Die Warzau- Vinyl 88

ARTIST: Die Warzau

ALBUM: Vinyl 88

LABEL: Pulseblack

REVIEWER: Matthew J.

DATE: 2-10-09

Die Warzau have never been very good at sticking to formulas and being predictable, so it only makes sense that Chicago's industrial funk godfathers would take a new and innovative approach when they finally got around to putting out a greatest hits collection. Instead of just collecting a bunch of singles, this release takes a slew of old favorites, remixes them, and then throws in a handful of previously unreleased tracks and a couple of surprising collaborations for what amounts to an entirely new album. While some songs are more or less familiar, like the "To Le Funk Mix" of "Funkopolis" and the aggressive but infectious "Twist and Scar Remix" of "All Cut Up," the band also throw more than a few musical curve balls. With its cleanly picked guitar line and rumbling trip-hop beat, "Glare" is radio-friendly in the same vein as Everlast's "What It's Like," and the "Mission to Mars Mix" of "Crusaders" is sexy enough to recall Isaac Hayes or Barry White, thanks to its smooth organ line and sensuous saxophone solo. The biggest stunner, though, is final track "Hitler's Brain," a collaboration with none other than the legendary George Clinton. With its addictive dance groove and Clinton's signature voice, it cements Die Warzau once and for all as the undisputed kings of industrial funk. As if there was ever any doubt.

Visit band's artist-owned label, Pulseblack, at www.pulseblack.com for more information about this release.