So here we have Norman Cook, aka Fatboy Slim, back when he was making some seriously fun electronic music that didn’t take itself too seriously. This album dropped in 1998 and it’s one of those records that just works from start to finish, it’s like the perfect soundtrack for driving around with the windows down, not giving a damn about anything except having a good time.
Right off the bat, “Right Here, Right Now” kicks things off with that relentless beat that just doesn’t quit. The music video is absolutely mental too, all those time-lapse shots and crazy visuals that match the track’s unrelenting energy perfectly. It’s dancey as hell and sets the tone for what you’re about to experience. Then we get hit with “The Rockafeller Skank” and man, this is big beat at its finest. That “right about now” sample hook is pure genius, and the whole thing is dripping with groove and funk. Cook’s sample work here is just ridiculous, taking all these different pieces and making them work together seamlessly.
“Fucking in Heaven” is another example of how sampling can feel almost like a proper band recording when done right. It’s got this cheeky humor to it while still being groovy as anything. “Gangster Tripping” though, if this doesn’t make you headbang, you might want to check your pulse. It’s big beat with DJ sensibilities, not complicated but damn if it isn’t a blast to listen to. “Build It Up – Tear It Down” takes a more laid-back approach at first, but then it just grows and grows until you’re bouncing along with those thick beats.
“Kalifornia” brings some nice distorted textures to the mix, while “Soul Surfing” has this football-inspired vibe that’s simple but funky at the same time. “You’re Not from Brighton” feels like the perfect sunset party track, smooth and stylish without being pretentious. Then we get to “Praise You,” another one of those singles that shows just how far you can push samples. It’s like gospel meeting electronica in the best possible way, and you can listen to this groovy breakdown all day long.
“Love Island” kicks things back into high gear with some serious techno-influenced big beat that’s perfect for headbanging. The beats are thick and relentless, and it’s just pure fun. “Acid 8000” closes things out with a slightly different flavor, more techno than the rest but still fitting perfectly with the album’s vibe. It’s another example of Cook’s genius sample selection, you think these pieces shouldn’t work together, but somehow they create something seamless and brilliant.
This is Cook’s masterpiece, no question about it. It’s got that same lighthearted but technically excellent approach that makes bands like the Beastie Boys or Presidents of the United States of America so great. It’s imaginative as hell, bombastic when it needs to be, and just an immaculate listen from start to finish. Whether you’re on a road trip or just need something to lift your spirits, this album delivers every single time. It’s big beat music at its absolute peak, and I’d recommend it to everyone and then some.