jamirotalk.net header image
 

Impressum / EditorialEditorial  FAQFAQ  SearchSearch  MemberlistMemberlist  RegisterRegister  ProfileProfile  Private messagesPrivate messages  Log inLog in

High Times: Singles 1992 2006 ARTICLES AND REVIEWS ONLINE
Goto page Previous  1, 2, 3  Next
 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    JAMIROTALK.NET Forum Index -> High Times: Singles 1992-2006
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message

deesh



Joined: 23 Feb 2002
Posts: 2717
Location: +001


PostPosted: Mon Dec 04, 2006 19:20    Reply with quote


independent weekly link

CD - High Times Singles 1992-2006 - Jamiroquai
After a career spanning over 14 years as one of Britain's most visionary, eclectic and innovative rock bands, Jamiroquai has finally released its long-expected 'Greatest Hits' album, High Times (Singles 1992-2006). This anthology, featuring 16 tracks, including 'Little L', 'Canned Heat' and 'Virtual Insanity', and two new unreleased singles, 'Runaway' and 'Radio', is both a collection of popular songs and the beginning of a new creative era.

Most 'Greatest Hits' albums consist of five genuine classics and a lot of awful filler but with massive songs such as 'Cosmic Girl' and 'Deeper Underground', High Times is a reminder of the sheer depth of Jamiroquai's output. From the outstanding 'When You Gonna Learn' to the last hit '(Don't) Give Hate a Chance', and the two new numbers, Jamiroquai delivers a memorable collection with Jay Kay's urgent lyrics and the bands sharp style and superb musicianship.

High Times marks the end of Jamiroquai's eight-album contract with Sony and is a testament to a band that has sold over 20 million albums and its pioneering acid jazz-pop-disco-rock. What the future holds at Colombia records is uncertain but High Times validates Jamiroquai's status as one of the most prominent and popular British acts for 20 years. If juggernaut induced boogie-woogie is your kind of music then Jamiroquai is your kind of band, and High Times is a brilliant introduction to the funk odyssey that is irrepressibly Jamiroquai. RRP $21.88 -- Stephen Davenport

______________________________________

http://www.deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,650211325,00.html


JAMIROQUAI; "High Times: Singles 1992-2006" (Epic) ** 1/2
Jay Kays hit the big time under the name Jamiroquai with his third album "Traveling Without Moving." The first single, "Virtual Insanity," was an MTV hit. Since then, Jamiroquai has had some marginal hits, but nothing to compare with that one. Still, he kept working, putting out music. This 19-track hits package shows Kay's natural ability to make some nice, albeit, unmemorable grooves. — S.I.

___________________________________________

This one is in Dutch, sorry Babelfish wasn't working - Dutch fans - Enjoy!

http://frontpage.fok.nl/review/4870/1
CD: Jamiroquai - High Times: Singles 1992-2006
Gepost door Eline (Numbie) - vrijdag 1 december 2006 @ 11:00

CD: Jamiroquai - High Times: Singles 1992-2006 Men neme een vrijzinnige vorm van muziek maken, een stam indianen, en een blanke jongen met abnormaal veel soul en disco in zich: resultaat, Jamiroquai. Na vijftien jaar en meer dan twintig miljoen verkochte albums lijkt de tijd daar om een 'best of' uit te brengen. Een verzamelaar met alle zeventien singles van die periode, en twee nieuwe nummers. High Times: Singles 1992-2006 heet de plaat en biedt een overzicht; niets meer en niets minder.

Om maar meteen to the point te komen: de compilatie is als samenstelling geslaagd. Echt alle singles staan erop van Too Young To Die tot aan Seven Days In Sunny June. Natuurlijk ontbreekt ook Virtual Insanity niet. Je kent hem vast wel, van die clip met dat bewegende meubilair. Deeper Underground blijft ook een ontzettend goed en vooral tijdloos nummer. Dat valt überhaupt op aan dit album; alle nummers hebben een bepaald gevoel van tijdloosheid. Als je over een dikke twintig jaar dit album op zou zetten, zal het nog steeds zo zou swingen als het nu doet. Jay-Kay haalt zijn invloeden dan ook overal vandaan zo lijkt het. Je hoort de klassieke arrangementjes uit de jaren zestig (Canned Heat) de soul uit de jaren zeventig (Don't Give Hate A Chance), en de disco uit de jaren tachtig (Little L), maar het lijkt de combinatie te zijn van Jay-Kays soulvolle stem, i.c.m. zeer dansbare ritmes en catchy deuntjes die het hem doen. Het is dan ook geen wonder dat zijn muziek een dergelijk breed publiek aanspreekt.

