THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS COME WITH US ALBUM VIRGIN RELEASE: JANUARY 29, 2002 REVIEW: MARCH 6 , 2002

In the late 60's and early 70's James Last, Max Greger and the likes ruled the charts with albums like "Tanz-Party in Super Stereo" and "Hifi-Stereo-Festival 23". Music not meant listening to, rather to be played in the background of German hotel lobbies, elevators or at, more or less, sophisticated parties.
The Chemical Brothers' new album is somewhat in that direction; middle-of-the-road songs with few exceptions. Not a lot that catch my ears here.
There are three small works of art that make the album levitate for a while: "Hoops", "My Elastic Eye" and the recent single "Star Guitar" represent the Chemical Brothers in their greatest moments. Repetitive beats with inventive samples and abnormal soundscapes best played loud. The he vocals are the weakest part on the album. Beth Orton and Richard Ashcroft do what they can, but it really does not lift at all.
Well, if you don't feel like spending your money on a mediocre album you shouldn't worry. It will soon be in the speakers of a shopping mall near you.

ANDERS WIIK