Amazon.com

Paul D. Miller, a.k.a. DJ Spooky, is a musician, writer, and conceptual artist from New York City. Trailblazing a new definition of environmental music, Spooky reconstructs sonic data and produces sounds of a futuristic metropolis. A contextual agitator intent on artistic rebellion, Miller fuses urban rap and contemporary electronica. He imaginatively unites large chunks of hip-hop, unearthly jazz, and reggae beats with ambient soundscapes. Besides using drum programs and interludes of spoken word, Spooky is joined by several talented musicians. Featuring Sonic Youth's Thurston Moore and trumpeter Ben Neill as well as rappers like Kool Keith and Killah Priest, Riddim Warfare is Miller's most ambitious undertaking to date. Displaying ability on bass guitar and a mastery of the studio, DJ Spooky makes music for the next millennium. --Mitch Myers ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Will the real DJ Spooky stand up?
Though I'm always looking for interesting, innovative electronic music, I have resisted DJ Spooky for a while. Mainly because what I heard from him prior to Riddim Warfare sounded like someone tuning their ham radio while practicing their bass down the hall from any microphones. But (his pompous theorizing aside) I wanted to like him. And I figured Riddim Warfare might be my window into his work. It was on a major label. Hell, he was even working with rappers. Well, unfortunately, Spooky's still a work in progress. Despite a few interesting tracks, Riddim Warfare is all over the place. It's drum n' bass, it's Brazilian music, it's underground rap, it's reggae, it's pompous theorizing! All of this with no strong unifiying purpose. And unfortunately, he still drops into that annoying "illbient" vaporousness. I'm all for artistic diversity. But until Spooky develops some consistency to his work, he will just seem like he's genre browsing.

Overexpirimentationalism
I am largely disappointed with this album. Some of the reviews I have read hailed DJ Spooky's attempt to conjoin multpile genres with his expirimental style, but to me the result is an an incoherent bravado of noise. The only enjoyable tracks are those featuring guests such as Kool Kieth and Sir Menelik, but between Spooky's silly pseudo-intellectual music-science rationalizations and his overly filtered effects, it sounds less like music and more like someone having fun with a mixing board.

Good thing it's digital
Otherwise I'd wear it out. Of the three Dj. Spooky Cd's
I have this is my favorite. It has the right amount of rapping
and enough smooth beats to make it pleasant to listen to. The other stuff i've heard of his is harsh and disjoint enough that you really have to be engaged with it to enjoy it. An earlier posting expressed their disdain for cool keith. I actually think he enhances the album. I've never like anything he has produced himself, but his voice works well with this sound. It's sometimes cheesy to hear peeps with philosophy backgrounds appropriate scientific terms to sound futuristic, but when Cool Keith does it on this album, it actually works.

Made a good impression
This is my first and only DJ Spooky CD. I got it about a year ago because it was on Columbia House and I liked the samples.
Although I find myself skipping a few tracks, I like it enough to buy more DJ Spooky which I eventually will do since he has so many CD's.
I don't know DJ Spooky is for everyone. His music is very eclectic and a mix of just about everything. I like that, some may not.
I read a review that called him the "Pink Floyd of hip-hop". I think that's true, but I don't know if Pink Floyd fans would appreciate that.

Why do they always have kool keith?
I don't understand why anybody likes kool keith. Really though his rapping is horrid and he ruins any song you put him on. If Dj spooky would have just cut the kool keith tracks this would have been much better. on the other hand the other tracks on this album almost always range from the stellar to great range, and even the filler tracks are entertaining (like conversation).

Ben neill is god .. and I highly recommend his "goldbug" album. anyways this albums gone out of print now anyways .. sadly ... Read more

Album Description

Live From Short Attention Span Theatre (CD + DVD): KID KOALA's brilliant live tour is captured on two formats. They toured the country with 8 turntables - Koala, P-Love, and Jester each handling different elements of the material from "Some of My Best Friends are DJs" and the music behind "Nufonia Must Fall," to create a turntable band.

DVD also includes 3 shorts from MONKMUS, who made the genius "Basin Street Blues" video (also included) plus the video for Fender Bender. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

modest live effort
i would have rated this more three and a half than four stars, yet the awesome bingo card included with the dvd makes up for it. The artwork is fabulous as usual (kid koala, aka Eric Sans is quite the artist!)and the packaging is superb in mock vinyl format. The album folds out with the cd inside of a white sleeve tucked into the left side and the dvd in a white sleeve and bingo card in the right side.

The liner notes are very humorous and creative and had me in stiches.

Finally to get to the content of the album. Sure, you'd be better off to find some unreleased live material as the choices of songs for this live disc isn't really up to Koala's par, but, being the first officially mass produced dvd/cd ep of live material, i'm not complaining. Its well worth the money, especially hearing the live versions of the Nufonia Must Fall soundtrack, it was great to see how it was assembled. Also i must point out that the dvd does show part of Kid Koala's humor, little breaks in between songs where he says things like, "we call this the short attention span tour because all the dj's are under 5'6" its very refreshing and i wish i had more words to express why Koala is one of my favorite DJ's out there.