Het is echter jammer dat je hier en daar wel de meer experimentele kant van de band mist. Het zijn echt de singles, Alright en Cosmic Girl bijvoorbeeld, en dus klinkt het allemaal wel erg braaf. De tracklist is duidelijk op safe gespeeld, terwijl een iets minder bekende single of track als extraatje wel degelijk wat had kunnen bijdragen. Op die manier had je een completer beeld van de band gehad. Zelfs nieuwkomers Runaway en Radio voegen hier weinig aan toe. Beide nummers klinken als concept te bekend in de oren om werkelijk iets toe te voegen. Jay-Kay grooved en swingt, maar het klinkt voorspelbaar en jammer genoeg niet overtuigend op deze nummers.

De versie die hier gereviewd wordt, is de single-disc version. Er schijnt ook nog een dubbeldisc versie te zijn met allerlei remixen door verschillende Engelse DJ's. Misschien dat die versie wel doet, wat er hier nog mist; net dat beetje extra dat een verzamelaar iets speciaals geeft.

Voor diegenen die nog niet alle albums hebben, is het een leuk overzicht. En voor de fans is het de ideale cd om aan je familie en/of vrienden te geven tijdens de feestdagen. Maar daar houdt het, wat deze versie betreft, wel mee op.
_________________
www.dee34.wordpress.com
Back to top 
View user's profile Send private message AIM Address MSN Messenger

deesh



Joined: 23 Feb 2002
Posts: 2717
Location: +001


PostPosted: Fri Dec 08, 2006 16:21    Reply with quote


http://www.jacarandafm.com/content/view/518/100/

There will appear a genius in every generation, but it takes something special for that individual to be consistent and the top of their game; no matter what that game might be. In music, it’s almost impossible. While many set off as next big things, few stay the distance to arrive as genuine international artists. After 15 years, more than 20 million album sales and five massive world tours playing to 5 million people in 38 countries, it’s fair to say that Jay Kay, the 37 year-old also known as Jamiroquai, has made it big.

What’s more, he’s got the 6 multi-platinum albums, 5 MTV Awards, and enough scandalous tabloid headlines to prove it. And now, just in case there was any doubt, he’s got ‘High Times: Singles 1992-2006, a singles collection which drives home the point and tracks the decade and a half voyage by means of his irresistible rare groove and unique cutting disco.

The moment “When you gonna learn” was released October 1992, a career movement was born, based on the vigor of one big song someone whipped out their cheque book, to offer the young Jay Kay an 8 album record deal. Dubbed a Stevie Wonder wannabe, the musical genius, with his very infamous iconic hats had so much against him, with tabloids branding him boring average and an uncreative artist, but openly resisting his ruthless welcome to the music industry, it was only a matter of time until he started one of the most enduring musical successes, in the history of music. Ranging from early 90s "When You Gonna Learn", and "Blow Your Mind", to later successes such as "Canned Heat", "Cosmic Girl", and on to recent songs from 2005 album Dynamite, such as "Feels Just Like It Should" and "7 Days In Sunny June". There are also two new tracks, the current single "Runaway" enjoying airplay on Jacaranda 94.2 and "Radio", both of which continue the Jamiroquai tradition of mild blissful sounds.

Well there you have it ladies and gentleman, give praise to the king of pop disco who has unleashed the dancer in you for the past decade. Put on your dancing shoes… and in true Jamiroquai style, put on your party hat.
_________________
www.dee34.wordpress.com
Back to top 
View user's profile Send private message AIM Address MSN Messenger

deesh



Joined: 23 Feb 2002
Posts: 2717
Location: +001


PostPosted: Sun Dec 10, 2006 19:14    Reply with quote


click here for the link

Sleeve: I finally absorbed Native Indian reference burrowed within band's name thanks to feathery headdress on front cover. However, Jay Kay's hippie reference is misplaced; Iroquai Indians were notoriously violent. Jamhurons doesn't quite have same ring.

Sleeve notes: Elegiac insight into early 90s when Jay Kay ruled the underground, before fondness for Porsches and Denise Van Outen blew credibility.

