Search - Crystal Method :: Community Service

WARNING: This isn't an artist album. Don't judge it as one.

Christian Zimmerman | 12/16/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This was the first mix CD I ever bought, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. For those out there who might be confused as to what a mix album actually is, it's something like a simulation of a club set. On Community Service (to take a convenient example), The Crystal Method don't give us any "new" songs per se, but rather, they have assembled 16 tracks into a single continuous mix which is perfect for playing at parties.Of course, there are several remixes that are of interest to TCM fans on this album, most of them on the second half of the album. There are three songs that have been remixed by TCM ("Boom" by P.O.D., "Paranoid" by Garbage, and "Renegades of Funk" by Rage Against The Machine), and another three that are remixes of tracks from TCM's previous album, Tweekend. By sheer coincidence, my favorite tracks are all among these six songs ("Boom," "Paranoid," and Static Revenger's mix of TCM's "Wild, Sweet & Cool"). The the first half of the mix is essentially a buildup to the second half, which is a lot more energetic.If you haven't tried mix albums yet, and want to "test the water," as it were, Community Service is one of the best places to start."

America's Best Producers Strike Again with Impressive DJ-Mix

the enlightened one | under the tree of enlightenment | 07/25/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Before Electronica acts such as Dirty Vegas and the Wiseguys invaded U.S. airwaves, there was the Crystal Method. And just like these groups, the Crystal Method reached massive audiences after having been featured on a whole variety of TV commercials, from GAP to Skechers to 'The Matrix'. Where is it that you don't hear these guys at a trendy shoe store or in the background of a high-budget movie nowadays?Since their 1997 debut, 'Vegas', Ken Jordan and Scott Kirkland, also known as the Crystal Method, have reached an enormous amount of success. 'Vegas' became a top-selling Electronica album, and the guys have remixed everyone from DJ Keoki to rock acts P.O.D. and Rage against the Machine. On top of that, Crystal Method recently won the 2002 Dancestar USA award for 'Best Live Act'. The second album by TCM, 'Tweekend', was another heavy-hitter with such hits as 'Name of the Game' and 'Roll it Up', and featured collaborations with famous rock stars Scott Weiland of Stone Temple Pilots and Tom Morello of Rage against the Machine. After the duo's second CD it became evident that they needed to be paid more attention to.On Ken and Scott's third effort, a DJ-mix album called 'Community Service', they triumph yet again. Featuring 16 tracks, this CD is packed with infectious Breakbeat rhythms and TCM's patented chalkboard-scraping noises. What makes 'Community Service' so intrigueing is that the inside sleeve features an entire page listing websites and organizations such as FreeDonations.com, American Institute for Public Service, and the Hunger Site, with the words 'Supporting the community that supports you' at the top. So it seems that Ken and Scott want you to get involved, or that they themselves are supporting such things as freedom of speech and ethnic diversity.Standout tracks on 'Community Service' include 'No Soul (PMT Remix)' by ILS, a hypnotic intro coupled with the sound of a gospel hymns over it, Stir Fry's energetic 'Breakin On The Streets (False Prophet Remix)', Elite Force's hard-hitting 'Curveball', Dastrix's Crystal-Method-influenced 'Dude In The Moon (Luna Mix)', the Hybrid remix of TCM's own 'Name Of The Game', and the ending track 'The Red Pill' by Scratch-D vs. H-Bomb, sure to make any fan of 'The Matrix' smile. The only complaint I have on this CD is track 15, the Koma & Bones remix of Crystal Method's 'You Know It's Hard'. The middle of the song is really ugly.>>> 5 stars for excellent track selection and for being completely original. What dance DJs do you know include P.O.D. in their mixes? And one other thing that struck me as funny was the CD cover, which features Ken and Scott in orange suits picking up vinyl records littered on the roadside.- the enlightened one"

Method Can Mix as Well !!!!!

John | Pittsburgh, Pa | 07/25/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Apparently others who review this cd have no concept of a "mix " cd !! Cause if they did they'd know its not a cd of new material.So, that being said do yourself a favor and grab this cd.Its non-stop beats and awesome music.Not only do these guys create some of today's hottest electronic music, they also klnow how to mix with the best of them.A well done record !!!"