Career Remix

As for "Starry Eyed Surprise," it's a lightweight romp that's as catchy as it is mindless. But Oakenfold makes no apologies for it. "I wanted to make a fun summer record, and that's what it is -- and that's all it is. Whereas the Hunter Thompson song is a self-indulgent piece of music, 'Starry Eyed Surprise' is just a fun piece of music. You shouldn't take it that seriously."

This advice extends to Bunkka as a whole. Those who come to the album expecting Oakenfold trademarks, such as an incredible number of beats per minute, will most likely despise it. But folks who bring no baggage with them will probably find the disc quite listenable, if not terribly memorable. Moby doesn't have anything to worry about just yet.

A Perfecto gentleman: Paul Oakenfold pops out on a new album.

Details

With Aphrodite and Hernan Cattaneo
7 p.m. Tuesday, December 10
Fillmore Auditorium, 1510 Clarkson Street
$25-$28, 303-830-8497

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In the meantime, Oakenfold is readying his upcoming tour, on which he'll mix, spin, play keyboards and lead a band supplemented by video representations of the singers on Bunkka. "Obviously, you can't take all these singers on the road -- it would cost too much money," he says. "The idea is to give people a visual experience, and also to let people hear the music. It's an interesting concept; I hope it works."

Even if it does, Oakenfold expects a certain amount of resistance from some quarters. But he promises to keep pushing forward.

"A few people have said to me, 'Why are you trying to move on? Isn't it enough to be a DJ?' But you just have to stand up as an artist. I didn't see the point of making an instrumental album with no melody, no soul. I truly wanted to do something else, and that's what I did. But it's hard sometimes, because people want you to be what they expect you to be."