Designer Music: The Remixes, Vol. 1

Carl Craig resurfaces in mid-2000 with Designer Music, Vol. 1. Designer is a collection of hand-picked remixes Craig has done over the years, some of which were originally released only on 12" and using the alias "Designer Music," hence, the name of the series. If you are looking for the more popular Tori Amos and Deee-Lite remixes of past, you won't find them on this volume. Rather, Designer One is a collection of Carl's more intelligentsia efforts. Starting off the album with remixes of a spacy UFO and a Latin rhythmic Johnny Blas, Designer seems to be more of a funky instrumental than something from a techno label. By track four, Designer Music breaks out of its shell, when Craig returns to early techno with an incredible remix of Telex' "Moscow Disco." Other mentionables include a unique spin on Inner City's "Good Life" (or "Buena Vida," as called on the album) and Alexander Robotnik's "Problemz." It should be noted that most artists would be torn apart for remixing such classics, but Craig does it proper with class and most importantly elements of funk and soul. For those fans itching for more of the Paperclip People sound, elements show up on the last two remixes, especially the remix of Ron Trent. With each name that Craig works under, whether it is Innerzone Orchestra, Psyche, or Paperclip People, he displays a different side of his talent and artistic taste. With Designer Music, Vol. 1, Craig shows off his ability to break down the essential, recognizable elements of a song and put the pieces back together into a sound that is undeniably his own. ~ Diana Potts