2014-09-01
Using the Spanish word for "together" as the new album title brings context to this, the seventh album from Basement Jaxx. While it could be filed under the dance music genre, the album brings together many sub-genres of dance music. There is disco on "What's the News", Caribbean beats on "Rock This Road", early 80's funk on "Sneakin' Toronto", soulful R&B on "Something About You", and Latin salsa on "Mermaid of Salinas". The duo also brings together guest vocalists who are well-known in the dance club scene (Meleka and Shakka). All this and yet I still feel let down by this release. Gone are the experimental noise and mania of past Basement Jaxx albums that made them so thrilling. While Junto is danceable and even upbeat, I think Basement Jaxx has decided to rest on their laurels for this one.
Rebecca Ruth
VARIOUS
Grand Rapids Compilation
ROBERT POLLARD
From a Compound Eye
GLENN BULTHUIS & THE TONEDEAFS
Greatest Hits, 1977-2007
THE BIRD & THE BEE
Interpreting the Masters, Volume 1: A Tribute to Daryl Hall and John Oates
THE HIDERS
Valentine
Space Vs. Time
The Old and New Avant-Garde
The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.