Chemical Brothers
(Astralwerks)
There wasn't supposed to be an electronica singles band. But fortunately, no one told this pioneering Big Beat duo. Either that or they just didn't care (regardless of whether or not they were waving their hands in the air). This two-disc compilation gathers any number of the ‘90s most infectious dance hits on an awe-inspiring first disc, including the seminal "Block Rockin' Beats" and "Setting Sun," with Noel Gallagher doing his best John Lennon imitation to the beat of Lennon's best Revolver track, "Tomorrow Never Knows." Both tracks topped the UK charts and helped establish 1997's Dig Your Own Hole as the masterpiece it was (as did this compilation's most egregious oversight, "Electrobank").
That album may have been their moment in the sun, especially in the States, but this collection makes a fairly decent case for the Chemical Brothers as more of a career band. Highlights range from the earlier "Chemical Beats" through "Galvanize" (their most infectious contribution of the new millennium) to a new track called "Keep My Composure" that feels as psychedelically enhanced as anything from 1997, with guest raps from Spank Rock.
Most tracks here were also featured on their previous anthology, Singles 93-03, but the far less singles-oriented second disc provides incentive to repurchase, gathering 10 tracks from the Electronic Battle Weapon series, works in progress leaked to DJs that were later reworked into proper "songs, beginning with "It Doesn't Matter" from Dig Your Own Hole.
Standout Tracks: "Block Rockin' Beats," "Galvanize" A. WATT
