IGLOO MAGAZINE's review by LUCA MAINI ::
Pietro Da Sacco | 03/08/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"IGLOO MAGAZINE's review by LUCA MAINI :: igloomag.com
(03.08.06) I heard different reactions about this record, some people were waiting months for it and now are enthusiastic, and others instead say it's too fashionable, influenced also by the glossy cover. I'll try to be an impartial judge, I decided to buy Color Strip after a nice live show Jimmy performed here (Italy) a month or so, while I know little of his past and his aliases (Kristuit Salu and Michaux) --this is because when the first EP entitled Access Rhythm was published on Warp I wasn't much into electro stuff like I'm nowadays, so I discarded it as not interesting, and consequently passed over Bounce, Make, Model too. Quite a mistake to be sincere, since "I Wanna Be Your STD" and "LBLB Detroit," tracks that are both featured on the EP and on the CD version of Color Strip, are two of the best moments on this record. Not as good as "Personal Information" though, its thick electro bassline was striking live and it's so tasty in a bedroom sound-system, supported by a perfect snappy beat.
Probably the hit single here it's "My Beats," a classic, instant tune whose catchy lyrics will stick in your brain in a handful of seconds. I have to admit that the live addition of talk box enhanced its variety and beauty, but it's still an ace track with an infectious pop feeling. Again, this is supposed to be another cause of discontent --someone rates this stuff as cheesy but I think Jimmy Edgar is not trying to be pretentious, he's only having fun and bringing some fresh ideas into a now abused genre. Pick "Jefferson Interception" for example, it's like an ode to Drexciya, more precisely it sounds very close to The Other People Place, but it shows perfectly Jimmy's flawless style. Other examples of sublime music are the funky "Of A Silent Variety" and "Semierotic," the latter sporting a fat slap bass that charms me every time. Personally I really enjoy the crisp, crystal clear beats of Color Strip, as well as the deep robotic vocals and the Detroit influenced synth lines: it's an easy album, that doesn't mean it's commercial, and it's so fresh you'll be urged to prepare a mojito while listening to it during a warm spring afternoon. Sleek sunglasses recommended."
This is different (but cool in its own way)
Zeb91 | Seattle, WA | 04/13/2006
(3 out of 5 stars)
"There's electro funk, there's dance music, there's glitch pop, and then there is this. A combination of the Prefuse perfected hip hop meets electronica and straight up dance/electronica music Jimmy Edgar shapes an off beat but not album in Colorstrip. While he obviously knows how to man a synth and drum machine he needs to stick with being behind the boards cause laying down vocals is not his strong suit. On "My Beats" (2) he is literally talking (not rapping, not off key singing, talking) and it is just annoying. While some may find it fun and maybe this is what is popular on the dance clubs over the pond I can't get into it. On the beat side of things he does have some cool creations. While definitely in the same vein of Prefuse he does his own thing and he does it well. I can totally see Lady Sovereign, Dirty Rascal or any other grime artist rocking to many of these instrumental tracks but on top of that I could see an emcee with a sporadic flow (Aesop Rock?) sounding very dope over the creations that Jimmy has cooked up. Edgar shows his skills behind the boards and demonstrates that whatever genre this music could be called he is a straight up musician and should be respected as one."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1