Reviews (44)

eEL's underground culture music review
Tom Jenkinson pulls the plastic wrap over our heads again with this timeless gem. The warped drum 'n bass stylings which always seem to use that jazzy undertone, pull us into the music that only Tom knows how to keep time with. This guy is one of the few who actually hang out musically with Richard D. James of Aphex Twin. This album is full of the signature twisted sampling and amazing beat structures that makes "raver music" look like kittens dancing on razor blades. A true master of the genre and he even plays a live bass guitar to the music in some cases. (You can watch on squarepusher.com)

Track 7 on the CD, "Greenways Trajectory", differs from the rest. It seems to be a sound collage or jam session of sorts. Beats and samples start out mellow and quiet then about halfway through the 7 minute track, the beat turns into a choatic mutation which, one after another, they travel faster and higher in pitch, and just when you think the pitch couldn't get any higher, it continues on until it sounds like what you would hear in an ear testing booth. A true mind molder in its own right.

Go Plastic is only a taste of the medicine this doctor prescibes, he has a few earlier releases of the same sort. Walk into the acid jazzed drum 'n bass world of Squarepusher... the mad scientist is waiting.

Completely unique and wonderful
Tom Jenkinson fans will remember the track "Don't Go Plastic" from his experimental Jazz album "Music Is Rotted One Note." As defined by that song and this album "to go plastic" means to have an artificial, synthetic, inhuman sound. That is exactly what he has done with this album, and it is a spectacular success.

If you're looking for easily listened, accessible music, you should probably warm up with something else, such as "Feed Me Weird Things" or better yet, "Burningn'n Tree." On "Go Plastic," Tom Jenkinson turns beats upside down, inside out and backwards in a fearlessly original sonic attack. There is nothing even remotely organic about this album.

The opening track, "My Red Hot Car," is simultaneously one of the catchiest and one of the most abrasive tracks of electronica ever recorded. I'm not even going to try to make an accurate description of it. Fortunately, Warp Records released it on MP3 a couple months ago, so you should be able to find it somewhere on the net. Listen to it. If you loved the "girl mix" of "My Red Hot Car" from the single however, this album might not be for you. The stops and starts, the jerky, remorseless breakbeats of the "boy mix" are what define "Go Plastic."

If I knew of any other albums similar to this one, I would compare them here, but I don't. I wish I did. Definitely not for everyone, but if you enjoy experimental drill 'n bass, this album has a fair chance of turning out to be a favorite.

Essential
'Go Plastic' is, in my opinion, one of the best albums of all time. If you've heard 'My Red Hot Car', and want the rest of the album to sound like it, i suggest you buy an N*Sync CD, take some sandpaper to it, and have it skip away. For those who want soft, synthy Aphex music with simple looped beats, don't bother either. This album is where the real genius lies - Squarepusher's deconstruction of old-school ragga d'n'b and his tightly controlled focus on disrupting musical convention are absolutely groundbreaking. There's no one in any field of music that can compete with the intricacy of this programming.

Aggresive, intelligent, and complex enough for months of nonstop listening.

my new favorite Squarepusher album
Lately, Squarepusher has been outdoing himself with every release (with the exception of Do You Know Squarepusher? - a hit-and-miss EP). This is my new favorite album of his. He is the only electronic artists who can stimulate my mind as much as some of the best jazz musicians. True to jazz, most of this album's drum tracks never repeat themselves - and at the frenetic jungle-like pace he sometimes achieves, I can only wonder how much time and effort must have gone into it (and that's just the drum tracks! Influenced, I'm sure, by hearing his dad play).

Squarepusher often utilizes effects and modulates the sounds he uses as much as the notes themselves as an output for his musical genious (with just as much spontenaity, intelligence, and creativity), taking his art to the next level. Even though I'm playing this album for the 30th-40th time, I still hear something new with every listen. He really takes advantage of the electronic music production environment and crafts his work to perfection.

A few of the tracks don't stand incredibly well on their own (this is no pop album), but they fit beautifully into the whole of the work. This is truly an album - when I listen to it I listen from beginning to end (with the exception of My Red Hot Car, which is a good way to introduce friends to the crazy world of Squarepusher).

If you like Squarepusher for his jungle-jazz side, this is the epitome of his greatest work - the fusion of his earlier head-nodding hardcore and drum-n-bass with his later adventures in spaced-out-acid-jazz and avant-garde synthesizerings. It is hard for me to write a review of this man's work with out using a bunch of hyphenated or made-up words, because there is no genre - no generic name - for the music. It is Squarepusher.

Expand your mind
Tom Jenkinson (squarepusher) has really made a work of art here. The first track 'driving in my redhot car' is truely amazing. I would recomend this album to anyone. ... Read more

Amazon.com

As a guy who puts out 12-inch jungle singles on a regular basis, Aphrodite has found himself in a rut in the three years leading up to this release. As the partycentric "jump-up" style he favors began settling into a formula, he cranked out three or four duff tracks for every dance-floor stormer he's come up with. By this point, his disdain for experimentation is beginning to seem less like a principle and more like a dodge. Nearly every track that emerges from his camp relies on the same tambourine loop and wobbly bass line--though with a different rap sample thrown in to distinguish them. So consider his stateside debut album something of a surprise. Jumbling together tracks old and new, Aphrodite has put together an absolutely convincing summary of what he does and why. From "B.M. Funkster," which blatantly samples the O'Jays's "Money," to "Summer Breeze," which roughs up the immortal Seals & Crofts pop tune, Aphrodite doesn't exactly court subtlety. This is unapologetic dance music, too committed to moving the crowd to advance the science of jungle technology. When it doesn't work it has nothing else going for it to keep your interest. But when it's on--and this record is on--the music doesn't need anything else. --Jeff Salamon ... Read more

Reviews (26)

This disc shows that Aphrodite is not your everyday DJ.
In the modern world of electronic music, whether you have "DJ" before your title or not, a lot of artists have gopne from mixing and remixing other peoples' tracks to composing their own. Aphrodite is one in the jungle scene to pull off his own brilliant album, completely written and produced by himself. His long held reputation as a mixer shines through in this abum.

The bass is some of the funkiest you will come accross, and the remixes of his older tracks are real origninals. The CD "drops the funk" for 77 straight minutes, wihtout a dull moment. The beats is not as heavey as Dieselboy, but still are definitely appropriate for the dance floor.

If you listen to Nightmares on Wax, you will notice that Aphrodite samples them quite a bit, this is also evident on "The Takeover Bid".

This is definitely one original album you can't go without if you call yourself a drum and bass fan.

The best techno CD of the year...without a doubt!
Aphrodite takes you on an odyssey like no other DJ. I challenge anyone to listen to the whole CD without moving some part of your body. The mesmerizing quality of "King of the Beats" and "Listen to the Rhythm" compel you to dance. "Woman That Rolls" and "B.M. Funkster" are sooo funky. These songs are fresh, the beats are phat, and the bass is addictive. I'm looking forward to hearing more great music from Aphrodite.

King of beats and improv
Highlights:
The first track I really like on this album is the first track on the album, which is one of three interludes, also known as "Tower Tronic". It is a very relaxing instrumental, and it captures the spirit of Enya in a drum and bass rhythm. It makes for an interesting introduction, and it is probably my favorite track on the album.

The second track I really like is called Spice. it doesn't have very many lyrics, but I like the few it does have. I like the repeated and sporadic whispering of the word "spice". This track is my favorite track that isn't an interlude. It has a magical sort of quality to it.

The last favorite of mine is called Woman That Rolls. It has a very good beat, and it is hella catchy. I like the sound clip that he mixes in the song where he says "I need a woman that rolls with my arrangement".

