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Finally, the U.S. sees a domestic release of Fatboy Slim's On the Floor at the Boutique, hands down one of the most thrilling, addictive DJ mix albums ever released. Recorded live in 1998 at the Big Beat Boutique (epicenter of the mid- to late-'90s big-beat movement), Norman Cook, a.k.a. Fatboy Slim, takes the listener on a fascinating, diverse tour of four-on-the-floor sounds. What's always made Cook so great is the way that he seamlessly blends seemingly incongruous sounds to create righteously cool, shiny new beats; he truly is the trainspotting vinyl freak with an uncanny talent for creating accessible dance-floor shakers built of weird components. Take track 4--who'd have thought a spry blue-beat ska sample, an ELO riff, phat beats, a few stray horn riffs, and a sped-up Jungle Brothers vocal track would be one of the coolest things heard all year? --Mike McGonigal ... Read more

Reviews (35)

Fatboy Slim, Look What You've Done!
First off, let me just say that this was not exactly what I was expecting from this album. After purchasing "The Fatboy Slim/Norman Cook Collection" and "You've Come A Long Way, Baby", both very different albums, I figured this would fall somewhere in between the two. However, it is in a class by itself. First of all, the songs never really begin or end, it's one continuous beat that makes it good for parties. A song may begin before its offical track, and may end sometime in the middle of the next song, and parts of it may pop up a few tracks later. I would have to agree with the other reviewers in saying that the real standout here is the Jungle Brothers' "Because I Got It Like That," an undeniably cool song that I can't stop listening to. It gets even better as you begin to hear it over and over. My second favorite track has to be "Michael Jackson," with the recurring reproach, "Michael Jackson, look what you've done!" Other than those two, it's often hard to identify individual tracks because so many lead into others, but most of the songs are great for dancing or simply listening to. Toward the end, some of the songs can get a bit cloying; they emphasize Fatboy Slim's prediliction toward causing sounds that may sound cool for a few seconds to overstay their welcome. Overall, though, a good purchase for anybody who likes dance/techno/big beat/whatever else is on this CD. For me, it was worth the price just for Track 4.

Props to Norman Cook!
I was SO surprised to find out that big Mr. Fatboy hasn't lost his roots. This is a fantastic album that highlights the best in bigbeat and Big Norman mixes it all so well. I know alot of the kids out there who love Fatboy Slim for Praise You and "The Funk Soul Brother" have bought this CD and hated it, and they deserve it. This is what true bigbeat is all about and for some it may take a little getting used to, but in the end it's worth it. Notable tracks by the Bassbin Twins, Cut La Roc, Jungle Brothers (my all-time fav FBS remix), and DJ Tonka. I promise you that if you play this album at a party, everyone will have 4.592 times as much fun (that's a proven statistic.)

Not all good
I admit there are some really good tracks on this album (specifically #1, 9, 10, and 15-19 but the rest are just OK/border on annoying. Sadly, I'll probably get 10 million people clicking the No, this review was not helpful button because I don't give every album a 5 star review. Oh well. Bottom Line: Buy this only if you are a diehard Fatboy Slim fan. Otherwise, just download the tracks I listed.

keep dat funk ALIVE!
The legendary Big Beat Boutique in Brighton housed some great artists (like Lo Fidelity Allstars, Bentley Rhythm Ace, and of course Fatboy Slim), but in 2000, it was shut down. So Norman Cook a.k.a Fatboy Slim threw together this live mix in retrospective of this great club. On this CD, you will find funky rhythm assaults, bouncing samples, drunken drum loops, and, of course, a LOT of funk. You'll be shakin it up to some of these swelling trax. I thought it really got great from track 6 to 9, where it reaches it's climax of sonic quality, topping off with DJ Tonka's essential "Phunky". Fatboy throws on a variety of records, from hip-hop / trip-hop ("Because I Got It Like That" and "Deaf Mike's Throwdown") to funky classics ("Apache" and "Post Punk Progression") and just plain great songs ("The World's Made Up Of This And That" and "Phun-Ky"). A great CD, be sure to pick it up on the way to a party as it appeals to most people and is great to dance to.

Not what you'd expect...
When I fist bought this CD and listened to it I was a bit shocked. This was not the Fatboy Slim that I knew. However, after listening to this CD a few times I was completely in love. This is not "You've Come a Long Way, Baby", so don't buy it if that's what you're looking for. However, if you're looking to listen to some incredible music just pop this booty- licious CD in the player. Track 4 is classic. Oh Norman...what can't you do? ... Read more

Amazon.com

As Red Hot Organization celebrations of composers and genres go, Red Hot & Rhapsody is certainly timely, coming as it does at the 100th anniversary of George Gershwin's birth. Like its predecessors, it's also trendily eclectic. While its "groove" sometimes falls on the wrong side of the divide between sinuous and sleepy--a version of "Summertime" by Morcheeba and lite-jazz flutist Hubert Laws that finds vocalist Sky Edwards carefully pronouncing the "g" that isn't in the word "jumpin'"--and Natalie Merchant and Duncan Sheik are just plain wrong for their material, this is a solid disc that makes a good case for having Bobby Womack, Luscious Jackson, Money Mark, and Clark Terry on the same five inches of plastic and aluminum. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (11)

An eclectic collection of sultry sounds and mellow jazz
I purchased this CD 2 years ago and it is still my favorite. This CD however is not for the generic jazz music lover. The tone is almost lounge-slow with some of the artists adding their somber interpretation to the songs. Yet the Natalie Merchant version of "But Not for Me" alone makes the album worth buying. Out of all 17 tracks, there is only one song I am not particulary fond of, although it is beginning to grow on me....

VERY COOL
This CD is a master piece..the only reason i give it 4 stars and not five is because the songs by all the biggies like sinead 0'connor and david bowie completely sucked. The the ones by Duncan shiek Natalie Merchand et all wer aweson..very cool music..i you wanna relax and smoke a few .....drink a few...be alone..this ones for you then!...refreshing music is all i have to say about this CD!

so-so if you ask me
If George Gerswhin heard this cd, he'd probably turn over in his grave. It's just an insult to the man's art to cover his songs by just singing over a Casio beat (refer to tracks 1, 4, 10, 12, 13, and 14). But the biggest disappointments came from the big names on the cd-- namely Natalie Merchant. Her version of "But Not for Me" is soooo boring. Even I can sing it better than she can. Sinead O'Conner didn't do much better with "Someone to Watch Over Me". The only standout track was Clark Terry's "Let's Call the Whole Think Off". Maybe it was best to give these classic songs a 90's facelift and add the drum tracks and all that programming/sampling. Smoke City's "They Can't Take That Away From Me"(song #4) and Sarah Cracknell's "The Man I Love" (song #13) are pretty good. This isn't that bad of a cd, but it could be so much better. Seems like many people liked it by all the 5-star reviews. But if you happen to buy this cd and are a little disappointed, don't be because you're still helping out a wonderful cause.

