...written and compiled by spank.
Way Out West Ajare (deConstruction)
Second time around for this comely slice of progressive house. Guaranteed to create euphoria in the clubs and be on every dance compilation by Christmas. The new WOW mix whilst maintaining the warbled vocals, speeds the beats and follows a harder direction turning it into a tech-house hybrid. 9
Ultra Living Sweetest Pleasure / Gulliver’s Travels (Doc Scott / Primal Scream) (Creation)
Big band jazz hits drum and bass. On ‘Sweetest Pleasure’ it just about looks like they are going to pull it off until the direst oriental tinged vocal comes in. Doc Scott’s minimal and laid-back mix is sharp, crisp and timeless. The real gem however is ‘Gulliver’s Travels’. A progression from the instrumentals on Massive Attack’s ‘Protection’ album - a 2001AD opening, syncopated trip-hop beats, scattered keys of piano and the eeriest of oboes. 7
Peach On My Own (Keith Litman / 3P / Klubbheads) (Mute)
Comparisons are a sign of lazy journalism. Fuck it, I’m lazy... “St.Etienne, St.Etienne, St.Etienne”. The feel good factor is high and this will make a perfect radio track. For the clubs the outlook is not so good. Keith Litman’s ‘On My Other Dub’ is quality cheese (if the words quality and cheese can be fused together) with top EQing and some nice little breakbeats. The Klubbheads ‘Tribal Dub’ however is a straight rip off of Mori Kante’s ‘Yeke Yeke’. Mori, if you’re out there, sue the bastards! 6
Dub Pistols Best Got Better (Bassbin Twins) (Concrete)
Barry Ashworth’s Dub Pistols are going to be huge. They may not know it yet, but they’re going to be huge - These were the words of wisdom came from the editor of Muzik this summer and quite frankly he’s got a point. The Bassbin Twins mix of ‘Best Got Better’ is a start-of-the-evening builder grinding its way through electro samples, scratchin’ and dirty guitar riffs. ‘Blaze The Room’ is more beats orientated whirring industrially and echoing the horn section. 8
Prodigy Smack My Bitch Up (DJ Hype) (XL)
Despite attempts to be silenced by Mary Whitehouse types, the truth is that you can’t keep a good tune down. This is the strongest track from the ‘Fat Of The Land’ - the beats are explosive and the 303 riff even makes Hardfloor jealous. To top it off the Art of Noise style vocal underlay has the controversial Ultra Magnetic MCs sample whacked full blast over the top. The Hype mix may initially appear dull but in its own context the beat bending is every bit as good as the original. The Prodigy have never needed radio-play to ensure a hit. Sure as hell they don’t need it now. 9
Finley Quaye It’s Great When We’re Together (Fun Loving Criminals)(Epic)
On this, Finley’s third single, he manages to croon way beyond his years. The backing is superb in its subtlety and delicacy placing the emphasis on Quaye’s voice. The track deserves to do well just because it is admirable to see someone tackling the pop market a bit differently. The Fun Loving Criminals mix adds an interesting twist imposing a bluesy sleaziness to the original. 6