Music From The Fashion Week Vol 2: Spring/Summer 2003

Fashion Week, Vol. 2 commemorates the spring/summer 2003 style event with a double-disc set of electronica from the shows of designers based in New York, Paris, London, and Milan. Disc one is dominated by '80s new wave- and electro-inspired tracks such as Queen of Japan's karaoke-ish versions of "Do You Think I'm Sexy" and "I Love Rock'n Roll" from the Paul Smith and Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti shows. Mirwais and Craig Wedren's cover of "Miss You" fares better, but the disc doesn't really take off until Add N to (X)'s "Total All Out Water" -- also played at Smith's show -- ushers in some more eclectic tracks. Royksopp's dreamy remix of Mekon's "Please Stay" and Timo Maas and Kelis' "Help Me (Deep Dish Attacks Mars Remix)" add a softer element to the mix, while Yello's "Bostich" reaffirms that most early-'80s synth pop sounds better than its contemporary imitators. Disc two collects more diverse and forward-leaning music, including Tarwater's spare, evocative "70 Rupees to Paradise Road," Saint Etienne's chamber pop reworking of "La Poupee Qui Fait Non (No, No, No)," and Swayzak's breathy "Make Up Your Mind." Akufen's brilliant station-to-station cut-and-paste "Deck the House," Royksopp's "Eple" and "So Easy," and Ursula 1000's "Nightcap" complete the sleek and slightly quirky feel of the second disc. Overall, Fashion Week, Vol. 2 is a decent showcase for some interesting electronic artists, as well as a worthwhile souvenir for anyone who attended Fashion Week or just wished they did. ~ Heather Phares|