Kylie - Boombox [Album]

Parlophone

January 16, 2009, 05:10 PM

Views: 928   Comments: 0

It’s hard not to like Kylie. She is, in my opinion, the true epitome of pop. Her ‘reinvention’ was unexpected by the majority of the music industry, and of course, a lot of the hype was as much to do with those gold hotpants as it was her music, but over the years it has become apparent that her music stands the test of time. ‘Can’t get you out of my head’ is as good today as it was when it was originally released in 2001.

This remix album is, I believe, a treat for those who already own the original singles, and most definitely for those who don’t! It features 16 tracks, all remixes of tracks recorded between 2000 and 2008, and includes a remix of the previously unreleased ‘Boombox’.

The remixes have been produced by some of the best dance producers in the world, including Chemical Brothers, Fischerspooner, Mylo and Sebastien Leger, and I don’t think any of us could argue with those names. For me, you certainly get what you expect in this album – the anthemic tunes of Miss Minogue, vamped up and made clubtastic; if you can listen to these without wanting to dance, even just a little bit, I would be surprised. I’m not a huge Kylie OR dance music fan, but quite happily hummed and bopped my way through this entire album. I particularly like the way that the tracks haven’t just been remixed (as in the original track re-jigged) but some of the vocals and harmonies etc. are actually different. Makes for a very refreshing sound.

The album kicks off with ‘Can’t Get You Out of My Blue Monday Head’, the fantastic remix of the obvious ‘Can’t Get You Out of My Head’ with the 'Blue Monday' hook behind it. Unmistakable and brilliant. I wasn’t overly keen on ‘Love At First Sight’ which I found a little slow, a little repetitive, and generally a little dull. The male speaking vocal was, I thought, a little cheesy, and just didn’t float my boat. Dare I say it, it was a bit of a ‘filler’ track for me.

‘Slow' is one of my favourite Kylie tracks anyway, and this remix doesn’t disappoint. Chemical Brothers have managed to retain the unadulterated sexiness of the track whilst giving it a fresh, modern dance twist. I love the way the vocals have been played with, and the build-up in each section. A remix triumph, if you will.

The Fischerspooner mix of ‘Come Into My Arms’ is also brilliant. Kylie’s vocals have been ‘hazed’ so they sound almost like background vocals to the beat. It’s a great mix, and something that I can imagine accompanying an episode of Skins or some such trendy urban TV programme.

‘Red Blooded Woman’ is a really interesting track – I would consider this more of a ‘listening’ track than a ‘dance’ track. The repetitive "you’ll never get to heaven if you’re scared of getting high" is really catchy, with an electronic sound running through it that reminds me of the old Binatone games (in a good way!). ‘In My Arms’ is a well re-worked track, simple but effective, and a real foot-tapper.

Overall, I think this is a great album. I wouldn’t necessarily go out and buy it as I’m not a devout Kylie fan, but if someone had the CD I would most definitely be borrowing it….and maybe not giving it back!

#1 | Subscribe | Send to Friend | Print | Discipline | Report