What first time listeners might think/experience:
Most people have never heard or even heard of drums and bass/jungle. What it is is techno sounds with the sounds of a drum kit and a heavy beat, with a lot of emphasis placed on the beat. Instrumentation is more important than lyrics are in the genre. The songs are usually either completely instrumental or there isn't much to the lyrics, which often are something that is repeated and remixed into the song over and over, often in different ways.

An unexperienced listener would probably say that this guy stuck a bunch of musical tracks in some sort of imaginary sound blender, put the lid on, turned on the blender, and then, suddenly, ripped the cover off.. The resulting sound would be an Aphrodite track. Yes, that is what it sounds like on the surface... Everything seems sporadic, varying, unplanned.. but you may realize that it sounds professional.. it sounds alright.. It doesn't sound like a total piece of S#!T.. at all.. It is beautiful and great.. It's because he knows what he is doing..

For experienced listeners:
Simply to say, this guy is the master of improvisation. He knows all the rules.. he follows them.. yet, to your ears, it sounds like he's breaking rules, because there is so much going on. I've noticed one important feature. AT LEAST ONE beat/melody at a given remains constant. It may be hard to notice at times, but it is always true. The reason it is so hard to notice is because there are up to around 5 other tracks being played that are varying at a given time... What is weird and special about Aphrodite is that even in the variations there is much consistency.. if you listen closely enough you can tell that there was a lot of planning, practice, and preparation involved in this guy's work. I given Gavin a lot of credit because he knows his improv.. he obviously had musical training and education... Not only that, but he makes something so consistent seem so varying.. so inconsistent... he's really good at fooling people's ears.. especially someone who doesn't listen closely.

That's about all. Happy listening.

Surprisingly good, gets annoying at the end
Not being the biggest d&b fan, I was completely suprised to be enthralled by this album at the outset. What a groove, great bass track, never boring, seldom repetitious. Until the end of the album, where it seemed to fall a little short (otherwise, 5 stars). A worthy purchase nonetheless.

fine craft
Finally, somebody told a story. That is all i have to say. ... Read more

Reviews (27)

Brace yourself.
This is one of (M)u-ziq's (Mike Paradinas) best recordings and is also a good introduction to his sound. Several tracks contain soaring melodies accompanied by erratic beats. One nice thing is that the music never really gets old since you can't remember the structures immediately and don't know when and where to snap your fingers or tap your foot. Actually, its best if you don't try to do that - you might pull something. The album is also fresh for its manipulation of electronic, ambient, hip-hop, and other musical styles. My favorites from this album are "Brace Yourself Jason", "Hasty Boom Alert, "Mushroom Compost", and "Catkin & Teasel". All of these tracks, like I mentioned earlier, have a pleasant melody backed up by some very spontaneous and hyperactive beats. If you like Aphex Twin, then you may want to check this out. I don't like to compare U-ziq and Aphex because in my opinion their styles are different. U-ziq seems to have nicer melodies in his songs and his beats sound more drum like than Aphex's nut's & bolts in a blender sound. Not that Aphex Twin doesent have pretty melodies and varying beats, he just has less, and their usually placed in the middle of a set of unsettling tunes. The two actually made an album together, "Expert Knob Twiddlers", which isn't really that exciting when compared to either's individual recordings. Also recommended is U-ziq's 8 song EP, "Brace Yourself", which includes two remixes of "Brace Yourself Jason" and two more of my favorite U-ziq songs, "Summer Living" and "Abmoit". For something very refreshing and different in your CD collection, "Lunatic Harness" is definitely a must.

Nice album, worth a look
When I listen to the work of Mu-ziq I almost always have a grin on my face, it just sounds like fun music, it is fast, chaotic, and has great melodies. Ten out of the thirteen songs are great, but there are three weak tracks. "Approaching Menace" is just to much drill and bass, and gets supremely annoying after three minutes, it is to harsh for an otherwise fairly pleasant sounding album. "Wannabe" is just filler, pure and simple, it is weak stuff and makes me reach for the skip button. Finally I feel that "London" is a fairly junky track as well, it sounds like cheesy haunted house theme music.

Other than that it is a great album, it is like Aphex Twin without all the pretentiousness that comes along with RDJ. Mike Paradinas has made another nice album, check it out peoples.

Great range.
Consider what was happening in 97. This album was amazing when it came out and I still would put its creativity up against majority of the laptop generation of kids to this day.

This album is about knowing rhythm. Some of the most beautiful rhythms and composed beats I've ever heard when this album came out.

THE BEST ALBUM OF THE NINETIES
This is without doubt the most emotionally involving album ever made in the field of electronic music. And i think I've listened to just about all the rest of them.

Catkin And Teasel (Track 11) on its own displays more invention and depth than most other electronic artists manage in an entire career.

The drum programming on the album maybe have been surpassed in complexity, but never in inventiveness. Like watching Groucho Marx come out with a string of one liners, the rhythm tracks are utterly astonishing and display an impish sense of humour that appears simply nowhere else in music - especially in 2004.

Forget Weird Al Jankovic or DJ Rubbish. Think Thelonius Monk. Think Captain Beefheart. Real wit in music - not lyrically but in the actual notes - has been missing for decades. This album will make you wet yourself.

To combine such emotional intensity with a unique and seemingly inexhaustible rhythmic invention would be enough to ensure this album's place amongst the all time classics - but to present these ideas with a razor sharp musical wit makes Lunatic Harness come alive with a human personality that is sadly missing from the majority of electronic music - from 20 years ago or from today.

So all I can say is - "Ugh!"
(listen to track 1 "Brace Yourself Jason - you'll know what i mean)

Starts brilliant, ends weak
The first four or so tracks on this album are absolutely essential -- the spazzy xylophone and "ha!"-ing kung-fu girl on "Brace Yourself Jason", the churchy organ and demented drums of "Hasty Boom Alert", the off-kilter swagger of "Mushroom Compost", the almost-dancefloor-anthem of the title track. The first two tracks in particular are strongly reminiscent of an insanely breakbeaty take on In Sides-era Orbital, and that's high praise. Unfortunately, the inventiveness is too much to keep up for an entire album and the last few tracks are frankly dull. Still worth four stars for the quality of the start. Mind-expanding, infectious, enjoyable, and full of things to come back to. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

ak1200 is the best live and in person.........
but you should buy the cd anyway. beautiful drum and bass, essential for everyone. go and get this now!!!!!

powerful jungle beats take you there
This one grabs you and won't set you down until it's over. Continuously mixed to perfection, this CD features aggressive Drum 'n' Bass and Jungle Beats that have serious bounce to them. You're going to want to dance; be ready.

BEat to love/live by
I personally love/live by this cd. It is by far the best cd out of ak's mind. He is the man who rules all of drum and bass and by far my favorite artist. Buy it and enjoy. If you enjoy drum and bass and old style jungle beats then you will love this cd.

A rock-solid entry to the catalogue
Wow. Of all of AK's mixes I have heard, this is by far my favorite, and the only one I still play regularly. The track selection is the big one here. That's not to say the mixing is not solid; for the most part it is, albeit not perfect. But the tracks are HUGE. Even by today's standards, these tracks still sound at once raw, fresh, intellegent, and aggressive, without getting bogged down in excessive processing and fluff. A good album for both the new listener to the genre and the longtime fan, AK successfully bridges the gap between "accessible" and "overly simplistic," and does it here with style that will pull its' weight twenty or so years from now. Own.

Brum & Bass at it's finest!!
All i have to say is WOW! One of AK1200's best CD's. Has a good selection of tracks, and has a good scary vibe on a couple tracks( my favorite kind of DNB by the way). Anyone who has love for this kind of music, or even has an ear for talent should look into getting this CD. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Stunning Collection of 'Good Lookings' back Catalogue
Firstly, It should be noted, that this isn't a collection of new material. This is more of a summary of some of the defining tracks from the considerable 'Good Looking Records' Back catalogue. This can either be viewed as a missed opportunity or a excellent way of hearing some of intelligent Drum 'n' Bass' most revered tracks in one tidy place without refering to multiple albums, and if your new to the whole 'Good Looking' records phenomena, this is probably one of the finest ways to become aquatinted, with their prolific output.

The album starts with what is arguably one of Ltj Bukem's finest tracks, the exemplary "Horizon's" (Taken for his "Logical Progression" album, which forgoes heavy bass & thumping beats for soothing & organic breakbeats making up the foundation of the track, it's an almost introspective, considered Jazz-Breakbeat fusion, with snippets of obscure dialogue interspersed over the course of the track, and it truly is one of the most beautifully realised tracks ever made in this genre of music.

'Mc Conrad' has been the official vocalist for the vast majority of the 'Progression Sessions' albums and some people appreciate his vocalism, and some prefer the 'Instrumental' disk that comes with such releases, but surely none can deny his exceptional contribution to his "Future Call (Makoto's Remix)" track. It's a breakbeat fusion with a slight Rhythm & blues feel, that's is as stylish as it is refined. Heavy emphasis on keyboard earmarks this track, along with production that is both confident and exemplary. And as opposed to completely overloading the track with vocals, Mc Conrad pulls back on the vocal side, and shows restraint in his vocal delivery, and the track is all the better for it, and more than vindicates it's inclusion on this tremendous tracklisting.

"Makato" & "Peshay" both hand in incredibly worthwhile tracks, that are both unique to their respective artists, but both mine that soulful side of Drum 'n' Bass / Breakbeat that makes for such superb after hours listening. Peshay music has always favoured a tendency toward the fusion of Jazz/Breakbeat fusion. And Makoto (with the help of female vocalists), incorporates soulful elements in his music to help broaden appeal.....although both tracks are vastly different in their production, arrangement and indeed instrumentation, they've both managed to establish themselves as worthy artists in their own right, and are wonderfully represented here, with "You're Divine" (Makoto), and "Vocal Tune" (Peshay).

The album rounds out beautifully with the shimmering, stunning effort by "Doc Scott", with his "Tokyo Dawn" effort, which is one of the most inspired pieces of ambient Drum 'n' bass in recent years, and feels more of a direct comparison to Bukem's Nocturnal & peaceful "Journey inwards" album. From the shimmering waves of sampled sounds and the undeniably relaxed bass on the opener parts of the tracks which feel very expansive in its own right, the synth keyboard compositions here are truly stunning, and invoke the feeling of driving through the city by night, with this track encapsulating the mood perfectly, it is possibly the most subdued track on here, and is possibly one of the finest tracks to finish the album out with.

So the big question is....."Is this worth Buying??"......well the quality of the tracks here are beyond all doubt, every track on here, unquestionably justifies its inclusion here, but the fact that fans that have been following the 'Good Looking' labels output for many years will have the majority of the tracks here (if not all of them)will make that decision all the more harder to judge. But it does feel fantastic to have them all on one Cd, and beautifully sequenced. But if you carve new material, then you won't find it here, just tried and tested material, that became firm favourites with everyone over the years. So if you have the money or are feeling extravagant, then by all means, pick this up!!, as it a incredibly well put together release of established titles. But I feel this is probably aimed at people that have come on board to 'Good Looking' records bandwagon over the last couple of years or indeed are new to the label, and for those people, I very strongly urge you to make the purchase, as it's a truly fantastic primer for the label, and will serve you well for seeking out the individual albums, these tracks were taken from. And in that respect, its a utterly essential purchase. ... Read more

Amazon.com

For all the millennial hoo-hah he wrapped his music in, L.T.J. Bukem never made it to the future, only holding on to his pop moment for, well, a moment. By the time Americans heard his easy-listening version of jungle, the Brits had stopped listening. That shouldn't undercut the importance of what he did, though (hey, junglists need to feel classy, too), and there's no better showcase for his urbane aesthetic than this '96 two-CD compilation, which features Bukem mixing the likes of Adam F and DJ Trace while MC Conrad gooses the music with his unmistakably minimalist interjections. "The beats go forward / The beats go back," Conrad announces at one point. Give Bukem and his acolytes credit: though their synth pads could get a bit gooey, they snuck some unpredictable rhythm tracks beneath the gauze. Other meaningful verse from two guys who always understood that you can shake a dance floor without beating it over the head: "You like the, you like the / Beats so loud / I like to, I like to / Move the crowd." --Jeff Salamon ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Different, but still excellent.
I really enjoy LTJ Bukem's brand of jungle, and this is no exception. There is a slightly different sound here than on his GLO releases, however. This compilation is a little harder, and a little less lush than say your typical Progression Sessions release. Here it seems Bukem focused on more on bass and breaks than on the swooning atmospherics that made classics like Logical Progression so popular. This is not a bad thing. Quality tracks like Orca's "Discovery", and Future Sound Of Hardcore's "Desire" and "Euphoria" are easy highlights. This is CD2. CD1 on the other hand, which features MC Conrad's horrid chanting, or rapping, or whatever you call it, is hardly listenable just because of that (which is the reason the whole compilation only received 3 stars. As a cheaper, single disc compilation featuring only CD2, the compilation would receive 4 stars).

Fans of other Bukem CD's might enjoy this, but I'd recommend Logical Progression as a more suitable starting point for those just beginning to explore his catalouge.

amazing, mindblowing
the maximum in chill, dance, and heart-stopping beats. this album makes my heart flutter, and my mind go to crazy places. without drugs, i might add. absolutely amazing, and mc conrads vocals are just about the best ive ever heard. absolutely incredible. im in love with this album.

an awesome classic
This has to be one of my favorite mix CDs of all time. Early intelligent d'n'b. Really drummy just like i like it. This is one of the earlier conrad/bukem CDs and in my opinion one of the best. If you like bukem this is a must have.

great jungle from LTJ -- as expected
If you are a d'n'f fan get this cd. If you are a LTJ fan don't wait.

I am a big time LTJ fan, but don't let that thought underestimate the importance of this cd. Featuring many all time progressive jungle classics this cd is a must have for everyone who enjoys electronic music out there. Oh MC Conrad is magnificinet as always. You will especially enjoy his words rythmically blending to the beats and few lyrics of (Adam F's) Circles. The other tracks are great too. Don't wait just buy it.

All Sounds the Same
Every song on this 2 CD compilation sounds the same; it's an ok song, but do you really want to hear it for 1 & 1/2 hours? ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Finally, D&B with personality!
I'm not a huge fan of drum 'n' bass. A lot of it sounds the same to me, unless it's D&B's evil twin, drill 'n' bass. Drill 'n' bass demigod Aphex Twin, however, cites his friend Luke Vibert (AKA Plug, AKA Wagon Christ) as a major influence. So when I found a copy of this album used, I gave it a try. Yeah, it has a lot of the trappings of typical D&B (breezy suspended-chord synth pads, marijuana references, "Amen" break run into the ground all the way to China). But Luke's personal brand of Austin Powers-style silliness shines through and makes what could have been an endurance test into a delight - nay, a classic. No collection of '90's intelligent techno should be without this album.

Refreshingly tasty
It seems that increasingly in the world of drum & bass, actual drum pattern programming skills have given way to a sort of "my bassline is fatter than yours, so F.U" type mentality. Now, although we all love the big rollers and dance floor heavy hitters, it can get a bit tired when the same drum loop is used essentially without change through the whole track.

