Basement Jaxx - 'Singles' (XL) Released 21/03/05

 

 

Since being signed to XL over 6 years ago Basement Jaxx have managed to release 15 singles, which (not only) begs the question who buys them? (but also who cares). The answer seems to be no one I know, but rediscovering a neatly bundled collection of all previous singles suggests an ounce of doubt on our behalf, and just maybe they are more important than initially realised.

 

Having flown well below radar for a few years, they pulled something quite spectacular out the bag at last year’s Glasto, a greatest hits set that touched the field of Avalon and converted the neo-crusties into a shuddering mass of writhing stinkers. The eclectic Chemicals with an eye for the theatrical formulated their Chicago house come Latin Funk in early 94 through a DJ production team that spliced these genres with questionable results. In these pre-style days the Brixton boys flopped out the incongruously rubbish and non-descript ‘Samba magic’, with its bland Latino shuffle; displaying how far they’ve raised their game and independently crafted their genre.

When paralleled with the infectiously cheesy 2000 single ‘Bingo-Bango’, Ratcliffe’s Latin groove approach finally emerges victorious at the expense of previous incarnations. ‘Where’s Your Head At’ pays considerable dues to ‘Big Beat’ with a brooding bass and contagious thrum, which for me is still champion of Jaxx’s bury and destroy strategy. These pop nuggets plant their seeds so deep in your psyche, elbow room for likes of ‘thee’ new indie fakers Kaiser thieves and that bloody ‘Oh my God’ track is sparse, and anything that wipes that awful song from perpetual mind invasion has to be pure magic to my mind.

Latest offering ‘Oh My Gosh’ delivers a gloriously comic insight into London Chavs caught in initial throws of attraction. Vula Malinga’s bawdy twang carries this typically funky facetious Jaxx track to new heights. Like most Basement tunes their effective (sometimes dubious) choice of ‘guest singer’ is critical to the songs ambience, and allows the duo to endure time whilst keeping things fresh and funky. ‘Singles’ contains flawless performances from Lisa Kekaula, Kele Le Roc, Vula Malinga, Slarta John and Elliot May with more grating attempts by Dizzee Rascal and N-Sync monkey Jc Chasez.

‘Plug It In’ fails to excite any modes of vibration with its insipid and downright lazy attempt at genre splicing; a pop/rock/dance hybrid it aint and Jc Chasez nails the dead dog to the carpet.

‘Lucky star’ sees mercury prize nabbing Dizzee tag his characteristic syncopated fix up style with a Middle Eastern twist. Potentially a storming track on paper, although on record it’s incredibly messy, manic and an uncomfortable listen. The rest of the collection on the other hand is a pure unadulterated amalgamation of all things party, and is a fuckin great way to start a weekend. 

Apart from the odd dodgy single Basement Jaxx are one of the UK’s most prolific dance acts, and deserve to be recognised for their often faultless production and hideously catchy tunes. So if it’s a party you’re after, come get your brain obliterated by a carnival of beats and rhythms Jaxx style.