Carl Craig resurfaces in mid-2000 with
Designer Music, Vol. 1.
Designer is a collection of hand-picked remixes
Craig has done over the years, some of which were originally released only on 12" and using the alias "Designer Music," hence, the name of the series. If you are looking for the more popular
Tori Amos and
Deee-Lite remixes of past, you won't find them on this volume. Rather, Designer One is a collection of
Carl's more intelligentsia efforts. Starting off the album with remixes of a spacy UFO and a Latin rhythmic
Johnny Blas,
Designer seems to be more of a funky instrumental than something from a techno label. By track four,
Designer Music breaks out of its shell, when
Craig returns to early techno with an incredible remix of
Telex' "Moscow Disco." Other mentionables include a unique spin on
Inner City's "Good Life" (or "Buena Vida," as called on the album) and
Alexander Robotnik's "Problemz." It should be noted that most artists would be torn apart for remixing such classics, but
Craig does it proper with class and most importantly elements of funk and soul. For those fans itching for more of the
Paperclip People sound, elements show up on the last two remixes, especially the remix of
Ron Trent. With each name that
Craig works under, whether it is
Innerzone Orchestra,
Psyche, or
Paperclip People, he displays a different side of his talent and artistic taste. With
Designer Music, Vol. 1,
Craig shows off his ability to break down the essential, recognizable elements of a song and put the pieces back together into a sound that is undeniably his own.
–
Diana Potts, Rovi