Gershwin With a Beat
This album will float you through those sultry summer evenings with its smooth sounds. For the Gershwin lover, for the R&B lover, or for just the lover: it's a purchase you won't regret.

The best CD in my collection
There is a wealth of music in this one CD. I have had this now about 6 months and it is still my favourite. ... Read more

Amazon.com

British trip-hop phenomenon Tricky embarks on a second hypnotic, chilled-out ride to the outer limits. Guest artistes include Bjork, Neneh Cherry, Terry Hall, and Alison Moyet (who sings "Make a Change," the most accessible track here). --Jeff Bateman ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Ack....I'M MELTING
Ok, I'll be honest, I didn't love this cd right away. I had to listen to it a couple of times - but oh baby, when it hits you, watch out! The song "Poems" makes me want to cry really hard, but not in a sad way - it's just so cathartic. The whole album gets under your skin and you can't (nor do you want to) get it out! I loved hearing from Allison Moyet and Terry Hall. What a nostalgic trip. This is actually the first Tricky cd I've gotten. Everyone seems to be saying it's a real departure from his other albums. I plan to buy them all now. I only hope they will live up to the genius that is "Nearly God". Buy this!!!

Brilliant work!
In reviewing this album, I would just like to tell you my experience. I heard Maxinquaye, and it was excellent. Then I went to Pre Millenium Tension, and It was good too. I wanted more tricky. Someone suggested this cd to me, but said its very claustrophobic, and I would not like it much. So I ignored it. I went on to Angels with dirty faces. I was still looking for a new tricky album, so I thought, what the hell? It wont hurt if I got nearly god. I tell you Honestly Very nearly perfect...
Ok, Nearly God is something I bought without consciously knowing I was looking for it. I found it in a used store ... and figured I'd give it a try. Well, let me tell you, NOW I'm hooked.
At first listen, you might not like it because it's not your typical techno trancy stuff. The trick is, you have to listen to it numerous times to truly appreciate the album. It is genuinely worth the effort, though. I'll tell u why.
Some of the best tracks on this record are "Poems", which will turn you on in no time flat. "Make a Change" is also very meditative. Even "Keep Your Mouth Shut", with its slight hip-hop intro will blow your ...world, friend:)
I only give it 4 stars because, while the record is truly amazing, it is hard to play it the whole way through. I'm telling you, though, purchase this album because it's really good and you will find youself repeating certain tracks over and over again. If u are looking for a dope experience without the marijuana, then go to ur nearest record store, buy the cd and play it with some fine wine and a good friend (and make amazing love):)

The Blatant Truth about Tricky's Music!
This is a masterpiece !
This cd illustrates Tricky's full trip hop ability. All the songs all have the same mood and nothing is out of place. Bjork is featured on this cd along with Martina(His X Girlfriend). The music is classic and the stand out track is a Creepy masterpiece called "Poems". Which I believe "Broken Homes" on "Angels with Dirty Faces" was crafted after. Tricky is on a slow path to destruction, His 1st three efforts were really great this includes Maxinqueye, Nearly God, Pre millennium Tension. After these three efforts the split between Tricky and his girlfriend Martina really made a difference. You can tell that her voice was a huge motivation in his music. With the abscence of her voice you can tell that the creativity just wasn't there. Tricky isn't a singer and with out a female voice over his voice,it lacks alot. His new effort "BlowBack" is completley crap, it is basically a attempt at rock music because he is bullheaded and just can't except the fact he can't sing. "Ruff Guide" which is supposidly a Greatest Hits that will give you a basic outline of Tricky's career. And if you compare the notes with each song you will see the difference in the material. "Angels with Dirty Faces" only hints at the magic that Tricky and Martina once had. "Broken Homes" is the masterpiece on that cd, and that is it. But anyway I hope this review has been extremley helpful to someone. Because Lord knows! I quit purchasing Tricky after I bought Juxtapose and got a rude awakening. Tricky his know longer on the right path, Hopefully someone can convince him to get another female vocalist and do the creepy, Haunting creative abtract beats that made him Famous!

1. Maxinqueye *****
2. Nearly God *****
3. Pre Millenium Tension *** 1/2
4. Angels with Dirty Faces **
5. Juxtapose *
6. Blowback (-*)
7. Ruff Guide ****
8. Grass roots ep **
(I hope this is helpful to anyone out there)
Arish

moody , contemplative and, of course, trippy
Nearly God is technically a collective of artists, but Tricky is clearly in the driver's seat. Some of these songs are rather gloomy while others are more carefree. I've been told this is a great album to meditate to and I believe it. Especially with the mesmerizing "Poems." Also "Tattoo" is a deeply atmospheric track and I was thrilled to find out that it was written by one of my favorite groups - Siouxsie and the Banshees. Bjork and Tricky make an intriguing vocal duo, especially on "Keep Your Mouth Shut" which sounds like a dungeon until the opiate-haze interlude sung by Bjork. It's quite disconcerting when a brutal segment from a rap song cuts through the song, yet effective. Nearly God contains many strange sounds and great vocal performances. This is essential chill-out Tricky. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Scorcher
Cinematic Orchestra's album 'Motion' probably came out too late to feature in many people's list of the best CDs of 1999, which is a shame because it's a scorcher. Jazz fans, trip-hop-ites, music lovers go get it now. Five stars.

Another CD worth buying of Ninjatune....
This is a good Cd that bodes well for the future of music. On this album, producer J Swincoe took loops off of old jazz records-- his favorites-- got musicians to learn how to play them-- then sampled THEM and put them back together. The resulting is a slower, more user-friendly Amon Tobin (without the thundering machine gun drum and bass.... that makes his stuff extra special....) It's Portishead without the female vocal perhaps (which hurts my ears....). Maybe the best way to describe this CD is like smoother DJ Shadow who is more reliant on jazz (and less on hip-hop) as his source material. Or like DJ Cam on "Mad Blunted Jazz" perhaps.... toned down a little....

If you've not ever bought this or other ones of the Ninja Tune records.... start with this one.... then get Amon Tobin and Kid Koala and the rest....

This is a tight record... though it's intended more for jazz fans than for electronic fiends or hiphop heads...

Eclectic Jazzy Mambo !!
I was excited to learn that The Cinematic Orchestra had more albums other than "Motion". After reading the reviews, it seems this album was the lower on the totem pole, however, this album is excellent. It's jazzy, the rhythm grabs you, and it ties together perfectly with a electronic feel. This is an album for anyone who appriciates contemporary jazz. Every track is worth listening to, and it doesn't get old. I am very ambitious about purchasing thier other albums after hearing this one.

