ARTIST: The Crystal Method
TITLE: Vegas
LABEL: Outpost Records
TYPE: Album
GENRE: Electronic
SOURCE: CD (LP)
BITRATE: 189 kbps avg/44100 Hz
ENCODER: LAME v3.97 -V2 --vbr-new
SIZE: 87.15 MB
PLAYTIME: 61:07
RELEASE DATE: 1997-09-08
RIP DATE: See your pre db.
Track List
----------
1. Trip Like I Do 7:33
2. Busy Child 7:25
3. Cherry Twist 4:25
4. High Roller 5:29
5. Comin' Back 5:38
6. Keep Hope Alive 6:12
7. Vapor Trail 6:31
8. She's My Pusher 5:41
9. Jaded 7:04
10. Bad Stone 5:09
--------------------------------------------------------
Total Playtime: 61:07
Release Notes:
L.A.'s Crystal Method have been referred to as America's answer to the Chemical
Brothers. A dance-based electronic duo with a definite rock band feel, the
comparison would seem appropriate, although it tends to erase what makes the
group distinct: a solid base in American hip-hop, rock, soul, and pop. Formed in
1993 by Ken Jordan and Scott Kirkland, Crystal Method is the most recent stop in
a string of projects that led them from their native Las Vegas (and some
forgettable four-track stabs at vocal house music), to the early-'90s L.A. rave
scene. Drawn in by its youthful idealism, Jordan and Kirkland became absorbed
by L.A.'s underground club culture and began knocking out tracks inspired by
their experiences. On the strength of one of their demos, Crystal Method signed
to Steve Melrose and Justin King's City of Angels imprint in 1994, and their
debut single, "Keep Hope Alive," appeared soon after. The title was in reference
to L.A.'s waning rave scene (burdened by constant police pressure and a string
of random violent incidents) and became something of an anthem due to the
endless barrage of remixes and alternate versions that appeared. The pair's
demand to be taken seriously as a band (as opposed to the enforced anonymity of
most techno acts, and something of a new concept for American dance producers)
extended to incessant live performances, and Crystal Method's increasing
popularity both in the clubs and among radio jocks led to a deal with Geffen
affiliate Outpost Recordings in 1996. The group's debut LP, Vegas -- an
unabashed party record bathed in acid, funk, rock, and big beat hip-hop --
appeared in mid-1997 and sold very well. The follow-up Tweekend was released
four years later, and the duo inaugurated a series of mix albums (Community
Service) in 2002. Third album Legion of Boom followed in 2004 with their
soundtrack to the film London landing a year later. In 2006 they teamed with
iTunes for an exclusive release titled Drive. The mix was made to accompany any
aspiring athlete's workout session and was re-released on CD in 2008 with four
bonus tracks. In 2009 they released Divided by Night, the first album to be
recorded at the duo's state-of-the-art recording studio Crystalwerks.