4th January 1999


The singles market has yet to get into gear. Happy New Year. Hey, that rhymes....(get on with it...)

Single of the Week

"Praise You" by Fatboy Slim

Already a contender for video of 1999, this addictive melange of beats should see Mr Slim nestling snugly at the top of the charts next week. Eschewing the unsubtle big beats of previous hits, "Praise You" is built around a mellow, honey-toned vocal and a Charlatans-esque piano track. Injected with bass and beats, but without suffocating the charm and warmth of the original samples, the song is easily Fatboy Slim's best solo track to date, and its warm layers of languid dance beats are perfect for the cold January nights.

"Sho Nuff" is the first extra track, and is on more familiar Fatboy territory - though none the less bump and grinding for that. Take one sample, add big bass and thumping beats, leave to stand for 3 minutes: it can't be that simple or we'd all be doing it. The fact that he makes it sound so effortless is testament to his skill. Track 3 is the "Urban Takeover" remix of "Rockafeller Skank", expanding the already kicking original into six minutes of mindless but tasty groovy treats.

You've come a long way (from skipping around in your turn-ups and white socks with Paul Heaton), baby.

Rating: 8/10

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