Great for Intense Moods
I bought this on a lark. I agree with one of the reviewers that described this as underground jazz in a smoky bar room. It fits! The vocalist really adds a mourning effect to the record. The ensemble plays are very good. If I were to voice any complaint, it would be that there is not enough solo-ing in it. It grows on you in a plesant way. I make a lot of tapes and these cuts are good mood transitioners. Dark, foreboarding and expressive. Great spin!

brownies
this album makes me wanna eat brownies its so good like brownies! ... Read more

Album Details

Hip-Hop. The Title Track features the Wackiness of Kool Keith (Dr Octagon, Black Elvis) as his Sinister 6000 Alter Ego & the Other Tracks Are What Point the Listener to Nakamura's Better Tomorrow Vision: A World in which Hip-Hop is Free to Expand on the Myriad Sonic Possibilities He Touches On. This Reissue is Complemented with Brand New Mastering & the Addition of Six Never-Before-Released Kool Keith. Automator Tracks from the Original Dr Octagon Sessions. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Not essential Automator, but a fun release none-the-less
I have to give my respect to my Japanese DJ friend. If were not for Dan The Automator's amazing production skills and combos with some of todays greatest MCs, I would probably still associate rap with what's played on MTV. Thanks to Nakamura, I can look past that cookie cutter crap and hear acutally inventive stuff like Lovage,Dr. Octagon, Deltron 3030, and even his comercial breakthrough record, Gorillaz. With all that in mind, I dove head first into Automator's first and only solo effort. The results stammer a few times(the two guest rappers are okay but pale to the compareson of vocal skills of Kool Keith....er.... Sinister 6000), but otherwise, this is a great record.

First thing that struck me on this record is the beats. They aren't your normal simple, come-up-with-one-bar beats. They actually contain hooks and have some interesting sounds to them. This is helped along by Dan's DJ/Production skills. A cool clean intergration of laidback melodies and cool basslines are there complement Sinister 6000's bizarre ryhme patterns. The two work together here as well as they did on Kool Keith's breakthrough sucess on Dr. Octagon. Weaving between Dan's samples, Keith adds to the album with his trademark wackiness and off-kilter rhyme style. The three instrumentals on here are nothing special but do nothng to dampen the quality of the record.

If anything is at fault here, are the two guest rapper tracks> Wilin' is pretty substandard, with Buck Buck being just above average in my book. With those two tracks, Automator comes up just short of creating another underground classic. This doesn't mean you shouldn't buy this. At around 10 bucks, it'll be one of the cheapest CDs you buy. With Dan the Automator at the helm, it's sure to be a pleasing moment. Anyone who likes Automator should own a copy of this(and the classics listed above). Anyone who derives rap music should also check this out. Who knows? It might even have the power to turn some heads.

Ahead of it's time... obviously
I first heard Handsome boy modeling school back in 2000, and being a singer/songwriter fan I wan't much akeen to hip-hop. When I heard that record I was thrown for a loop, the matter of what The Automator creates(no offence to Prince Paul, love him too), the artisty behind every move astonished me. He took hip-hop and created his own surreal sub genre. (trip-hop...blah, blah, blah) After that I searched down every project that I could find that The Automator was a part of. Dr. Octagon, Deltron 3030, loved them, discovered Kool Keith, and Del the funky Homosapian, in return. Then came a Much Better Tomorrow, having been to late for the origianl EP, I was thrilled. The perfect sullen and sultry sampeling on Wiling, the meloncoly of The Truth. Mr. Kool Keith carries his weight as the narator of this journey especial on King of NY, and the fun Cartoon Capers.
The Automator is a brillant, original, and talented producer with an ear to die for.
If you love his production check out the above mentioned albums +

Wanna buy a Monkey = a mix tape session that gives you an idea on what kind of music our man enjoys

Lovage: music to make love to your old lady by = One of my favorite albums ever. An entire consept album that almost takes the definiton of "trip hop" and bathes in it.

Gorillaz = I'm sure you heard Clint Eastwood on the radio a couple of years ago. This was a genius collaberation in my opinion. I had been a fan of Blur since 98 + Damion is cute, Cibo Matto since 97, Del of course and throw in the style and vision of Dan... you get the most inovative pop group ever!!

Ben Lee= A singer song writer who became famouse around 15. He's like 24 now and his last album Running with sizzors, was produced by The Automator.

This guy is the luckest guy in the world. I sing, and songwrite, amaturishly, and I always said that if I could have anyone to produce my album that it would be Dan the Automator.

Cause...he rules!

a much better re-release
years ago, "a better tomorrow" EP was released by the automator. it kinda sucked, so years later, he released "a MUCH better tomorrow" with more tracks, and making itself into a full LP. tony hawk underground players would be familiar with the first track, "a better tomorrow part 1". although it's the automator's solo project, his good friend kool keith is a frequent guest on the mic, as well as a few others including poet and neph. the instrumentals are good, but sometimes get old, but once you hear some of the kool keith tracks, and neph's track "wiling" you really discover that this album is a great underground classic. automator once again mixes at his best, being experimental and still including great beats, and kool keith still comes up with weird unique lyrics that make him addictive. it looks like a much better future for the automator and company.

pre-DR. OCTAGON,great hip-hop blend!
Sorry KOOL KEITH makes this album,"King Of N.Y.","Better Tomorrow(s)","I Want Da Mic" and my all-time favorite "Carton Capers" bang this whole LP (EP whatever). THE AUTOMATOR and KOOL KEITH remind me of ULTRAMAGNETIC. Dan replacing CED-GEE on the boards and beats,Q-BERT overpowers anything MOE LOVE has done on the scratch (love ya MO). The other tracks of THE AUTOMATOR instrumental are cool. The other rappers SUCK badly! This album is why DR. OCTAGON (the group of KOOL KEITH,AUTOMATOR and Q-BERT) was so successful. I'm glad I bought this.

The Automator usually fails on "solo" albums, so to say.
Before you stone me to death, here me out. If you own this album, chances are, you own both the groundbreaking Dr. Octagon with that looney toon Kool Keith, and the ultramodern space novel better known as Delton 3030, with Del the Funky Homosapien. Both produced by the wizardry expertise of Dan the Automator. Arguably, the two best produced hip-hop albums, ever. So, tell me why his technically "solo" albums come up so short in comparsion? Especially this one.

The first two tracks with Kool Keith, or Sinister 6000 to be exact, are really the only official classic cuts. The instrumentals are dope, but nothing really up to The Automator's standard. Overall, very average album. Low replay value. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Following the Rolling Stones-meets-Black Crowes monstrosity Give Out But Don't Give Up three years ago, Glasgow's Bobby Gillespie and pals are back at the cutting edge with a trippy collection that could rightly be tagged analog electronica. Their Trainspotting soundtrack contribution (included here) melded bluesy harp with contemporary beats and it sets the tone for 11 tracks that use thick swaths of dub, Superfly funk, cheesy electronics, and ambient dance to redefine what was once quaintly known as "head music." Loaded with samples from the cult flick Vanishing Point, the killer "Kowalski" is perhaps the best among a batch of highlights ("Burning Wheel," "Stuka"). All that's missing is a freeform FM station or two to turn it into a classic.--Jeff Bateman ... Read more

Reviews (21)

a classic ambient dub venture
This is truly a wonderful outing by Primal Scream. Definitely their best, even if not as influential as 'Screamadelica'. It's musically subtle which some people cannot appreciate but the smoothness, skill and deft layering of sound with which this album is executed is amazing. The track 'Medication' seems a little out of place as a full on Stones' style rocker but it makes up for it by being one of the best straight ahead rock songs made in the past 2 decades.