Enter PLUG, aka luke vibert. This album is our saviour, turning that paradigm on its head and giving it the finger.
The album is like a refreshing breeze. Most of it is a joy to listen to, invoking memories of earlier 90's jungle goodness while at the same time managing to sound modern and original, even if the album is 5 years old. The emphasis of this album is firmly placed on the beats, which skitter around all over the place, constantly changing and evolving, never getting tired. While the emphasis is on the beats, the other elements of the music have definitly not been neglected, and provide a very rich and entertaining listen.

Comparisons have been made to squarepusher, which I find a bit far fetched, although it is possible to see where these come from. The programming on this cD is excellent, but not quite up to the standard of squarepusher. This is a hard comparison to make however, as the two styles are completely different, save a few hazy similarities. Most of squarepusher's work is a lot more grinding and 'in your face' than this album. Perhaps the squarepusher effort most closely resembling this cD would be Music is Rotted.., but even this is a very loose comparison.

You should give this album a listen.

Still the shizznit
Am listening to this cd right now for the first time in quite a while...and it still is an extremely enjoyable cd.
I don't listen to much d&b or techno anymore, but Plug is an exception.
I'm guessing that those who have dissed it here only listen to techno (there's a bunch of other influences being displayed by Mr. Vibert) and take the music to seriously.
Yes, it's got a sense of humor, but it's never too goofy to make you turn it down when others are in earshot.

BEST ELECTRONIC ALBUM EVER
i love this album. it touched me deeper then any other electronic album. no drum n bass can even scratch the surface of what this record does.

downhill from here,folks
here it is the,the last/only luke vibert album worth spit.i'm not bashing the guy really.he just isn't very talented.sorry. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Part 18 in the popular downbeat series, Back to Mine: the Voodoo Sessions comes from Lamb producer Andy Barlow. As ever the selection is eclectic and unusual with all manner of styles jostling for space.The appropriately titled "Intro" by Martina Topley-Bird sets the voodoo mood well with her vocals sounding eerily ancient and rich in mysticism, which is the key to the hypnotic songs found here. The chanting world blues of Dr John's "I Walk on Guilded Splinters" maintains the atmosphere as things gently start to pick up with a deep, tribal MAW remix of Nina Simone's "See-Line Woman." The tempo really kicks in for Barlow's own "Sacred Space," world-influenced progressive techno inspired by the Glastonbury stones. This pace continues until the closing few tracks, Chris Thomas King's version of "Hard Time Killing Floor Blues" bringing it back to a gentle acoustic level until Damon Albarn's Nabintou Diakite project ends things in a fittingly spiritual manner.Back to Mine: the Voodoo Sessions is another great compilation in the series. The mixing is nothing to make a fuss of but the song selection and running order makes for a good way to spend an hour. --David Trueman ... Read more

Album Description

Thrive Records is proud to announce the release of the new studio album from one of electronic music’s most acclaimed and groundbreaking artists, Roni Size. "Return to V" follows in the footsteps of such Size classics as the Mercury Prize winning, genre-defining "New Forms," and the hip hop infused "In The Mode" as a unique synthesis of UK drum & bass, Jamaican dancehall, and US hip hop, jazz and soul/R&B.

With "Return to V," Size has returned to the groundbreaking, vocal-infused futurism that earned him countless awards and magazine covers worldwide, as well as Platinum sales in his native UK.

"Return to V" sees Size working with a line up of gifted vocalists that include Rahzel, Vikter Duplaix, Beverly Knight, Jocelyn Brown, Sweetie Irie, and Rodney P as well as Reprazent/Full Cycle regulars Dynamite MC and Tali. Additionally, as with the fully live Roni Size/Reprazent tour which took North America by storm in the late 1990's, Roni Size and a handpicked crew of musicians will be bringing the stage show to North American shores in early 2005 in support of "Return to V" ... Read more

Reviews (15)

What Sound is this? It's the sound of music.
When Lamb released their much anticipated album What Sound internationally at the end of 2001, I was waiting with abted breathe that they will get some airing in the States like their 1st 2 albums, but there was no such luck with the typically poor performance of these non-mainstream bands. Polygram did not release this. It was a disappointment that such a great piece of music was let to waste.

Well at least some record company has finally picked this up to release. Better late than never I suppose. The album is truly an extension of their excellent 1999 album Fear of Fours. Here, Loiuse Rhodes sing with hanuting chill on the first single Gabriel which also comes with a slew of delicious remixes. Second single Sweet is riveting in its original form and made even more upbeat and energetic in the remixed single version. What I like best on this album is the title track, One and Written, the latter with trademarks of producer extraordinarie Guy Sigsworth (who has worked with Bjork, Manadalay, Madonna & Imogen Heap).

The album alternates between electronica and drum and bass with intercepting trip hop. To sweeten the deal, Koch Records included the videos for the singles Gabriel and Sweet which would otherwise not be seen anywhere in the US. (this is what record companies should do by putting CD/DVD combos to win back consumers!) There are also 4 remixed tracks here and I shan't say more than what the other reviewers had said.

slight problem
lamb rawks, but there is a slilght problem.
the second (DVD) has an error in the tracklisting (not that the extra DVD that is included with the album is even listed, let alone a tracklisting for it)

it has 2 videos
gabriel
-and-
sweet

and then 4 audio only tracks (witha slide show of random lamb (ish) pics)
-trans fatty acid (K&D session mix)
-cottonwool (fila brazilia mix)
-sweet (souldchild radio mix)
-heaven (funkstorung remix)

here is where the problem lays... #4 is NOT the funkstorung mix it is ACTUALLY:
-what sound (tom middleton's deep step mix)
which in my mind should have been included on the DVD as well, but the missing funkstorung mix is kinda annoying. ESPECIALLY since it says within the DVD on the title menu that it is included, then when you click on it, it's not correct. but oh well, what you gonna do?

Excellent...
As usual, an interesting and absorbing effort by the talented couple...

Depressing
I discovered LAMB when I first heard 'Gabriel', a great song. So I decided to buy the album. I was hardly impressed. Its very depressing, and all the tracks are pale compared to Gabriel, my favourite track. Its frustrating to listen to, as there is some garbage Electronica in between the emotional moody songs. So you do need to skip often if you're not into that. Also, it sounds so much like the groups of that genre (Bjork,Potrishead,etc.) you hardly get the feeling you're listening to an original artist. If you have Gabriel through a comp CD, dont buy it!

okay, where's the funky beats?
Maybe I was hoping too much for an albumn to rival the first Lamb album. This album is okay and her voice is great, even better then the other albums, but it focuses way too much on her voice and seems to pretty much forget about all the cool beats and interchange between singer and dj that the first Lamb had. Gabriel does not come close to Gorecki, mainly because it never really has the drum and bass part that kicks in towards the midle of Gorecki and makes that song so awesome. ... Read more

Reviews (27)

goldie loves you...
It's hard to call this album drum n bass. There's so much more to it than what most drum n bass gives you. From lush, rolling nature atmospheres to hard hitting pitch shifts teamed with female vocals to rnb piano type thing, this album tries everything. Goldie probably got mobbed by a lot of stupid hardcore dnb fans after the release of this album, but that doesn't matter now. He's supplied the people with one of the greatest CD's of electronic music, and taken "drum n bass" about a zillion steps forward. After this came out, a new breed of dnb artists popped up, throwing more emotions and soul into their previously boring and calculated stylings. Think Roni Size and LTJ Bukem. Two of the biggest names in dnb, and I think they were greatly inspired by Mr. Goldie.

