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I have personally met and interviewed L.A.'s Crystal Method duo, and my impression was that they were much more than "America's answer to the Chemical Brothers." A dance-based electronic duo hosting a rock band alter ego – this impression allows one to focus on what makes the group distinct: a solid base in American hip-hop, rock, soul, and pop. Also, the Crystal Method is into big beats.


There isn't much subtlety to their music, but there doesn't need to be, since their heady fusion of genres produces a novelty effect. "Vegas", the duo's debut album, rushes by in a quick blur, occasionally stopping for ambient detours. Not much seems new on the re-release, but the Crystal Method still holds the title for pulling off crossover techno well, which makes "Vegas" enjoyable.

"Vegas" as a club album definitely stretches beyond just the club scene. Even with the frantic beats and the futuristic sound that suits great dance music, there are enough complex rhythms and lingering sonic nuances to captivate ones ear, even if one has already heard the same track over and over again. In the ten years since the album's initial release, several infectious Crystal Method tracks (like "Busy Child") have shown up in everything from video games to movies to TV commercials. And the reason of course is the "hook" or catchiness that they have perfected.

The newly re-mastered 10th anniversary Deluxe Edition of "Vegas" also includes a second disc of extras and even a couple of videos (for "Busy Child" and "Comin' Back"), some live tracks and demos, and remixes by artists like Paul Oakenfold, Hyper, and Miyagi, some of my favorite dance and breaks creators.

The biggest hit off the album, "Busy Child" gets the most coverage with three different remixes. While all of them are pretty good, Paul Oakenfold's eight-minute-plus remix is excellent. Deadmau5's remix of "Cherry Twist" and Miyagi's remix of "High Roller" are also highlights.

Two non-remixes are also included on this disc. The original demo of "Comin' Back" from 1993 is included and it's quite good. This version is rawer and a lot less polished and even without a lot of the texture of the original version, it still packs quite a punch. The other non-remix is a great live version of "Vapor Trail." The disc is also an enhanced CD and popping it into your computer lets you look at photos and watch the videos for "Busy Child" and "Comin' Back."

Ten years after its release, "Vegas" is still a very good album. It, like other albums of that time period, helped introduce a generation to electronic music. The deluxe edition of this album helps you appreciate it that much more, that's for sure. However, this is a must-listen for those who have never heard this monumental album or those who are curious about electronic music.

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