Vegas (Deluxe Edition)

by

The Crystal Method

Edit

I've always been an on again and off again semi-dedicated techno/electronica fan (big emphasis on "semi"). Usually my taste in the genre falls under the trance and house music scene. So I was basically stepping on new land when I chose to buy "Vegas" which many of my friends label as "thump, thump...boom, boom techno". The end listening results, being as honest as possible, were a lot of head nodding and booty shaking on my part. "Vegas" and the Crystal Meth duo are nothing short of fun. That's right, FUN techno. From "Trip Like I Do", "Busy Child", "Vapor Trail", "Comin' Back"...actually, the whole shabang. A good mix of rock and roll vibes and groovin mellower beats. My only real gripe against this album is that half of it is probably something you've heard before, either through the radio or in movie soundtracks (I've seen a gajillion futuristic movie previews use at least one Crystal Method track). So that takes off half a point, and the other half a star comes off because you really need a long attention span for this CD. Like another reviewer said, this is music "to use" and not just to listen to. You've got to condition yourself to like it...my best definition is that it's focusing/hype music, (i.e. driving, dancing, sports, studying). Either way you look at it, we all need a little Crystal Meth in our lives.

Should you buy this disk? Yes. And here is why:

It's not the best electronic cd in the world. It's not even the best on their label. But it does have infectious beats and some stunning production. There are a lot of people either way too pro/con this record. The house purists think it's the devil and the newbies/ad execs think it rocks. Is there better electronic/house out their? By god yes! And most of it will never be heard. At least this stuff is getting a listen and it's not half bad. CM is a guilty pleasure; chocolate ice cream or Giligan's Island. Don't think about it too much just put it on and go.

You will be rewarded by finding CM's influences and searching deeper for better stuff (orbital, aphex twin, the orb, g-spot, simply jeff, ruby satellite system, moby etc.).

But, "Vegas" is good for a few spins in it's own right. Tracks 1 & 10 are key.

They are really a live act anyway. STROBIC LOVE