GrooveOut

Karma-Chameleon at the Turntable
Boy George reappears on the scene–as a DJ this time
by Chris Sill

Unless a large part of your life is consumed by the never-ending beat of the growing dance music and DJ culture, it may come as a surprise to learn that Boy George has reincarnated himself as a DJ. Add to that the fact that he was recently voted by readers of the UK dance magazine DJ as one of the top DJs in the world and you may be downright shocked. It appears that George O’Dowd, the Boy’s birth name, has taken a page from Madonna’s book of reinvention and applied it to his own life–and quite successfully. With London-Sire’s latest edition to its "Essential Mix" CD series, American dance music enthusiasts can judge for themselves the Boy’s turntable skills and find out what all the fuss is about.

Those in the know have already acquainted themselves with George’s eclectic taste and mixing style on releases from Ministry of Sound and Galaxy Mix, both of which represent UK super clubs. Essential Mix marks his first U.S.-based release and the fourth in the series that has previously showcased DJs Skribble and Icey, Fatboy Slim and Paul Oakenfold.

George began his DJ career as far back as 1979, but with the success of Culture Club in the early ’80s, he abandoned the booth for the world of pop music. While his life during and after his days with Culture Club were much publicized, including his own autobiography Take It Like a Man, his return to the European club scene as a DJ has been a relatively unknown fact in America. More U.S. club appearances are planned to coincide with the release to increase his exposure.

George is not alone in his reincarnation from performer to DJ. Everything but the Girl’s Ben Watt is currently enjoying great success in the booth in his own London club, Lazydog. Both artists are testament to the popular trend of DJs as stars, but George realizes that he may not be taken seriously as a DJ because of the novelty of him being a former pop icon. "It’s a real British thing," he says. "Once you’ve had your go, whatever it may be, they want you to piss off, and they can’t bear it if you come back, they can’t bear it."

Apparently someone is bearing it. With almost a dozen European releases over the last few years, George has positioned himself as one of the world’s top DJs. Essential Mix marks his introduction to American audiences with a versatile collection of club sounds ranging from two-step to trance. Its strength lies in the selection of tracks; there’s little here listeners may have heard before, including the lead track, a delightful remake of "Girl from Ipanema" by Boogie Macs. Most recognizable in the bunch is George’s own remix of "Filthy Mind" from pal Amanda Ghost.

While his mixing skills are certainly adequate, the CD never quite takes off. Instead, the emphasis rests on George’s taste in dance music. "There are a lot of DJs who play a particular style," he says. "I don’t really have any loyalty to any sound." But that’s exactly what becomes his style, ever-changing, never predictable. It fits him like his own skin; after all, he is the karma-chameleon.

Chris Sill spins tunes at Rich’s and can be reached at csill@infohwy.com.