I've always been an on again and off again semi-dedicated techno/electronica fan (big emphasis on "semi"). Usually my taste in the genre falls under the trance and house music scene. So I was basically stepping on new land when I chose to buy "Vegas" which many of my friends label as "thump, thump...boom, boom techno". The end listening results, being as honest as possible, were a lot of head nodding and booty shaking on my part. "Vegas" and the Crystal Meth duo are nothing short of fun. That's right, FUN techno. From "Trip Like I Do", "Busy Child", "Vapor Trail", "Comin' Back"...actually, the whole shabang. A good mix of rock and roll vibes and groovin mellower beats. My only real gripe against this album is that half of it is probably something you've heard before, either through the radio or in movie soundtracks (I've seen a gajillion futuristic movie previews use at least one Crystal Method track). So that takes off half a point, and the other half a star comes off because you really need a long attention span for this CD. Like another reviewer said, this is music "to use" and not just to listen to. You've got to condition yourself to like it...my best definition is that it's focusing/hype music, (i.e. driving, dancing, sports, studying). Either way you look at it, we all need a little Crystal Meth in our lives.

Techno has acquired a stereotype of repetition and lack of creativity.This assumption ususally comes from those who hear the radio and/or MTV version of most of the songs and the artists. This is their problem and their loss alike. "The Crystal Method: Vegas" is one of the best CD's relaesed by any artist, of any kind of music in a long time. usually you get 2, maybe 3 songs worth listening to on a CD.I like every song from track (1) "Trip Like I Do to (10) "Bad Stone". It's good, addictive music. You can listen to it, no matter what mood you're in. Busy Child is the only song I no longer listen to anymore. MTV's exploitation on the original "AMP" and the use of it in a GAP commercial ruined it for me. It's still a good song regardless. If you don't like techno, but you haven't heard much, this is the CD to listen to if you want to give it a chance. I recommend it to everyone.

Not exactly. While any intelligent person will admit that sometimes you just don't like a genre of music, when a non-fan of electronic music is asked for a reason, the most common response runs along the lines of "it's too boring/it makes me sleepy," a stereotype aquired, no doubt, by associating all electronica with trance. At the other end of the spectrum, one occasionally hears complaints that it's too loud and harsh, and one can easily understand this, especially if someone's only previous contact with electronica was "Fat of the Land" by the Prodigy.

In Vegas, the Crystal Method takes a rather interesting approach. Instead of aiming for one side or the other, they attempt to combine the hypnotic qualities of trance with the aggressive qualities of big beat. For the most part, they succeed.

I could take the time to describe individual tracks, but it will suffice to say that the effect is accomplished through combining thumping hooks with airy keyboards (and excellent vocals by Trixy Reiss) The effect begins to lessen near the end of the album, but not enough to make the listener lose interest. As far as its usefullness as a sleep aid goes, it depends on how good the bass is in your speakers and how sleepy you are (after all, if you're tired enough you can sleep through a Metallica album).

While I wouldn't recommend it as an introduction to the genre, Vegas should be enjoyable to anyone who likes electronic music.

The song that caught my attention was "Keep Hope Alive". At first I was hesitant to buy the CD, but realized that every song one the CD is worth a listen. Here's how I break it down.

(1) TRIP LIKE I DO - Probably the best on the album. I first heard the beginning of the track on the trailer to the Matrix. (2) BUSY CHILD - Another great track. This and KHA are both on the soundtrack to Nitrous Oxide, which is where I first heard this one. There might be more CM songs on it that I missed.

(3) CHERRY TWIST - Not the best, but good nonetheless. It took me a little while to get into it, but now it's one of grown to love. (4) HIGH ROLLER - Tied for my second favorite with #10. This track is amazing, but I have one big gripe. It's too damn short! The track gets going a little after a minute, and ends at about 4, while every other track is from 5:30 to 7:30. (5) COMIN' BACK - My least favorite. I tend to go for the ones w/o the female vocals, but I'll still give this one a listen.

(6) KEEP HOPE ALIVE - Again, the reason I bought Vegas. To my surprise, there are at least three better than this one, though. You might have heard this one at the beginning of The Replacement Killers. (7) VAPOR TRAIL - Can't say much. Just that it's a great track. (8) SHE'S MY PUSHER - Great too. All I have to say. (9) JADED - The second with vocals, but this one is actually pretty good. Give this one a listen. (10) The album ends terrifically with BAD STONE. I really like the piano sequence in it. Well, that's it. Vegas is definitely one the ten best albums I own, and I'm not a techno fan whatsoever.

People complain about how commercial the songs on Vegas are. There is a reason for that: the songs are good. Call me shallow but the only reason why I listen to techno is to give my speakers a run for the money. This is hands down one of the best dance/techno albums of all time. It has very catchy grooves, has withstood the test of time (a real challenge in the electronic music genre) and stays upbeat for the most part thought out the entire album.

I am not saying this is a bad thing but when an electronica group tires to put more depth and creativity into their music, it just isn't very fun to dance too. I enjoy music that wants to make you move and keep the blood flowing. Crystal Method is special because they really hit the nail on the head here. They know how to make big beat music.

I listened to others that make pure dance music like TCM but is cheesy because of senseless lyrics and cheap synths groove loops (2 Unlimited). If you were to own one techno album, this should be one.