Fatboy Slim is very well known for being one of the most popular dance or techno artists of all time. The Rockafeller Skank was one of the most popular dance hits in the late 90's and Fatboy Slim was very popular. Whatever happened to him after his big hit single? Did he just randomly disappear and quit doing what he was good at? Maybe he was just a one hit wonder that would never come back onto the seen ever again. Fatboy Slim, or Norman Cook had a tremendous load of talent in creating funky beats, and catchy techno music. He is one of my favorite techno artists, and still is too this day....but whatever happended to him?
In 2004 Norman Cook is back, but things have changed since 1998. Palookaville is nothing like Fatboy Slim has ever done before. There are no heavy techno beats and this won't get you on the dance floor. Norman Cook has acquired a new interest in hip-hop, funk, soul, and R&B. Why did he give it up? He was a great dance artist and made amazing techno music. I really thought this was going to be awful. I could barely handle this the first time I listened to it, there was no heavy techno beats or anything, I was pissed. After a few listens I started getting into this, I actually enjoyed some of it. Now after owning this album since the day it came out I can proudly say that it is a good album. If you are looking for a dance album do not look here. While there are some dance influences and a few techno beats this is not a techno album. Norman Cook has completely changed his music, fusing together hip-hop, funk, pop, and soul. This music is fun, funky, and exciting. Even though this is not a dance album I still enjoy it, this is without a doubt a party cd. There are plenty of funky trip-hop influences and Palookaville is fun, groovy and funky. Cook uses synths, hip-hop beats, sugary pop hooks and these songs are just downright catchy. Fatboy Slim is not repetitive at all, all of these songs are different but they are still accessible and groovy. Tracks like Slash Dot Dash and Jin Go La Ba are flooding with pure energy and you can tell that Cook is having a great time. There are plenty of laid back chill out tunes on this album. Those songs are very soul influenced, along with minor influences of reggae and jazz. Fatboy Slim is everywhere on "Palookaville" this is his most daring, experimental, and fun album.
The big problem with Palookaville is that there are some songs that are just hit-or miss. About half of these tracks feel like old B-sides and they can feel very half-assed. While Fatboy Slim albums have always felt like this it is very appearent on "Palookaville." Slim coveres two tracks on this, The Five Man Electrical Bands "Don't Let The Man Get You Down" and Steve Millers "The Joker." I don't usually enjoy covers and these two tracks explain why. Even though Cook shrows in heavy funk rythms and catchy melodies the songs just seem cheesy. That goes for a number of these songs, they can be fun when you're in the mood but they can get very annoying and feel cheesy and bland. There is plenty too chose from on Palookaville. There are hip-hop songs, funky and groovy songs, and Cook even goes back and steals some material from his debut and throws in some slight dance influences. Hints of jazz and reggae show up often, and this album has a chill-out feel to it. There are basically no rules when it comes to this album, this is a good things for the most part. Fatboy Slim is very inconsistent and this can ruin the flow of the album. He goes straight from a tight, funky hip-hop song straight to a mellow jazzy tune. It's very hard to adjust too and if you're not in the mood you will have to skip over the track. Palookaville is a fun, exciting, and groovy album but it lacks when it comes to consistancy and depth.
Overall I am happy to say that this is a good album. I will admit that I was scared at first but after a few listens this cd really grows on you. If you're looking for dance or techno music do not look here because this is not a dance album. Blending together heavy drum beats, smooth vocals, brass instruments, mellow guitar riffs, and funky basslines this album is definately fun. The only problem is that this is hard to get used too after Fatboy Slim have been putting out so many good solid dance albums. I'm not sure why Norman Cook gave it up, he was such a popular techno artist. Once again, Palookaville is completely different from what Fatboy Slim has ever done, it is not a techno album. This is a funky, exciting, energetic, catchy, and most of all fun album. If you want something new, or something to groove to then this is the album for you. Hardcore Fatboy Slim fans may be dissapointed, but don't shut this album down after the first listen. Cook is very good vocally, and his singing fits the good nature of this album perfectly. Palookaville won't amaze anyone, but it shouldn't disappoint anyone either.
Overall Rating : 3/5
Pros: Catchy // Experimental // Fun hip-hop, funky songs
Cons: No dance songs // Not much depth, some songs feel like old B-sides
Recommended Tracks :Slash Dot Dash // The Journey // The Joker
