14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Classic Jaxx, September 22, 2009
Basement Jaxx has been pretty good about putting out an album every couple years and one would think they would eventually run low on ideas. Fortunately, the Jaxx are still going strong. In fact, I would rank "Scars" up there with their finest work. They retain their trademark style - a dense collage of tiny samples, massive house beats, all in a candy shell of amazing pop sensibilities.
There are many high points on the album, but the most obvious is their first single, "Raindrops." Much like "Hush Boy," and "Good Luck," it starts the album off with a bang. Technically, the song "Scars" precedes it, but I think the album actually starts with "Raindrops." Scars is a slightly misguided attempt to say "Hey - We're still relevant" by imitating the classic Timbaland production style. It feels out of place. While I'm happy that the Basement Jaxx are always trying new directions, I don't think track succeeds, especially as an album opener.
Along the way, we get an incredible variety including a blues ("She's No Good"), and a guest appearance by none other than Yoko Ono ("Day of the Sunflowers (We March On"). This is one of those albums that keeps you guessing from track to track, and yet it holds together very well.
One of the major strengths, in my opinion, is the inclusion of some more mellow tracks. One of my issues with "Kish Kash" was that everything was so hectic and busy that it was fatiguing if I tried to listen from start to finish. On "Scars," the pacing is such that you could listen to the album twice through on repeat without getting tired.
Overall, it's a very consistent and pleasing album. Once again, the Basement Jaxx give us an excellent album that is, above all, fun. If you're a fan of the Jaxx, you will not be disappointed. Highly recommended!
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Evolution of Basement Jaxx, September 23, 2009
Coming from Chicago, I hear a lot of house music. While this isn't their best album, it's impressive. Basement Jaxx has reinvented itself here and done the best job yet. Probably not for the hardcore BJ or house/electronic fans, but those who are into something more progressive (like more song-oriented stuff, rather than just cool beats) will enjoy it. Something here for most, including what I could consider pop, like Raindrops, I think there is enough good here to make it work a purchase.
Those of you on the fence, but who are already fans of Basement Jaxx, may want to check out some of the remixes which are available.
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8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
What happened?, September 22, 2009
This album caught me unexpected... I came into it looking for something to pump me up and make me run around and scream like the ice cream truck was near. Instead its a meh.
Some decent tracks but it was a major letdown for me.
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