Sheffield (Explicit)

by Christian Hoard Sheffield shows why Scooter, who are big-time hitmakers overseas, haven't so much as cracked the charts in the States. Sure, their highly melodic brand of techno is poppy enough; several of Sheffield's tracks, in fact, sound something like Chumbawumba's "Tubthumping" with a sample or two tacked on and the bpms cranked up. But Sheffield's straight-ahead grooves, macho shoutalong lyrics, and draguer poses (copped from less-than-reliable Europop exemplars like Right Said Fred) are embarrassingly square, boring, and almost domineering at times, the sort of stuff the Christian Right would be into if it listened to techno. Those interested in a chuckle or two should check out the cover of "Sex Dwarf," which was undoubtedly one of 2000's most inadvertently hilarious musical moments.