Album Review: Bugz In The Atic - Got The Bug: Remixes collection (V2)

Writer: Sarah Marshall

Ever since the scene kicked off, broken beat has been sidelined by the majority as a 'West London ting'. But at its core, a loyal following has remained strong. Now the major record labels seem to be sitting up and taking notice. Following their NSM signing last year, V2 have put out this collection of B.I.T.A.'s greatest remixes. For those without the patience to collect 12"s, it's a great opportunity to brush up on everything 'Bugz' in one easy fix. There's even a bonus mix CD of featured tracks for those wishing to recreate the Co-Op vibe in the comfort of their own homes.

It takes a certain skill to remix a mediocre pop song and mould it into a dancefloor smash, but that's what the Bugz do best. Their best salvage jobs are featured here. Both Macy Gray and Amy Winehouse undergo the Bugz treatment to great effect and it's now possible to own the mix without having to shell out for the original. Even remix giants Jazzanova succumb to the Bugz touch, with a storming version of Mwela. The ubiquitous Co-Op anthem Hold it Down is (of course) included, and still sounds fresh despite 1,000 or so rewinds. Previously only available on the Blue Note Revisited compilation, the B.I.T.A. Gene Harris experiment completes a line-up essential to any record collection.

Of all the broken beat cats, the Bugz have emerged as the only production team with a consistently killer and signature sound. Their own tracks Booty La La and Waiting (both featured) are an indication of the musical direction this ever-increasing collective are taking. Supposedly inspired by the gravity-defying rears of Puerto Rico, the Booty La La is just a taster of more South American flavours to come. (Afronaught's latest 12" Carnival is another)

The chances are Bugz could be the first broken beat crossover success story. Some people are even touting them as the next Basement Jaxx - although that would be to do the guys a disservice. At last count, there were nine Bugz in the Attic, but they just keep mulitiplying. No longer a preserve of the West, the broken beat sound is spreading. There could be an epidemic on the cards.

RELATED LINKS:
Bugz In The Attic
Kaidi Tatham - the KTL interview



Buy the Remixes Collection at Amazon UK (CD)  |  (CD)



PUBLISHED: 6 November 2004

RELEASED DATE: 11 October 2004 (UK) / 28 December 2004 (US)

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