Crazy Itch Radio

by

Basement Jaxx

Edit

I've been a long time fan of Basement Jaxx and have enjoyed most everything they've done over the years. Crazy Itch Radio is an incredibly fun album. There's a nice variety of tunes, some amusing interludes, and as always, an amazing opening track (Hush Boy) that's basically worth the price of the CD itself. Crazy Itch definitely follows the Jaxx' stylistic development. It's a logical progression from Kish Kash, but is, in my opinion, a superior album. The production is pretty amazing. The songs are packed with little sounds, odd samples, and intricately arranged parts, which all find their own space in the mix.

Although there is a sort of narrative element, this isn't really a concept album, per se. It's thematically unified, but that's about it. The songs stand on their own. Of course some are better than others. I won't waste your time describing all the songs I liked - you'll find your own when you listen to it. I will say that you won't be disappointed. If you are familiar with Basement Jaxx, you pretty much know what to expect. If you're new to this music, this is an excellent place to start - it's a toss up between Crazy Itch and Rooty.

As an added bonus, you can watch the video for "Oh My Gosh". There's also an MP3 of the song. I'm not sure why it wasn't included on the album as it's incredibly catchy.

Ultimately, this album was worth the wait. Basement Jaxx is as creative as ever. I can highly recommend purchasing this album. For fans it's a no brainer. Enjoy!

As a long time Jaxx fans who got into them long ago (in the mid 90s when they were still just doing remixes and releasing bootlegs on their Atlantic Jaxx label), I can safely say...this album SUCKS big time. Imagine everything you liked about the Jaxx watered-down, thinned-out, pounded down into pure pablum. That's CRAZY ITCH RADIO...switch the channel. OK, I'll give it two stars for the mildly hooky HUSH BOY single (which just sounds like a pale imitation of OH MY GOSH from last year) and EVERYBODY, which barely hints at the kind of off-kilter, dark, sexy, dangerous jungle-jack-house they used to deliver in spades - what in the heck happened?! In trying to crossover to the mainstream and a naked bid for US radio play, the Jaxx has abandoned all their strengths, so they're simply left with...no hits, hooks, or hit singles to speak! Sad but true, there really isn't much to recommend here, as all the traxx seemingly melt together into one banal, forgettable groove. I am very, very disappointed. Still, this is comfort food for Jaxx fans, who might snap it up, but there's nothing new, nothing daring, nothing astonishing here, just middle-of-the-road traxx done much more inventive before. A shame really - as the Jaxx are/were one of the most out-of-the-box dance acts ever. Maybe the remixes with salvage it? Don't hold your breath. As Malcolm McLaren once said: ALL THAT SCRATCHIN'S MAKING ME ITCH!