Sky high six thousand miles away
This is one of the most underated albums of the 90's, it was a real comeback following the Scream's flirtation with Stones styled rock. This is a dense batch of Dark yet uplifting songs, covering but not copying all genres. The most essential Primal Scream album.

one of the best albums of the 90's
This is the best produced recordof the 90's in my opinion, and surpasses the sum of its soul/jazz/dub/garage roots. Another reviewer called this "industrial garbage" - this person has obviously never heard industrial music - cold, digital, 4 on the floor sounding stuff. Vanishing Point is warm, analog, its noise is 3D and spectrasonic - and the bass is warm, and massive. i have listened to this record hundreds of times. An absolute classic. oh - and the late Augustus Pablo plays melodica on a track - awesome. The Scream's best record, and like I said, maybe the best record of the decade - (for reference, the 90's competition would be OK Computer, My Bloody Valentine's Loveless, Orbital's Insides - off the top of my head)

Not so great
This CD was a bit of a disappointment for me. Dischordant bits often drag on and on. For those looking for a Screamadelica-style experience, this is not it. "Medication" (depite other reviews) is a good tune. But 1 out of however-many, is not a good ratio. I might not buy more Primal Scream CDs after this, which bums me out.

A Gem
This album tempts one to be fascist about their musical taste. I rarely comment on an album unless it is so good that I am driven to power up my laptop, fire up amazon.com, search for "primal scream" and choose to write a review. There's a lot of talent on this album, and it can appeal to the electronic/dance spinners as well as the "wall of sound/not quite industrial" new-wavers. Pick it up. It's very good. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Carson sings in a super-high range that gives the effect of a young girl on helium, but while her touch is lighter than air, her concerns often sink to levels of unflattering humanity. "Whole Heart" candidly discusses sexual and physical abuse, while "Black Thumb" expresses an incredible amount of self-doubt. "Train" follows the harrowing end of a mind left to think too much. All of which would be just psychobabble for the shrink's couch if it weren't for the exquisite melodies and perfectly complimentary arrangements that never overpower Carson's fragile voice. A cover of Todd Rundgren's "I Saw The Light" is the album's "breather." --Rob O'Connor ... Read more

Reviews (12)

wounded woman with hope
If you ever felt alone and vulnerable in a relationship, you might want to listen to this CD. I was not impressed by Lori Carson's earlier albums but there is something noticeably different about this one, as if she had some life-changing experiences. Her voice and songwriting is more expressive and confident yet still vulnerable. She tells personal stories of love-gone-wrong without sounding hopelessly morose, the songs set a quiet mood and there aren't any tracks on this CD that compel me to fastforward.

I don't like any of the remixes on the bonus CD.

Her next album "Stars" is an excellent follow-up to this one, however if you don't like listening to stories of relationships, personal drama and women singing about bad men, maybe Lori Carson isn't for you.

Absolutely Wonderful
What else can I say about this record? It's simply the most wonderful recording I've ever heard. Lori Carson has made a masterpiece with this album. This is a TRUE GEM and deserves a listen. One of the best albums of the year adn dare I say, the past decade.

I FOUND IT!
I saw the movie waking the dead not long ago and found it entrancing but even more so than the movie was the graceful song that played over the the emotional climax and end credits.
i sought out the artist, song title and album and finaly came to this purchase. the song, snow comes down, is for now the highlight of the album for me but its all so fantastic that may shift over time.
the last time a movie sent me on such a frantic and concerted search was in 1997 when good will hunting sent me after elliott smith. This instance has thus far proved just as rewarding.

Excelente !
Lori tem um indrível dom de cantar as músias de forma tão honesta, sensível e sensual... Simplesmente maravilhoso !!! A música que mais amo é "Snow Come Down", do filme "Waking the Dead" ("Amor Maior que a Vida").

Whiney
Pleeeeez! Are you guys joking about this cd. I dont really believe there is a lack of good music out there, for people to have to lower their standards to this. Please check out for fantastic MUSIC: POLE; OLAF DETTINGER; SOUND BOMBING II; AIR; MODEST MOUSE; LOW ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Throughout my life.......
.... I hope to hear this album on a weekly basis.

I bought the NuYoricanSoul album when it first came out and still,whenever I go into a bar, a restaurant or a club and hear the soulful tones of India and Jocelyn Brown, accompanied by Roy Ayers, George Benson and Tito Puente, Mastered by MAW (Lil' Louie Vega - The Bucketheads - and Kenny Dope Gonzalez).... I die and go to heaven. This is the music that you would want to accompany your laid-back, funky, sunny, HAPPY lifestyle. Since this album blew up, nobody has been able to match it.

Everyone who has this agrees that it is one of the best albums to come out of the 90's, and it's relatively undiscovered by the vultures, so it hasn't dated in trend or reputation.

What makes it so amazing is the fact that it's without genre - a fusion of soul, jazz, funk, Latin, Disco, Beats rhymes and life... It's a big part of mine, and if you like the sound of the above make it part of yours.

(but no, the Armand Van Helden remix of Runaway isn't on it)

Mixing Genres and Making it Work!
This album was quite a pleasant suprise for me. I knew very little, if nothing, about this group. I only heard "Runaway" on the radio, but I was so impressed by that song that I decided to get the album. I don't know about all you folks out there, but for me, whenever I buy an album for one good song, the rest of the album is never up to the same level as that ONE song. This album will prove the contrary. Virtually every song on the album is as good as the other. What I also love about this album is that it crosses so many different genres of music, while making it actually sound in harmony with one another! Far too often artists try to do this mixing and matching of different genres but the end results sounds so abstract and with no streamline flow to it, however Nuyorican Soul is a wonderful mix of Latin-House-R&B-Smooth Jazz-Ambient-Soul all in one! This album also has some great contributions by some classic artists, like George Benson and Roy Ayers. Be sure to check it out!!!

An excellent buy!
I actually had NEVER previously heard of Nuyorican Soul when I bought this CD. I was shopping at the mall and had found a used CD my friend had been looking for and decided to skim the 'used CD rack' to see if there was anything I wanted (the price was right...)

When I saw Nuyorican Soul, it looked very different and interesting to me. So I picked it up not knowing what to expect. What I got was something new, innovative, and catchy!

This is a wonderfully eclectic mix of Jazz, Salsa, and other smooth Sinatra-esque sounds. It is unlike anything I have ever heard and I love it to pieces.

If you want something that's new and fresh to spicen up your CD player, don't hesitate! BUY THIS ALBUM!

