Meat Beat Manifesto - Original Fire

Released
1997

Label
Interscope/
Nothing

Reviewed by
Mike Ramirez

Contact
Nothing/Interscope
10900 Wilshire Blvd.
Suite 1230
Los Angeles, CA 90024

Visit
Meat Beat Manifesto

Last Edit/Update
30 January, 1998

Meat Beat Manifesto

ORIGINAL FIRE

Track Listing

1. Helter Skelter '97
2. It's the Music
3. I Am Electro
4. I Am Organic
5. Radio Babylon
6. I Got the Fear
(Part 5)
7. Asbestos Lead Asbestos
(toxic mix)
8. It's The Music
(Mix 2000)
9. Radio Babylon
(Luke Vibert Remix)
10. Radio Babylon
(Beach Blanket Bimbo Land-The Orb remix)

          I guess the boys are still beating their meat, because they just keep getting better and better at doing it. The new EP, which was released last month, contains 10 tracks which bring out the best in the band to date. Some well-known names in the techno genre that pop up on the cd are Luke Vibert (Plug, Squarepusher), Freaky Chakra, and The Orb.
          The cd starts off with a brand new remix of the 1990 classic, "Helter Skelter." The remix is way better than the original as the bass and the drums take more of an effect on the speakers than the original did. It's still in his brain I guess. MBM also has a new track on the cd entitled, "It's The Music." The song is very upbeat and looks at MBM's more techno-styled songs, with it's funky drum beat and insane samples. 2 remixes of "Original Control" are on the cd, both different in their own sense. On "Radio Babylon," and "I Got The Fear (part 5)," Dangers and co. take us back the their late 80's sound, with the bass guitar grooving along like it never has been before.
          The one thing that stands out in my opinion about MBM is their trademark usage of rap-influenced and styled lyrics and pitch. The "toxic mix" of "Asbestos Lead Asbestos" churns up some semi-heavy guitar, powerful bass, and the excellent vocals of Dangers and crew, which proves that MBM never loses sight of their rap influence. The 2 remixes of "Radio Babylon" at the climax are interesting as one takes you into the land of jungle, and the other straps you in for a ride with your friendly Doctor, Mr. Alex Patterson (of The Orb).
          MBM's website contains new info, pics, and merchandise that is for sale. There are also some live pics of the band from last year's tour, which was simply amazing. Be on the lookout for something new in the works pretty soon.

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