Review of Halfway Between the Gutter and the Stars
By Michael Tokarz
Fatboy Slim uses different ingredients, serves up new dishes on Halfway
Between the Gutter and the Stars.
2 parts tender grooves
1 part fresh soul
1 cup of big beat madness
a dash of childish samples
a luscious sprinkling of herbs and spices.
When Fatboy Slim decided to add live vocalists to his recipe of sampled
voices, nobody was really sure what the main course would be. When Fatboy
changed his style distance from imitators (Yan Can Breakdance, Julia Chemical
Childs, 2 Phat Ladies), we all thought the results would be different than his
multi-platinum You've Come A Long Way, Baby! They sure are. Not even
Emeril and all his crawfish expected this album! BAM!!! This album kicks it up a
notch. Halfway Between the Gutter and the Stars is packed full of tender
grooves, fresh soul, and childish samples, and a luscious blend of herbs and
spices.
The album's intro, "Talking 'Bout My Baby," sounds out of place due
to a few pinches of white boy gospel, but you'll understand this once you listen
to the whole album. That represents the record, too. It is more than just a
collection of singles. Like a fine brew, one should listen to the album
completely to fully appreciate it. "Star 69" (not the REM song) is
forgettable acid house with some of the above-mentioned childishness (think of
“In Heaven”). "Sunset (Bird of Prey)" is a probable single with
its catchy synth lines and hypnotic vocals (by none other than Jim Morrison),
which goes just right with commercial radio’s current direction. "Ya
Mama" is the first legitimate single. This big-beat-spiked-acid-lined punch
is as memorable as anything from Fatboy's last album. Look for this track to be
a big hit and a Jock Jam.
Now about those live vocalists. "Weapon of Choice" featuring Bootsy
Collins is a funky frolic through chilled-out breaks. Any song with someone
named Bootsy has got to be good - as is this one. Think of Fatboy Slim meets
Austin Powers and you're on the right track. Macy Gray's distinctive voice
seasons two songs. She is a welcome flavor on a CD with mostly male vocals. “Love
Life” is a sensuous, Motown-flavored delicacy that will make you want to have
dessert right away.
The major letdown about this album is that Fatboy Slim only lets loose with
his floor-moving skills on one track ("Ya Mama"). The rest of the
songs are rather reserved. Why cook on a Hibachi when you can have a bonfire?
However, the myriad of courses on the album makes up for this. Overall, Halfway
Between the Gutter and the Stars is a solid feast from which you’ll have
lots of leftovers. Just don’t forget to take a doggy bag.
Mood:
House Party
Hear it?:
Buy the CD
