Prodigy
Fat of the Land (Maverick/XL Recordings)
By: [email protected]
Where do I start? Returning back home on the Monday evening that the Fat of the Land was released, from Glastonbury. I made a vow that the next morning I would practically camp outside HMV to buy this much awaited album, just so I didn't have to spend one moment longer in unnecessary pain and anguish. When I've previously anticipated the release of an album as much as this I'm usually mildly disappointed at the end of the day (memories of 3 June 1996 - the day Load was released - are relived), however this was without doubt a truly remarkable exception. After handing the CD case over the counter to a thirty-something woman, she (to my amazement) remarked upon the outstanding piece of work "the Prod" had created. Perhaps I'm far too ageist, but I just didn't realise how diverse an audience "the Prod" appeal to.While listening to this nothing but superb work of art I realised even though Garbage might be taking a leisurely pace (to put it bluntly - a "couldn't be fucked attitude") recording the second album...suicide should NOT be an option YET!
Narayan (possibly the best album track to be released this year, since it's unlikely Garbage will be releasing anything this year that's quite a safe assumption to make) - a collaboration with Crispian from Kula Shaker (highly unusual choice in my opinion, but certainly a great partnership) was setting the scene for greater exploration of musical depths that the Prod are soon becoming masters of. Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker, "Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy" of the 1990's one asks herself, but once again I've lost touch with reality....
Highlights: Mindfields, Narayan, Climbatize and Breathe.
Party tracks: Firestarter and Serial Thrilla.
Overall rating: Most addictive CD I've bought this year.
