Check out this nice article about the Chemical Brothers:

http://music.aol.ca/...al-Brothers/92/

It has some interesting reviews regarding their work in the past.

Hmmm. It's an interesting article, one which I have mixed feelings on. As mipps brought up about that pitchfork review, it's written from what seems like an American pov. There are some favorable things that were said but I kind of take issue with a few things i.e. in the closing paragraph: "dance-rock dead end they find themselves in." #1 album right now in the UK, 6th consecutive album to hit #1 in the UK (not to mention a #1 dance single sales in the US) doesn't look like a dead end to me. The Chems keep on keeping on and from what they've said in recent interviews, they're quite happy where they are...

Why do I get the feeling that some people -critics, mainly - want the Chemical Brothers to go away musically?

Anyway - some interesting points to the article that are good for discussion later on. The writer of the article brought up a positive point on the Chems being gifted producers, and I think the Chems are well aware they have the keen ability to tap into what other artists are doing and put their own spin in things... but until Tom and Ed decide to quit being the Chemical Brothers, then I think (and this is me and my annoying motherly instinct speaking) it's a little presumptuous for a music critic to suggest career moves for the Chems.

I definitely agree with Whirly...There are points in the article I hated to hear, but others are good...such as, the suggestion of the Bros producing. I don't think they should quit, and start a career of producing only...I think they could be both artists and producers...I mean I don't recall any other bands who have collaborated with such a long list of eclectic talents....And yet, have had such success (commercial and timely)...I think the know-how and talent they amount should be put to use (by producing other ppl)...Some probably would call them a sell-out, but I just view it as a great gift being put to use...Seriously, I would not be surprised if the Bros took that move...I'm actually curious to see what greatness they could achieve by producing....

they consider redubbing themselves as The Blues Brothers?

Yeah, I agree Whirlz. Much too presumptious for a reviewer. I personally do not see what is so wrong with dance-rock that they've been doing, if you can even describe their style as that.

The only thing that I really agree with is that All Rights Reversed is a little flatter than I expected and that the Chems have moved away from big beat beats, which I wish they would come back to somewhat.

The mention of CWU was also interesting, because I had never thought about it that way.

Final thought: I don't understand how Saturate does not impress-- Its amazing!

I really think they need to stop doing collaborations and focus on instrumentals.

Battle Scars sounds to me more like a Willy Mason track "Produced by" the Chems the same with the Pills I stilllike them but it somehow sounds to generic compared to NAD,OOC,The Test,Believe,HTL or Setting Sun.

WATN instrumentals (even the B-sides) are by far superior to the vocal tracks IMO.

^^ agreed, I REALLY enjoy the instrumental tracks... for example Flashback, It Doesn't Matter, freak of the week, power move...

1. does anybody else prefer the instrumentals typically?

2. this critic seems rather behind on new methods of production.... the "dance or rock" question mentioned is an oversimplification of a kind of difficult approach...

For me, good music is good music...some w/ lyrics, others without...As in for the Chems, some of my fave songs contain lyrics...The Test, TGP, Hold Tight London, etc...So yeah, I can't say I prefer the instrumentals typically...

^^^ I love those tracks and other vocal tracks too, I was just saying I really enjoy the instrumental b-sides that would usually suit better at the dancefloor.

I just want to the Chemical Brothers to keep on making music - vocal tracks and instrumentals - as long as doing so pleases them. I think they are proud of what they do and they're doing what they want (it seems that way with the music first, and what's said in interviews), so it's all good...

I'm a huge fan of both their vocal and instrumental tracks. I'll take either, or, and both. Variety's the spice of life... What I like about the Chemical Brothers is they can churn out a wicked dance floor number as well as make a vocal track that has substance and meaning. And they do it well, all while sounding like the Chemical Brothers. Amazing to think of an incredible instrumental track like Elektrobank stacked up against, say, a beautiful and otherwordly song like The Pills Won't Help You Now.

I agree with your second point, Glako.