Content: Irritating as many find him, the man has undeniable talent for infectious funk High points: Space Cowboy and Virtual Insanity are classics; Love Foolosophy stands out.

Advertisement continued...
Low points: Production sounds dated. Canned Heat and Feels Just Like It Should suffer from overdone "wall of sound" feel and Jay Kay's voice is over-processed.

Any glaring omissions?: No. Anything new?: Runaway and Radio. Same old formula, but they don't order you to get up and dance the way older singles do.

Cheerful or tearful excuse for release?: Any girl will love shaking her booty to this, but she won't feel as cool as she used to.

Where might this end up at Christmas?: More booty shaking.


Catherine Sevigny
_________________
www.dee34.wordpress.com
Back to top 
View user's profile Send private message AIM Address MSN Messenger

Sandriche
Officer & Jamily Coach


Joined: 07 Oct 2005
Posts: 5564
Location: Austraria


PostPosted: Sun Dec 10, 2006 19:48    Reply with quote


not the best critics..
_________________
"Here it is...there is no way to make it better "
Back to top 
View user's profile Send private message MSN Messenger

deesh



Joined: 23 Feb 2002
Posts: 2717
Location: +001


PostPosted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 13:53    Reply with quote


true sandra - some of them are just flat out wrong - and that's a fact. like the last one i posted and she said there are no glaring omissions...come on Rolling Eyes !

but some others, they are their opinion and i'm sure they aren't even fans of the band...so i can't fault them so much for that.
_________________
www.dee34.wordpress.com
Back to top 
View user's profile Send private message AIM Address MSN Messenger

deesh



Joined: 23 Feb 2002
Posts: 2717
Location: +001


PostPosted: Wed Dec 20, 2006 21:29    Reply with quote


http://entertainment.iafrica.com/music/latest/521890.htm

JAMIROQUAI
Reviewed: Best Of Jamiroquai
Richard Holmes
Thu, 14 Dec 2006


It sounds strange to admit out loud, but I’m rather fond of a skinny young white guy who sings like a black woman and wears a tea-cosy on his head.

Although Jamiroquai’s Jason Kay has been slated for everything from cribbing Stevie Wonder (although Stevie could never look cool in a tea cosy) to having a limited song vocabulary, his band’s proven to be one of the most enduring groups of the last decade. And with enduring success comes… yup, you guessed it… a greatest hits album! And just in time for Christmas, nogal!

Clocking up a string of hits in their native UK, the band — of which Kay is the life and soul — have enjoyed chart success across the globe with their addictive blend of '70s funk and house rhythms. From their debut single ‘When You Gonna Learn’ in 1992 — released soon after he’d pulled his life together after a spell living rough — through to ‘Virtual Insanity’, the worldwide hit from 1996’s ‘Travelling without Moving’, they seem to have shimmied their way along the grey area between underground soul/funk and radio fodder, becoming an unlikely cross-over success along the way. As The Killers would have put it: he’s got soul, but he’s not a soldier.

Although I’m a card-carrying Jamiroquai fan, their albums each have a very distinctive feel to them which, after 45 minutes of much of the same, can get tiresome. And that’s where ‘High Times’ will be a welcome addition to your CD rack. It lets you flip from the didgeridoo-laced hippy vibe of ‘When You Gonna Learn’ to the electro ‘Cosmic Girl’ and on to the social-conscience-Jamiroquai of ‘Don’t Give Hate A Chance’. If you’re in the mood for some Jay Kay, it’s a great one to slip in the player and get transported from the '70s to the '90s and back again, courtesy of the space cowboy.

As with most Greatest Hits collections there is the obligatory new material which, in this case, happens to pretty good. Both ‘Runaway’ and the edgier ‘Radio’ are poured from the ever-popular Jamiroquai mould of happy-go-lucky disco-funk. If this is a taste of what’s to come, you might just as well reserve a space in your collection for ‘High Times Vol. 2’, coming to your local CD store in about a decade or so.
_________________
www.dee34.wordpress.com
Back to top 
View user's profile Send private message AIM Address MSN Messenger

deesh



Joined: 23 Feb 2002
Posts: 2717
Location: +001


PostPosted: Wed Dec 20, 2006 21:49    Reply with quote


http://www.dailycardinal.com/arts/get-high-with-jamiroquai-s-greatest-hits.html

Written by Andrew Dambeck
Tuesday, 12 December 2006

(Sony)So disco is dead, huh? Well according to Jamiroquai, disco never died—it just moved to England. For over a decade, frontman Jay Kay has been a mainstay for the early ’90s acid jazz that found its chief popularity in roller-rinks and sock-hops. While known primarily for his European playboy status and his titillating headdresses, Kay also has quite the temper, and recently gave a “funk you” to Sony Records when they demanded an eighth album from the band—forcing Kay out of retirement due to contract obligations.

