Crystal Method

Crystal Method fans were probably anticipating a second Community Service mix shortly after the first one, back in 2002, but they had to wait nearly three years -- leaving plenty of time for Ken Jordan and Scott Kirkland to amass enough favorite tracks to share, along with hefty portions of their own non-album productions and remixes. Community Service II is actually more reliant on the duo's own tracks and remixes than the earlier set. (One wonders if the third volume will function purely as a glorified remixes 'n' rarities clearing-house.) It's another release that should please the dedicated followers, provided they don't notice, or don't care about, the lack of growth that has taken place in big beat and breaks since the early part of the decade (some might even say the late part of the '90s). For all the shared elements from track to track, this mix is surprisingly rangy, from stadium-ready rockers to diva-assisted post-disco anthems. Most bizarre moment: the Crystal Method's own reworking of the Doors' "Roadhouse Blues," in which Jim Morrison's rowdy braying sounds comically out of place. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide