O.R.N. - Small Town Boy/ The Decision

  • Published
    Jul 9, 2004
  • Words
    Resident Advisor
  • Released
    May 24th 2004
  • Genre
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  • A1. Small Town Boy B1. The Decision Does anyone still remember the 1980’s? I actually don’t remember too much pop culture (except from what I catch in “I Love the 80’s” on the tele and of course the cartoons of the time), but if you were a heavy clubber back in the day, O.R.N.’s (16b) new single should bring back fond memories of days gone by. First off, let me just ask this; “what’s the fascination with the 1980’s?” The 80’s happened 20 years ago. Time has changed and so has the culture. No more big hair, heavy make-up, and neon style clothing. Now it’s sleek du’s, natural style make-up, and little or no clothing. So why do people still try to keep the 80’s alive through music and movies? What is the fascination they have with this era? Do they just want to relive their youth or do they just want to forget about the present? I’m only asking because 16b has taken an 80’s song and rerubbed it into an electro house that feels like something from the 1980s. So after all the hype, all the talk, and all the wait, Small Town Boy finally sees a full release. For the first 5 minutes, I’d swear this was just a pop record…and it is. Taking the vocals from Bronski Beat in the 80’s, this catchy and enriching little joint screams of cheerful grooves. The smooth 4/4 beat intro for the vocals works well as it creates a lush retro feel. With the uplifting piano keys and vibrant vocal that creeps through for the first half of the track, 16b makes you want to sing along with him. As the bassline continues the groove, keeping it happy, the drum patterns reach out whenever the vocals are away. Certainly a summer style song for the masses, but for a track that’s a bit over 7 minutes that focuses on the first 4 minutes, layering it with vocals and leaving the rest of the track as an instrumental doesn’t balance out correctly. Leaving the final few minutes a bit lacking in the production. And because of the disproportion, you’ll lack interest with the second half of the song. I want to hear this on the radio as this cries for a radio edit because this would be a great radio-friendly pop choon. A double take with the instrumental mix as this is not a re-release, but the actual release that first saw the light of day prior as a one-sided mix simply known as The Decision when the samples where in limbo. The instrumental is still a massive dance floor killer with it’s subtitle differences between the vocal mix. The break points are more noticeable and you can hear more attention to detail on subtle sounds. Bangin’ drum patterns certainly doesn’t hurt as it peaks in and out with an awesome riff. The booty shaking percussion adds a smile to your face that’s just right for the girls to let loose. I’ll admit, it’s a bit cheeky at times, and even now some might think it’s a bit cheesy, but who cares because we all just wanna have fun, don’t we? So was it worth clearing the samples? I think so. The vocal mix will grab attention to a wider audience and the instrumental is still as powerful on the dance floor. The 80’s are still alive and kickin’ it downside the clubs courtesy of 16b. Label: www.sexonwax.com Site: www.omid16b.com
RA