All in all a great decision for Ninja Tune records... it was about time they gave us a sampling of Kid live...can't wait till he rolls into town again!

This doesn't capture Kid Koala's true talent
Without a doubt, Kid Koala puts on a remarkable show. I saw a show on this tour myself, in Minneapolis. It was an atmosphere unlike any concert I've ever been to. The dance floor was filled with circular tables, covered by white linen table cloths and candles, along with waitresses taking our drink orders. Kid Koala is an amazing turntablist, but this live album left me wanting more.

The DVD is the highlight of the package. It features 3 short films by Monkmus, and his video for "Basin Street Blues", also included as a CD extra on the "Some of My Best Friends are DJ's" album. Although the live performances were satisfying, the running time of the DVD is only 30 minutes. The CD is only 16 minutes long, and features the exact same recordings of the songs that are included on the DVD.

16 minutes (5 songs) does not capture what Kid Koala can do live. Aside from seeing him live, I've heard several unreleased mixes (Breezeblock mixes, Essential mixes) that blows this material out of the water. If you are starving to "see" Kid Koala live, behind the decks for roughly 16 minutes, then buy it. If not, then I suggest you look into some of his live unreleased material; which is mind-blowing, and much longer than 16 minutes. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Like an angry thunderstorm dissipating into still winds and humid temperatures, Optometry opens like gangbusters with free jazz and DJ squabble, and then slowly spirals into more meditative moods. Manning laptop, kalimba, and turntable, New York DJ-theorist DJ Spooky stretches and shifts the free jazz ramblings of the Matthew Shipp quartet like a sea captain navigating a treacherous ocean. Spooky is as much an improviser as Shipp and crew, adding atmospheric samples, gentle melodies, and laptop mayhem at will. Beat poetry by Carl Hancock Rux adds hip-hop edge, and Spooky still opts for pretentious song titles ("Reactive Switching Strategies for the Control of Uninhabited Air"), but you definitely get the feeling that something fresh is happening here. Optometry sure ain't dance music, and it's too funky for free jazz purists, but it's just right for DJ Spooky's subliminal mind music. --Ken Micallef ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Best DJ album ever!!!
This is a fine piece of work. DJ Spooky is tops in my book. What better way to create a master work than to hire the help of musicians like William Parker, Matt Shipp, etc...

Great, great album!

Warning: Mostly Jazz
Perhaps I'll sound terminally ignorant for this statement, but I was a bit surprised by the jazz content of this album. I expected that Spooky would use some jazz samples, but it's more Spooky as a guest on Matthew Shipp tunes.

Nothing wrong with that, it just ends up being a very heavily jazz-flavored album. If you like jazz with a touch of hip-hop, I recommend it. But those looking for normal Spooky stuff should probably check out his other albums.

More great DJ Spooky:
This is my third DJ Spooky CD (File Under Futurism, Modern Mantra, and Optometry) and I like it a lot!

File Under Futurism was garbage except for a few songs. Modern Mantra is absolutely spectacular, and I have listened to it over 20 (yes, twenty) times in that last week! This CD fits between the two. Some of the songs are great, some are just OK. The first few tracks are kinda toned down acid jazz, but after those are over, the CD starts to pick up. Some of the songs are a little too slow, but it all works together in the end. Some rap, some techno, some real imagination on the behalf of Paul D. Miller (DJ Spooky.) I would not recommend this as a first DJ Spooky CD (that job goes to Modern Mantra in IMO), but if you like DJ Spooky, this is definitely a must have!

Optometry
This is a very interesting album. Most hip hop/jazz projects fail to be ingaging, but optometry is different. It combines the talents of such great avant-garde jazz musicians as Matt Shipp and William Parker, as well as the interesting effects Spooky adds to the mix. Although this album lacks in some places, There are tunes, especially tracks 4 and 5, that bring the piece to another level. Track 4 features intense spoken word over a nice combination of sax and cuts from spooky, and the title track is an insane mix that samples herbie hancock that goes on for over 9 minutes. It's interesting how spooky sampled playing from shipp's nu bop, which actually fits in quite nicely. although spooky adds nice effects, his beats aren't exactly spectacular. This may be a good thing though, as there is already so much going on. More of these types of projects are expected to be released on thirsty ear, including matt shipp's collabs with anti pop consortium and el-p, which should be exciting.

