Album Review by Mark Bayross
The très-trendy Dimitri From Paris has “blended and mixed” (his words) a selection of artists from Mecca Headz and Stetasonic to Ashford And Simpson in this, an hour and 15 minutes of funky and hip disco. Yes, it’s my old amigo, Mr DJ Mix Album again, and, no, reviewing him has not become any more pointless than it was before.
Either you love afro-headed 70s disco or not. THE ORIGINALS’ ‘Down To Love Town’ would go down a treat in retro nightclubs and “ironic” student parties across the country – anywhere where people think wearing hideous floral shirts, patched flares and huge wigs is funny, rather than an invitation to summary execution.
While the bass of STETASONIC’s ‘Talkin’ All That Jazz’ is undeniably funky, and the Latino rhythms of SALOME DE BAHIA’s ‘Outro Lugar’ are very now, there’s really very little else beyond summery 70s grooves to engage the interest. Even worse, the very inappropriately-named ATMOSFEAR offer a tune with such a cheesy saxophone that it challenges even King of Corn Michael Bolton to the MOR throne.
Maybe Mr From Paris is hot stuff right now, but is all horribly tame and paper-thin. Save yourself the money and buy a couple of those “Best Of 70s Disco” budget albums. Then make yourself a compilation tape or two, hop on the Eurostar and go seek your fortune in the clubs of Gay Paris.
