The Right Song (Basement Jaxx): The UK House Music Phenomenon

The Right Song is the Grammy-winning alias for the seminal British house duo Basement Jaxx, comprised of Felix Buxton and Simon Ratcliffe. Hailing from London, England, the pair became global dance music icons in the late 1990s and 2000s, known for their eclectic, genre-blending productions. Their major achievement includes winning a Grammy for their 2004 album "Kish Kash" and achieving multiple UK number-one albums.

Early career

Felix Buxton and Simon Ratcliffe formed Basement Jaxx in 1994 after meeting in the vibrant club scene of South London. They began by throwing their own underground parties in a dilapidated basement in Brixton, which gave the duo its name. Their early releases, like the 1995 EP "Samba Magic" on their own Atlantic Jaxx label, showcased a raw, energetic house sound infused with Latin and jazz influences.

Breakthrough

The duo's mainstream breakthrough arrived in 1999 with their debut album, "Remedy," released on the XL Recordings label. The album was a critical and commercial smash, propelled by massive singles like "Red Alert" and "Rendez-Vu." "Remedy" reached number four on the UK Albums Chart and was certified Platinum, establishing Basement Jaxx as leaders of the UK house movement.

Key tracks

Red Alert — This 1999 track, built around a monstrous bassline and catchy vocal hook, became an instant club anthem and a top five UK hit.

Where's Your Head At — The 2001 single, famous for its sampling of Gary Numan's "M.E.," pushed their sound into rock-edged territory and became a global alternative dance staple.

Do Your Thing — A highlight from 2003's "Kish Kash," this funky, chaotic track featuring vocalist Lisa Kekaula exemplifies their maximalist, party-starting philosophy.

Good Luck — This 2003 single featuring Lisa Kekaula's powerful vocals provided a more soulful, chart-friendly side to the "Kish Kash" album, reaching number 12 in the UK.

Following their Grammy win, Basement Jaxx continued to release albums like "Crazy Itch Radio" (2006) and "Scars" (2009), collaborating with a diverse range of artists from Yo! Majesty to Santigold. They also composed scores for film and ballet, demonstrating their versatility beyond the dancefloor. Their influence remains profound in the world of electronic music.

Fans of the energetic, genre-fusing house of Basement Jaxx often enjoy the work of similar UK electronic acts. The Chemical Brothers share a similar trajectory of big beat innovation and massive live shows. Groove Armada offers another take on sophisticated, sample-heavy British house music. Faithless blended epic house rhythms with lyrical depth during the same era. Hot Chip carries forward the tradition of quirky, emotionally resonant UK electronic pop.

The music of Basement Jaxx maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly on dedicated dance and electronic music stations, classic hits FM channels revisiting 2000s anthems, and online radio streams focusing on house music. Their timeless tracks are staples in mixes and rotation playlists that celebrate the peak of the UK house era.

Listeners can discover the dynamic catalog of Basement Jaxx, including their biggest hits and deep cuts, by tuning into the electronic and dance music radio stations featured on our platform. Their Grammy-winning house music is regularly broadcast on various stations available on onairium.com for your listening enjoyment.