House, Salsa, Electronica all Converge into a stunning album
Although the 'Nuyorican Soul' tag is misleading as this is a production by dance duo "Masters At Work" and although there is certainly a very danceable flow to the music, its more so in a Latin/Salsa party atmosphere kind of way, and a million miles away from a traditional dancefloor album. Not that any of this matters as the 'Jocelyn Brown' sung "I am The Black Gold of the Sun" has long since been one of the most fantastical summertime House/Jazz records ever made. In fact Jazz/Salsa artists feature prominently with tracks here "Roy Ayers" (Roy's Scat)..."George Benson" (You Can Do It (Baby)....and "Eddie Palmieri" (Taita Cañeme) provided big name entertainment, as well as Masters at Work (which consists of: Kenny Dope Gonzales and Little Louie Vega), on several superb productions, and also one of the most substantial albums made by the duo, and provides an album that works on within an upbeat & Downtempo atmosphere.

Ultimate Compilation
Once again the Masters are At Work! These are probably the most talented producers since Gamble and Huff. This album showcases all of the musical elements that make for a phat vibe. And then there are the artists: Jocelyn Brown, Roy Ayers, Geroge Benson, India, Jazzy Jeff on the wheels of steel. This is better than a Broadway Musical! Too bad MTV didn't pick up on this album. Get your copy today! ... Read more

Album Details

This Record Marks the Start of the Collaboration Between Stefano Ghittoni and Cesare Malfatti AKA "The Dining Rooms". Recorded During the Summer and Spring of 1998, it Represents their Most Significant Step in Achieving a Personal Sound. It is a Soundtrack for all the Personal Movies that Pervade the Mind. "Subterranean" as in Beyond and Beneath Our Own Skin. These Melodies Are the Artists' Insight to a Theatrical Atmosphere, Soundtrack for a Lifestyle. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Fantastic music from Italy
"Subterranean Modern" is a terrific downtempo/electronica/whatever genre you want to call it record. It's even better than The Dining Rooms other CD "Numero Deux", which is also very good. And "Subterranean Modern" has the song "M. Dupont" on it, also included on "Numero Deux".

Very good
It is true. This album is very good.
Numero Deux is even better.

This record is amazing.
This record just left me whithout words. I love every track on it. I don't know much about who are this guys, but they make very good music. A must have. ... Read more

Reviews (35)

Mark Farina is the MAN
Yet again, Mark Farina delivers the goods. He has distinguished himself as an artist with impeccable taste as far as song selection goes (as fans of either Mushroom Jazz or Mushroom Jazz 2 will attest) as well as flawless mixing skills. Fans of United DJs of America #9 will love San Francisco Sessions... in fact, I think it is an even better mix than UDJA9. Farina fans should also look out for (the relatively rare release) from Imperial Dub Records that features choice tracks by Dubtribe Sound System and Dr. Dub (you might know him better as, oh... Doc Martin!) mixed beautifully by Om Records' favorite son Mark Farina. And on that note, a plug for Om Records... you can't go wrong with an Om release! Particularly worthy of mention/purchase are the Sounds of Om house release, Om Lounge, and Deeper Concentration. Whether you're a fan of groovin house or innovative jungle (Ming + FS' impressive release "Hell's Kitchen"), Om is a solid label with phat offerings, not the least of which is Mark Farina's San Francisco Sessions.

love it
You've gotta love this cd, and mark farina...It took a few times to listen to before i could truly appreciate it. Once you are familiar with the cd, it grows on you!...His style of house is very original..very jazzy, funky..if you are looking for something with hard dance beats, then this is probably not for you, and i would advise listening before you buy...but as i said, it will grow on you...tracks 3 & 5 are some of the best. I hope you enjoy mark farina's original style of house as much as i do.

In This House
Mark Farina created a masterpiece with this mix. While all house-heads are likely to love it, others who have not been exposed to house would love it to0. There is simply nothing to dislike here.

Compared to Air Farina...
...and experiencing Mr. Farina live... this album ranks 4 stars, 5+ being Air Farina & "live". Damned good CD, but I still prefer Air Farina. This man is a true prodigy, he never dissapoints.

Simply the best! Farina has never been better...
This CD was realeased around five years ago and still stands as one of the best mixed house cds ever. It is completely seamless, in fact if you set it to loop continusly, the beginning and the end mixes perfectly. This disc rarely leaves my player. It is only equaled by French Sessions Vol. 1 & Vol. 3. This cd really shows the skill and creativity of the Farina. He adds beautiful vocal samples from one of the tracks, throughout the mix, this small addition ties the whole disc together. Farina is truly a madman with a sampler. Buy this disc, support great artists and indie labels. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Pairing DJ Krush, known throughout the beat underground for his subdued, trippy soundscapes, with Japanese avant trumpeter Toshinori Kondo may seem an odd pairing. This record, however, is instantly knowable and intuitively easy to grasp. Krush's beats, while certainly up-front, don't come at the price of the composition, nor do they blast Kondo's trumpet out of the tune. DJ Krush is not only able to drive the direction and tempo, but he's also quite adept at creating mood--often mixing up somber, downtempo collages that glide with an underwater grace. His uptempo work is direct, solidly propelled by someone who knows how to handle bass and breaks. Thankfully, the canvasses Krush mixes up are large enough to include Kondo's color work. The trumpeter (who's worked with the likes of Herbie Hancock and John Zorn) takes full advantage of the opportunity. Kondo is a breathy, richly toned player, and his meshings add to the dreamy, psychedelic feel of the recording. He's effective whether he's drifting beside Krush's swirling dub coiled in a haze of effects or punctuating beats with pure blasts of horn fire. A hip-bop classic. --S. Duda ... Read more

Reviews (28)

New Directions in Groove
I've always been a fan of jazz and hip-hop music. My introduction to John Coltrane and Kurtis Blow happened when I was 11 years old. I thought then, as I know now, the two genres blend perfectly. The 1999 release Ki-Oku by DJ Krush and Toshinori Kondu ranks high on my list of jazz fusion albums, right next to Miles Davis' Tutu. It also is a 'must have' for any hip-hop collection as well, because it marks a special place in the evolution of 'rap-fusion', if you will. The overall composition is not a boring attempt to bridge the gap between rap and jazz, like many poorly executed acid jazz albums from the mid to late 1990's. It stands in a unique place from the like of Guru's Jazzamatazz series, or Branford Marsalis' Buckshot Lefonque series (most notably, the self-titled debut of this series). This is a new direction in groove, and they blaze a trail very few could follow, let alone produce a result so enriching. The men play together as you would expect brothers to, and the album moves from track to track without a single flaw. DJ Krush has long proven himself a master of down-tempo grooves, and Kondu's horn rides over the beats like a warm, steady breeze. His playing is like Miles, especially reminiscent of his fusion concepts. Overall, if you want an album that you can play for a wide variety of people in nearly any setting, or a good album to sit back and chill out to, this is a great buy for the cause.

Dark, moody, brooding - perfect for the big city.
This album is a step away from DJ Krush's usual sampling. The tracks are a mix of synthesiser and drum machine beats and the acoustic/electronic trumpet playing talents of Kondo - the style is fresh and original. The overall mood of the album is mellow, subdued, relaxed.

