He's got all the right ingredients

Sonny J

Disastro (Astralwerks)

ESSENTIAL "Handsfree (If You Hold My Hand)"

Fatboy Slim's brand of sonic dumpster diving may be considered as au courant as three-button suits and dial-up Internet access, but there is a certain charm to his cut-and-paste aesthetic that British DJ and producer Sonny J uses to exuberant effect on "Disastro." Sonny J's love of 1970s bubblegum soul and big, sloppy beats makes songs such as "Can't Stop Moving" and particularly "Handsfree (If You Hold My Hand)" a joyous clash of retro samples and skyscraping energy. It is as if the Go! Team went on an all-night bender of Pepsi and Oreos. But the difference here is that the turntablist has a hard time editing and pacing his monster. Sandwiching ballads between big dance anthems is the surest way to throw a wet blanket on any party, and spoken-word samples are always a dicey proposition. What's funny on first listen is pure annoyance after 20. But like the Avalanches and other purveyors of arcane musical detritus, Sonny J's research and devotion to his craft deserve praise. When he succeeds - like on the Yelle-influenced "Enfant Terrible" - the payoff is wonderfully addictive pop. [Christopher Muther]