R&R  (Audio CD) 
by BT

BT (aka Brian Transeau) is certainly one of the most prolific composers in electronic music today. He's released three critically acclaimed albums, scored movie soundtracks, produced 'NSync and even worked alongside rock icon Peter Gabriel. So it seems fitting that BT has earned a bit of "r & r." Rare and Remixed's two-disc-set's 22 selections are culled from hundreds of tracks that BT has amassed in the last seven years. He didn't even have to mix them - that job went to Andy Gray, who has worked with both Paul Oakenfold and New Order.The album focuses on remixed versions of his music, but it works equally as an introduction to BT or an addition to a fan's collection. Highlights include a version of Seal's "I'm Alive" mixed by BT and Sasha back in 1994, the hits "Flaming June" and "Blue Skies" (featuring Tori Amos), the funky breakbeats of "Smartbomb" (Plump DJs mix) and Fibonacci Sequence and the previously unreleased "Sunblind," featuring Jan Johnston. Only a few songs suffer in the translation: Grace's "Not Over Yet" and Libra presents Taylor's "Calling Your Name" lack the explosiveness of the original tracks. Other than that, the album shines, rounded out by star appearances from favorites Timo Maas, Way Out West and Paul van Dyk.

Gfire