Music for Swingers

Yes, Freddy Fresh's production style may be reminiscent of Fatboy Slim, but it's hardly a slavish imitation. Fresh got his start way back in the '80s (his first production a Boogie Down Productions remix), and he's been recording sampladelic house and breakbeat for much longer than Norman Cook. (The only idea he's swiping is giving fans a good look at his record collection on the cover.) The changes are obvious, and there's certainly not a cornucopia of ideas to hands-in-the-air dance tunes like the soul popcorn of "Humdinger" and "Todo Puertorico" or a funky stomp like "Dig This!" Still, Fresh is a clever hand working the sampler and stutter effects, with all manner of beatboxes, vocoders, ancient synths, and forgotten soul shouters contributing to the record. It may not be music for headphones, but it certainly is uncomplicated, fun dance music. ~ John Bush