^

Entertainment

Funk is their new Wonderland

- Philip Cu-Unjieng -
October 15, 2006 | 12:00am
Two new releases, one of new material, and the other, a "Best of" compilation, show that while one can continue to make jokes about "white boys" having two left feet and not having a "whole lot of soul," when these boys put their minds to it, their versions of blue-eyed soul can ignite sparks! John Mayer has found his new Wonderland and we’re all invited to enjoy his groove, while Fatboy Slim proves how over the years, his DJ and dance music artistry, has always stayed ahead of the pack.
Continuum by John Mayer (Sony/BMG)
John Mayer started off his career as a sensitive, college-friendly, acoustic/alternative demi-god. Then he turned his back on this music, and went all out Blues Rock with his Try! Live in Concert album. With Continuum, John nudges himself back closer to the mainstream, but via soul music. If that has you doing a double-take, dispel your doubts, as John has really upped the ante in terms of growth as an artist, and continues to confound those who would pigeonhole his music.

The first track and carrier single is Waiting for the World To Change and it’s like John is channeling Curtis Mayfield – yes, it’s that soulful. The heartfelt and introspective lyrics are still there, but they’re now buttressed by music and guitar chops that are pure, unadulterated ’80s-style R ’n B. There’s even a cover of Jimi Hendrix’s classic Bold As Love. The Heart of Life and Slow Dancing in a Burning Room are already fast favorites of mine, and the CD perfectly balances his infatuation with the Blues with giving us something more accessible. Should we dare hope he extends any kind of musical influence to Jessica Simpson?
The Greatest Hits: Why Try Harder by Fatboy Slim (Sony/BMG)
Who would have thought, from bassist for the Housemartins, to DJ, dance and techno music meister! But that is exactly what Norman Cook has done. The Housemartins were one of my favorite bands from the ’90s, and it’s great to see how Norman has evolved using the Fatboy Slim persona. All your fave tracks (who can forget the video with Christopher Walken showing off his terpsichorean talents?) are compiled in this CD, and the "sampling" is outrageous, fantastic. From Macy Gray to Jim Morrison of the fabled Doors, to Bootsy Collins and Yvonne Elliman, this is techno and dance wonderland!

Norman’s masterful work as producer/mixer is also showcased, as we have Cornershop’s Brimful of Asha and Groove Armada’s I See You Baby on this collection. There are two new tracks, and they’re living proofs that Fatboy still has a lot to offer in the years to come. If you were just a casual fan of Fatboy and never got any of the CDs, this is definitely the one to get! Devoted fans over the years won’t find anything really new, but it’s good to find a CD which just keeps churning out one great cut after another.

BLUES ROCK

BOLD AS LOVE

BOOTSY COLLINS AND YVONNE ELLIMAN

BRIMFUL OF ASHA

BURNING ROOM

CHRISTOPHER WALKEN

CURTIS MAYFIELD

FATBOY

FATBOY SLIM

JOHN MAYER
  • Latest
  • Trending
Trending
Latest
Trending
abtest
abtest
Judy Ann Santos on why co-producing ‘Espantaho’ is worth the gamble

Judy Ann Santos on why co-producing ‘Espantaho’ is worth the gamble

By Nathalie Tomada | 18 hours ago
In her decades-long career, which began when she was a child star, Judy Ann Santos has worn multiple hats — actress,...
Entertainment
fbtw
Mark Herras, wife expecting 2nd baby

Mark Herras, wife expecting 2nd baby

By Jan Milo Severo | 7 hours ago
Actor Mark Herras and his wife Nicole Donesa are expecting their second baby. 
Entertainment
fbtw
MMFF at 50: What makes each film worth watching?

MMFF at 50: What makes each film worth watching?

By Jerry Donato | 1 day ago
That time of the year has come when the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), which is having its golden edition, presents a...
Entertainment
fbtw
BJ Pascual responds to Denise Julia issue on canceled shoot

BJ Pascual responds to Denise Julia issue on canceled shoot

By Kristofer Purnell | 1 day ago
Celebrity photographer BJ Pascual has aired his side on a viral controversy involving rising artist Denise Julia over a canceled...
Entertainment
fbtw
Away in a Manger a lullaby for Baby Jesus

Away in a Manger a lullaby for Baby Jesus

By Baby A. Gil | 18 hours ago
It is always important to give credit to songwriters but it is almost a certainty that we will never find out who did Away...
Entertainment
fbtw
Latest
abtest
'Life-changing': BINI Maloi visits Tondo for outreach program

'Life-changing': BINI Maloi visits Tondo for outreach program

By Jan Milo Severo | 4 hours ago
BINI member Maloi Ricalde spent time with children from Tondo.
Entertainment
fbtw
Zendaya gets own Madame Tussauds wax figure

Zendaya gets own Madame Tussauds wax figure

By Kristofer Purnell | 5 hours ago
Hollywood actress Zendaya is the latest celebrity to have a wax figure at Madame Tussauds, finding a home in the global attraction's...
Entertainment
fbtw
Coco Martin calls Julia Montes 'nanay'

Coco Martin calls Julia Montes 'nanay'

By Jan Milo Severo | 5 hours ago
Coco Martin showed his support for long-time partner Julia Montes, who is starring in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF)...
Entertainment
fbtw
Christopher Nolan to adapt Homer's 'The Odyssey' for next movie

Christopher Nolan to adapt Homer's 'The Odyssey' for next movie

By Kristofer Purnell | 6 hours ago
The next movie of Oscar-winning director Christopher Nolan is an adaptation of Homer's famous work, "The Odyssey."
Entertainment
fbtw
Eugene Domingo and Italian hubby redefine la dolce vita de Manila

Eugene Domingo and Italian hubby redefine la dolce vita de Manila

By Dolly Anne Cavajal | 18 hours ago
Eugene Domingo and I are kindred spirits. So it was such a breeze interviewing Uge and her Italian hubby, Danilo Bottoni,...
Entertainment
fbtw
Recommended
Are you sure you want to log out?
X
Login

Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now!

Get Updated:

Signup for the News Round now

FORGOT PASSWORD?
SIGN IN
or sign in with