Wowie Zowie from producer and DJ
Superchumbo (aka
Tom Stephan) is a winningly lighthearted and joyful celebration of electronic dance music in general and of house music in particular. Everything about the album feels like a lark -- from
Stephan's own lead vocals on the funky and almost industrial-sounding "EverythingU" to the surprise appearance of his friend Ed on the title track, and from the even more delightful cameo by
Pet Shop Boys alumnus Neil Tennant on "Tranquilizer" to the somewhat less inspiring sex-kitten cooing of
Samantha Fox on "Sugar." Not everything on the album is equally compelling; things get a bit soft around the middle of the program, with the relatively pedestrian "Bring It" and overlong "Dirty Filthy," but it does end on a high note, with the joyfully decadent and hilariously campy "Revolution." If you're one of those who think that electronic dance music has started taking itself a bit too seriously in recent years, then pick this one up for a quick transfusion of undiluted fun. ~ Rick Anderson