basement boys

The might Basement Jaxx return with "What A Difference Your Love Makes", the funky follow up to "Back To The Wild". I suspect ver Jaxx were inspired by Earth Wind And Fire on this one. Featured singer, Sam Brooks, sounds a bit like Philip Bailey in his lower register.



Score another floor filler for the boys!

Jaxx in the boxx

Basement Jaxx are back, Back, BACK! The duo have resurfaced with "Back 2 The Wild", a manic, slightly cartoonish track that borders on the verge of ADHD. In other words, it's brilliant and loadsafun!

Continuing their tradition of featuring different artists on their singles, this time ver Jaxx installed South Korean singers Miss Emma Lee and Baby Chay on vocal duties. The track is loopy, grin inducing and full of Afrocentric rhythmic joie de vivre. Another one for the crates! It's also the first single to be lifted from their forthcoming seventh longplayer.

And my ears detect some unlikely influences. A bit of Tom Tom Club and a dash of Thompson Twins?

Basement Jaxx and the bears

I've been spinning the latest Basement Jaxx, "Scars", on the old victrola this weekend. How do they come up with such fabulous ear candy? So far, two fantastic singles have come and gone. The album just doesn't seem to have set the chart on fire.

It works well in the headphones and on the dancefloor. Well, I don't spend much time in clubs but it makes me wiggle my bottom while I tend to my domestic chores. Close enough. The visuals surrounding the album are stunning, as well. The cover art for the album and its attendant singles is captivating.

Perhaps "My Turn", the sweet and dirty third single, which features the hazy, lazy larynx of Lightspeed Champion, will sort things out. It has a something a little Gnarls Barkley about it without sounding anything like them.

The video, complete with eye catching animation, is thoroughly amazing. Have a look.



And seriously, who doesn't like cute bears? Ahem...

I really enjoyed the second single, "Feelings Gone", featuring Sam Sparro of "Black And Gold" fame. Unfortunately, it got withdrawn at the last minute. Such a shame. The video is kinda crap.



Is it me or does it remind me of "Pigs In Space" from "The Muppets" television show?

However, "Raindrops", the first single, is still my favorite from the album. It still makes my backbone slip. And to prove they are a force to be reckoned with on the live stage, check out this amazing performance from "Later...With Jools Holland".



Seriously smokin'! The energetic, male singer joining them on stage is Brendan Reilly. Clearly, he's enjoying himself. Not quite sure what I think about his dress sense. But what a set of pipes! Apparently, he's on the road with the Jaxx in order to bring to life the lead vocal parts of their many hits.

While touring the globe, It looks like Basement Jaxx found time to record some fresh material. They are gearing up for the release of "Zephyr", a brand new EP at the start of 2010.