With two full-length masterpieces behind them,
Basement Jaxx
still hadn't recorded a bum note, nearly ten years after getting together. Their third record,
Kish Kash
, is still miles ahead of the various formula relied upon by scores of dance producers, but it isn't the same filler-free party classic as
Remedy
and
Rooty
. In fact, it reveals the duo perhaps relying too much on their own formula, the jumped-up
Prince
production with tech-heavy percussion and effects exploding all over the mix. Granted,
Felix Buxton
Simon Ratcliffe
ably deflect most criticisms with this LP, shot through with high-profile collaborations -- nearly all of them intriguing tracks with star turns. Post-punk hero
Siouxsie Sioux
shows various electroclash victims just what it means to be a postmodern diva for "Cish Cash," while
*NSYNC
's
JC Chasez
is a surprising success on the beguiling "Plug It In." Teenage garage-
rap
sensation
Dizzee Rascal
turns in a fabulous outré performance on "Lucky Star" and
Me'Shell NdegéOcello
is a steely, assured vocalist for the propulsive "Right Here's the Spot."
may be the best dance record of 2003. ~ John Bush