Electronic > Trip Hop / Big Beat Electronic

Advantages: 'Bird Of Prey' and Macy Gray's contributions are pretty cool...
Disadvantages: some weak tracks, familiar sounding formula in places

Norman Cook has recorded music is more guises than most people have had hot dinners. He had been a member of the chart-topping bands The Housemartins and Beats International, as well as scoring dance hits under the monikers Pizzaman and Mighty Dub Katz before arguably reaching the peak of his critical acclaim as Fatboy Slim. After releasing his debut 'Better Living Through Chemistry' and the critically acclaimed and bestselling 'You've Come A Long ...
...'Halfway Between The Gutter and The Stars', which was released in 2000. However, it sold a fraction of what it was expected to and was widely received as being disappointing. Somewhat more adult orientated than his previous efforts, the album starts off with 'Talking Bout My Baby', which features a simple piano melody with a repetitive vocal sampled from 'Macon Hambone Blues' by the interestingly titled band 'Wet Willie'. Not the strongest track ... Read review

Advantages: Guest appearances bonanza!!!
Disadvantages: You'll wish it doesn't end!

After 4 years without a new album and a couple of mind-blowing DJ sets on the beach, Fatboy Slim returns with "Palookaville" in 2004. No need to introduce the man himself... Mr Norman Cook has a portfolio longer than Inspector Gadget's arms: former Housemartins and Dub International band member, House/Big Beat legend under various nicknames (Mighty Dub Katz, Fatboy Slim etc...) and famous remixer who helped Cornershop shoot to fame with "Brimful ...
...album a lot of fans awaited. It is certainly Fatboy Slim's most personal and autobiographical one to date. It's a very nice mixture of Rock, Pop and Electronic music. The opening track "Don't let the man..." is probably the closest song you'll get to "vintage" Fatboy Slim. It is quite similar to "Praise you". "Slash Dot Dash" is an energetic Punkish number with a guitar sample reminiscent of the Dead Kennedys combined with an unforgivable vocal ... Read review

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...fan of FAT BOY SLIM! YOU'VE COME A LONG WAY BABY - will be a classic album for years to come! And a must have for any ones music collection!! This should be on everyone's i-pod! This is in a league of its own and is a masterpiece!!!!! What more can I say!!!! A couple of weak tracks but all in all A+++++++++++ As its been out for a good few years now you can pick it up at some good prices on the net. A+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + ... Read review

Advantages: Big Fat Party Album
Disadvantages: None

Fatboy Slim's first album under that name although by the time of this release Norman Cook had had several hits with Freakpower , Beats International and of course there was his time with the Housemartins. This is a great example of a musical jigsaw. Although its like he takes bits from different jigsaws, fits them together and they still sound and look great. Yes you can see and hear the joins but they sound great. A lot of these tracks have been ... Read review

Advantages: Good mix of amazing songs
Disadvantages: Some songs can seem repetetive or slow to pogress.

The very popular song Galvanise is the first song on this album and it is an amazing album of diverse songs. Some of them are just asking to be remixed or used in break beats because there is a great solid beat, but they do not progress very much (such as shake bounce break, and the big jump). Others are quite chilled out and a sunset on a beach in Ibiza comes to mind (such as surface to air and hold tight london). While some have more of a conventional ...
...Brothers they will definitely not be disappointed by this album, it is more contemporary than their previous stuff but still a high standard, but those looking for an album of songs like Galvanise should be aware it is much more varied and may take a few listens to grow on you. ... Read review