Additional personnel: Dizzee Rascal, Siouxsie Sioux, Me'Shell NdegeOcello, JC Chasez, Lisa Kekaula (vocals).

Recorded at Jaxx Studio, London, England between March 2002 & July 2003.

Personnel: Me'Shell Ndegéocello (vocals, bass guitar); Siouxsie Sioux, Xenia Lewis, Allonymous, Phoebe, JC Chasez, Joe Benjamin, Lisa Kekaula, Totlyn Jackson (vocals); London Session Orchestra (strings); Simeon Jones (harmonica); Nathan "Tugg" Curran (drums); Basil (percussion); Cherokee , Mandy Senior, Natasha Awuku, Cassie Watson, Francine Kufonji, Jason Anthoney Wright , Nadia Cielto Steele, Kele Le Roc, Ty, Sharlene Hector (background vocals).

Audio Mixer: Basement Jaxx.

Recording information: Jaxx Studio, Loughborough Junction, London, England (03/2002-07/2003).

Illustrator: Sue Amaradivakara.

With two full-length masterpieces behind them, Basement Jaxx still hadn't recorded a bum note, nearly ten years after getting together. But while their third record, Kish Kash, is still miles ahead of the various formula relied upon by scores of dance producers, it isn't the same filler-free party classic as Remedy and Rooty. In fact, it reveals the duo perhaps relying too much on their own formula, the jumped-up Prince production with tech-heavy percussion and effects exploding all over the mix. Granted, Felix Buxton and Simon Ratcliffe ably deflect most criticisms with this LP, shot through with high-profile collaborations -- nearly all of them intriguing tracks with star turns. Post-punk hero Siouxsie Sioux shows various electroclash victims just what it means to be a postmodern diva for "Cish Cash," while *NSYNC's JC Chasez is a surprising success on the beguiling "Plug It In." Teenage garage-rap sensation Dizzee Rascal turns in a fabulous outré performance on "Lucky Star," but the Indian filmi sample driving the song displays Basement Jaxx in a light they've never been in before: behind the times. And while Me'Shell NdegéOcello is a steely, assured vocalist for the propulsive "Right Here's the Spot," the final two minutes are so close to Prince the track becomes more rip-off than homage. There's really no way to make a splash with a third full-length that sticks so close to the formula, even one they helped create. Still, while Kish Kash may be the best dance record of 2003, it's the least imaginative record Basement Jaxx have ever released. ~ John Bush

Any album that features both boy-band vet JC Chasez and goth-punk icon Siouxsie Sioux calls for a double take, and once Basement Jaxx have your attention, they pull you into the non-stop house party of KISH KASH. On their third album, the UK duo of Simon Ratcliffe and Felix Buxton joins the ranks of the Chemical Brothers and Fatboy Slim by including a remarkable roster of high-profile guest artists that extends to soul/funk diva Me'Shell NdegeOcello and up-and-coming British rapper Dizzee Rascal.

KISH KASH opens with the energetic "Good Luck," which presents the buoyant, Motown-influenced vocals of Lisa Kekaula against a loopy backdrop of distorted synthesizer and a full string section. Other standout tracks include the two Prince-inspired numbers that feature NdegeOcello ("Right Here's the Spot" and "Feels Like Home") and cockney lyricist Dizzee Rascal's delirious Eastern-inflected contribution. The true highlight, however, is the driving, fuzz-bass-fueled title track, which features Siouxsie Sioux's unmistakable vocals over the surging sonic assault. A fun, clever, and always unpredictable outing, KISH KASH is house music for people who don't think they like house music.