CD review: Scars - Basement Jaxx

ON TRACK: Basement Jaxx return to form on Scars.

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After the disappointing Crazy Itch Radio in 2006, Scars is a return to form for one of the best British dance acts of the decade - even if it could still be better.

Felix Buxton  and Simon Ratcliffe have roped in  an assortment of indie, hip-hop,  dance, dub and soul vocalists, including Kelis for the title track and  Eli "Paperboy" Reid for the  stomping soul-anthem She's No  Good.

The duo mix dance and other  genres, but instead of reeking of an  attempt to cover all the bases, it's a  more satisfying whole.

Santigold's  contribution to the ska-fused Saga  is perfect, while the Prince-influenced Sam Sparro is tailor-made for disco-thumper Feelings  Gone and indie darling Lightspeed  Champion is excellent on My Turn. 

Having funk master Amp Fiddler  sing on A Possibility, which fuses  country, Hawaiian and doo-wop,  sounds impossible, or Yoko Ono on  Day of the Sunflowers, but it sums  up Scars.

Buxton and Ratcliffe  sound re-invigorated by the numerous collaborations - right down to  the old school electronica on  Twerk, which tips its hat to Maniac  from Flashdance.

* What do you think of Scars? Post your comments below.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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