AMG Review of Charlatans Vs. the Chemical Brothers

Dean Carlson
All Music Guide

The Chemical Brothers have always sounded like a shotgun festival being held inside nearby Earsplitting Canyon, so it's more or less what you'd expect as they fire off all sorts of rounds at these Charlatans UK originals. The "aw booty" take on "Toothache" locks into a rude groove while showing a self-depreciating side not seen nearly enough in the Chemical Brothers' LP fare, but the reappearance of it later (twice) kind of dilutes the whole point. Even so, with a staggering, psychedelic 12-gun salute that is the "Nine Acre Dust" remix, it's hard to dwell on the misses for too long. Hoarse, punch-drunk dance detonations are everywhere. A 2000 re-release tacked on the Chemical Brothers' "Patrol" remix, and good thing as its wobbly proto-big beat polish is a treat for either band's discography. Bog-standard B-side filler, you have been warned -- the Chemicals have got you in their sights.