Every facet of this album cries individuality and humble importance. It starts right off with "Timeless". 21 minutes? Yeah, that's right. It really doesn't have "three parts", it is all really just one big mix of cool stuff. It has a bit of a hollow feel, actually. There aren't many things backing the song up, but in that sense, it has a drifting and freelancing quality. After that, you're bombarded with heavy dnb beats on "Saint Angel". But this bumbling yelps and wacked drums last long enough to be enjoyable and entertaining, and it runs into "State Of Mind". This is a rnb inspired track with full female vocals. It has this cool warm rain feel, supplied by harp, and it makes you feel warm inside, as well. Enter "Sea Of Tears". This is quite possibly my favorite track on this album. Piano and vocal samples paired with nature sounds to supply a moving experience. You have to really hear it to understand. "Angel". Somwhat similar to "Saint Angel". But with cool vox. "Sensual". Hard hitting pitch shifts and a female vocal sample. Quite cool! "Kemistry". Apparently dedicated to the recently deceased Kemistry and Storm dnb DJ, Kemistry. She was a mentor to Goldie, and in the insert it says she gave him much inspiration. A touching song. "You and Me" is next. Great song to close with. Cool warm piano with some piano.

Yeah, I know I'm bad at giving song descriptions, but when you listen to this album, the whole thing will be like one song. The whole thing flows quite nicely, stopping occasionally only to showcase it's superb qualities. This is one of the great albums of my generation, and it should be remembered as a classic. Or even, maybe, Timeless. (yeah, I know that sounds cheesy, but it's true).

Classic.
Look no further, lads and lassies, this is the album that defined "jungle," that unsteady skittery mix of breakbeats and deep dubby base; rhythm, but no distinct rules for it. That's jungle. No mainstream artist has ever produced anything like "Timeless." The title (and first) track consists of three parts: "Inner City Life," "Jah," and "Pressure." Twenty minutes long, but it's instantly accessible. Probably one of the only jungle /drum 'n bass tracks where the instrumental part is actually more interesting than the vocal (All of the other tracks follow suit, particularly "A Sense of Rage"). No other MAINSTREAM jungle artist can do this! C'mon, we're all grown up enough here to admit that the only interesting tracks on Roni Size's "New Forms" were the ones with vocals!

A brief history on the man himself...Goldie discovered breakbeats at London's Rage nightclub with his then girlfriend Kemistry and her DJ-ing partner Storm. Rage utilised reggae soundsystems and DJs like Grooverider to push breakbeats to new heights. After exposure to this, Goldie created "Timeless" in 1995 (if I may correct the previous reviewer), and formed the Metalheadz label, now one of the premier labels in Jungle and Drum 'n Bass. Metalheadz is now also a club in London where Goldie is king and top-notch jungle can be heard every week. LTJ Bukem, Alex Reece, Roni Size....nothing these guys have produced can touch "Timeless"...well, because it truly is.

Timeless Drum&Bass
Goldie was one of the biggest artists of Drum&Bass or Jungle as it also is called and this is his life work. A real Drum&Bass classic, it's meliodic and beautiful with great samples and female voices on some songs, far from the hardcore stuff you might think of when you hear about Drum&Bass. "Sea of Tears" is a good example of that. Another good song is "Sensual" with a female voice and slow sound mixed with fast drums. The real classic is however the 21 minute long masterpiece "Timeless". Actually it's 3 songs in it but anyway, if you just like parts of it then just listen to "Inner City Life" which was a quite big hit for him. It includes female voices, haunting sound and ofcourse the obvious drum sound. Not all songs sound the same, and that's why i like this album. If you want a rougher song, then you'll like "Saint Angel" with a weird electronic sound and fast drums. Many artists have been influented by this album, Roni Size is probably one of the biggest Drum&Bass artisst out there right now with another good album in "Life Forms" on ATB's new album there was a song called "Cabana Moon" with clear influents from this album. "Timeless" is indeed Timeless.

Best D&B of all time?
"Inner City Life" and it's various mixes must be one the drum & bass anthems anyway. Heavy beats and bass combine with soulful vocals and productions combine to make this arguably album of it's genre and it's a double CD set too. Also check out Roni Size's "New Forms", the fellow king and his legacy.

PURE GOLD!!
Steve from Miami....Pure Gold is what Goldie has created with this artwork of an album. From begining to finish.The drum beats make love to your ear like a gentle lover, and the timing is simply perfect.This is not a hardcore dnb album or "shake your body" type of sht this is simply an artisit at his best displying his definition of sounds.If your a fanatic of Goldie then this is a must have no Goldie collection is complete with out "Timeless".No Drum n bass collection is complete with out "Timeless" period. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Released as a tribute to the fact that Coldcut's legendary Ninja Tune imprint had been releasing records for a decade, this collection showcases the label's rich array of artists. Though assembled in the same spirit as the seminal Ninja Cuts series, comprising a mixture of back catalog and material exclusive to the compilation, a crafty alteration of the title acts as a nod to the 10 years since Bogus Order's "Zen Brakes" first fought its way onto a turntable. From the Steinski intro, the track listing of the first of two compact discs has a distinct hip-hop leaning. It slinks through lyrical activity from the likes of the Dynamic Syncopation before flipping a skit from Roots Manuva over Amon Tobin's "Saboteur" and dropping down to the sultry vocals of Sarah Jones, which parallel the Gil Scott-Heron standard in their declaration that the "revolution will not be between these thighs." Flip to the second disc for a demonstration of Ninja's recent foray into cinematic funk, whether through the raging percussion of Chris Bowden or breathtaking orchestration of Clifford Gilberto's "Restless," the resultant experience is nothing if not widescreen. Settle down and reset your ears for two hours of cross-dressing, genre-bending bliss from one of the U.K.'s most innovative record labels. --Kingsley Marshall ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Disappointing to be perfectly honest
Yeah i know, (the price) for 3 cds (just under 50 songs) is great, the packaging is real nice and the names performing are top notch.

The problem is that i was expecting something really mindblowing and there where some great touches but overall i wasn't that impressed. Maybe its because i had most of the best songs because i had at least 10 of the artists individual albums.

Cd 1 is strictly for the hip-hop headz. Roots Manuva kills it of on track 2 while the Herbaliser and Latryrx show just why i think they are the most gifted writers in the scene on track 5. Roots Manuva strikes again on Tobins brilliant Saboteur (track 9), and Quannum MC (track 15) is real hot. This is probably the best cd in this collection with Mr Scruff and Kid Koala making decent apperances. Track 7 is my least favourite (by Neotropic?).

Cd 2 is probably the worst cd. Clifford Gilberto saves it from the dustbin with the amazing Restless and the 10th victim.
Funki Porcini and Arc are above par with decent tracks as is Amon Tobin. Dj Food has the worst song on this whole album with 'The Ageing Young Rebel' (tRACK 10).

Cd 3 is decent with Eastflatbush project (Track 11) and my main man Roots Manuva on (track 10). Funki Porcini gets it right again with (track 2), Porcini's 'Ultimately empty million dollars lp' was real poor so this shows he is decent. Finally (track 12) by DJ Food is brilliant. CD3 has many decent but uninspiring songs on aswell as the ones mentioned.

In conclusion, the is a must get purchase for any Ninja Tune fans and since i purchased a cd recorder i have made a one disc compilation which is great, i advise you to do the same.

(...) To be honest when i started this review i gave it 3 stars but it deserves 4.
DJ Krush vs Coldcut, Funkungfusion and DK and DJ Food compilations are also banging but Funkjazztical Tricknology should be avoided. Laters

Everything Xen
So Ninja Tune decides to release a huge, mega-compilation (3 CDs, 46 tracks) ... I then decided to take a chance (going simply on the label's reputation and a few tracks I'd heard). And I'm glad I did. There's so much here, and the amazing part is how much of it is outstanding.

Disc One concentrates on hip-hop. The general theme here is decent MCs dropping above-average lyrics over phenomenal beats. It's probably the most consistently high-quality disc here.

