A Bugged Out Mix
Felix Da Housecat
(React Records)
Reported by dsko Saturday, September 13 2003
As well as being a key producer behind the emergence of electro-pop, Chicago raised producer Felix Da Housecat remains one of house culture's great producers, releasing his first record in 1987 when aged 15. Nowadays recognised by the likes of P Diddy and Madonna, he's a mainstream remixer/ producer and (presumably) extremely rich global celebrity, though also remains one of the most interesting and cutting edge players in contemporary club culture.
And Bugged Out's new compilation shows why, particularly the first CD, which features Felix mixing old and new tracks together to showcase his own unique sound. Because like all the genuinely great DJs, Felix has the rare ability to mix, match and mutate records to create his own unique vibe, delivering an electro-based house sound that's funky, melodic and intensely tuneful. That's not to say that the mix is perfect; in fact, the first few tracks, Metro Area's Caught Up, Julian Jabre's Yalopa and Frankie Knuckles It's A Cold World, disappoint, offering up bland, languid house of a distinctly cheesy variety. Legowelt's 2002, however, raises the tempo and vibe significantly, kicking off a fantastic sequence that takes in Ladytron, 80s German star Anne Clark, Andrea Doria and Electronica's Coke, Sex & Drugs.
CD2 is an altogether different animal, featuring unmixed oldies that are presumably Felix's favourites. While the artists he's featured are seminal (Depeche Mode, Yello and Giorgio Morodor being just three) his track selection is bland (Personal Jesus, Bostich and Night Drive respectively) suggests Felix's abilities remain best focused on the future rather than the past.
'A Bugged Out Mix By Felix Da Housecat' is released on React on September 8.
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