Remedies [Remastered] - Dr. John

Advantages: Classic electro album, remastering adds a real boost
Disadvantages: None

...Metamatic was the first solo outing from John Foxx after he split with Ultravox! Ultravox! went on to rather greater fame with the replacement lead singer, some Midge Ure guy but for Ultravox! fans, John Foxx was the real deal. Metamatic deals with many themes and obsessions such as car crashes, Europe, relationships and too much J G Ballard and Philip K Dick which were bouncing around Foxx's head at the time as well as having elements of a story he was working on (and still is!). The lyrics are often full of grey cold imagery but all laced with an almost minimalist electro sound that was years ahead of it's time. It has to be said, he does also write some plain out and out baffling lyrics too - perhaps he uses the old Bowie 'cut up words' technique sometimes? Unlike the previous CD release which was fine but sounded like... Read review

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Advantages: Original, intelligent, different to most other predictable, cheesy dance music thatis around at the moment.
Disadvantages: One track: Bingo Bango. Let's the side down a bit.

...So. I'm white dot bloke am I? What kind of stupid system is this? I'm not impressed with Ciao at the moment, what with crappy pay systems, derogatory community ratings, etc. but I was bored, so I decided to put another opinion on the site. So I looked through my music collection. Because my music collection rules. Apart from my Limp Bizkit CD, but the less I say about that, the better. But sifting through my albums, some of which are scattered across the floor unfortunately, I found Basement Jaxx's debut album, 'Remedy'. And remembering how much I liked it last time I listened to it, I put it on. And somehow, after about a year of not listening to it, it sounds even better than it did before. Perhaps this is a result of the sad state the music industry is in today, which has forced me to lower my standards musically. But one thing... Read review

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Advantages: Lyrics, great indie-pop, remastered and bonus tracks
Disadvantages: Not entirely justified for already firm Five fans

...Cold and Composed' is probably one of their most underrated songs and only after consistent listening and seeing it live [See: Ben Folds Five's Sessions at West 54th St DVD] will many understand how well arranged and written it is along with, quite frankly, just about every track on 'Whatever and Ever Amen'. What is special about this Remastered Edition of 'Whatever and Ever Amen' is not just the fantastic remastering of the tracks (audiophiles will notice the difference easily) but the addition of several rare recordings. Standouts from this are the bouncy cover of 'Video Killed The Radio Star', the faux-showtune 'Theme from Dr Pyser' and the absolute standout cover of Flaming Lips song 'She Don't Use Jelly'. This song is a perfect example of Folds' masterful arrangements and the powerhouse performers this trio really are. If you... Read review

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