High Times: Singles 1992-2006 chronologically lists 14 years worth of singles, both worldwide and U.K.-only, and also includes two new songs as a bonus incentive to this best-of album. The most interesting aspect of this album (to those detail-oriented music nerds out there) is the actual transition and maturation of Jamiroquai’s sound over the years. It begins with the Motown-classic soul style of “When You Gonna Learn” and “Too Young To Die” in the early ’90s, to his house/psychedelic blend in “Space Cowboy” and “Emergency On Planet Earth,” rounding off with genuine R&B ballads of “7 Days in Sunny June,” and “Corner Of The Earth.”

Naturally, Jamiroquai’s most popular hits “Virtual Insanity,” “Deeper Underground” and “Canned Heat” highlight the album, but the two new singles supplant a conglomeration of all of the experimental sounds Jamiroquai had tried over the years. “Radio” presents a Red Hot Chili Peppers approach with a primary emphasis being choppy lyrics and a brawny bass prominence, unlike any other of his songs. The other single “Runaway,” which has had a spot on the European pop charts for weeks, combines strings with spastic drum machines to create an incredibly catchy tune—in an Ohio Players meets Trent Reznor sort of way.

High Times is as solid of a compilation album as any, but more importantly, it illustrates that any of these songs could be just as popular even if they were released for the first time today. It’s hard to say whether or not High Times will be Jamiroquai’s final album, considering the fact that it debuted at No. 1 in the U.K. at the time of its release. On top of that, Kay does not come off as a guy who wants to stay out of the spotlight for very long. While Sony Records was not very kind to his demands, it is only a matter of time before that sultan of soul who wears those ridiculous cranium-wreaths returns to electrify a new generation of nu-disco enthusiasts—and as Parliament Funkadelic said, “We gotta have that funk.”
_________________
www.dee34.wordpress.com
Back to top 
View user's profile Send private message AIM Address MSN Messenger

Catalonia is not Spain



Joined: 12 Jun 2005
Posts: 566
Location: Edinburgh


PostPosted: Wed Dec 20, 2006 22:19    Reply with quote


Quote:
Jay Kay, the 37 year-old also known as Jamiroquai


Rolling Eyes

Quote:
“Radio” presents a Red Hot Chili Peppers approach


Shocked
Back to top 
View user's profile Send private message

Sandriche
Officer & Jamily Coach


Joined: 07 Oct 2005
Posts: 5564
Location: Austraria


PostPosted: Wed Dec 20, 2006 22:36    Reply with quote


Catalonia is not Spain wrote:
Quote:
Jay Kay, the 37 year-old also known as Jamiroquai

Rolling Eyes

LOL..didn´t u know that???
_________________
"Here it is...there is no way to make it better "
Back to top 
View user's profile Send private message MSN Messenger

Dye
Correspondent & Expert


Joined: 16 Nov 2003
Posts: 5146
Location: Planet Home; Buenos Aires, Argentina


PostPosted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 00:47    Reply with quote

Sorry if this ones are already posted, I can't remember all!
Jamiroquai - High Times: Singles 1992-2006 (Columbia)

When Jay Kay burst onto the scene in the early '90s with his squiffy buffalo headgear, Stevie Wonder vocals and the occasional didgeridoo, it looked like a throw-back to the 'glory days' of jazz-funk in the mid-'80s when the slap-bass of Level 42 ran amok and white men desperately tried to 'get down', while looking like geography teachers having a mid-life crisis, driving white Ford Capris (ask yer dad) with fluffy dice and no sense of irony.

Thankfully Jay Kay had the moves, the youth, the grooves and his tongue in his cheek (and countless womens'), although not the god-like vision his sleevenotes would credit him with, to bring this much-maligned genre into contemporary focus.

