Palookaville

Released in 2004, Palookaville is the fourth studio album by Fatboy Slim and serves as a significant stylistic departure from the high-octane big beat sound that defined his earlier career. Following the massive success of Halfway Between the Gutter and the Stars, Norman Cook opted for a more 'real' sound, incorporating live bass, guitars, and a more traditional song-based structure. The album features a diverse range of collaborators, including Bootsy Collins, Lateef the Truthspeaker, and Damon Albarn (under a pseudonym). It is notable for its use of the 'Don't Let the Man Get You Down' sample and a polarizing cover of The Joker. Critically, the album marked the end of the big beat era, receiving mixed reviews for its slower pace and rock-leaning tendencies. However, it remains a key document of Cook's evolution, showcasing his ability to blend crate-digging sensibilities with a more grounded, instrumental approach. It was nominated for a Grammy in 2006, cementing its status as a high-water mark for mid-2000s electronica.