Basement Jaxx
Crazy Itch Radio
XL/Beggars
By Rob Mason
By this point in the game you are either a Basement Jaxx fan or not. Their debut Remedy took the world by storm in 1999 and gave us countless singles of booty-shaking, upbeat electronica. Known best for their groovy rhythms and guest vocalists, Basement Jaxx have been one of the most popular electronic acts of the past ten years.
Following up their recently released Singles compilation, the Jaxx have brought us their fourth full length, Crazy Itch Radio. A concept record of sorts, Simon Ratcliffe and Felix Buxton have created a faux radio station that they feel would entertain you through the night into the early morning. I loved Remedy and Rooty, and for my money, Kish Kash was an entertaining listen, but Crazy Itch Radio has been leaving me with much to be desired.
The guest vocalists that were so strong on past records, aside from Biz Markie, don’t do much for me this time around. “Hush Boy,” the opening song features a vocal reminiscent of Kermit the Frog that is very grating. The songs that are really strong on the record are almost complete rip-offs of their older counterparts. The most confusing song on the record is “Take Me Back to Your House,” an electronica-country mash-up that fits into their radio theme, but sounds so out of place on the album.
For the true fans that are actually hankering for new Basement Jaxx, there are some good, fun songs on this record, but if you are looking for an introduction to an amazing electronic group, you’d be better off going with one of their older releases.
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