The Brighton Port Authority (BPA)
I Think We’re Gonna Need a Bigger Boat
(Southern Fried Records/Fontana North)

Norman Cook doesn’t make records, he throws little parties. Early career band The Housemartins made listeners feel like we were in a pub discussing football results with the lads. Later on, Fatboy Slim threw down at a sweaty rave. In 2009, The BPA is inviting us to a very cool cocktail party with friends old and new.

Is it suave enough for toi et moi?

Highlight track: “Toe Jam (Feat. David Byrne & Dizzee Rascal)”
Subpar track: “Local Town (Feat. Jamie T)”
Overall rating: 8/10

For the most part, BPA is indeed suave enough—in fact, the entire affair is the portrait of suave, with only the odd exception.

A familiar face greets us on opening track “He’s Frank (Slight Return),” as our old pal Iggy delivers any icy cold vodka rocks with his chilly rendition of The Monochrome Set’s classic. Across the room we spot Canadian up-and-comer Martha Wainwright rockin’ steady with the reggae-tinged “Spade,” in the process sounding like a long-lost track form the Tom Tom (Collins?) Club. Way over in the corner, David Byrne and Dizzee Rascal are mixing a wicked double with the first single “Toe Jam.”

Like any good host, Norman has his bar fully stocked and knows the perfect soundtrack to the party. Really, we expected no less. As Olly Hite sings on the album closer: “So It Goes”! Whether this proves to be a one-off or a new multi-album ‘character’ for Mr. Cook remains to be seen; regardless, this artist has always focussed more on being scene, anyhow.