(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 am 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.
The hit single here is most likely “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.
Color Strip is out now on Warp. (Buy it at Amazon.com)