Jamiroquai is always spoken of as a group but is in reality centred around frontman Jay Kay and his revolving bandmates. As this playboy such was his fondness for dolly birds, dust-ups and 'dusting his nose' that he looked like becoming a caricature better known for his fists than his hits. Luckily last year's Dynamite album saw Jay take stock of his songwriting, knock his powder habit into touch and return with some rubbery new rhythms that reeked of a clear head getting back to business.

As con 'best of's' go it's not a bad job, wisely opting for the chronological approach to track listings, there is a marked progression from the jazz-funk origins through to the sleek discoid core and the current funk-fuelled tuneage that we are familiar with, and perhaps too familiar with.

Admittedly there isn't a huge variety in his styles or lyrical concerns on display here. There seems to be three speeds to Jamiroquai: the fast, 'dirty' funk (Deeper Underground), the acoustic, mellow funk (Seven Days In Sunny June) or the soulless polished discoball...err...funk (Virtual Insanity). The real stinkers here are the aimless, the tuneless or the clueless; step forward Space Cowboy, High Times and newie Radio.

In true best of tradition there are two ubiquitous 'brand new tracks' of varying necessity. Single Runaway treads a familiar tired (sic) and tested disco-lite path, while Radio tries to dirty things up: "Let's do some crazy shit tonight." How you wish he would.

The lyrics of Jay Kay are never going to give scholars sleepless nights. Three out of the first four tracks here are virtually lyrically interchangeable in their eco-concerns, which at the time was alien, edgy and dangerous but today sounds like Coldplay...with didgeridoos. That said these early tracks were tasty, with personal concerns and highly accomplished acid jazz.

So what's the appeal to millions of global record-buying public? Basically good time music. A bit of disco, soul, funk and the allure of Saturday night mirrorballs spinning a bit of starlight into your stereo as an escape from the grime of the world. Heartbreak is glimpsed through a chink in the mirrorball armour on the trio of comedown classics Little L, Corner Of The Earth and the sublime Seven Days In Sunny June.

As a poster-boy for hedonism they could have done worse. With fancy footwork, tight basslines and swooping strings Jay took the disco beast and his host of rare groove influences and wove it into his own trademark sound. From one who has a passion for cars you can imagine that these sound fantastic burning rubber down the highways in your Lamborghini...or more realistically your pimped-Vauxhall Corsa.

The best that can be hoped for from this collection and Jamiroquai's subsequent freedom from his contract, is that it could allow him/them to take a few more risks and make his/their songs sound a bit more human instead of as finely-tuned and soulless as one of his beloved gas-guzzling motors. De-pimp his ride.

- Andy Petch-Jex


Jamiroquai - High Times: Singles 1992-2006

Whether or not Jamiroquai's disco-rave dance party has aged well is not the question; the question is have you ever been experienced? Anyone who was of college age in the mid-'90s heard one of these slick, soulful party jams at a backyard kegger or basement session. Those listening closely recognized that for a while there, singer Jay Kay voiced a conscientious counterpoint to the buttery funk of "Emergency on Planet Earth" and "Virtual Insanity." Then he started buying half-million dollar sports cars and graduation demanded getting a job and pretty much everyone forgot about the cat in the hat. This greatest hits package ought to bring it all back.

- Jonathan Zwickel




Jamiroquai - High Times: Singles 1992-2006

Jamiroquai
High Times: Singles 1992-2006
(SonyBMG)

IT MAY have taken Brit soul-funk outfit Jamiroquai 15 years and six albums to do it, but this retrospective is certainly a long time coming.

Perhaps it's time for leading man Jay Kay to move to different things after this (though that doesn't look likely), but Kay and his ever changing line-up of cohorts can perhaps be satisfied they've kept the soulful, funky train going this long.

The compilation is a blast from top to tail with 17 chart-busting hits from the group’s extraordinary career. There are two new tracks to bring the collection up-to-date as well. Runaway – a blistering mix of disco strings and infectious funky bass lines has already scaled the Brit singles charts and there’s also Radio to think about.

But the group’s back catalogue of singles that truly matter; serving a stunning reminder of the sheer strength and depth of Jamiroquai’s music.

From the vanguard of the early 1990s acid jazz revolution to becoming one of the most recognisable musicians of a generation, Jamiroquai’s signature sound elevated acid jazz from a label to a genre and introduced to the world Jay Kay, the quick-stepping professional otherwise known as Jamiroquai.

