The World of Linkin Park
19.05.2006., petak
Reanimation
 The remix album -- the time-honored tradition of buying time between records. Often, these are inconsequential affairs (Limp Bizkit's New Old Songs leaps to mind, for some reason), but if a band is smart, they can use this time-buying ploy to their advantage, redefining their sound somewhat, or at least reaching out for that elusive street credibility. The latter option is especially true for bands that have a big, big chart hit on their hands but little critical respect or reputation as a hip band. Which brings us to Linkin Park's Reanimation, a generous 20-track remix record of their debut Hybrid Theory that the band has vaguely alluded to as their "art project." That means the group has left the ham-fisted alt-metal of their debut behind, turning this record over to rappers, remixers, DJs, and assorted producers to give it a darkly hip, electronic edge. This may not be particularly pleasing to those who loved the angst-ridden rock theatrics of the debut, but it's a damn sight more interesting than that debut, helping Linkin Park distinguish themselves from the adolescently tortured rap-rock pack. The paradox is, of course, that the band sounds more original when filtered through the likes of Kutmasta Kurt, Alchemist, Pharoahe Monch, Aceyalone, and Jonathan Davis, among others, but any change is welcome, really (well, apart from the apparent decision to leave grammar and spelling behind; every song title is an "arty" interpretation of the original title -- "Paper Cut" is "Ppr:Kut," "Cure for the Itch" is "Kyur4 th Ich," etc. -- resulting in a silly mishmash of letters and numerals). Some of this works quite well, some of it is kind of juvenile (really, does Motion Man need to repeat "Linkin Park -- remix" over and over again on his rap?), much of it is only slightly recognizable from the original, it's too long, and compared to contemporary arty rock (Radiohead, Flaming Lips, Clinic, And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead, System of a Down, Interpol, etc.), it really isn't that arty. But, compared to what they've done before, and compared to their peers, Reanimation is arty, and a welcome step in the right direction. [This version of the album includes bonus material.] Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide Artists featured on the album include Chali 2na of Jurassic 5, Stephen Richards of Taproot, Kelli Ali of Sneaker Pimps, Aaron Lewis of Staind, the Humble Brothers, Jonathan Davis of Korn, Aceyalone, Pharaohe Monch, The X-Ecutioners, Black Thought and Jay Gordon of Orgy. "Pts.of.Athrty" (Jay Gordon) (2002)The project was released on July 30, 2002, and its first and only single was "Pts.of.Athrty" ("Points of Authority") remixed by Jay Gordon. In November, the second edition of the LPU launched as "Underground 2.0" and the second package was revealed. The new fan club-only EP features the Crystal Method's remix of "Points of Authority" and a song called "Dedicated". Also included is fifty-second instrumental track entitled "A.06". It was originally a demo for their future studio album, 1. Opening 2. Pts.of.Athrty 3. Enth E nd 4. (Chali) 5. Frgt/10 6. P5hng Me A'wy 7. Plc. 4 Mie Haed 8. X-Ecutioner Style 9. H! Vltg3 10. (Riff Raff) 11. With-You 12. Ntr/mission 13. Ppr. kut 14. Rnw@y 15. My 16. (Stef) 17. By MySlf 18. Kyur4 Th Ich 19. 1stp Klosr 20. Krawing |
