Electro-house pioneer Felix Stallings drastically pares down the guest list of his previous party-ready Housecat albums for the vague ache of mid-’80s synth-pop balladry. Despite having the run of R&B kingpin Dallas Austin’s palatial studio, Stallings opts for more low-key performances (most of the heavily processed, indistinct vocals are his) and bedroom hooks. The bounciest bits are borrowed: “Sweet Frosti” is Devo’s “Snowball” with new lyrics and fewer chords. Maybe the newly aloof producer is holding back the catnip for that long-delayed Diddy dance collaboration.
Now Hear This: Felix Da Housecat – “Like Something 4 Porno!” REAL
