Spontaneous Human Combustion – The Prodigy

It often tries too hard, but this is an unofficial compilation of Prodigy remixes that is a somewhat handy and unique take on the whole bootleg release standard. Just keep in mind that newer fans to Prodigy's back-catalog will appreciate this collection the most. From an amusing contrast between the band's early post-acid house tracks (i.e., 1992's "G. Force") to the more recognizable populist club-industrial hip-hop tracks (1997's "The Trick"), cursory fans of the band will hear a relatively wide range of the band's discography all pieced together in one continuous mix. Which is another curious aspect to the release: All the tracks -- original versions or not -- are mixed together to make a seamless flow for the listener. Unfortunately, while this is a refreshing slant to a remix collection, a great deal of the effective segues are damaged by some added samples in various other tracks (the uncredited DJ seems much too happy to throw in the "I am the god of hellfire!" sample at any given opportunity). Even when these don't work as well as they should, though, the choice of remixes is often good. The Smart E's-like take on "Out of Space" will have early-'90s chart listeners get a bit nostalgic and the stunning Chemical Brothers remix of "Voodoo People" even one-ups Prodigy's own work in just its first few thunderous beats. To be fair, on the other side of things the extended mix of "Firestarter" is the most useless: It's merely the single version plus the instrumental version spliced together that demands little interest. Still, as far as most hastily compiled bootlegs are concerned, this is a relatively clever, effective approach to helping newer fans catch up with the band's many rarities over the years. Not entirely professional, no, but at least a step above the usual flea-market, Xerox-printed bootleg days of yore. ~ Dean Carlson, All Music Guide