Coldcut: “Boot the System”/“Atomic Moog 2000”
Ninja Tune, 1997
This single’s jam-packed with music. “Atomic Moog 2000” is a fast-paced, sample-filled, nuclear weapons protest piece. The original version’s fun, if a bit emotion-less. There’s three remixes of this one two, including the “Post Nuclear Afterlife Lounge Mix” by The Herbaliser and “The Bomb” version by Luke Vibert. Both have great production, but are a bit shallow after repeated listens. “Boot the System” is an electro-inspired jam preaching about the arms trade. It’s got a reggae feel, and once again, samples galore. There are two mixes of this cut, including “Re-Boot the System by Red Snapper,” with squelchy electronics and a jazz groove, and “Crash the System” by Bedouin Ascent, featuring a live bass and fantastic percussion. The latter is my favorite track on this release— it makes me drool for more from this shadowy artist. There’s also a music video that can be played on a computer, but the picture quality leaves a bit to be desired. Overall, this is a good release, but it’s no “Seven Minutes of Madness” masterpiece.
