Album of the Week: Basement Jaxx show Scars

Basement Jaxx: Scars
• MYSPACE • OFFICIAL SITE

I’m surprised by the lack of buzz – despite today’s unexpected Pitchfork review — surrounding the release of Basement Jaxx’s new album. After all, they’re one of the preeminent dance acts around, with a string of classic club tracks and fairly decent records to their credit during the last decade (starting with 1999’s underrated Remedy). But maybe those-in-the-know knew something about Scars that I didn’t — that even though lead single “Raindrops” is a rumpus-making, best-of-year return to dancefloor glory, the rest of Felix and Simon’s long-player is a letdown. The pieces are in place – inspired vocalist choices (Yoko Ono, Lightspeed Champion), raga-meets-deep-house grooves, a couple of more radio-friendly tracks (“Raindrops,” “Feelings Gone” ft. rising star Sam Sparro). But the songs just aren’t their best, failing to reach the bar that “Raindrops” sets early on. Can you blame me for having higher expectations for the mighty Jaxx? B-

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