Wow
I was blown away from the first spin of this album. I don't know if I'm just unfamiliar with the downtempo electronic or acid jazz genres, but this album is unlike anything I have ever heard before. It was one of those albums that slightly tweaks your idea of what good music should do. This is one of my favorite albums to light up to. Otherwise I just fall asleep with it in the background. I want more music to sound like this.

Two musical visonaries on one cd.
The idea of combining trip hop and jazz now is rapidly becoming centuries old and i feel people are ready fot the next big revolution which i feel is just around the corner. Despite that fact there are a few records that are so purfect they just fight right into the whole scene without any of the conventional forces having any kind of efffect on it. This is one such record. Monumental acheivement is all i can say to describe this classic....way up there with "Endtroducing.." and "Deltron" instrumentals. When i first herd of this cd....hip hop beats with jazz trumpet......instantly elevator music and cheezy porn scores came to mind and i decided to skip it...Big mistake. This cd is hands down Krush's best work to date (ofcourse he had Kondo to help him out) Toshinori kondo is master trumpet player and his style is along the lines of Miles Davis (only his style....Kondo is a true master but he is no Miles Davis...nobody is actually). DJ Krush maintains a strict hip hop ethic throughout the CD and that, i feel, is what draws the line and pushes them over to the good side. Every track on this cd is excillent and flawless. Musicianship is of the highest caliber and production values are absolutely unparalleled. The music switches in and out of funky almost dancable groovs (toh-sui) to haunting instrumental ballads (mu-chu) to dub jems(sun is shining) do downright dark and chilling sets (ki-gen). Each note the Kondo hits oozes jazz, each beat the Krush generates is litrally drenched in hip hop and together they are a musical match made in heven. Krush and Kondo compliment each other extreamly well and neither of them subdue the others effect on any track. I totally agree with S.Duda..the reviewr for Amazon.com about the fact that this is a hip hop classic. DJ Krush and Toshinori Kondo have immensely intensified the flame originally kindled by legends like "The Roots" (who Krush is a big fan of) and "Guru" and added a completely new instrumential dimention to it.

FANTASTIC
this album is bure bliss. so many people really lose the spirit of jazz when they mix beats with horns....but dj krush is right on the money. buy this! ... Read more

Album Description

Bombay Beats is the 2003 release in Bar De Lune's massiveselling Beats series. Interest in Indian music has neverbeen greater with a Bhangra-sounding set with Panjabi MC to crossover into the charts. Bombay Beats also includestracks by globally recognized downtempo masters, ThieveryCorporation, Nitin Sawney, Mo Horizons, Fragile Statealongside tracks by renowned world music acts, NatashaAtlas, Transglobal Underground, Deepak Chopra (with DemiMoore!), and Bombay Dreams. Packaged in a Digibox with aneight page booklet with photos & credits. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Like the end-of-season regenerations of Doctor Who, every new record from James Lavelle's UNKLE finds the musical project at the climax of some dramatic transmutation. Never, Never, Land is no exception. Soon after the release of 1999's Psyence Fiction, beats wizard DJ Shadow announced he'd never work as a member of UNKLE again--and accordingly, the first thing you notice about Never, Never, Land is the absence of his robust percussion. But once over that minor disappointment, it's not hard to wallow in this record's impressively dark scope.

With the aid of new collaborator Richard File, Lavelle has made a record that connects the dots between the creeping melancholy of Talk Talk, the scaly electronics of Massive Attack's Mezzanine and the grand sky-bound epics of the Verve. Like its predecessor, there's a proliferation of guest appearances: Jarvis Cocker, Josh Homme, Brian Eno, Ian Brown, Massive Attack's Robert del Naja. But the vocals are assimilated much more successfully here, ensuring that guest never overpowers song. Lavelle still has a fine eye for casting his songs in the grandest narratives: "Panic Attack" samples the robotic pulse of Joy Division's "She's Lost Control" and overlays it with blurred electronic shimmers and driving bass. Mind you, it might be the understated numbers--"Glow", "Inside"--that provide some of the record's loveliest moments. --Louis Pattison ... Read more

Album Description

New single version for the track that originally appeared onthe UK alternative electronica act's 1997 album, 'Exile on Coldharbour Lane' and is now enjoying a second run as the theme to HBO's hit 'The Sopranos'. Featuring 5 remixes of the title track, (Chosen One Mix, Drillaz In The Church Mix, Urban Takeover mix, Y'all Gotta Come and Dam Metal Jam Mix) along with an ace mix of 'Converted' (Last Supper Mix). 6 tracks in all. 2000 release. Standard jewel case. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Very impressive
Fantastic....... It's impossible to forget all the day long That's it soprano........

Woke up this morning hoping A3 released another CD album
From HBO's The Sopprano's. Infectious, irrestable beat; mesmorizing rhythm; all too true lyrics!

Stuck in my head
Sopranos theme song. Main reason for buying. The rest is why I keep playing it.

I woke up this mornin' , praise L.O.V.E.. I'm still alive...
I woke up this mornin', praise L.O.V.E. I'm still alive and I'm walkin', walkin' into glory. Alabama 3 are original..., unique. I'll bet you have never heard Country / Blues / Gospel / Acid / Rock / Techo / Dance / Rap before. Here is your chance - take it with all yo' hands. OR REPENT! Praise be to D.W.A.Y.N.E. Love. Amen.

Reaches inside grabs your primal soul thats being destroyed.
Can't wait to hear and feel that next country acid house gospel techno installment, my alternate self needs to swing and sway with those sweet rythmes & sing out the praises with the phrases, from D.W.A.Y.N.E. Love and Larry Love. Ya gotta listen to hear the world or is it the word, anyway, play it everyday, and I mean the whole disk. Its our pre post modern sacrement in the form of street life as you see it and how we're livin it. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Wonderful
Actually more like 4.5 stars... Stargazing is not quite as ethereal as Come from Heaven but is still excellent. Very harmonic, intricate, original and sensuous. Definitely one of my favorite albums.

intoxication once more
alpha's 1997 debut, comefromheaven, stands as the best morning-after comedown album ever made. on that cd, the bristol england duo of corin dingley and andy jenks brought the trip-hop scene to a new level of chill. massive attack quickly signed alpha to its label, melankolic, and let loose 'comefromheaven' as the lable's flagship release, and the rest was pretty much history. alpha's lush soundscapes were anchored by stylized vocals and in short, they perfected the hazy, smoke-filled after-hours atmosphere and added an extra layer of heartbreak. after a remix project called 'pepper' and 2001's 2nd LP 'the impossible thrill', now alpha returns with 'stargazing' that easily re-establishes alpha as masters of downbeat electronica. if you want to get a sense of what stargazing sounds like, just check out the cd liner art. rarely has an album's sleeve so perfectly evoked the music within: the glowing spirals of light bathed in a warm blue background are otherworldly and inviting, abstract but perfectly coordinated. it is inevitable that the rippling keyboards, lush strings, and languid rhythms absorb the listeners from the get go. a crucial element to alpha has always been its use of guest vocalists to give shape and emotional resonance to their compositions. regulars wendy stubbs, helen white, and martin barnard are joined by kelvin swaybe, and the four contribute to some of the album's best songs. stand out tracks include 'once around town', 'blue autumn', 'elvis' and the undeniable 'lipstick from the asylum' and 'portable living room', both sung by barnard with just enough yearning and regret to make the heartbreak palpable. though the samples return (albeit fewer), occasional live bass and drums lend a more organic feel to most songs. just like the best comedowns, 'stargazing' is peaceful, intense and ultimately intoxicating. ... Read more

Album Description

This special edition (import only) contains the originalalbum plus an 8 track bonus disc with the tracks 'Pilots'(On A Star), 'U.K. Girls' (Physical - Olivia Newton-Johncover), 'Lovely Head'(Miss World Mix), 'Utopia' (New Ears Mix), 'Human' (Calexico Vocal), 'Human'(MasseysCro-Magnon Mix), 'Utopia' (Tom Middletons Cosmos Vocal mix) plus the visual content 'A Trip To Felt Mountain'. Gatefold digipak. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Awww, it's like flying over ice capped mountains...hee hee
I loved this album as soon as my ears heard its first note. The only way I can describe it is relaxing and unique. The music is light and mystical (as cheesy as that sounds) and her voice is beautiful. They picked the perfect images on their album because their music really conveys a feeling of being far away from Texas (where I live) and somewhere calm and quiet in a forest. To really not think I am just a big happy flowerchild, you need to listen to the album and I am pretty sure you will get what I am saying. It is one of those albums you won't regret buying; I even bought it on vinyl and cd. And who can resist a remake of "Let's Get Physical."

lasting
my friend and musical geru played this for me one time while we were playing chess and I was so fascinated by it that he won. Alison Goldfrapp has one of the best voices we could never have. I won't be one of those that claim to have found "the best" album ever. i'll just say that it's one of my favorites. I've heard alot of people say that it's sort of like sixties trip hop, and I think they're right, but i wouldn't know on a scientific level or anything.

Worth it for the bonus CD alone....
Until early 2002, my musical tastes had been quite limited - broadway tunes and (some) top forty!! So it was with trepidation that I bought 'Felt Mountain' by Goldfrapp on the recommendation of a friend. But I'm glad I did...

Felt Mountain was my first foray into 'non mainstream' music. From the very first seconds of the first track 'lovely head', with it's solo brass and sombre whistle intro, I knew I was in for a wonderful aural treat...

I don't want to catorgorise Felt Mountain into a particular musical style, but I suppose it could be best described as 'chill out' music, but that description hardly gives it justice. What we have is a wonderful aural soundscape that incorporates traditional classical instruments along side modern synthesisers to create wonderful mellow music, that is not only relaxing, but also creates the most wonderful visual imagery inside.

The special edition CD included contains remixes of various songs in which a concerted effort has been made to create markedly different versions of the songs, including having a male vocalist on the Human calexico mix singing in a non-english language. Also here is an excellent version of 'Physical' (originally by Olivia Newtown John) and a 7+minute mpeg movie called a 'Trip To Felt Mountain'. It is in this movie where we get to spend some time with the duo that is Goldfrapp and discover how they created this wonderful CD and to view some spectacular nature imagery.

A special mention should be made of the cover design and photography - all designed by singer Alison Golfrapp herself. We get wonderful, thought proking and peace - inducing imagery of nature and mountains that sits so well with the music. So we actually get music and imagery that complement each other beautifully.

How does one truely define Goldfrapp and their debut CD Felt Mountain?? I would use words like creative, original, innovative, fresh - the list could go on and on. But if you are someone who can appreciate music other than top 40, give Felt mountain a listen and enter a world of inner reflection where music and imagery combine together perfectly ...

Beautiful, crystalline vocal talent
Alison Goldfrapp is a new buy for me. I wanted to deviate from electronica and trekk towards more opera, classical, or loungy beats. It's weird how I read that this CD is compared to Bjork's 'Vespertine', that I bought that CD a year ago. Bjork is by far my favorite artist, but I like this CD much more than 'Vespertine'. Whether you like the soft, jazzy, bass lines of 'Lovely Head', or the ethereal yet upbeat sounds of 'Utopia', this CD is a must for those who love electronica, jazz, or lounge music.

She Is the Goddess of This Decade
One year has gone by since the release of this album, i mean the original version of it. It has been in my playlist now for almost a year, and for every month, this is under heavy rotation, together with Bjork's 'Vespertine' and Anja Garbarek's 'Smiling and Waving'. This special edition of 'Felt Mountain' contains bonus remixes of the album tracks, accompanied by 'Utopia' single, now consider yourself the luckiest person on Earth. Here is a description of the album:
The first note of the album is an out-of-place high note, followed by some whistle, leads you into a beautiful village surrounded by mountains. Alison's vocal is mesmerizing, lauguid and frail. 'Paper Bag' is the most acoustic track here, at first listen, one gets the idea that this is a baroquish unplugged album. A little bit of scrutinization will tell you that her voice is wearing this fur coat made of soft ambient electronica, together with the instrumentation here, the string, the harpischord...her voice is seductive like that of a siren, draws you nearer and nearer to her. 'Human' is essentially a Shirley Bassey number with a modern twist to it, i didn't like it and thought it was out of place, but it really grows on you. After that, we have the retroish 'Pilot', the Portishead-like displeasure on 'Deer Stop', the ethereal 'Felt Mountain' and the drunken country 'Oompa Radar'. The single 'Utopia' starts off with Alison's trained soprano voice in the background, then it fades out to make way for Alison's half-spoken, half-sung vocal. Together with the gorgeous sound of harpischord and more...more electronic coating here,the complexity of it can only be matched by Bjork's Vespertine. The low-key 'Horse Tears' is best served with a glass of red wine at 2 am. This fantastic closer provides a very natural and perfect way of ending this album. Almost flawless album, up there with Kate Bush's 'Hounds of Love' and Bjork's 'Vespertine', a cut above Portishead's 'Dummy' and Perry Blake's 'Still Life'. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Since the release of his debut, Maxinquaye, Tricky fans have wondered when he would or could match the nightmarish splendor of that trip-hop masterpiece. Blowback may not entirely appease the Tricky faithful, but it is the Bristol innovator's most satisfying album in a while. With Maxinquaye's surreal sonics lurking around its edges, Blowback is wonderfully schizophrenic, cavorting through robotically muted ragga, surging funk rock, nauseous, sample-mangled ballads, and bizarre versions of songs like the 1930s standard "Your Name" and Nirvana's "Something in the Way." In fact, with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, AlanisMorrisette, Cyndi Lauper, and Live's Ed Kowalcyzk along for the ride, Blowback is Tricky's Tommy, delivered through the mouths and muscles of the stars.

