DJ'ing celebrity parties, promoting clubs, crafting clubs tracks that sold well, running a successful label, and landing the big-name remixes (how's
Michael Jackson for big?) unfairly put
Steve Aoki on the hipster "hated-on" list, but this first "proper" release is an excellent argument that his talent deserves respect. Approach it in the mood for a high-gloss good time and
Wonderland does exactly what it does on the tin, taking the listener on a dancefloor adventure that begins with
Weezer member
Rivers Cuomo making moping sound triumphant during the electro-mover "Earthquakey People." This pumped-up journey continues as
NERVO joins
LMFAO for the cheeky fun "Livin' My Love," a track that would be considered an incredibly hip choice if it were labeled "Italo disco." The
Lil Jon and
Chiddy Bang cut is a big rush on the club tip, as is the
Kid Cudi and
Travis Barker team-up only with more of a spacy flavor, and when
will.i.am dons his mask and becomes his alter-ego
Zuper Blahq, "Dangerous" winds up the highlight for fans who don't think
the Black Eyed Peas get silly often enough. Never mind that "Steve Jobs" sounds more Namco than Apple, or that
Aoki wraps trance, electro-house, and dubstep into one flashy ball that genre fans might find frustrating; he's a fine producer who crafts complementary backgrounds for his guests, plus he has an excellent understanding of melody and song structure, garnishing his tracks with clever touches that are complicated enough to suggest he's done a scale run or two. Towering above it all is the curveball choice of
Sick Boy -- veteran punks and former members of
the Exploited and
Die Kreuzen -- who join
Aoki to worship '80s industrial music on the
Skinny Puppy-ish monster "The Kids Will Have Their Say." Now that's a
Wonderland. ~ David Jeffries