Staying Put in the Basement

This has to be one of the cheapest albums ever produced. At least Prince's early "experimental" work had its redeeming qualities. Basement Jaxx's version of funk on their sophomore release "Rooty" is extremely garage sounding. "Breakaway" and "SFM" (not to be confused with Prince's "SMF") perhaps would work best as tributes to the Purple One. Though the lyrics on "SFM" and numerous other house-style songs on "Rooty" are extremely minimal, repetitive and cheesy. Then again, that's house music for you.

Coming from the best electronica label around, Astralwerks, "Rooty" comes as a disappointing shock. The production values, if you can even call them that, are poor. The vocals are obviously performed by studio musicians (think Milli Vanilli) and there aren't any guest artists to be found. Even Air managed to recruit Beck for their latest album. Perhaps Basement Jaxx are overconfident in standing on their own after their impressive dance debut "Remedy". While that album was diverse in a good way, "Rooty" is a scattered, irritating affair with only occasional standout moments. And what's with the ape on the album cover? Is this meant to be a children's album or something?! It is quite a stark, strange contrast compared to the sleek and artistic visual statement for "Remedy".

"Romeo" the bouncy lead off single and "Where's Your Head At" from the excellent Tomb Raider soundtrack are among the best

to be found here. "Get Me Off" will be sure to send the dance clubs into overdrive and "Do Your Thing" is my personal favorite with its over-the-top ragtime stylings. After those cut-loose pleasures it is all downhill with two senselessly credited "interludes" and the lamest of lame filler. One listen to the worst song on "Rooty" - "I Want U" and you will agree. What a slapdash disaster. Don't ask me what they were thinking when they attempted to put that one together.

There's not much to mention when it comes to remaining tracks on "Rooty", though "Jus 1 Kiss" and "Broken Dreams" both make decent attempts at going in different, slightly more effective, directions. Second albums are notorious for their weaknesses, so for that reason alone, we will forgive Felix and Simon. With the punkified "Where's Your Head At" it is obvious that they aspire to be like the Chemical Brothers. Perhaps that could be the much-needed inspiration they need for next time. If there's a next time, that is.