprise of it.
Way Out West - Blue
74321 47751 2. I like Way Out West very much. Their remix of Faithless' Salva Mea was outstanding. The last single from Dundas & Wentworth, The Gift, was amazing, and although the new offering from WOW is not as classic as the last, but is still cool, and is packed with two other mixes and a brand new track from their forthcoming album, also titled Blue. Perhaps they'll be a review here soon - who knows...
Shola Ama - You're The One I Love
WEA 121CD2 0630 19996 2. Finally, new material from the brilliant Shola Ama. After the astonishing success of 'You Might Need Somebody, she returns with some of her own material, accompanied by extremely good remixes from Brooklyn Funk, and on this CD (2), there is also the acoustic version of the previously mentioned hit from earlier this year. The version is very nice indeed. All this from a teenage girl discovered whilst singing in a London tube station!
Tina Moore - Never Gonna Let You Go
74321 51105 2. Another great CD from the Delirious label. This is a classic, and should be a massive top ten entry in this weeks CIN top 40. The remixes are cool (Kelly G provides the radio edit, plus other mixes from Tuff Jam, Warehouse Junkie (Who?) and Blacksmith). Worth a purchase.
Sneaker Pimps - Post Modern Sleaze
CUP038CD5. Oh, this is a really great CD, purely because the last three remixes (of the five) are 'sehr gut'. Why I choose to speak in German then, I do not know, but that means 'very good'. Roni Size of Reprazent is obviously a master, but the other two remixes I liked were by two relatively unknown remixers - Underdog & Boilerhouse. I searched my database of almost 1800 trax, and found only one remix by Underdog - The Underdog remix of Everything But The Girls' Driving. The track is infact the remixed radio edit for the song, which made the top 40 late last year. Anyway, the Sneaker Pimps single is surprisingly 'tres bien', especially when you consider that it was purchased on the strength of the Reprazent mix alone.
Le Click - Call Me
74321509672. This CD has a hopeless radio edit, and again, has stunning remixes, like the cool mix from Junior Vasquez (One of my favourite DJs (Along with Todd Terry, David Morales and a load of others)). Another great remix is from Umboza (of 'Sunshine' fame), then there's the supa-phunky mix from Mark Acardipane & BMW One (Nope, I haven't heard of them either, but they're pretty cool). And then, there's the 'D-Bop's Peroxide Mix', with heavy emphasis on the communication theme of the track, making much use of dialling tones. This was a massive US hit single (as is printed on the sleeve).
Kadoc - Rock The Bells
FESCD 30/574 791-2. The makers of 'The Night Train', return with a new klub klassic. Rock The Bells has four different remixes, which all rule, especially the DJ Quicksilver and Sash remixes.
The Blue Boy - Sandman
CDSWALK001. After the astonishing success of 'Remember Me' earlier this year, the Scottish bloke that nobody knows anything about makes a comeback, with his very cool new track. The question is, will the British music-buying public 'Remember Him?'.... Of course they will - he's too good to forget. NOT a one-hit wonder. This is a brilliant follow up with six excellent remixes. In some ways 'Sandman' is far superior to his last single, in others not so. Just go and buy it anyway, because it is really very good indeed!
Chumbawumba - Tubthumping
7243 8 84507 2 0. This is the song for the terraces this football season, and is released two days after the first matches for 97/98. Because it is such a brilliant (non-dance) track, the remixes are very bad indeed - I don't care who they are by, they just sound terrible. It is very, very difficult to remix a song like this effectively. It would take masters, such as Apollo 440 to remix this well enough to enjoy - and even they would probably find it difficult. The original is just too good.
The Source - Clouds
XLS 83 CD. An amazingly cool collection of seven remixes, from the record label that gave us the Prodigy and SL2. Clouds is the follow up to 'The best re-release of 1997 so far (probably)' - 'You Got The Love'. Another big hit for sure. This is definitely worth spending your dosh on. It even has a picture disc with clouds on it (and lightning).
