Search - Playgroup :: Playgroup

BEST XMAS PRESENT

Carlos Zepeda | SAN FRANCISCO, CA | 12/28/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I got this CD as a XMAS present and from the moment I open the package... I knew it will be good. I really like the low tempo on all of the tracks that is fast enough to make you move and smooth enough to make you just want to get a martini and just chill. I like the combination of funk beats based in disco elements that T.Jackson has created and although many groups have tried this format before... with him it sounds fresh. I would called this hip-house if any. From 'Number One' to 'Medicine Man' to my favorite track 'Hideaway' this CD does not get any better. I have to agree with the first reviewer that there is a PRINCE-ISH to most of the songs, but, if he was making this good music now in days, the story will be other., in fact... I though I had all of my favorite CD's for 2002, but belive me... I was missing this one!!!"

Best CD Ever?

D. del Rio | Austin, TX United States | 04/20/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Well, it's certainly the best pary CD I've ever had the good fortune to come across. It's perfect for Friday afternoon drives, parties, listening to on the way back from the dentist after being told you don't have any cavities and that you're a hygiene god... Come to think of it, there really isn't ever a time NOT to play this CD. You should be listening to it right now. What's the matter with you?"

A fantastic and unique dance album

Steward Willons | Illinois | 07/21/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Trevor Jackson's production work as Playgroup strikes a difficult balance - fun, clever music with substance. In the dozen or so tracks on this album (depending on which version you buy), Jackson visits all sorts of dance and pop styles. There are some instrumental tracks throughout, but it's the vocal tracks that really stand out. Again, Jackson gets a wide range of styles from his vocalists from straightforward RnB on the first track, to breathy, erotic moaning on "Make It Happen", to the abrasive delivery of Kathleen Hanna on "Bring It On". Oh - and a bizarre cameo by Peaches on "Fourth Sex Baby", which appears only on the deluxe two-disc edition.



Putting together an album like this could be a straightforward affair with mediocre results, but instead, Jackson gives these tracks real personality, for the most part anyway. The few instrumental tracks are pretty bland and should have been discarded. Fortunately, the other tracks are strong enough to make up for it. Jackson gives each a unique character, which makes this CD incredibly listenable. There's variety, but it's cohesive with a somewhat logical progression from track one until the end. As I said, the instrumental tracks are definite low points and you'll probably skip them anyway, but the rest are just great.



If Jackson wasn't such a smart producer, some of these tunes could come off as cheesy. "Front 2 Back" has some of the dumbest, most brain-dead lyrics imaginable, but it's in the way that Jackson mixes the generic requirements so skillfully while adding his own personality that makes it work.



Other than a few weak tracks, my major complain (and it's not really all that important to most people) is the mix. I have no idea how Jackson arrived at this mix, but it sounds terrible. The bass is extremely heavy and muddy throughout, making this nearly unlistenable in some systems. I've tried the CD in many many systems, including my reference headphones which tend to make anything sound amazing, but this CD just sounds bad. It feels like the kick drum and bass synths/guitar are constantly fighting for space in the mix, with neither coming out on top. I realize that this may not be a huge deal for some, but for those who care, it will reduce listening pleasure by one or two notches. When we've got producers like Speedy J mixing all sorts of strange bass sounds together with depth and clarity, it's surprising that Jackson couldn't do a better job with bass and kick drums.



Those issues aside, this is an excellent CD and a fairly unique one at that. I would highly encourage you to buy the deluxe double-disc edition for a number of reasons. It has an extra song featuring Peaches, plus a disc of remixes. The biggest reason to buy it is for the Black Strobe remix of "Number One". It's one of those rare remixes that actually improves the original, and is probably my favorite remix of all time.



The issues of sound quality and the two mediocre tracks keep this album from being the masterpiece it could have been. That is, however, no reason not to buy this. I recommend it to any fan of electronic music of any style."