Standouts: Amon Tobin - "Saboteur"; Big Dada Sound - "Showtime"; Kid Koala - "Emperor's Main Course"; Luke Vibert - "I Hear The Drummmer"; Up, Bustle & Out - "Hip Hop Barrio"

Disc Two emphasizes the more chilled, jazzy, trip-hop stuff. There are some moments that don't work (Loka, Animals on Wheels, Flanger) because of off-tempo programming, but the vast majority of the disc is excellent.

Standouts: both Clifford Gilberto tracks, Funki Porcini, Amon Tobin, Up, Bustle & Out

Disc Three is less cohesive as a single unit, but is equally fun. The winners here (out of a huge batch of winners) are Saul Williams, DJ Vadim, DJ Food, and Roots Manuva.

All in all, a great compilation of innovative hip-hop/techno/trip-hop. The only drawback is there's so much here it may be overwhelming!

If you're going to get your feet wet, you may as well swim.
Lets rate the label not the tracks. The label, as it stands, is on the up and up, introducing the best aritsts that jazz-core and hip hop (REAL HIP HOP, NOT LUDACRIS) have to offer. The problem, is that this compilation only lets you get your feet wet in the ocean that this label has to offer. Tracks by Amon Tobin, Saul Williams, Kid Koala KILL the rest of the cd. I would honestly reccommend this compilation to those who are ready to dive into some deeper music, it's the perfect introduction into the world of electrojazz and tru hip hop heads. Heavy and hard, this one carries. Just know that this compilation is mearly a cliff note in the world of the tunes of the ninja. Ninja tune reprazent.

Xen Superstar
Xen Cuts is basically a compilation of music from different musicians from the Big Dada and Ninjatune label. It's a great showcase of all the labels have to offer and is almost like like gourmet dish of different foods to sample before you decide to buy them on your own. The tracks range from trip hop to hard acid jazz (I love Clifford Gilberto's tracks) and some lyrically sound hip hop tracks. With as many musicians as they have, a lot of the tracks are well done. Granted, I would be hard pressed to find all the tracks appealing, the ones that are give birth to a sense of style that each of the musicians have thoroughly developed through the years and deserve the recognition that they get for their respective genres.
The hip hop tracks are nicely done, the Big Dada Sound track is a highlight just because it features some big name (well, relatively speaking) that all collaborate on one track. It's the perfect high-bass track for any bloke rolling out on the town one evening. The acid jazz tracks are spectacular, especially the clifford gilberto. The tracks leave you drenched in saturation, and push you towards the epiphany of "This is *real* acid jazz". The drum n bass tracks are alright, besides Amon Tobin, it's not really a genre that the labels are known for producing, but some of the d n b tracks are enjoyable. Overall, there are some tracks that pale, while others that embody their respective genre in full. But for the price, it's all good.

Must have
Live kid Koala cuts! Rare 'Revelution won't happen bwt these thighs' track and many others. Dude, get it. You gotta. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Photek is Rupert Parks, an early progenitor of jungle and precision-driven drum & bass. While living in Ipswich, England, Rupert Parks began making electronic music with a record shop owner named Rob under the name Origination. Parks soon departed Origination for a solo career as Photek. After releasing a series of successful 12-inch records in England, Photek/Parks put out a highly acclaimed recording titled The Hidden Camera. On Modus Operendi, Parks enters into an even more minimalist phase of electronic composition while embracing disparate musical influences, including jazz and the hardened Detroit techno scene. Employing complex, intricate beats and a forbidding, tension-filled atmosphere, Photek's stripped-down sound on this recording establishes Parks as one of electronic music's premier experimental artists. --Mitch Myers ... Read more

Reviews (29)

Not your mothers d n' b....
I can understand why people rated Photek poorly. His work is cold and inhuman-- more focused on precision than melody. It's a tough listen: in many ways, its probably about as inaccessible as a popularly acessible drum n' bass or jungle album is. It's all about straight ahead beats. Melodies become minimal: this is the cold blade of drum and bass with the fluff thrown away...

It's not your grandmothers Oldsmobile either. It's not comfortable and it sounds awfully spartan for the first one.... er... twenty listens. To listen to it you have to think soberly. To analyze. Even with Amon Tobin (who does some really tight work) there is a margin for error as a listener provided by the padding of sampling.... a buffer zone.... whereas here, this record bleeds into your subconcious... tribally... like 'jungle' should....

This is Photek's best record although some of his remixes, etc. are pretty hard to beat. This, along with Vibert's (Plug) "Drum and Bass for Papa" and Tobin, Aphex Twin, and Squarepusher's work is about as far-out as stuff gets.....

But that stuff is better if you don't know what you're getting into. This is like the eighteen year old double malt of electronic composition.....

Wired to Saturn
I really can't understand all those reviewers who rated this record with one or two stars only. Obviously, these people did a review without having listened properly to this CD. "Modus operandi" is Photek's best album and quite possibly one of the greatest drum n'bass records ever. Instead of incorporating fluffy female vocals and radio-friendly melodies, Photek's tracks are based on mathematically precise textures and relentless, sharp beats. "Smoke rings", "Minotaur" and "Trans 7" are pretty hard and aggressive. But there are also some laid-back and moody pieces, just listen to "The hidden camera", "124", and the title track. "124" is a great track with a gorgeous melody of unearthly beauty. "Modus operandi" with its touch of jazz reminds me of Squarepusher's work. I know that drum n'bass has reached its zenith several years ago and this genre was hardly capable of development. But Photek's albums and EPs still stand out because they contain some very fine and timeless music.

sparse
this for me is the pinnacle of drum and bass. the beats are so crisp and sharp that they cut into you. the bass so deep and punctuating it drags you along into the suite. very little else other than percussion and bass. the landscape can seem very barron, very empty. you can almost feel the tumbleweed rolling past or the sound of breaking glass 5 blocks away.

as previous reviewers have noted, this guy has manufactured every single part of this player. the beats constructed in a mans own image.

i dont think this is one for the masses, theres not really anything slightly commercial, nor would i ever recommend it as a gateway into this genre. the player is an entitlement ya gotta earn to appreciate it. it took me about 2 years to really enjoy what photek was doing here, and to listen to it now (many years on) it still unnerves me.

ideally be used as a soundtrack to a dark minimalist film nobody ever watches.

very haunting.....very very good.

Good listening music
Dark, slick and sophisticated drum n bass, Modus Operandi would have made a great accompaniment to the first Dirty Harry movie. A soundtrack of suspense and cool atmospherics. As one would expect from what I presume is called "minimalist" drum n bass, there are no real songs to speak of; no vocals either for that matter. Just a pitter-patter of snare, hi-hat and bass drum, a bass and the odd synth pad, sketching the scene of a New York City streetscene late at night. . Although this would appear to be low-key enough to qualify as ambient, oddly enough this is music that needs to be listened to. And it is in fact a really splendid record that is receiving heavy rotation at home. Just four or five tracks at a time, mind you. A little of this stuff goes a long way.
If you like this then I would recommend Surgeon for more upbeat fare.

...breathtaking...
photek's modus operandi is a unique collection of breathtaking beats and outstanding atmospheres. As you listen the album, you feel powerfull and full of stamina that you feel you want to take it all. This album is like some damn drug, you became addicted and your heart doesn't stops till the music ends. Then ? You start it over.

JuSt don't stop listening it! ... Read more

Reviews (16)

AK at his finest... Navigator on an off day
AK1200 has been one of my faves for years. I have also heard some of MC Navigator before. The tracks that AK lays down are phat. Some of his best choices yet. This CD does capture the ambience of the party quite well, however... Navigator's frequent narrating does get in the way of an otherwise great set from AK. My Rating: Good once or twice.. then, sell it.

not even worth the plastic it was imprinted on
i can't believe that i bought this cd. jesus christ this mix sux more than a crack ho's mother on the 1st of the month when rent is due. thanx ak... for making me wanna puke. forget navigator's appalling US debut in recorded format... even the track selection highlights the postboredom that the jungle scene fell into after 2000. i recommend dieselboy's 6th session and dj db's higher education for a much more profound understanding of how the junglist held it down after 2000 byatch.

