The first thing that caught my attention about DJ F.E.'s mix was the cover. It reads "Do not pay more than 5$." Having a little insight about this waxspinner, it fits right in line with his approach of simply mixng because he enjoys it. It's that simplistic and uncorrupted approach that make Plastic Crates a recommended addtion to the collection.

F. E. 's skill lies less in turntable trickery and tecnique and more in his blending skillz and the flow of his mixes. For Plastic Crates he relies heavily on classic old school cuts but inserts just the right amount of current representation to keep both father and son satisfied. His inclusion of varied sounds from R. Kely & Jay-Z, Black Lung Brothers and Linkin Park don't seem logical on the surface but work effectively in the mix. When's the last time ya heard Linkin Park on a mixtape?His blocks of RUN DMC and Public Enemy are perched nicely while bookended by old friends from Call me D-Nice to Dwyck.

The sound quality and clarity is top notch, with the occasional snap, crackle and pop of the vinyl unapologetically present. Here's one man's vote for Plastic Crates to become a new series. I know I'm not the only one who will tune in.

Track Listing:

1. Love Of The Game- Jazzy Jeff, Baby Blak & Pauly Yams
2. I Got It Made- Special Ed
3. Take You Home With Me- R. Kelly & Jay-Z
4. Call Me D-Nice- D-Nice
5. Like That- Black Lung Brothers
6. Rebel Without A Pause- Public Enemy
7. Timebomb- Anti-N!@#$% Machine
8. Timebomb- Public Enemy
9. She's Crafty- Beatie Boys
10. Run's House- RUN DMC
11. Jam Master Jay- RUN DMC
12. Sucker MC's- RUN DMC
13. Dwyck- Gang Starr
14. Pass Da Couroisier- Busta Rhymes
15. Keep Risin' To The Top- Doug E Fresh
16. Eric B Is President- Reic B & Rakim
17. The Bridge- M.C. Shan
18. Express Yourself- N.W.A.
19. Spread Love
20. Hi Voltage- Linkin Park
21. Unbelievable- The Notorious B.I.G.
22. Top Billin- Audio Two

review by Funk Wizard Snow
November, 2002