Scars

SCARS, an obvious return to form for Basement Jaxx, reins in the big conceptual ambitions of CRAZY ITCH RADIO for better or worse. Getting back to everyday business sounds like sweet relief on tracks like "Twerk," a collaboration with Yo Majesty. And while this is the kind of lunk-headed party theme you'd expect from such a pairing, two of the other marquee-worthy collaborations far exceed expectations. First up is the hot-stepping Santigold cut "Saga" which suggests that a shared love of the Clash and the Specials was discussed ahead of time. More stunning is the Yoko team-up "Day of the Sunflowers (We March On)" which takes a "Walking on Thin Ice" strategy, supporting Ms. Ono's stark poetry reading with a razor-sharp, no wave dance track. The wistful "My Turn," with Lightspeed Champion, is like a grand, danceable dreamer that shows up towards the end of the best Pet Shop Boys albums. While it's a bumpier ride than expected, SCARS is a worthwhile throwback to the kind of freak-attitude that kicked off their career over a decade earlier. Anyone excited by the idea will find plenty to love.