Books
On Tape / Various
"Mad Cow Variations" CD
Slide
The Needle
Genres: electronica, experimental electronica
Slide The Nedle
1318 Maryland Drive
Ladson, South Carolina 29456
Nov 18 - 24 2002 |
Mad
Cow Variations, a remix album based on Books On Tape's song
"Bossy Cow," which appeared on Skylab Operations'
"2088" compilation, is packed with a number of interesting
electronic remixes. While some parts are better than others, there is
still a lot to enjoy here.
The album starts off with Headphone Science's
"Conspicuous Parking Mix," which boasts some interesting
IDM-esque rhythms and moves on from there. The neat "Golden
Arches Mix" by V.V. builds up and then sends out a bunch
of powerful shotgun blasts of noisey beat, carrying you quickly over
the edge.
Octagon Inc.'s "Teaser Mix," meanwhile, is a
playful little piece that is fun the first time, but isn't structured
enough for repeated listens. Alternatively, Dick Richard's
(HA HA HA DICK RICHARD) "Skinny Leather Tie Mix" is a moody
rendition that brings to mind comparisons to Autechre and the
calmer side of Plaid. And Books on Tape's
"Geek Revolution Version," meanwhile, has a funkified Prodigy
vibe to it - it's specifically similar to the new "Baby's Got a
Temper" single.
All in all, this is an enjoyable release from Books On Tape
that bodes well for his upcoming full-length on Deathbomb Arc, due out
in December. On the minus side, though, like most remix albums,
this suffers from a lack of structure. The songs each work well
alone, but as a collection there really isn't anything pulling them
together.
75%
Matt Shimmer [Vitals:
8 tracks; distributed by the
label;
released 2002] |