Will Smith - Men In Black
664868 5. A cool singles from a cool film (they'll be a review in the film section from 6th August (probably)). This song uses the same sample from 'Forget Me Nots' that George Michael used on his recent (awful) hit 'Fast Love', and uses it much more effectively. This song is hotly tipped to be UK number one this week, but, more importantly, it is already number one on the only chart that matters - my chart! The remixes on the CD, however are disappointing, but the edit is cool enough to make that not matter. There's a free poster too in the CD I've got, plus a song by Alicia Keys called 'Dah Dee Dah (Sexy Thing)' which seems a weird track to be put as a B-side to Will Smith, but is a pretty good track.
Mad Moses - Panther Party
CD01: 574 493-2. CD02: 571 463-2. This is one of the best dance trax of the year, heavily influenced by The Pink Panther (Hence 'Panther Party'). The CD sleeves are very strange, one is obviously pink. All the remixes are very cool, especially the Dex & Jonesy remix and the Chicago remix, which both incorporate the Pink Panther Theme (so much so that Henry Mancini is credited as additional writer). The remixes are placed high in the Top Twenty Trax Chart
Mary J Blige - Everything
CD01: MCSTD 48059 CD02: MCSXD 48059. A cool, cool song for summer, with a great remix by Instant Flava - remix of the week infact. On both CDs there are also great B-sides to accompany the remixes. There's a Foxy Brown remix of 'Love Is All We Need' "Foxy J Blige", and the edit for 'Everyday', yet another great Blige track.
D'Influence - Hypnotize
ECSCD41. I got this single just for the two Masters At Work Remixes, but it's a pretty cool song anyway. This is the first ever recommended release not to make my top ten, but it still could do, as it is currently at number 11.
Mighty Dub Katz - Magic Carpet Ride
FCD 306. This rules! This is the sound of the summer. The Fatboy Slim remixes are actually very very good. This track is loved by clubbers and indie fans alike, and has already been massive all over Europe.
Stretch 'N' Vern present "Maddog" - Get Up! Go Insane!
FCD 304. Massive follow up to the brilliant 'I'm Alive' (One of my favourite trax ever). This uses House Of Pain's 'Jump Around' as a major sample, and is just superb, and one of the best dance hits of the year. Guaranteed UK top ten (probably). As usual, there's a great fat boy remix.
The Heartists - Belo Horizonti
VCRD 23. This is another dance floor stormer that's been huge all over Europe. A cool summer anthem, which brings a change to UK Clubland.
Airscape - Pacific Melody
0091165 EXT. Another excellent track for Ibiza this summer, from the much loved (And highly trusted) extravaganza label, which brought us Chicane's Offshore & Sunstroke, plus Disco Citizens' Footprint. It's sooo cool!
Bobby D'Ambrosio featuring Michelle Weeks - Moment Of My Life
MOSCDS1 (This is the first ever CD single on the Ministry Of Sound Record Label). It includes remixes from M&S, Richie Jones and RIP. 5 Tracks. It's a ruling piece of dance music - trust MOS!
Meredith Brooks - Bitch
CDCL 790. Massive in the USA, and destined to be here too - already number 9 in Mackie's Playlist. 4 Tracks including remixes from Transistor, Madgroove and E-Team. Anyone who's heard the Armand Van Helden remix of Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Dub by Apollo 440 will find the E-Team remix of B*tch amusing. They've extended the line 'I'm A B*tch', just as Armand did to the title line of the @440 track
Marradonna - Out Of My Head.
A thumping piece of dance music revamped for '97, including remixes from Klubbheads
Todd Terry - Ready For A New Day
A cool album, which I don't have, but must rule, going by the two singles from it - Something Goin' On and Keep On Jumpin'

T It was last updated on Monday, May 10, 1999 The entire content of this web site is © Copyright Francis Madeira 1999 madeira@globalnet.co.uk