Not only did Kay put a face to dance music but he had an impassioned eco-political message that was a decade ahead of its time.

As a chronological compilation, High Times starts with the rare grooveyears with When You Gonna Learn, Too Young To Die, Blow Your Mind, Emergency on Planet Earth and Space Cowboy.

His commercial breakthrough came with the classic piano-string-bass driven Virtual Insanity (who can forget the video that goes with it), Cosmic Girl, Alright and High Times, while monster (yes, that Godzilla theme) hit Deeper Underground and Canned Heat consolidated his status as a household name.

Completing this package is a catalogue of funk house masterpieces (Little L, Love Foolosophy, Corner of the Earth, Feels Just Like It Should, etc) that hold up nicely and doubles the enjoyment for punters needing the classics and recent notables.

Also on release is a DVD collection of the mind-bending videos that captured the imagination of millions and took Jamiroquai global.

As for Jay Kay, he is still the top cat with hat, and we all hope he's got a lot more lives left in him. Another 15 years of this kind of prime soul funk wouldn’t be half bad now would it?
– By Jason Cheah


D!
Back to top 
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

Dye
Correspondent & Expert


Joined: 16 Nov 2003
Posts: 5146
Location: Planet Home; Buenos Aires, Argentina


PostPosted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 00:53    Reply with quote


Jamiroquai - 'High Times: Singles 1992-2006'

JAY KAY - the Marmite of modern music - you either love his big-hat, eco-funk-disco ways or you just, well, hate him. Ambivalence, it seems, has no place in the world when it comes to Jamiroquai.
Although written off as a Stevie Wonder wanna-be when Jay Kay and the Jamiroquai boys emerged into the early 90s acid jazz scene - a comparison which the mad hatted musician himself described as 'flattering, misguided, but above all, boring' - 15 years, 159 weeks on the UK singles chart, 232 weeks on the album charts, more than 20 million album sales from six multi-platinum albums, five MTV awards, Grammys, the Ivor Novello and five mammoth world tours - playing to five million people in 38 countries - later, it's safe to say that Jamiroquai have certainly carved out their own niche and left their own brand marking slap-bang on the face of the music industry.
And whatever your opinion of Jay Kay - one of a kind, shamefully underrated, musical marvel, or simply prat in the hat - the latest Jamiroquai release 'High Times: Singles 1992-2006' demands that credit be given where it is absolutely due.
Released at a time when anyone with three hit singles qualifies for a 'best of', 'High Times' outdoes them all, delivering a genuinely worthwhile collection, a greatest hits that is full of actual hits!
From the lilting 'Too Young To Die' to the driving disco of 'Cosmic Girl', the tracks on this album aren't simply hits by virtue of chart position, they're markers in time, soundtracks to lives lived and lessons learned. Just as the jazzy groove of 'Space Cowboy' reeks of weed and the early 90s, the taut shimmy 'Little L' has in turn a stylish whiff of the turn of the millennium super-club about it.
Fans need not start to lament the demise of Jamiroquai just yet, as although releasing a greatest hits album, Jay Kay rest assures that this is simply volume one, with 'plenty more cracking stuff to come'.
And just to prove his point, included on 'High Times' are two new singles - 'Runaway', with glistening disco strings, and 'Radio', rocked by a salacious hook, - confirming that both Jay Kay and Jamiroquai are still capable of giving the Robbies and Justins of the music business a run for their money.
'High Times: Singles 1992-2006' is a must have for any fan, an album which tracks a remarkable decade and a half journey via the irresistible rare groove and unmistakable barbed disco that is Jamiroquai.


D!
Back to top 
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

deesh



Joined: 23 Feb 2002
Posts: 2717
Location: +001


PostPosted: Wed Dec 27, 2006 15:44    Reply with quote


5arrow source

Jamiroquai High Times: Singles 1992-2006

Jay Kay, the focal point and mastermind behind this groovalicious British outfit, has been unfairly dismissed over the years as a Stevie Wonder wannabe. Though his vocal style, especially in the early days, bears a few strong Wonder-isms, Jay boasts a sound all his own. And he couches it in rich grooves that unabashedly recall the ones emanating from Philadelphia International and Salsoul Records in the '70s and early '80s. But there's a certain freshness about Jamiroquai's approach that places it firmly in today as it evokes the spirit of yesterday's soul and disco.