Can we drown out the MC
First off, after hearing MC Navs, MC Skills, i would never book this guy for a venue. The only reason I gave this cd a 3 is because of the supposed MCing. If not for that i would rate it about a 4.5 Once again AK 1200 comes through with some awsome track selection. Everytime i see this guy at the Planet of the drums tour he gets better and better. I feel bad AK 1200 basically gets drowned out by the horrid attemp to MC. But if your a true AK 1200 fan like i am you'll by this and just forget that MC navigator even on it.

Can't understand all the dissappointment?
I can't see why everyone is so down on this Cd. Trust me passer-byers this disc is not that bad. The only reason I give it 4.5 stars is because I have listened to Fully Automatic and got blown away by it. The only difference (if you liked Fully Automatic) is that they used an MC to try to get back to the level they have achieved. Listeners probably don't take to it because the MC bastes attitude all over the disc, however it still remains an up-beat dancable attitude and doesn't quite reach the ranks of rap. The only thing keeping it from a five star rating is that this Cd in my opinion starts off much stronger than any of the other AK1200 discs I have listened to but begins to falter about half way through. However keep in mind it doesn't trip too bad they retain thier sound throughout the disc. They simply take a step down from the incredible high that is immediatelly brought into the Cd.
Thanks

This album is weak
This album is weak. It is hardly worh listening to; the disruptive rantings from Navigator make me cringe. There is no rhythm or continuity within his MCing efforts. He must have been exhausted from the tour, and probably stayed up too late the night before or something. There are no, I repeat no MCing skills made manifest in his holloring nonsense. Navigator is never on time, and always spoils the tracks by forcing his voice over the track with no respect to the intended rhythm of the music. Besides the bad MCing, the reproduction audio quaility is poor, I suspect because they had to give Navigator plenty of barking volume on his mic. It can be done right and sound well, sure, but it wasn't done so here. Other than that the mix by Ak is pretty good. Don't buy this album if you have any sense in what an MC-aided drum and bass set should sound like...... ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Taking you down the road of atmospherixs...
Ltj Bukem and MC Conrad... 2 of the main figureheads behind Good Looking Records and the originators of the atmospheric (intelligent) drum n' bass sound. Recorded Live in Boston, MA, this past Spring. 74+ minutes of incredible *live* drum n' bass. Ltj Bukem flawlessly weaves through the incredible titles he and label mates Makoto, Nookie, Conrad, and Rantoul for an exciting dose into the atmospherics. Conrad does a solid job behind the mic with classic GLR rhyming. I would love to have seen this show. It is the first of the Progression Sessions to be recorded all the way live versus having studio overdubs of the vocal work. Surprisingly, Conrad pulls it all solidly together minus the dual rhyming of MC partner DRS.

Bukem creates more tunrtable wizardry than any of the previous PS albums in the series... The work is a testament of the GLR sound that spans the globe. Bukem and Conrad stay true to the atmospheric drum n' bass style that has set them apart from the pack. When you think the series could not get any better... they prove us wrong again... Amazing.

If this was in Boston at the Roxy, as the rumors imply....
It was a slamming set. Haven't listened to the CD, but I sure as hell had a good time. Nice atmospheric intelligent drum and bass. Either way, you can't really can't go wrong with a mixed Bukem CD, although my more serious junglist friends prefer Nookie from Good Looking. Conrad was on point that evening. For those who have yet to figure out what you'd like as far as drum and bass goes, pick up his Live! for Mixmag album. That CD remained in my car stereo for about a month before I threw the DJ Krush code 4109 back in.

Great new format, Live
This album captures the new sound of LTJ, the beats are funky to start and seamlessly work up to a classic cerebral-driving sound that we have come to love from our friends at good looking. I like how they have captured the more up-tempo sound of what they actually play live on this album, it really shows the dynamic of a live Bukem & Conrad performance of which I have been to many. Then there is the instrumental which is basically the same thing set up in the studio without conrad. It goes to show you how bukem is a machine, he sounds the same in the studio or live, even after a few spliffs. Conrad's flow is less rapping and more chanting, a distinction that is lost on most people who review these albums. The chant is a totally different type of vocalism, and it has more to do with precussion along with the beat than it does with lyrics, but since Conrad is so skilled lyrically, it adds a whole mind-blowing dynamic to the dance experience. I guess you have to come at it from the drum and bass roots rather than the hip-hop to fully appreciate it.

Anything from Good Looking Records.
This album is recommended. LTJ Bukem has been out since a long time continuing to produce one of the best DNB albums and compilations out there.

You've got nothing if you don't have options
This is a great live album. Both LTJ and MC Conrad blend music and vocals seamlessly. As usual, the energy is high without being distracting. The mixes are smooth and well balanced. If you just want to listen to the music, play the other CD and worry no more. I think MC Conrad adds a certain dash and smartness to the mix but it's nice to have choices. Like my daddy said "The secret to life is having options." ... Read more

Amazon.com

Ninja Tune is one of the few labels that still appreciate the meaning of the scratch and the funk: mixing things up with vehemence and style. That's not to say that the label's music hasn't grown increasingly loungy, as evidenced on this uniformly fine, if slightly anonymous, 30-track, 2-CD compilation. Or it could merely mean that the language of hip-hop no longer causes psychic confusion so much as nostalgic memories. Certainly the sound of a typewriter in Kid Koala & Money Mark's "Carpal Tunnel" is as antiquated as a Run-DMC album. Tracks from recent signings Dynamique and Roots Manuva, among others, are brand new and, for the moment, exclusive, while many (including "Body Lockers," Chocolate Weasel's Jaco Pastorius imitation) can be found elsewhere, so research before spending. --D. Strauss ... Read more

Reviews (10)

THIS CD IS AN EARGASM
I love this compilation. It is so rich in jazzy horn lines and mind boggling rhythms for beat-lovers. There isn't as much hip-hop on this compilation as Ninja Tune really has to offer, but there great jazz and trip-hop is masterfully compiled on this album with great artists like Amon Tobin, Kid Koala, Luke Vibert, Up, Bustle and Out, and many others. Anyone who wants to expand into an advanced realm of beats, supplied by the talents of Luke Vibert and others and dark Jazzy horn riffs,supplied by Amon Tobin, J. Swinscoe and others, you're in for a tasty treat. However, be warned. If you are into the trance scene, or into house beats, this might be a gap you may want to refrain from bridging, but otherwise, go for it. buy this CD now, and I'll guarantee that the snares will be crisp and the symbols will ring.

A great overview of the Ninja Tune label
A must-own if you're a fan of the Ninja Tune sound! You'd be better-off getting the full albums from some of the featured artists (Clifford Gilberto, Mr. Scruff, Roots Manuva). However, for many (ie Up Bustle and Out) this compilation represents the only good songs from their albums - so you save some cash by getting the meat and cutting out the fat. Overall, an excellent sampling of the talent Ninja Tune has to offer.

(And no, you're not going to get brainless trance music. If you want to dance, look elsewhere - but if you want quality electronica, Ninja Tune has it in spades.)

oh sweet heaven....
With a cd like this, you'll soon forget friends and family. Amon tobins "melody infringement" has got me in the knees, on the floor, lost forever.

.....and I thought electronica was all about dancing!
If you want to hear full quality, intelligent electronica, this is the label to turn to. The 'Ninjatune' label has a lot of good music to offer. I really did not appreciate this album on first listen, but as i kept listening, it became interesting, and fun to listen to: especially if you like jazz music. This is trippy jazz, though! I would also recommend (highly over this one) "Cold Krush Cuts". That one is a good album, but this has a better variety of the Ninja. You might not get it if you are into dance, trance, or whatever, and are not willing to try something new! ....so be warned!

There are a few.....
really good tracks on this compilation. But, I would not recommend it to anyone. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Like the best drum & bass musicians, Photek explores the nuances of the rhythms that most jungle musicians, blinded by dance-floor strobe lights, take for granted. His rarefied electronic tracks rarely overlap more than a handful of discrete sonic elements. On "The Water Margin," for example, cetacean burbles bounce amid an extended percussion solo and a lone, vaporous, synthetic woodwind. And that's it. The composerly sense of musical development Photek brings to these skeletal constructions has lent his earliest recordings a reputation as the blueprint of avant-garde drum & bass. Four of those early recordings, "The Water Margin" among them, are collected on Form & Function, which also includes six appropriately uncluttered remixes (by J Majik, Doc Scott, Peshay, and others) and two brand new tracks, one spooky, one funky. --Marc Weidenbaum ... Read more

Reviews (29)

Another great compilation from a great artist!
If you just want drum n bass,that you can dance to or listen to casually,don't buy this! You'll probably end up finding it boring and monotonous! This stuff is much more than that,more perplexing,more intelligent,the patient audiophile will definitely be rewarded! This album is also kinda along the same lines as "Modus Operandi"(you definitely wanna check that out,if you like this,a definite DnB classic),precise and minimalistic.Some of Photek's old classics are on here(finally available on CD),and some excellent remixes of those tracks as well,like "The Margin 98",very well implemented by the great Doc Scott(also check out "Lost In Drum and Bass"),the "Rings around Saturn(remix)" by Peshay and Decoder("Miles From Home" is defintely a MUST BUY! ),and the "UFO(remix)" by J Majik(still waiting for his full length debut! ),and the excellent remix of "The Lightening",by Digital(waiting for his album,as well! ).Needless to say,the remixes by Photek are brilliant! All his tracks have always been exceptional! On the whole,this is an excellent compilation!

Argh - no, not quite.
First star off: no Ni Ten Ichi Ryu. This wasn't even on Modus Operandi, and it isn't here either!

Second star off: not enough other real classics included, some that everyone needs to hear. e.g. Into The 90s and The Rain. Instead choosing to include the overly-repetitive Water Margin (the remix is a good one though), and the tacky UFO (these days, those sighting samples don't even sound quaint - they're embarrassing).

But despite that, included here is the staggering Parkes hat-trick: Rings Around Saturn, his own remix of Seventh Samurai (making the original sound very VERY lacking by comparison - just a Ni Ten rip-off, in fact), and the totally, totally devastating Peshay and Decoder remix of (again) Rings Around Saturn.

Santiago gets pretty close just by having the single greatest use of handclaps in a d&b tune, and Knitevision proves that Parkes is the only man who can make 7 minutes of - pretty much - only drums, sound fascinating.

Throw in a couple more sorta-decent remixes, and there you go, you have Form & Function (although we could do without the remix of UFO - no disrespek to J Majik, it's not really his mixing, but the track that I dislike). Starting off very well but faltering from beginning to end between good and dodgy tracks. 3 out of 5 it the most I can give it. Grab Risk vs Reward (for the stunning Ni Ten Ichi Ryu) first, then pick up Modus Operandi. Only come here if you thoroughly loved both.

A disappointing ,middle of the line release
This Cd sounds like an unfinished product from the music genius, Photek. I purchased this release soon after Modus Operandi and I suggest you get M.O. before this one. F&F contains too much mind-numbing repetiton and lacks the exceptional sampling that it's predessor had. This is a relatively boring CD without variety. If you liked Modus though, you will like this. Tracks 5, 9,10,11,and 12 are very good while the remixes become boring after a couple listenings. Even though i ripped on it i do suggest this for any Photek fan!

Middle of the line release from master of musical precision
I bought this CD soon after I bought Modus Operandi. And I would have to say Form & Function was a disappointment, but after listening to Modus Operandi, anything is a disappointment. I suggest you stay away from this alnum until you listen to M.O. because of the overbearing mechanical precison of this album leaves you feeling dry. Too much uniformity can be a bad thing if it's not backed up with enough variety of sampling. This CD does not have much listening life to it unlike it's exceptional predecessor: Modu Operandi. Form & Funcion was good but could have been a lot better. It just doesn't sound complete, almost as it was released by Photek unfinshed.

experimental breaks at their best
In this album Photek has shown that there is no limit for finding new ways to produce an experimental drum and bass compilation he is always breaking new grounds and is a constant inspiration. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A little bit of everything unique
I sincerely hope that every electronic music fan owns the collection of DJ? Acucrack albums. They have a sound like no other group I am aware of. They have excellent variation on all of their albums with a very good flow. These are CD's you put into rotation in entirety-- although certain songs are great "singles", they work best as a complete body of work. Although I'd give their first album, Mutants of Sound, a full 5 stars, this album is very good. A change of pace from the first (more lyrics). Another note: if you've ever wanted to know what tripping on acid is like without committing the act, buy these albums and have a couple drinks. Shut the windows, put on your iTunes visualizer, and enjoy.

C9 Magazine Review - DJ? Acucrack "Sorted"
Progressing in diversity since their first material on the Lost In Bass / Slipdisc record label. DJ? Acucrack has expanded into more break-beat and tech step styles of drum n' bass. The dark, more ambient, trance type of songs is still present on Sorted however.

"Mal Fader" opens with some MC'ing and mid tempo beats with some dark bass. "Chicks Dig Acid" has a more straight up techno feel to it. Track 4, "Tech Support", is an adrenaline-injecting piece of pure energy. So fast, so raw, the vocals add so much. That is one major thing separating this material from the first time I heard DJ? Acucrack. There weren't really too many vocals to speak of in their earlier material.

"Tech Support" flows into the more laid back "So to Speak". This song reminds me of their cover of "Whisper to a Scream". Same samples I suppose. Toni Halliday contributes the lyrics and vocals to "So to Speak". I think the coolest part of this song is toward the middle when the rest of the music gets a bit quieter and you can hear a sample of what sounds like a banjo, or one of those metal things you stick in your mouth. You know, that thing Snoopy always used...

After "So to Speak" ends, the darker more atmospheric drum n' bass comes into being. This segment, with no vocals, flows through "The Test" and "Fulcrum Torque". Then some vocals reappear in "Asphalt Heart Dreams", which is the longest track on here clocking in at 7:15. It meshes into the next track "Chemo". This song has a more jump-up dance appeal to it.

Next comes "Unsorted". It is probably the most laid back track on here, with a certain somber feel to it. The next "Optimizer" is of the same style of "Tech Support", except without quite so much speed in it. "Selector vs. the Acucrack" ends this album off on an upbeat, straight club-dancing mood.

Point blank, if you like variety in your drum n' bass, with an overall darker feel to it, then DJ? Acucrack is an act worth looking into...

The sweetest beats known to man.
Dj? Acucrack are one of those rare unpigeonhole-able artists that come along once in a blue moon and blow away all of your preconcieved notions of what electronica is. "Sorted" spans the gamut from downtempo ("So To Speak") to downright evil d&b ("Malfader"), straight up breakbeat ("Chicks Dig Acid") to haunting dub that sends chills straight down your spine ("Unsorted") - there's really something on this record for every taste. Unlike so much of the machinistic, cold techno on the market today, Acucrack have managed to craft a genuinely organic, soulful collection of songs that belong in everyone's heart, and in their CD player. Get "Sorted", your ears will thank you. ... Read more