It's time to pass the funky hat again, and showing it off in fine style this time around is that master of weird beats, Freddy Fresh.
The acclaimed 'Abstract Funk' series has featured compilations by respected artists such as Ian O'Brien, Colin Dale, Ross Allen, Mixmaster Morris and Circulation. Perhaps best known for his production and remix work with the likes of Fatboy Slim, Grandmaster Flash and Schooly D, Freddy lends his own inimitable style to this latest installment in the series by way of a couple of his own exclusive tracks, and a selection of diverse experimental electronica.
Analogue obsessed Freddy goes for the more abstract, rather than avant-garde, and certainly more freak than funk.
He captures Cat Stevens in an oddball electronica phase with 'Was Dog A Doughnut', and the inclusion of the over-indulgent Jean Michel-Jarre layering on the keyboards in 'Equinox Part 5' is about as welcome as a fat man at a buffet.
Should a calypso spaghetti western ever be made, the beautifully unusual Wicked Lester's 'Chocolate' would sound great in the background.
Some of the more far-out moments come from Mr. Fresh himself in the form of two exclusive tracks included on the album.
His 'Mortuary' could almost pass as a 60's sci-fi soundtrack. It definitely could provide the perfect musical accompaniment as Lost In Space's family Robinson search the barren landscape of some distant planet in their bubble-top all-terrain vehicle.
'Smooth' is a collaboration with Mann Parrish that is a pure analogue love affair. It's a minimalistic flow of bass and bleeps, with a subtle bubbly undercurrent.
The selection of tracks is thankfully varied here, as Fresh departs from his usual cut 'n' paste romps through dusty back catalogues . Quadrant Six 'Body Mechanic' is a straight-outta-the- Eighties, electro body-poppin affair. Russ Gabriel's 'Airbourne' is a good definition of ambient funk, and Inter City's 'Groovin' Without a Doubt' is a splendid expression of laidback electronic house.
Fresh's contribution to the Abstract Funk series certainly goes down the road less travelled, and hacks into new territory. Though not always entertaining, his selection is bold, adventurous and uncompromising. Electronica for the thinking funkster.
