Various Artists
Power Jams
Reviewed by David Bixler
Power Jams. That has an uncanny resemblance to Jock Jams, doesn't it? Unfortunately, I believe that this is exactly what is trying to be done here. What essentially surfaces is a 21-track CD with a lot of dance / techno remixes as well as some songs in their original album format. The first real song on the disc is "Super Good Feeling" by Bleach, which happens to be one of my favorite songs from their Static CD. The difference here is that this is the Abig beat euro mix" version. I'll admit, I think this song could sound good done as a remix, but here they absolutely butchered the song, layering it with ultra-cheesy basketball game sounding tracks. "I Will Carry You" by Rebecca St. James is also remixed, and though sounding better than the Bleach track, it still doesn't sound good. Deliriou5? is a band that should not be put through the pain of a dance remix, as evidenced by their track; the same goes for Considering Lily. The mix of "Shine" by the Newsboys is interesting, to say the least, but it is better than most. DC Talk's "Jesus Is Just Alright" appears in its original format, but then again, so does a song by Crystal Lewis. I guess I am not quite following the logic here. Well, if you're wondering if there are any good songs on this CD, there is some hope. The remix of "I Need Your Love" by Raze is very cool, and "Quasar" by Smalltown Poets is also quite good. MC Hammer's well-known "Pray" also appears. But this CD just reeks too much of old Velveeta. Whether it is the "Power Jams Spiritleaders" leading some cheesy cheer or Carman (no, I am not kidding) with a "power mix" of "People of God," I generally just cringe at what is entering into my ears. Maybe if this was a bit more original, and if the remixes had a bit of flare to them, and if the band selection was better, and...