I do not normally write “best of” reviews. Yet, I took a break from Christmas music today and I decided to share what I now rank as the Most Fun CD of 2006: Crazy Itch Radio by Basement Jaxx. This electronica duo, Simon Radcliffe and Felix Buxton, have spent over a decade producing wonderfully eclectic, high-energy fusion hits that often defy easy classification. Crazy Itch Radio is the entire carnival: a soulful yet colorful cacophony of sound that embraces their kaleidoscope style with guest appearances from the London Session Orchestra to Russian accordion player Serge. Although, I will admit, the radio station segues seem fairly contrived and unnecessary; yet, these are but minor blip compared to the macrocosm of delicious cool one discovers on this disc.
Crazy Itch Radio is certainly not high art; however, it is the most enchanting CD I’ve heard in a very long time. My favorite song is “Hey You” featuring Swedish pop singer Robyn as well as a 30-member chorus of orphans from Malawi and seamlessly blends a powerful horn section with Balkan folk music into the groove! Yet, I also really enjoy “On the Train” a tune that pays tribute to the Stray Cats. Also, do not miss the hidden track which follows “U R On My Mind” which is a smooth-as-silk downtempo finish. Kudos!
Unconvinced? Do not take my word for it. Check out what other reviewers have concluded:
"...the members of Basement Jaxx do what they do best: make infectious, progressive, immediate dance music. In this decade at least, no one does it better." - Matthew Gasteier, Prefix Magazine
"At this point, it's impossible to imagine them topping themselves; an album that is merely deeply engaging and wildly entertaining cannot be considered a flop in any way." - Andy Kellman, All Music Guide
"Crazy Itch Radio cements Basement Jaxx reputation as Britain's gold-standard dance duo. Their music might be a bit, well, daft for some. And they might occasionally strafe the line between catchy and irritating. But they've outlasted all their peers and keep creating clever yet populist pop nuggets imbued with a refreshing lack of self-consciousness." - Emma Warren, Observer Music Monthly
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