Kish Kash

With two full-length masterpieces behind them, Basement Jaxx still hadn't recorded a bum note, nearly ten years after getting together. Their third record, Kish Kash, is still miles ahead of the various formula relied upon by scores of dance producers. Felix Buxton and Simon Ratcliffe ably deflect most criticisms with this LP, shot through with high-profile collaborations -- nearly all of them intriguing tracks with star turns. Post-punk hero Siouxsie Sioux shows various electroclash victims just what it means to be a postmodern diva for "Cish Cash," while *NSYNC's JC Chasez is a surprising success on the beguiling "Plug It In." Teenage garage-rap sensation Dizzee Rascal turns in a fabulous outré performance on "Lucky Star." Kish Kash may be the best dance record of 2003. – All Music