This review covers the big beat house track Fatboy Slim – Weapon of Choice.
This track was released in 2000 on the album Halfway Between the Gutter and the Stars.
The track starts off with some effects and scratching. A vocal sample then appears and is also scratching. some brass then makes a light appearance. After some keys, a small amount of drum kit and scratching takes over.
More percussion is layered on. A vocal then is added. These vocals have different pitches layered on top of each other. After that, there is a short instrumental. The vocal then returns along with the brass element.
Another main vocal makes an appearance. This ends with a short instrumental track. The pitch bent vocals return. That brass element returns.
After a bit, the main vocal returns to repeat a line or two. This, again, ends with a brief instrumental. The pitch bent vocals return along with the brass element. The pitch bent vocals makes reference to the album title.
From there, the main vocal returns to repeat the same lines again. An instrumental section then hits. A different instrumental takes over with some scratching elements. The scratched vocal returns to the track. Other elements drop out, leaving just the scratching. That scratching continues for a bit before a synth effect makes an appearance. Another scratching sound then takes over and eventually drops out.
One thing this track does have going for it is that there is a definite underlying personality. That overall mood portrayed is happy and care free. This is thanks to the synth elements, drum kit, and brass elements. As a result, it’s quite easy to get into this track.
The problem with this track is that it is quite drawn out. It really could have been cut down to under 4 minutes in all honesty. So many elements repeat to the point where they are present to the point of wearing out their welcome. They never really stay longer than they should, but their welcome runs thin by the end of the track. As a result, the lasting appeal of this track is a bit compromised.
In the end, this is an enjoyable track. It has a very well realized atmosphere and mood. It really could have been cut down by a fair bit to sub 4 minutes. So, the lasting appeal of this track is questionable. Still, you could do a whole lot worse than listening to this one.
Score
7/10
Drew Wilson on Twitter: @icecube85 and Facebook.
