DJ Kicks - Four Tet (Mixed By Four Tet) - Various Artists

Advantages: Does what it says on the tin
Disadvantages: Doesn't do much more than that

...The Domino lo-fi electro star goes big, swaggering hip-hop with the help of Percee P and friends. With an odd result. Perhaps this was an attempt by to become more populist after his label signed Arctic Monkeys. Or it could have been simply to spin more money from the same old material… But for whatever reason he embarked upon this project, the fact remains that it is just plain bizarre. The best case scenario for Four Tet (real name Kieran Hebden) is that he might gain a new, younger audience. However, if he carries on in this fashion he will alienate the very fans who first brought him recognition. One could say that he appears to have forgotten his roots. There are far too many remixes of the same songs, making the CD far too repetitive, for example there are FOUR attempts at “A Joy”. Fans will be disappointed to find his most... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Live Performance, Rare B-Sides, Good Remixes
Disadvantages: Import Only

...First off Radiohead are one of the best bands to come out in the last 20-30 years, always pushing boundaries and trying to take music forwards which is somewhat lacking these days. This album is mainly a collection of b-sides and remixes, which is no bad thing, the remixes are of a high quality, extending the tracks to more dance styles, perfect for dj's or parties, the b-sides are a bit of a different thing,you can tell that they are b-sides,as most of them sound like they need a bit of something to make them sound finished, but that tends to be the way b-sides are produced. highlight tracks are the beautiful 'gagging order' 'skttrbrain' remix by four tet, and Fog (again) which along with 2+2=5 are two fantastic live performances which show how good radiohead are as a live force! Definately an album for hardcore fans... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Brilliant, thoughtful folk music
Disadvantages: Could be seen as too one-note, musically.

...James Yorkston – Just Beyond The River James Yorkston’s second album picks up where the first left off, inviting the listener into his world without making it to easy for them: this is music you wave to work for, and all the more satisfying because of that. If there’s one thing Yorkston’s good at, it’s picking collaborators. Here it’s Kieran Hebdon, once of post-rockers Fridge and now working successfully under the moniker Four Tet, where his has previously mixed electronica and acoustic instruments to devastatingly effective results. On ‘Just Beyond The River’, the electronics are gone, but the music has been produced in such an intimate way that, if you close your eyes, you could imagine the band performing in front of you: Yorkston stamping his foot to keep himself in time until the rest of the band join in, and the pauses between... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful