Search - Gary Numan :: Mutate

Hybrid + More

Zero | Pennsylvania | 06/28/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Mutate set is actually a bundled package of two products: the 2-cd Hybrid disc set, complete with jewel case and all, and a third disc titled Mutate in a slim-line cd case.



The Hybrid set consists of reworkings and remixes of Gary Numan material both new and old. Most of the tracks from his more recent album Pure are redone, as well as many of his older hits like "Cars" and "Are Friends Electric?" Keep in mind these are not dance or techno versions like those found on his remix disc The Mix; all the tracks, old and new, have been redone to reflect his newer, darker, industrial style. He even throws in a couple new tracks, "Hybrid" and "Crazier". If you're looking for Gary's old 80's hits, you won't find them here (the new version of Cars is slow, dirgy, and haunting). I'm not sure what one would call this music. Maybe "electrogoth new wave"? It doesn't really matter. It's just damn good.



The Mutate disc is actually a DVD which is split into two parts. The audio portion contains seven or eight older remixes and rarities. While not as remarkable or impressive as the material on the Hybrid set, there's a few gems to be found. The video portion has the music videos for "Crazier", "Rip", and "Dominion Day", as well as two tracks taken from a live set. Gary has a tendency of hamming it up a little in his videos, trying a little too hard to look scary (though, to be fair, he still comes off creepier than Ozzy). If he would play it straight a little more (and not make his monster face), it would be more effective. Regardless, the videos for Crazier and Dominion Day are pretty good and make the whole disc worth while.



This is a great boxed set and since Mutate is, for some reason, actually less expensive than buying Hybrid alone, it makes for a great buy."