Album Details

• Artist: The Prodigy
• Album: The Fat Of The Land
• Label: Maverick
• Year of Release: 1997
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: hstisgod on 2007-06-30

I'm not sure why I started this review, it's just not easy to describe the attraction here. Everyday I reach for another indie piece as I'm still just not comfortable with reviewing the same crap everyone already knows about to draw ratings and visits. So when I reach for my Prodigy "Fat of the Land" disc, I'm reminded not all popular pieces decline in stock level.

Controversial, dark and ahead of its time was this European bred foursome of friends fingering the keyboard, and draining their lungs. "Smack My B*tch Up" is an obvious choice for the examples which lead to the controversial tag. A video that seemed to offend everyone but a bunch cut off the world pacifists hidden in the Adirondack Mountains somewhere. But if you want an MTV angle you know where the site is.

Tracks like "Breathe" and "Diesel Power" were rightfully placed second and third respectively. Both endure the entire format and feel of repetitive beats and occasionally aggressive vocals. Once again, they can become annoyingly repetitive if spun too much.

Next up, this is that moment where I drop the name of their one HUGE chart topper, and spread noise that this Anti-Western culture formation is a one hit wonder. "Firestarter" ...right……… well now that’s done. I won't spend time on this track, you should know it by now.

Rhythmic and unforgettable are the vocals of "Narayan". Wondering if you'll feel the beat from the controversial lyrics alone, the intro reads..... "If you believe the western sun, is falling down on everyone. You're breaking free and the morning's come. If you would know your time has come". Nearing the end, the entire track takes a twist, and becomes one big ball of vibrating bass and drum splashes, insanely wrapped in air compressions and faders.

Like a dew soaked cold bottle of water, most refreshingly, more than half this album is spent following each bend and curve of the music. As if you were speeding up and down the Pacific Coast Highway trying to watch the ocean roll in, you're mind is certainly kept busy. Waiting for lyrics will be a waste of time, you may want to go count the days till the next big thing, cause there’s a quite a bit more integrity involved here that may never be matched again.

While it's not suggested to beat this disc into the ground as it will become something of a lost art, bring a mouthpiece to keep your teeth from chattering.