We Refuse To Play the Hits

It's a classic story. Top 40 steals from the underground, and the underground steals right back. The high-pitched female vocal "chipmunk" sample has been used so much that's hard to trace back to its origins. I doubt that Ross Bagdasarian, Sr. had any idea that it would reach these heights when he recorded The Witch Doctor. And while the top 40 stuff has sorta been used to death (thanks to Kanye and Cam'ron), I think Four Tet is really up to something here. It definitely stands out on the album, and I'm not surprised that Domino chose it for the lead single.

The sample floats effortlessly over the happy little beat, and the title hits it right on the money. There's even some of those cymbal-splash-heavy drum loops thrown in there, maybe for old time's sake? It's good though. I highly recommend it. The whole album is rock solid from start to finish, with a delicate combination of both beauty and experimentation. I was never a huge fan of his early work, but maybe I didn't give it a fair shake. I love the new album, and find myself listening to it at work all day long (much to my coworkers chagrin).

Right now you can Order the Single (which comes on bright yellow 12"), or watch the video, which is funny. The album itself comes out on May 31, so mark your calendars.