|
|
 |
Basement Jaxx.
For a relatively short musical career Felix Buxton and Simon
Ratcliffe (better known as Basement Jaxx), have made a significant
impact in dance music. Their early house productions are still
being played and admired by DJs all over the world, and since
their first commercial album release from their label, XL records,
they have continually produced international hits. And to celebrate
this commercial success, they've just released 'The Singles':
a compilation album which, as the name suggests, brings all
their hit singles from 'Remedy', 'Rooty' and 'Kish Kash'.
"I feel that they are songs that people know very well," says Ratcliffe. "It's good to bring them all in one album. It makes a good pop album, and we are not against that."
The album really highlights the development of the production savvy of Basement Jaxx. After being by signed by XL in 1999, they were able to tap into a greater musical market that was also feeling the Basement Jaxx sound; so much so that each of their three albums on the label have enjoyed great commercial success, in various different media. "Some have been real hits, and others have kinda been hits in the fact that they've been played lots with film, TV and other ways that become part of people getting to know them very well," Ratcliffe explains.
Not only have their chart success driven the release of this album, but playing in live shows and festivals have given Basement Jaxx a very tangible indication of the impact of their productions; especially "When we headline main stages and playing huge crowds and they are singing the songs. They know our stuff, but I bet they don't have all our albums. So this album is more for people that are not normally hardcore Basement Jaxx fans, but they might come to Basement Jaxx gigs and really get in to it, and find that they know most of the songs. This album is for them."
The album also includes a bonus DVD with acoustic versions,
B sides and dubs of many of the songs. Also included are two
brand new tracks U Don't Know Me and Oh My Gosh.
As this album is catered for the more casual fans, those that made Basement Jaxx gain notoriety in the pop world, hardcore fans may find this album a little blase. However, with all the singles laid out in the one place, it's immediately obvious that no-one could question the innovation, dare and experimentation of Basement Jaxx. There is no denying that Basement Jaxx have changed their sound over their career. There is a significant difference from the sounds of their latest album 'Kish Kash' when compared to their past releases through their Atlantic Jaxx label.
"Our styles used to be sample based," Ratcliffe agrees. "It was more tracky. All we had was an Atari computer and two samplers. We are now using multi-tracking, live drums, guitars, full string section, and that's gonna change the sound of your music."
But according to Ratcliffe, this is just the beginning of the evolution of Basement Jaxx. "Phase One was those first five years of releasing stuff on our own label that is well known by DJs and dance heads, summarized by 'Atlantic Jaxx - A Compilation'. This latest compilation is the end Phase Two I suppose."
And the future? Ratcliffe declares that he can see Basement Jaxx perhaps going through six or seven more phases throughout their musical career. "It is very hard to know what we will be doing. There has never been a blueprint. We have a way of approaching stuff, we're pretty open minded, we love mixing different interesting things together. We love insanity."
Leo Varona
 |
'The Singles' is out now through XL/Remote Control/Inertia.
|
|
|
The latest issue
available now!
|
