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Sunday, 27 November 2005 10:53

VARIOUS ARTISTS: THE OTHER SIDE – LONDON: DAMIAN LAZARUS/PARIS: BLACK STROBE/NEW YORK: FISCHERSPOONER (Time Out)

The dualdisc is a nifty invention; the minds at Time Out took it one step further. Every phenomenal city needs not only a particular soundtrack helmed by one of its pioneers but, on the flipside, a DVD with notably specified attractions such as clubs, bars, and shopping. The key difference behind this moving-pictures Zagat guide for the generation of now is that includes other attractions, as well as a curious chapter icon called “Illicit” for finding various services such as liquor delivery, dog racing, and sex clubs. Classy! It’s the perfect companion for those who travel with a laptop. The liner notes states that this is not meant to be a definitive guide but, instead, “your best friend that has lived there for years sharing the inside knowledge that’s worthy of sharing.”

Each city’s particular disc is reflected in the music showcased. Paris has disco, London claimed the garage electro-rock sound, and New York has all the push-pins driven into the eclectic. Segways end up choppy in places, but that could be reflective of the mode in each city’s pace: jagged (New York), conscious but respectful (London), or smooth and artistic (Paris).

The collections are innovative and the efforts commendable; however, they seem to focus more on the city than the music leather-strapped to it. Each disc in the Time Out series is the “free with purchase!” extra that you’re really not buying, and ends up cast off in favor of the information on the DVD and the guide and map in the liner notes. Purchasing these for the music won’t leave the buyer short, but since the know-how of dualdisc technology is penetrating the market, the new features with heaps of information could end up leaving the music feeling overlooked.