The QLog

Most Fun CD of 2006

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

Productivity 101 (Day 13): Play as a Strategy

Last Night, I spent the evening at the excellent Isthmus Jazz Fest on beautiful Lake Mendota at the UW Memorial Union Terrace in Madison, Wisconsin. It was an ideal mix of summer weather (cool breeze, clear skies, setting sun), amazing music (Roscoe Mitchell Quartet, Joan Wildman Trio, and Madisalsa), great company (old friends), and local cuisine (beer, brats, and ice cream).

We often hear about ‘work-life’ balance. One of the main goals of this balance is to find more time for enjoyable activities. A healthy life has a stable work/play structure where both are part of a feedback cycle. If used correctly, play is a great strategy to be productive.

Imagine if some musical piece had no empty spaces, no breaks, no rests…and was just one continuous solitary tone for 10 minutes. Would that be enjoyable? Wonderful music is dependent on the spaces between the notes, they have a symbiotic relationship. Likewise, effective work can be increased with concentrated play.

Little kids spend most of their waking hours playing. This has lead to some people to believe a false dichotomy where ‘kids play, adults work.’ I’ve talked to a few people who believe that almost all ‘play time’ is wasted time. Although the percentage of daily play is certainly higher for children, play is an essential part of human life at all ages. It is part of our mental and physical maintenance schedule! Without play, even the most productive people will eventually burn-out.

Here are four major ingredients that will help enhance your play:

Environment: There is a good reason that people choose to have their picnics at a park instead of a construction site. Remember that space\place is very important for maximizing your play.

People: Your family and friends are the most important people in your life. Play will increase your connections with all of them. Laughter is a wonderful thing to share with others.

Music: Since time immemorial, humans have loved to sing, play instruments, and dance. There is no known culture that does not celebrate with music. Music often can provide a context for any event. Set the tone and mood for your play with music that everyone enjoys. Be open minded to new genres as well.

Food: A friend of mine once told me that “without food, a party is really just a group of people looking for the soup line.” More seriously, sharing a meal is a powerful human experience. Good food always brings smiles.