Blowback blows up with the arena-rock anthem "Evolution Revolution Love," featuring Kowalcyzk's familiar croon, while Tricky sings backup in a maniacal murmur. The ragga songs, which are dank and claustrophobic, are upended by the queasy flash metal of "Bury the Evidence." Finally, the trudging programming and Japanese vocals on "A Song for Yukiko" make an enigmatic gurgle that sums up Tricky's beautiful, bewildering creation. --Ken Micallef ... Read more

Reviews (57)

blown away
Ok ok ok - so I was trying to figure out the theme being covered in "#1 Da Woman" for the longest time 'til I finally read the title out loud (duh). - It sounds to me like Tricky had more fun with the recording of this cd than any of his past records - I couldn't believe how well the collaborations with artists as diverse as Alanis Morissette, Red Hot Chili Peppers & Ed Kowalczyk from Live went - I was pretty skeptical goin' in since they're all artists I respect but don't really listen to. I was even more impressed by newcomers(?) Hawkman & Ambersunshower. I've only played it once so I can't really name my fave track yet - but Evolution Revolution Love (featuring Ed Kowalczyk getting a very different sound than what I've heard with his own band & Tricky over his shoulder just goin' all mental) & Something In The Way (nails Nirvana's mood if not their sound) stand out right now... Oh ya, & 1-da Woman... & You Don't Wanna (nice use of that Eurythmics sample, Tricky) ...and Girls (w/ 'Chili Peppers Anthony & John). I think it's unfair that every review of any Tricky record has to compare it to a certain brilliant debut album he recorded nearly a decade ago, so I'll avoid that and just say that if this was the only album ever released by Tricky, it would still be one of my favorites. Nice cover, too... Makes me wanna... um... What was I just talking about?

Tricky's Successful Follow Up To Juxtapose
Tricky always hits you hard with the initial track on all his albums. Excess, is just as much of a power ballad as Overcome, Vent and For Real have been. It is actually Tricky's favorite track on the album. The pulsating drum beats from the start make your heart beat so fast you can't help but wanna dance or move to it. Its a great intro to his live shows. The next song, Evolution Revolution Love, is the anthem that most fans seem to love most. Its a song that most definately should get airplay cuz its the closest thing to pop Tricky has ever done even though some of it sounds like reggae mixed with Tricky's devil-like vocals. Great use of horn and acoustic guitar in this piece. The third track, Over Me, introduces a Jamaican reggae rapper named Hawkman and the seductive voice of Ambersunshower. On track four, Girls, Anthony Kiedis from The Red Hot Chili Peppers did vocals alongside Tricky as John Fruschante played lead guitar. I have no idea what this song is about. Please email me if you know the meaning to this song. Track five, You Don't Wanna, is a fun song to dance to. Its also a great intro to his live shows. This is Ambersunshower at her best. The beat to this song sounds very much like the beat to the Eurythmics' "sweet dreams are made of this." After this comes #1 Da Woman, sampled from the Wonder Woman TV show theme. I had no idea John Frasciante sang before but his vocals are stunning. I'm surprised he's not singing or doing lead vocals for the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Listen to this song, the lyrics are funny and well written. Then there is 'Name', a slow song with a cool rhythm to it sung by Ambersunshower. After that is Diss Never(Dig up we history), when rapper Hawkman literally takes over the mic with his rhymes. Track nine, Bury The Evidence, is my favorite track on the album. I love the intensity in Tricky's voice as well as Hawkman's in this pompous opus. You have not experienced the power of Tricky until you hear him perform this song live. Its the most intense song you'll ever hear played in concert. Its what i consider to be the climax point of the disc. Sounds more like metal to me but its got pretty much everything in it. Next is 'Something In The Way', a decent cover off Nirvana's Nevermind album. Then comes Five Days , with Cyndi Lauper. Her voice is still great and she is making her comeback to the pop scene. Tricky absolutely adores her and loves her music. Give It To Em, is Tricky and Hawkman making chemistry again. Good use of sound effects in this. And finally A Song For Yukiko ends the album with a woman singing/echoing in Japanese and Tricky slowly rapping, saying something before the cd stops playing. That's the beauty of this, is that it is listenable all the way through. Rare for any artist, Tricky pulls it off.

disappointment
I bought this cd because it is Tricky. I love all his solo albums because they are so unique and challenging. For me I don't like his collaborations and this is no exception. My favourite track is "A song for Yukiko" which is the only Tricky song on the album.

Tricky's Best
Personally, I think Tricky is insane for leaving Massive Attack, which is in my opinion the zenith of trip-hop. Tricky, however, has his moments. Probably his best known song, "Overcome" (see his album Maxinquaye) first caught my attention, but his vocals were a little too overtly sexual for my tastes.
On this album, however, Tricky is more restrained. It doesn't sound like he has some sort of ulterior motives on this one; songs like "Evolution Revolution Love" (the standout track), "Excess", "Bury the Evidence", and "Five Days" are really moving. Be forewarned, though: the soundscape is definitely dark.
Trip-hop may never get its due notice in the U.S., despite the fact that it is perhaps the most artistic genre available. Whether the other reviewers care to accept it, this album is a masterpiece, Tricky's magnum opus.

Not his best, not his worst; perhaps his most approachable
What prompts me to write this review is how so many of the previous reviewers select one or two tracks as their favorites and say the rest proves Tricky's decline -- yet the reviews are all over the map on which couple of tracks are best. There appears to be a general trend in the direction of BlowBack being best in the early going and worse as it wears on, but lots of dissent even there, with some partisans of the Nirvana cover towards the end of the album, or the Cyndi Lauper collaboration even further on. Every part of BlowBack is somebody's favorite part and someone else's utter tripe. Tricky's still keeping us on our toes after all these years.

It's clear from the guest artists on this album (Lauper and members of Live and Red Hot Chili Peppers, for instance) that this is Tricky's attempt to get back on the charts after dimming enthusiasm for his follow-ups to his trip-hop classic Maxinquaye. I am not one of those who think that it's automatically bad to seek popularity and approachability. One of the great things about the Beatles, for instance, was the way Paul's commercial instincts counterbalanced John's introspective artiness. Too much desire to be loved and you end up with sap like Silly Love Songs, it's true -- but too much artiness gets you Revolution Number 9. I was one of those who loved Maxinquaye, but could not follow Tricky farther into his artistic vision than that. I did not enjoy his later albums; they struck me as increasingly harsh, tuneless, and incomprehensible, though I knew they were true to Tricky's vision and sounded just the way he wanted them to sound. I think Tricky's attempt to meet his audience halfway actually improved his work here -- it certainly improved my enjoyment of it.

I liked this album more than anything Tricky has done since the great Maxinquaye (which, of course, is a hundred times the album BlowBack is). I particularly enjoyed his use of Hawkman as a guest on several tracks, and hope to hear more from him in the future. As to whether I can recommend it, I can say this much: BlowBack appears, from the reviews I've seen, to have something for everyone to enjoy -- and something for most of the reviewers to despise as well. This makes me think it's more challenging than people realize. Check it out if the sound samples on this site sound interesting, and perhaps finding out who you agree with about which tracks are classic and which are bad will tell you something about yourself. ... Read more