By Samantha Nwaoshai
The album’s title begs the eternal question, what is hip? Warner Bros. tries to answer it with remixed 70s and 80s tunes. When one would pick up the CD at the record store, they would think “this is interesting.” Then you read the list of artists and your face starts to cringe. America, Rod Stewart and Ambrosia, your face looks as if you ingested something nasty. “Why would anyone want to hear these artist remixed if their original stuff couldn’t even stand the test of time?” The problem with this CD is that the remixes are of artist that aren’t as great, or not great at all in some cases. If the artists alone didn’t keep you away from the CD, then the song choices will.
Some of the songs on the compilation, beg to be remixed. Rod Stewart’s “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy,” is a perfect example. The song was considered a guilty pleasure even during its time, not just because of its blatant disco influence, but lyrically too. If the lyrics “If you really need me just reach out and touch me” make you shudder now, don’t worry, it made your mom and dad shudder back in the day too. Now just imagine those words and the original track music laced with techno beats. Mediocre techno beats. Enough said.
“Do Ya Think I’m Sexy” is not the only guilty pleasure song that didn’t quite make it into respectable listening. Just imagine a stereotypical techno opening. The music is reaching its peak, then you hear it. The opening lyrics to Gary Wright’s “Dream Weaver.” All expectations are dead, hope is lost, and you want to die.
Don’t fret children. Even among the Rod Stewart’s and “Dream Weavers” of the CD, there are a couple of goodies that even we the younger generation could enjoy. The Phillip Steir and Ramin Sakurai remix of Devo’s “Whip It” it one of the more interesting tracks on the compilation. It has a reggae twist that one can’t help but move their body to. Another surprising remix is the Mocean Worker take on “Express Yourself” by Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band. You can listen to the track without feeling your face contort itself and actually enjoy the song.
The remix project wasn’t a total flop. There are some genuinely decent tracks on the CD. It may have been intended to give older artists an younger audience, but it’s painfully obvious that its meant for the older generation. It gets stars for trying.
