Released
28 February, 2003
- American producer Jas has been called upon by Hooj to deliver some of the brilliant smooth deep beats that he capable of. His result, is a vocal outing by the name of ‘Hitchhiking’.
On the a-side of disc one is the always impressive Chicken Lips with the dub unlimited. It rolls along at a nice and smooth pace with nicely arranged kicks and hats. The arpeggiated style synths soon take control while vocal snippets of the original float around with a combination of effects and a subtle piano line. The track maintains a similar pattern throughout, but is interesting enough to do so. A solid rework by the Chicken Lips lads.
On the flip is the Streetlife Original ‘Message to the People’ dub. From the outset this mix is a quirky but enticing affair. With a clutter of broken beats and drums, combined with a funky electro melody and occasional smooth sweeping synths, this mix is a lounge suited track. Plenty of sex appeal in this mix, and perhaps one for the ladies as opposed to the a-side.
The in form head honcho of Hooj, Red Jerry, kicks off the a-side to disc two. It’s another energetic production by RJ as the 4/4 beats merge with the trademark electro baselines, synth melodies and a subtle beeping melody that remains underneath the beats throughout. A party is exactly the location suited to this mix. It’s energetic and never downbeat, and it’s a worthy mix, yet again, from the Red man.
On the b-side is the Original Mix. Jas takes the chunky house route, using the drums as a focal point to the production, a clear strength of Jas’ work. The lyrics of G. Peter Thorpe then play a vital role, as does the harmonica interludes by the Nashville Fats. The smooth baseline gives the track a smooth and polished outlook, but one can’t help but feel its missing that secret ingredient.
Quite a good release from Hooj, as they show the variety of their styles in the two discs. A good follow up to 16B’s ‘Doubt’.