CD-ROMs are coming out at a phenomenal rate. In addition to the standard music album + extra stuff on the CD (see the Barenaked Ladies one, reviewed elsewhere in this issue), the "computer based" CD ROMs - those that aren't able to be played on a conventional disc player - are exploding onto the scene. One which should not be overlooked is frEQuency.
frEQuency takes the potential which computers offer and combine it with a visual reality unlike that in other CD ROMs. The music isn't designed for "classic rockers", but for fans of techno, ambient, hip-hop, or anything else you might hear in a club at around 3 in the a.m. Users can take 250 backbeats and samples, 200 MB of fast videographics and audio, and mix and match to create their own video and audio masterpiece. In addition, these can be combined and exchanged with other users across the Internet for more variety and spice from each listen. Modified has also recently put a "Jungle Chiller Killer" on their Web site. The only warning? Be prepared to spend far too many hours in front of your computer combining, modifying and playing with all their video and audio samples. I wish I had gotten the same warning before I found myself engrossed in this CD...
frEQuency is a must for any wanna-be musicians, disc jockeys or anyone who wants to experience the power of dance music direct from their computer at a price that's about 1/3 the cost of normal CD ROMs. For more information, check out Modified on the World Wide Web at http://www.compulink.co.uk/~modified/
