20 Years on, ‘Crazy Itch Radio’ Remains a Defining Chapter in Basement Jaxx’s Legacy

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In 2006, at their musical peak, Basement Jaxx’s fourth album showcased their eclectic sensibilities, cementing a legendary status that still influences modern dance music today.

Basement Jaxx always seemed to be ahead of the curve. Never afraid to push musical boundaries, their “everything-but-the-kitchen-sink” approach was as refreshing as it was chaotic. Nowhere is that more evident than on Crazy Itch Radio, originally released on XL Recordings, the studio album that saw Felix Buxton and Simon Ratcliffe move further from the mainstream and deeper into eccentric, experimental territory.

The album is a perfect time capsule of the aughts, yet somehow feels remarkably suited to the present day, functioning almost as a precursor to the hyperpop and dance-pop that would follow. Their fearless approach to genre-blending and layered production—techniques that are now commonplace—helped open the door for generations of artists to come.

Crazy Itch Radio features 14 songs and a collection of skits spanning house, hip-hop, grime, folk, and global rhythms, making it a truly genre-fluid album. The opener, “Hush Boy,” kicks things off with disco-house production with legendary beatboxer Biz Markie and Vula Malinga’s soulful vocals, echoing the energy of their earlier hit “Oh My Gosh.”

Elsewhere, the uptempo “Take Me Back to Your House,” featuring Martina Bang, pairs a driving 4/4 house beat with an unexpected acoustic banjo, while “Run 4 Cover,” featuring Lady Marga, blends aggressive grime with carnival sounds. Both felt groundbreaking at the time; today, that kind of genre-blurring has become commonplace.

Then there’s “Hey U,” featuring Swedish pop star Robyn, where Balkan-inspired horns collide with folk instrumentation and electronic production to create a chaotic club anthem. The track feels like a blueprint for the genre-bending pop of artists such as PinkPantheress and Charli XCX, who similarly blur the lines between club music, pop, and electronic experimentation.

Ultimately, Crazy Itch Radio remains a reminder that there are no rules when it comes to making music. Its anything-goes philosophy feels especially relevant in an era of concept-driven albums like The Weeknd’s Dawn FM, while its use of software and studio production as instruments anticipated the increasingly fluid relationship between technology and music-making. Two decades later, its influence can still be heard across dance, pop, and electronic music—a testament to just how far ahead Basement Jaxx were.

**Stream Basement Jaxx – Crazy Itch Radio on Spotify:**

Basement Jaxx – Crazy Itch Radio – Tracklist:

Intro Hush Boy feat. Vula Malinga, beatbox Biz Markie, rap by Skillah Zoomalude Take Me Back to Your House feat. Martina Bang Hey U feat. Robyn On The Train feat. Tommy Blaize Run 4 Cover feat. Lady Marga Skillalude Smoke Bubbles Lights Go Down feat. Linda Lewis Intro (Reprise) Everybody feat. Reena Bhardwaj Keep Keep On U R On My Mind feat. Felix Buxton Basement Jaxx 'Crazy Itch Radio'