The Ying Yang Twins' elaborate
USA (United State of Atlanta) album gives Swisha House's Michael Watts plenty to work with, and the man does not disappoint. Remixer Watts clues into the album's party atmosphere and keeps things from going over the edge until the fourth quarter. Things are slowed down to a chilled pace for the better part of the album and brittle stutters and mind-altering phasing are employed here and there, but it's only from "Shake" to the end of the album that Watts gets wild with frantic scratches and sounds that melt and ooze out of the speakers. "Shake" itself is the standout track, with Watts having his way with the song's sample of
George Kranz's "Din Daa Daa," but his light treatment of "Wait (The Whisper Song)" makes it the runner-up as he lets the quirky number eerily creep along with minor chopping. A well-done and well-paced after-party mix of a party album and another satisfying mix from the reliable Watts. ~ David Jeffries