Crummy compilations of slick dance updates are released at quite the clip, but this one isn't on the dreaded Cleopatra label and the compilers of
Re: Made, Vol. 1 are equally concerned with camp and quality. Neo-electro, progressive house, and straight-ahead club music are all present, mixed together by DJ Strobe, who's late-'90s club remix of
Toni Basil's "Mickey" earns him the right to handle these cheesy cuts. After kicking off with
Tiga's cheeky take on "Hot in Herre," Strobe goes the smart route of grouping the sensual and semi-serious numbers together in the first half and unleashing the camp for the disc's fun and light-as-a-feather second half. The best of the lot is also the least familiar, as
Pussy 2000 re-create
Sterling Void's "It's Gonna Be Alright" by looping the bongo break from
the Clash's "Rock the Casbah." Runners-up are
the Horrorist's ridiculous version of
Styx's "Mr. Roboto" or
Tom Jones redo of "She's a Lady" with cheesemeister
Funkstar de Luxe. Hardly essential but a refreshingly good collection that will satisfy your craving for polished kitsch. ~ David Jeffries