SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: FATBOY SLIM – THE FATBOY SLIM COLLECTION

Fatboy Slim
The Fatboy Slim Collection
Sony Music Canada

Norman Cook, ex-bassist from the Housemartins has come a long way since adopting the Fatboy Slim moniker in 1996. His early hits, “The Rockerfeller Skank” and “Praise You” are not included in this monster collection of works but you’re sure to find a number of pieces to remind you of the thumping, bass-booming Friday night out at the club.

It’s pretty amazing to look at the number of artists that Cook has collaborated with spanning almost twenty years as a world-class DJ and producer – Beastie Boys, Armand Van Helden and Chemical Brothers are featured among this latest assemblage of works. “Block Rockin’ Beats” may be sixteen years old but like the other selections on here, it will still get the dance floor pumping.

Cook views the role of a DJ as a simple one – get people dancing. He also acknowledges that DJ’s are lucky they have a long shelf life.

Now in his early fifties and after a brief stint in rehab, Cook has committed himself to a healthier lifestyle, running half-marathons and spending quality time at the gym and with his family. Weekdays are for doing the school run and weekends are work engagements. And for creating dance music.

– Patrick Li

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