Air Album: “Sexy Boy [US]”

I got turned onto Air a few years ago when I heard that Madonna liked them, and I've become a big fan too. "Sexy Boy" is definitely one of Air's catchiest songs, and about as close to pop-dance as they get. It sounds terrific on their debut album (Moon Safari), and the remixes here are very good. The highlight is the Sex Kino mix, which was done by Beck. It includes an odd sound bite of a person biting into an apple (?). It's kind of bizarre, but it works and really does sound sexy. In addition to these remixes, Air includes a B-side - "Jeanne." The lyrics are sung in French by Francoise Hardy, and it fits in nicely with their overall sound. If you like "Sexy Boy," then please check out "Moon Safari," which is one of the best techno albums ever.

Being a HUGE Air fan, I have to say that I was disappointed in the Sexy Boy single after listening to the remixes and discovering that they are nowhere near as interesting as the original version. Especially the Beck remix, which I had high expectations about, for obvious reasons. However, the other b-side, Jeanne, is great- a vocal tune (most of Air's stuff is instrumental) that has that familiar, more mainstream, less experimental French-love-song feel to it. It can also be found on the Pop Romantique: French Pop Classics compilation CD. If you're a diehard Air fan like me, it's definately worth getting, but otherwise, pass.

Some I liked, some I did not. Air is a good band, a very good band but these remixes don't display Air's talent effectively.