"Fabric Mix 43"
(Fabric Records)
seven / ten
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METRO AREA "Fabric Mix 43" (Fabric Records)
seven / ten |
Christ, have Fabric really released 43 mix albums already? It's like the 'Now That's What I Call Music' compilation for the edgy beat generation. Anyway, the first thing to happen on this album is DJs Morgan Geist and Darshan Jesrani bizarrely discussing the merits of the beat underneath - its funky bass, its girlie vocals on top. I think it's a joke but I'm not really sure; either way, it's not that funny.
Thankfully, it doesn't last long and the New York house legends push things off in a slow disco direction that takes on board some hella funky high pitched synths with the inclusion of the instrumental versions of Disco Four's 'Move to the Groove' and Skratch's 'You Should Have Known Better'. The selection leans more towards an 80's and 90's disco/house slant, with mixing and sequencing that's refreshingly short and sweet, seamlessly introducing new basslines and melodies into the mix before swaggering off down another similarly funky avenue.
Things progress nicely on the soulful, smooth tip - there's a few flutes, some bongos, female vocals and even more deep pumping basslines being subtly nudged into the fold. Disco isn't something that I'd normally cook my dinner to, but in fairness, I was stirring the rice like there was no tomorrow when I had this on. However, there's isn't much diversity in what's being served up here, and certain sections seem to repeat the same structural ideas over and over to the point of yawning.
One thing that began to become increasingly dominant was the predictability of the rhythm to follow the familiar clap, clap, clap clap-clap pattern which made it an album that I'd probably not reach for too often, but it's got to be commended for presenting a very focused mood-orientated mix. Plus it finishes with Devo's "Freedom of Choice" which surely deserves some extra kudos.
John Lillis
www.myspace.com/metroarea
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