New video: Basement Jaxx - Raindrops

To paraphrase John Milton, "Copy from one, it's plagiarism; copy from twenty, it's Basement Jaxx". The London duo have spent 15 years throwing their record collection into a giant dance cement mixer* and seeing what comes out.

In the past, the results have been jaw-droppingly fantastic - from the technicolour pyrotechnics of Red Alert to the Brixton bhangra of Lucky Star. On 2006's Flamenco-flavoured album Crazy Itch Radio, however, the formula faltered. The majority of the album was as weak and uninspired as the fake radio station interludes that linked the tracks.

It's hard to decide whether the group's new single, Raindrops, is a return to form. It has the melodic strength of their biggest hits - Good Luck and Rendez Vu - and a great, androgynous vocal from Felix Buxton. But, for the first time, the cut'n'paste asthetic seems a little tired, especially when compared to the discordant genius of MIA and the straightforward aural assault of Calvin Harris.

The album - Scars - could be interesting, though. Confirmed guests include Yoko Ono, Santigold, Lightspeed Champion and Yo! Majesty, and there's rumours of a Grace Jones cameo, too. We won't get to hear it 'til September, though.

So, in the meantime, here's the video for Raindrops:

Basement Jaxx - Raindrops

* Note to Basement Jaxx: We would like to see this prop on your next tour.

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