Sequenced in chronological order, this new retrospective offers all of the important singles, from the sunny acid jazz of "When You Gonna Learn" and "Too Young to Die" to the thumping electro funk of "Alright" and "Feels Just Like It Should." The two new tracks, "Runaway" and "Radio," are just as infectious and blissful as the older songs. If you just want the highlights, High Times is a fine summation.
_________________
www.dee34.wordpress.com
Back to top 
View user's profile Send private message AIM Address MSN Messenger

deesh



Joined: 23 Feb 2002
Posts: 2717
Location: +001


PostPosted: Wed Dec 27, 2006 15:53    Reply with quote


5arrow source

MUSICREVIEW
Jamiroquai
High Times: Singles 1992-2006
3.5 stars


It hardly seems like a decade ago that Jamiroquai frontman Jay Kay garnered popular attention for donning a big, goofy hat and walking around a room on a treadmill.

But everyone still remembers the images from the band's video for "Virtual Insanity."

And the band's back catalog proves just as enticing as that breakthrough music video.

Assembling more than a decade's worth of music, Jamiroquai's High Times: Singles 1992-2006 gives listeners 19 tracks of club-ready soul and funk.

Well before "Napoleon Dynamite" catapulted Pedro to high school presidency, "Canned Heat" was the same catchy track accompanied by a disco-inspired string section. Listeners didn't and still don't need a high school outcast to show them this song lends itself to dancing - even if it's just in the comfort of your own room.

Of course "Virtual Insanity" appears on this best of, along with "Deeper Underground" from the 1998 soundtrack to the movie "Godzilla."

With fuzz bass at the track's forefront, Jamiroquai shows that it's not all happy dance time as there's an apparent sinister quality.

The track that shows the band at its pinnacle comes in "Alright." Jamiroquai's affinity for bass shows with a funky slap sound that will have your head bobbing off your shoulders.

And Jay Kay, for the duration of the album, proves that style is way more important than his lyrics.

Put on those dancing shoes, pull that stupid, exaggerated top hat out of the closet and boogie down to a greatest hits album that might make you jump on mom's treadmill and give those Jay Kay moves a try.
_________________
www.dee34.wordpress.com
Back to top 
View user's profile Send private message AIM Address MSN Messenger

Sandriche
Officer & Jamily Coach


Joined: 07 Oct 2005
Posts: 5564
Location: Austraria


PostPosted: Tue Jan 02, 2007 00:30    Reply with quote


i found something in german...here
at web.de

Nach einer Overdose Jamiroquai, und diese bietet vorliegende DVD, fällt mir nur eins ein: Frontmann bei Jamiroquai müsste man sein. 14 Jahre, Zeit für eine Retrospektive. Jason Kay hat schließlich genügend Platten veröffentlicht, um eine CD respektive DVD zu füllen.


Jamiroquai: Proll oder toll?
© Kwaku Alston/SonyBMG

Ein Grund für die erfolgreiche Karriere stellt des Space-Cowboys Einzigartigkeit dar. Jamiroquai erkennt man sofort: am Sound, am Outfit und Jay Kays athletischem Tanzstil - ein klares Branding, das sich auch in den Videos offenbart.

Schlicht und schick bleibt die Menüführung im Cyber-Disco-Style, über die sich satte 25 Clips (6 Stücke mehr als auf der CD) und ein umfangreiches Behind The Music-Special ansteuern lassen. Und Jay Kay ließ sich zuweilen bei den Videoproduktionen nicht lumpen (etwa Heidi Klums Auftritt in "Love Foolosophy").

Zu Beginn oft zeitkritisch agierend, unterlegte er den melodiereichen funky Dance-Livesound schon mal mit unappetitlich bis anklagenden Bildern ("When You Gonna Learn", "Too Young To Die" oder "Emergency On Planet Earth") - ein Image, das dem Ferrari-Fan in Bezug auf Umweltthemen später natürlich vorgehalten wurde.

Anzeige

Sein One World-Anliegen taucht auch im esoterischen Clip "Corner Of The Earth" oder dem vollanimierten, brandneuen Video "(Don't) Give Hate A Chance" auf.

