Two new releases, one of new material, and the other, a "Best of" compilation, show that while one can continue to make jokes about "white boys" having two left feet and not having a "whole lot of soul," when these boys put their minds to it, their versions of blue-eyed soul can ignite sparks! John Mayer has found his new Wonderland and we’re all invited to enjoy his groove, while Fatboy Slim proves how over the years, his DJ and dance music artistry, has always stayed ahead of the pack.
| Continuum by John Mayer (Sony/BMG) |
John Mayer started off his career as a sensitive, college-friendly, acoustic/alternative demi-god. Then he turned his back on this music, and went all out Blues Rock with his Try! Live in Concert album. With Continuum, John nudges himself back closer to the mainstream, but via soul music. If that has you doing a double-take, dispel your doubts, as John has really upped the ante in terms of growth as an artist, and continues to confound those who would pigeonhole his music.
The first track and carrier single is Waiting for the World To Change and it’s like John is channeling Curtis Mayfield – yes, it’s that soulful. The heartfelt and introspective lyrics are still there, but they’re now buttressed by music and guitar chops that are pure, unadulterated ’80s-style R ’n B. There’s even a cover of Jimi Hendrix’s classic Bold As Love. The Heart of Life and Slow Dancing in a Burning Room are already fast favorites of mine, and the CD perfectly balances his infatuation with the Blues with giving us something more accessible. Should we dare hope he extends any kind of musical influence to Jessica Simpson? | The Greatest Hits: Why Try Harder by Fatboy Slim (Sony/BMG) |
Who would have thought, from bassist for the Housemartins, to DJ, dance and techno music meister! But that is exactly what Norman Cook has done. The Housemartins were one of my favorite bands from the ’90s, and it’s great to see how Norman has evolved using the Fatboy Slim persona. All your fave tracks (who can forget the video with Christopher Walken showing off his terpsichorean talents?) are compiled in this CD, and the "sampling" is outrageous, fantastic. From Macy Gray to Jim Morrison of the fabled Doors, to Bootsy Collins and Yvonne Elliman, this is techno and dance wonderland!
Norman’s masterful work as producer/mixer is also showcased, as we have Cornershop’s Brimful of Asha and Groove Armada’s I See You Baby on this collection. There are two new tracks, and they’re living proofs that Fatboy still has a lot to offer in the years to come. If you were just a casual fan of Fatboy and never got any of the CDs, this is definitely the one to get! Devoted fans over the years won’t find anything really new, but it’s good to find a CD which just keeps churning out one great cut after another.