X-press 2
Original Source:http://www.music-news.com/ShowReview.asp?H=X-press-2-Raise-Your-Hands-album-review&nReviewID=3447&nType=1&
X-press 2 members Rocky, Diesel and Ashley Beedle have been friends since the early days of rave and have enjoyed global success as DJs, Producers and remixers since their first releases ‘Muzik Xpress’ and ‘London Xpress’ burst on to the scene back in 1993. Picked up by Brighton label Skint at the turn of the millenium they released their first studio album ‘Muzikizum’. The album sold over 100,000 copies in the UK with underground anthems ‘Smoke Machine’ and ‘AC/DC’ sitting alongside David Byrne collaboration and worldwide chart hit ‘Lazy’.
Now celebrating 15 years in the business they release their greatest hits ‘Raise Your Hands.’ A two disc package, the first CD features eleven tracks in their original form while the second is jam packed with sought after remixes from artist such as Norman Cook, Carl Craig and the boys themselves.
There are a number of collaborations, most notably the gospel inspired ‘Give It’ featuring Lambchop’s Kurt Wagner and ‘Witchi Tai To’ with Tim de Laughter from the Polyphonic Spree. A great addition to the discography comes in the form of new single ‘Fire’ with vocals from the legend that is Afrika Bambaataa. His vocals complementing the dark and twisted X-press production style perfectly.
The remix package is well worth a look at too, with highlights including Switch’s remix of ‘Give It’, Norman Cook’s version of ‘Lazy’ and X-press 2’s own remix of ‘Milkshake’ from Kelis.
This album is a history of one of British house music’s great production teams. There is the right balance of smiley sing-a-long tracks and darker dancefloor moments which make this a must for all dance music collections
RAISE YOUR HANDS TRACKLISTING
CD1
1.Lazy
2. London Xpress
3. Smoke Machine
4. Kill 100
5. AC/DC
6. Muzikizum
7. Give It
8. Muzik Xpress
9. Rock 2 House
10. Fire
11. Witchi Tai To
CD2
1. Lazy (Freeform Five Remix)
2. Kill100 (Carl Craig Remix)
3. Supsasong (Soul Mekanik Remix)
4. Call That Love (Radioslave Remix)
5. Muzikizum (Superchumbo Remix)
6. Give It (Switch Remix)
7. Lazy (Norman Cook Remix)
8. Don’t Make Me Wait (Diesel Remix)
9. Enjoy The Ride (Ashley Beedle Remix)
10. Fatboy Slim - Star 69 (X-Press 2 Remix)
11. Missy Elliot - We Run This (X-Press 2 Remix)
12. Nitzer Ebb - Join In The Chant (X-Press 2 Remix)
13. Kelis - Milkshake (X-Press 2 Remix)
reviewer: Rich Denton