Mit dem leicht psychedelischen Clip "Space Cowboy", in dem der Kameraschnitt Zeit und Raum zerfließen lässt, kehrten Jamiroquai zuvor jedoch weniger politisch ambitioniert in die Space-Funk-Disco zurück - ein Jamiroquai-Klassiker. Ohne computertechnischen Aufwand dagegen inszeniert: die fiepend zuckersüße Ballade "Half The Man". Paul Boyd brauchte für seinen intensiven S/W-Clip eine einzige Einstellungsgröße - Jay Kay im Close Up.

Auf reine Visualität und Farben setzte Earle Sebastian: "Stillness In Time" - gute Laune pur. Für einen weiteren Klassiker sorgte Jonathan Glazer mit "Virtual Insanity": Für den Meister-Regisseur setzt der Sound Jamiroquais die Schwerkraft außer Kraft.

Seiner besagten Vorliebe frönt Jay Kay in "Cosmic Girl": eine schnelle Kiste, freie Straßen, lässiger Sound - mehr braucht es nicht. Nach wie vor eine der genialsten Nummern der Briten. In punkto Coolness und Eleganz musste man der Crew Jay Kay eh noch nie Vorträge halten ("Alright"): eine Live-Band im Club? Wo ist das Problem?

Dass sie sich als Live-Band verstehen, zeigt der roughe "High Times"-Clips, der die Band auf Tour in Südamerika zeigt.
pektakulärer im Movie-Format gerät der Streifen zum "Godzilla"-Soundtrack: "Deeper Underground". Ein weiteres Highlight ist "Canned Heat", Jamiroquais bester Clubtrack, aufgenommen von dem Schweden Jonas Akerlund:


Jamiroquai - High Times. The Singles 1992-2006
Wer gibt bitte mehr Gas als Jay Kay? In dieselbe Kerbe schlägt der High-Tech-Clip "Supersonic" - abgefahrener Clubmix, abgefahrenes Video. Mit dem anschließenden, liveorientierten "King For A Day", im Clip von degenerierter Louis XIV-Stimmung begleitet, wird Jamiroquais Bandbreite deutlich.

Im Hidden-Clip "Black Capricorn Day" gibts eine atemlose Verfolgungsjagd, während der Franzose Stéphane Sednaoui "Little L" ein fast überirdisches Disco-Lichtspektakel verpasst. Sommerlich dagegen das luftige "Seven Days In Sunny June":

Es ist möglich, Frauen in Bikinis zu inszenieren, ohne sie wie Porno-Models aussehen zu lassen. Durchgeknallt auch der Clip zu "Feels Just Like It Should" - gleichwohl der Funkrocker auch ohne Video Jamiroquais Großtat bleibt.

In "Behind The Music" folgt man Jay Kay nach Paris zum Video-Shoot mit Sednaoui, bevor er in vier Kapiteln, aufgesplittet nach Karrierephasen bzw. bestimmten Clips, über seine Ansichten, Erlebnisse (etwa die Zusammenarbeit mit Glazer oder Klum, Autounfällen oder seiner ersten Hollywood-Erfahrung) spricht:

"Ich fahre Ferrari, sorry. Das heißt aber nicht notwendigerweise, dass mich alles, was um mich herum passiert, nichts angeht".

Den Abschluss bildet ein unterhaltsames Radio-Interview, das Jay einer japanischen Station gab. Schade, dass bei den Specials die Untertitel fehlen - gehört einfach dazu.

Ein Zugewinn wäre es noch gewesen, die Bandmitglieder zu berücksichtigen, um mal eine andere Perspektive der Band aufzuzeigen. Unterm Strich trotzdem eine Vollbedienung in Sachen Jamiroquai.

Infos zu diesem Titel
Sprache: Englisch
Bildformat: Widescreen (16:9)
Laufzeit: 137 Minuten
FSK: 12
Erscheinungstermin: 03.11.2006
Label: Sony BMG
Genre: Dance/Electronic
_________________
"Here it is...there is no way to make it better "
Back to top 
View user's profile Send private message MSN Messenger

Guly from Argentina



Joined: 04 Jan 2007
Posts: 632


PostPosted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 03:20    Reply with quote


The Argentine version from this DVD has a lot of errors.
Back to top 
View user's profile Send private message MSN Messenger
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    JAMIROTALK.NET Forum Index -> High Times: Singles 1992-2006 All times are GMT
Goto page Previous  1, 2, 3  Next
Page 2 of 3

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum


Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group