Always Outnumbered Never Outgunned

The Prodigy’s 4th Album
I love this album. Not a big fan of current dance music (it’s not like it used to be; how are you meant to dance to it? Etc etc) this shines over everything else, but doesn’t seem to have got the media attention that Fat of the Land received. Probably because they made a massive mistake that I am completely baffled by: they released ‘Girls’ as their first single off it. What the fuck was that about? It is by far the worst track on the album and would certainly put me off from buying it if I didn’t happen to be a huge fan. It just doesn’t go! Maybe it’s meant to be some new direction in music or something, but one rhythm and another beat don’t match up and I just don’t get it.
Ok, I’ve had my whinge – skip it and get listening to the rest of the album which is full of good quality tracks that get me moving around like an idiot while driving along in my car. They are great songs to get up and dance to, but I’m not looking forward so much to seeing them play live. I can’t help wondering what Keith and Maxim are going to do. They aren’t heard at all. Whilst liking the ‘going back to their roots’ style of this album, I’m disappointed there’s no more raw shouty songs from this band. Will Keith and Maxim go back to dancing in ‘90s rave stylee across the stage? I just can’t see it.
I’ve seen The Prodigy play 4 or 5 times at various festivals since 1995, and they are a massive live act; hugely enjoyed every time. And with more vocals from Keith it got better and better. I loved the new electronic punk rock direction, and I can’t help feeling that this album should have gone between Music for the Jilted Generation and Fat of the Land. It lacks a certain power and I wonder whether Liam Howlett gave the other members of The Prodigy any involvement at all in this album. Were they a bit miffed that he chose new pals Oasis to play on the album and not his old friends? (If anyone knows of an interview that answers these questions, please e-mail me.)
With Liam doing vocals and Noel on drums, the last track of the album, Shoot Down is a great song, but I would’ve preferred it sung by Keith. The same with track 4, Get Up Get Off featuring Twister – why get him in when Maxim would’ve been perfect? My favourite track is number 5, Hot Stuff. It has a lovely melody in a gorgeous voice sounding a bit like Shirley Manson and a bit like Bjork. After lots of guessing games I was surprised to find out it was Juliette Lewis!