Yoko Ono - 'Yes, I'm A Witch' (Parlophone) Released 19/02/07

This is a collection of remixed Yoko Ono songs; a right witches brew. Hank Shocklee's intro is a dated piece of drum 'n' bass, but things quickly get better. Peaches 'Kiss Kiss Kiss' is next and has a fashionable sound half-way between the Baltimore gutter of Spank Rock and the baile funk of Brazilian favela's. Extra brownie points for Ono's lyrics, which surely inspired Basement Jaxx's 'Jus 1 kiss'..."Just one kiss, kiss will do". Usually, Peaches is more sexually outre, so it's a funny choice.
                          
The Blow Up take on 'Everyman Everywoman' is a particular highlight; everyone could dance to it. If you were to dance to DJ Spooky's 'Rising', it would probably be slow and intense, like an exorcism. It's an unsettling listen, with rustic percussion and Ono's guttural, shaman-like vocal performance. Yes, I'm a witch, indeed. The Brother Brothers turn in a hair metal remake of 'Yes, I'm A Witch', bringing out the best of Ono's voice..."I'm a bitch". She could be the art bitch grandmother of Lovefoxxx.
                          
The Polyphonic Spree do their usual joyous cacophony job on 'You And I' and this suits Ono's voice, compared to Tim de Laughter's teeth-grating happy singing. De Laughter's voice is dispensed with, as is Jason Pierce's on his mix of 'Walking On Thin Ice'. This sweet drone-rock tune shows the versatility of Ono's composition, when you also consider the quality of Felix da Housecat's older dance mix.

The Sleepy Jackson add to the diversity of 'Yes, I'm a Witch', providing a lolloping great reggae version of 'I'm moving on'. The broad range of artists have given us a never less than interesting album that should boost Ono's musical reputation.