Remote Control

A mix between a best-of compilation and collected rarities, Remote Control is an attempt to gather some of the better-known Snog anthems alongside material that was not otherwise released domestically in the U.S. The mix of tracks on Remote Control is not standard fare, avoiding the disappointment of compiling songs that fans with an album or three would already own. For listeners without other Snog material, some of Snog's best early material opens the release. What would an early compilation of Snog tracks be without the definitive and subtle electro success of "Corporate Slave" or the energetic techno-style beat-bass of "Cliche"? For existing fans, the collection of rarities summarizes the musical successes Snog has had with bonus discs or the extra tracks on CD singles. "Born to Be Mild (Soma Remix)" is more energetic than the original without overriding its essence, and "Cliche (Snog vs Q-Kontrol)" is also injected with dancefloor urgency. In contrast, the cabaret rendition of "Real Wise Yuppie/Born to be Mild (Live at the Hammersmith Odeon)" is musically interesting and well-delivered enough to escape being the genre in-joke that it might sound like at first. This material is in no way core Snog listening, but collects a good deal of interesting takes not available on the standard album releases. Remote Control is a good mix of the definitive and the superfluous. Listeners looking for an extra sampling of Snog's distinctive electronic sound will find it here. Those looking to get as many memorable early Snog tunes as possible on the purchase of a single CD will be pleased to find "Corporate Slave," "Cliche," and "The Future" together. Despite the quality of the collection, Remote Control is not a replacement for even a small collection -- for every rarity included there is an album release gem omitted. Choose wisely. ~ Theo Kavadias