Liquid Todd’s Action: A Chaotic, Genre-Bending Ride Through 1999 Electronica
Alright, let’s talk about Action by Liquid Todd. This album dropped in 1999 under Ultra Records and is basically a wild mashup of everything electronic—techno, big beat, drum ‘n’ bass, jungle, house, breaks, you name it. It’s like someone threw a bunch of genres into a blender and hit “puree.” And honestly? That’s what makes it so damn fun.
First off, the credits are simple but solid: Capacitor handled the design (which, tbh, looks like something you’d see on a rave flyer), and Liquid Todd himself took care of the DJ mix. The dude clearly had a vision for this project—a chaotic, high-energy vision that somehow works even when it feels all over the place.
Now, onto the tracks. There’s a lot here—seriously, this thing is packed—but two cuts really stuck with me: “She Disrespek’ Me” and “Go Bang!”. Let’s break ‘em down real quick.
“She Disrespek’ Me” hits hard right outta the gate. It’s got this raw, stripped-back vibe with a pulsing beat that just doesn’t quit. The vocals are kinda confrontational, like someone calling out bad behavior on the dancefloor—and honestly, who hasn’t been there? You’re vibin’, minding your own business, and then bam! Someone steps on your sneakers or spills their drink near ya. This track captures that energy perfectly. Plus, it loops back later in the album with remixes, which keeps things fresh without overstaying its welcome.
Then there’s “Go Bang!”—a certified banger if I’ve ever heard one. This tune slaps from start to finish, blending funky basslines with pounding drums that scream early-2000s warehouse party. There’s even a remix version called “Jackal & Hyde’s Hydraulic Bass Overhaul,” which cranks the intensity up another notch. Like, imagine being at some underground club where everyone’s losing their minds because the bass is rattling the walls. Yeah, that’s “Go Bang!” in a nutshell.
The rest of the album follows suit, bouncing between styles faster than you can say “breakbeat.” Tracks like “Cyclone” and “Renegade Master (Urban Takeover Mix)” keep the momentum going, while deeper cuts like “Morning Lemon” offer a breather before diving back into the chaos. Honestly, it’s kind of exhausting but also super addictive—you don’t know whether to dance till you drop or sit down and try to process what you’re hearing.
One thing worth mentioning is how much ground this album covers. Some songs feel nostalgic, like they could’ve come straight outta the ‘90s rave scene, while others have a futuristic edge that still holds up today. It’s messy, sure, but intentionally so. Liquid Todd wasn’t trying to reinvent the wheel here; he was throwing every trick in the book at us and seeing what stuck. And honestly? Most of it does.
So yeah, Action isn’t perfect. It’s loud, it’s scattered, and sometimes it feels like too much. But maybe that’s the point. In an era dominated by sleek, polished productions, this album reminds us that music can be messy and still kick ass. If anything, it’s proof that creativity often thrives in chaos.
Final thought: Listening to this album feels like stepping into a time machine that breaks halfway through the trip. You end up somewhere unexpected, but hey—at least the soundtrack’s fire.
