Today

Junkie XL

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 18, 2006)
• Original Release Date: May 16, 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Ultra Records
• ASIN: B000ERU5HC
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #94,004 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  Music > World Music > Europe > Continental Europe > Netherlands

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Limited edition Japanese pressing includes a bonus DVD (NTSC/Region 2). Junkie XL, aka Tom Holkenborg is already a star in his own right in Holland. In the same way as Moby fails to fall easily into any one category, yet has a distinctive sound which attracts fans from all areas of dance and rock, Junkie XL has his own take on funky-edged dance. His music brings in rap, guitar rock and lo-fi to the mix of techno, trance and bleeped-out electro. RR. 2006. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A New Direction For JXL, May 4, 2006

By	Electronic Fanatic (Fargo, ND USA) - See all my reviews

If I were to compare this album to any prior work of JXL, it would be the 3AM disc of Radio JXL: A Broadcast From The Computer Hell Cabin. Today is a much lighter, airy album than his previous works, but to be honest, I enjoy the difference. If you compare Saturday Teenage Kick and Big Sounds Of The Drags, there is little difference in the overall sound of those albums. Tom is definitely growing as an artist, and this album is evidence of the transition. Today still contains JXL's hard-hitting and driving bass, but also manages to create a ethereal soundscape in the process. It may also be argued that this album is heavily influenced by the likes of New Order and Depeche Mode. If you enjoy those bands, or just JXL in general, I would invite you to give it a listen.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great, April 22, 2006

By	Brian Martin (Houston, TX United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I haven't heard too many of Junkie XL's previous albums. I've a single or two everynow and then, and they seemed a lot different that what is presented here. This is A LOT more mellow than what I've heard before from him. There are no crazy, tranced out beats here, just sort of relaxed, laid back tunes. Honey is a stand out track, but all the tracks have something to offer.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars JXL- Today, May 15, 2007

By	Down in VA (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews

Almost 10 years ago I was lucky enough to stumble across "Saturday Teenage Kick" in a record store. I took a chance on what looked like an interesting artist, and it was without a doubt the best 'mystery buy' I ever made. I had grown up on classic rock, blues and alternative, but at this time I was really starting to delve into hip-hop and electronica. I was blown away at how JXL was able to draw from all these influences without going nuts. After this debut, buying 'Big Sounds of the Drag' was a no-brainer, and I would go as far as to say Big Sounds is one of my personal top 5-10 albums of all time. 'Radio JXL?' Great cd, especially considering the high standard set by 'Big Sounds'.
As for 'Today,' I can't say that I'm suprised by the mellowness of this album, as JXL's sound has progressively gotten softer and more refined with every album since Saturday Teenage Kick. Every track is very listenable, but I still personally prefer the more dance-driven tracks on the cd. One thing I would say 'Today' is lacking is the diversity and cutting edge of his previous three. Nevertheless, it is a great listen. I respect Holkenborg for his willingness to explore new sounds and styles. I've witnessed many artists/groups in all genres attempt the unfamiliar and either fail miserably or basically just create crappy material.
Saturday Teenage kick was a 4.5 in my book, Big Sounds a 5 (no questions asked) and Radio JXL a 4. I would give this one a 3.5. Not a bad album by any stretch of the imagination. Many artists would be hardpressed to create such a cd, but his previous work sets the bar incredibly high. Holkenborg will continue to change as an artist, and that will be interesting to listen in on, but I hope he continues that progression while keeping with him the elements that made his music so kick a** in the first place.