My next-door neighbor Marge says that electronica is going to be the next "big thing" and an MTV compliation appearing at A Record Store Near You makes it a sure bet. However, MTV's got some big pants to fill if it hopes to reach the market that thinks pacifier- sucking is for infants. Yet, this CD fills its obligation competently.

In fact, many purists might take a moment away from their backrubs to notice Rave staples like Underworld's "Pearl's Girl" and Orbital's "The Box", two trax that are amazing enough to send the nearest rocker into paroxycisms. In fact, Amp is chock- full 'o tremendous trax, including the Chemical Brothers' "Block Rockin' Beats" (straight from heavy Buzz Bin rotation), Aphex Twin's "Girl/Boy Song", Josh Wink's "Are You There?" and Fluke's "Atom Bomb". The only fly in the Vap-O-Rub Ointment is three misplaced trax that are soon leaving for the Island of Misfit Toys:

8)"We All Want To Be Free" (Tranquility Bass) -- Is that the sound of a song going somewhere? No, it's just the thumping of a repetitive, boring, repetitive, boring, repetitive, boring song going nowhere.

9)"Inner City Life" (Goldie) -- I think I heard this on "This Is Acid Jazz" somewhere. Perhaps on one of my favorite Adult Contemporary Radio Stations. Mom might be able to hum to it (if'n y' slip 'er a dose first, man).

13)"Sick To Death" (Atari Teenage Riot) -- Does a fish need a bicycle? Does Amp need Atari Teenage Riot to pinch a loaf at the end of the disc? No. No.

It's worth the money, and I've heard rumors that we'll be able to send in the UPC for special offers on big pants and babydoll tees. Joy.

-James P. Wisdom