Fun Lovin' Criminals: 'Classic Fantastic'. Is it a "Classic"? Well, no, not really. Not in the same way that "Led Zeppelin: IV", "Sticky Fingers" or "Dark Side of the Moon" are classics. Is it "Fantastic"? Getting closer. Is it a very solid, enjoyable return album from a band who've been off the radar for five years? Definitely! Although I think you'll agree that that wouldn't have been quite as catchy a title for the album...
Yes, Fun Lovin' Criminals are back with a new album, and their timing seems spot on. 'Classic Fantastic' is a joyfully upbeat summer album, mixing together their rock, funk and hip-hop inspirations together with great effect. I defy anyone to listen to this album and not feel happier and brighter inside. Huey Morgan's vocals are, as always, like cocktail of liquid cool and velvet streaming from your speakers, while the Brian Leiser/Frank Benbini rhythm section provide a solid back up. FLC have carved themselves a niche sound over the years; an interesting mix of pop/funk rock mixed with pretty deep, dark lyrics about drugs, crime, violence and general underhand New York shenanigans. This album provides a new dose of all of the above, all covered in a nice, slick sheen. If you're expecting a massive departure from their previous work then I fear you'll be in for some disappointment.
The FLC boys have definitely been submerging themselves in early 90's Hip-hop in their absence. Songs like 'She Sings at the Sun' and title track 'Classic Fantastic' for example sound like reworked tracks from De La Soul's 'Three Feet High and Rising' while 'El Malo' samples the bass line made famous in Jurassic 5's track 'Action Satisfaction'. All good to my ears, however the highlight comes during 'Keep On Yellin'' which has a guest appearance from Roots Manuva. I was as surprised as you to see the pairing of The Criminals and a South London born rapper called Rodney, but it's a good one. In a largely American populated genre, Root's Manuva's references to regular London life are welcome break. The juxtaposition of FLC's overtly New Yoik subject matter with Manuva's quintessential English themes work well together; covering similar topics, but with 3,000 mile gap. Other highlights include the jazzy 'We, Are Three', the perfectly poppy future single 'Mister Sun' and the sultry, wind down closer of 'Get Your Coat'.
Sadly, I don't think 'Classic Fantastic' will return the Fun Lovin' Criminals to their previous high point during the era of 'Scooby Snacks', and I doubt you'll be hearing them on Radio 1 anytime soon, especially as Huey and Co are old enough to be a father to most of the current playlist. It is however, an easily accessible album from a group of guys doing what they love. 'Classic Fantastic' is the musical equivalent of an old school friend getting in touch with you on Facebook after an extended period of non contact: You didn't realise quite how much you missed them, and how welcome it is to hear from them again after all this time.
