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Basement
Jaxx - Crazy Itch Radio
Stitching songs together in a radio show style
is nothing new. Malcolm Maclaren did it with Duck Rock. It's a perfect opportunity
to shake up musical styles and that's exactly what Basement Jaxx do. Funk, banjo,
Eastern European are all given a shout. But such
eclectic tastes can backfire and as many times as Crazy Itch Radio hits there's
just as many opportunities to reach for the retune button. Take
Me Back To Your House is a big disappointment, sounding as if it's sung by a collection
of wannabes rejected by Simon Cowell. Hush Boy plays
it straight, nothing too dangerous, Hey You funks up a Balkan folk feel with far
greater effect. On the Train is also a winner, even if it does sound like it's
stolen the intro from Stray Cat Strut. And it's
nice to see the return of Linda Lewis on Lights Go Down. But
the Jaxx better not be relying on this to repeat the performance of last year's
Singles release because, sadly, Crazy Itch Radio doesn't leave you itching for
more.
3/5  Missy
Elliott - Respect M.E.
It's another change of image for Missy Elliott as
she celebrates a near decade of hits with this best of package.
Gone
is the 40s swagger of her last set The Cookbook. This time she sits astride a
black stallion - one of a series of photos throughout the accompanying booklet.
This is a girl who's made it - a far cry from the sassy rapper in furs, bling
and ghetto blaster at the turn of the century. It
kicks off with her biggest hit Get Ur Freak On (for some reason that chart topping
collaboration with Sporty Spice isn't included!) and if truth be known nothing
else on the album tops that. But songs like We Run
This and Beep Me 911 have their moments. Not quite as scary as Lil Kim or as outrageous
as Peaches, Missy Elliott still treads a fine line between commercial and risqué
- long may it continue.
3.5/5  LeToya
- LeToya
This album has apparently done big things in America but success
could be more difficult for the ex-Destiny's Child singer in the UK.
For one thing, she's playing serious catch up with former singing partner Beyonce.
Ever seen LeToya's booty gracing the tabloids? Nope. Come to think of that, ever
seen LeToya in any of the gossip pages? Maybe her PR machine will role into full
effect when this album hits the shops in October. Then
there's the name. She may well be LeToya Luckett, co-writer of Bills Bills Bills
and Say My Name, but when presented with this album my initial reaction was -
what, LaToya Jackson making another bid to step out of her brothers and sisters
shadow? As to the songs - well, they're solid but
so predictable slices of R & B. Harmonies - tick, those intros and outros
where you thank everyone especially God - check, when in doubt, throw in a rap
from one of your big star mates - check. If you like
your modern day soul, watered down then you'll like LeToya.
2.5/5 | 
