June 13, 2001

Bran Van 3000 : Discosis

Inspired Canadian glitter-mix

8 / 10 The brains behind Bran Van 3000 - DJ, video director
and all-round whizz-kid James Di Salvio - has said that his aim when making this album was
to create the ultimate mix
tape. A record with a little bit
of everything for everyone.

And unless sports metal or obscure Krautrock's your thing, he's just about cracked it too. That's largely down to Di Salvio's impressive little black book. On the trio's last album, 'Glee', samples formed the backbone; this time round they've brought in some
of their friends. The Beastie Boys provided support and the
record label, Madonna and
Oasis producer Mark Stent volunteered to mix it and electronica oddball Momus muscled in on 'More Shopping'. Youssou N'Dour and reggae
hero Eek-A-Mouse are just two guest vocalists, while MJ Cole helped out on remixing. Most impressively of all, late soulman Curtis Mayfield donated an
old a cappella to complete the excellent '70s buzz of 'Astounded'.

It's almost impossible not
to find something to like on 'Discosis'. Somehow, Bran Van 3000 squeeze in disco, hip-hop, country and techno until
you're desperate for the hint
of predictability that never
comes. Proof positive that it's rarely what you know that counts these days.

Siobhan Grogan

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