As far as remix albums...
Dana C. Steinman | SyracuseNY | 12/20/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"At first glance one would associate remix and Shirey Bassey with the hypertension of the clubfloor. Both lend a certain drama to one another and therefore seem fitting. With the exception of the last track ("If You Go Away") nothing here gets the club diva treatment. And Thank You to the remixers, since that would have been a waste of the warmth and depth of Shirley Bassey's emotive voice. If you're familiar with the music of Fatboy Slim and The Chemical Brothers you'll feel right at home here, exactly as these songs do in their very respectful Big Beat reinterpretations (all the best and most important elements of each song are retained and enhanced). I must say that as far as remix albums are concerned, this one is an example of how a reconstruction of a song can add lustre to an original track rather than technological tarnish. All ten tracks included here sound as if the song had hand-picked its remix as nothing here sounds garish or out of context. The effects used in "Never Never Never" and "Big Spender", for example, enhance the former's atmosphere and the ladder's plucky attitude. The same is true for every track here, including the lone club mix, which adds an icey quality to the sadness of the lyric. Another issue that is addressed with great satisfaction on this release is the timing of each track. Nothing here is an awkwardly truncated version that would have been better represented in a complete form, nor is anything too lengthy while a remixer admires his own ability to maneuver studio gimmeckry. So yes, I do recommend this album. New fans will be refreshed with quality work informing quality original material, while faithfuls will be delighted by the new moods and playfullness of classic Shirley Bassey. Or vice versa."
The Magic Is Still There....
D. A. Vall-lloveras | Los Angeles CA | 01/28/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I have eagerly been anticipating this CD ever since I first read about it. For the most part, it's quite wonderful. I should not be surpised at how fresh and vibrant Ms. Bassey's voice sounds, even through all the overdubbed and sampled backing. The reworkings of "Where do I Begin?", "Diamonds Are Forever", "Easy Thing to Do", "Never, Never, Never", "Big Spender" & "If You Go Away" are simply wonderful. The only ones that are a slight let-down are both remixes of "Light My Fire", while "Goldfinger" borders on, but stays just shy of being too over the top. I wish that "No Regrets" and "I Who Have Nothing" would have been included instead of these two versions of "Light My Fire." Either way, it's a must for the Bassey fan and the chic as well."
One of the best remix/tribute albums I've ever heard...
thespaceboy@excite.com | Hamburg, Germany/Smethwick, UK | 07/22/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When I first saw this CD, I thought:
"No way is this gonna work!"How wrong I was!! :)This album has to be heard to be believed. The various remixers
have worked wonders with the originals and have really funked up
the tunes for a "modern" audience without in any way ruining
them. I'm amazed at how good they are, having heard many
similar attempts at remixing classic songs, this stands head
and shoulders above the rest.
My favourite track on the album is "Big Spender (Wild Oscar
Mix)" - which has a fantastic Prodigy/"Firestarter"-style beat
and features some mad Fat-Boy-Slim/"Rockafeller Skank" effects!
I think it would have made a brilliant single.Mantronik's "Diamonds Are Forever" is also nuts(!), but it
still works! I like that track a lot, too.
The same goes for DJ Spinna's "Spinning Wheel"...The Propellerheads' remix of "Goldfinger" is also great.Kenny Dope's remix of "Light My Fire" is very chillable..."If You Go Away" is the only "techno" track on the album.
It's a bit of a downer but in a good way(!). Very trancey and
atmospheric.All of the tracks are great, to be honest.Forget what any purists might say about it, this album is
awesome and a great tribute to Shirley. I'm sure Ms. Bassey
would be proud... :)One more thing: This version of the album has a far better
cover than the US version (in my opinion). The US version
doesn't have Shirley on the cover(?!?!)..."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1
