What's up with Sweden? And how do they always come correct with the breakbeat-fusion styles?! (i.e. Beat Fanatic, Red Astaire, Tangoterje, GAMM, etc, etc...) Whatever it is, the guys up there know who to work with it and take that positive, dubby, funky, earthy vibe to dancefloor perfection. Beat Fanatic's "Around The World In 80 Beats" is a well-rounded example of this. Take a listen to "Fridaynight Dubdisco Delite(1)" for a taste of what he's working with. Hear that subtle "Rock Creek Park" sample in the background? Those congas and keys? That funked-out bass? That's what I'm talkin 'bout. "Frosted Flakes(2)" is kind of on the same tip with the disco-rap drums and smooth vibe, but if you need to turn up the heat even more, check "One More Thing(3) and "Broken Descarga(4)." Just hope some people know how to samba, 'cause this shit rips hard on the latin tip. Beat Fanatic even does a proper afro-beat style on "Lagos Beatphreak(5)" - heavy on the drums and guitar funk. When it comes to this style, "Around The World..." got you covered with 8 tracks of goodness from your favorite beat chef outta Sweden. Fans of GAMM, WonderWheel, Freddie Crueger, etc. get with it.

reviewed by snackmaster