Powerful, engaging, contemporary music...
This great CD makes you sit up and listen! I am a jazz fan of long standing, preferring Miles, Trane, Monk, Rollins, etc..but I like to keep my ears open for new interpretations. This is a fascinating blend of great drum licks, keyboard and reed improvs, combined with beautiful, spacy, delicate mood pieces. Even the rap tunes, and I have not been much of a rap fan (until now) are extraordinary! I can hear Miles saying "yeah, man!!" Go buy it! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Xtra spices from MF Doom
MF blessed us with beats that he and his collaborators made over the years that he spit over. Some of the beats are just loops from R&B songs but they are good too. Not going to say too much about a instrumental LP but if you are into production and love to freestyle over underground beats, this is for you. ... Read more

Album Description

* At long last, indie hip-hop/funk stalwarts Stones Throw drops their first DVD - packed full of videos, some never before seen by the public, by artists like MADVILLAIN, JAYLIB, MADLIB, QUASIMOTO, RASCO, CHARIZMA & PB WOLF, DUDLEY PERKINS,GARY WILSON and more.

* Includes a heap of extra video footage, special interviews, and behind the scenes' action. * Includes a PEANUT BUTTER WOLF mix-CD of the label's past & future. ... Read more

Album Description

To those in the know, Mark Ronson has for years been one of New York's hottest DJs, producers and remixers. He's only25, but already he has amassed a sterling A-list of artists who have sought out his services, including Jay-Z, Outkast, Moby, Nikka Costa, Macy Gray, De La Soul, Nelly Furtado and more. This is his debut album and features Sean Paul,Rivers Cuomo, Nate Dogg, Q-Tip, Nappy Roots, Tweet, MosDef, Freeway and more. 13 tracks. Elektra. 2003. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

5 stars
Man, get this CD and you will quickly add it to your favorites. "Bout to Get Ugly" and "Bluegrass Stained" are my favorites but Mark keeps it fresh throughout the tracks. VERY UNDERATED, LOVE IT!

This CD owns my club!
I own a small upscale nighclub in Santa Barbara. In the early evening we play electronica, but as the night wears on "the good people" go home and us derelicts crave harder edged music. We usually spin up Rap and Dance, but the best received music is Rap you can dance too...

...that's exactly what this CD is. And a world-class example at that. Whenever a track from this CD gets play the crowd goes nuts. Mark Ronson at 25 could very well end up being the Neptunes of tomorrow.

I was shocked at the lackluster sales of this album (ranking 25k on amazon at the time of this review). It has to be marketing, because it certainly isn't a quality issue. Every track on this album is good, but some are insanely good and will no doubt be getting play from me for years to come. Of note are the following songs:

"Ooh Wee"...Mark brilliantly mixes Ghostface with Nate Dogg. Fast paced, edgy, so hot.

"On the Run"...Mos Def and M.O.P. come together in a song that sounds like it should be a track in that movie Snatch.

"Bluegrass Stain'd"...Nappy Roots headline this track and they've never sounded so good.

"Tomorrow"...Q Tip raps, and newcomer Debi Nova sings. Moderately paced, funky, and so fun...

If you love Hip-Hop/Rap/Electronica I recommend this CD in the strongest way.

Hope this helped.

Ridiculously diverse, Ronson's a hip-hop pro
25 year-old Mark Ronson has certainly earned his fair share of raves accumulated to date, with his innovative beats and street-cred. It certainly shows on "Here Comes The Fuzz." The guests really run the gamut on this debut CD, with rappers Q-Tip, Ghostface Killa, M.O.P., and Freeway on the joint, but there's soul (Anthony Hamilton, Nikka Costa, newcomer Debi Nova) and a track with Rivers Cuomo from Weezer as well. I'm not sure what Mark's strongest point is yet - is he a floorfiller like Judge Jules, or simply an intellgent bedroom producer like The Streets? Whatever the case, he's certainly no Tim Westwood. Mark is deftly able to make moves with a straightahead distorted club banger ("I Suck"), as well as bouncy hip-hop jams ("Ooh Wee," "On the Run"). The CD is also great for the chillout room with Saigon guest rapping on "Diduntdidunt". The entire CD is rather exciting, as it forgoes the elements of crunk and too-much-bass that made a lot of top 40 rap this year pretty tiresome. For a refreshing hip-hop mashup, I definitely recommend this one.

Introducing Mark Ronson
First off, Mark's beats are so innovative. He successfully mixes hip-hop, hiptronica, jazz, r&b, and rock into each song to give it an authentic feel. On top of that, he has incredible artisst sing/rap on top of these beats. Hip-hop: Nappy Roots, Ghostface, Saigon, Mos Def, M.O.P., Freeway, Rhymefest, Q-Tip. R&B: Anthony Hamilton, Nate Dogg, Aya, Tweet, Nikka Costa, Daniel Merriweather, Debi Nova Rock: Rivers Cuomo Dancehall: Sean Paul. This disc can be labeled as either laid back or heard in clubs, it kind of goes both ways.

The King of Rock-Rap...
I am not a big fan of rap music (nowadays), being as how most of it is about "paper" and sex. However, Mark Ronson's technique is to be reckoned with, since it got me hooked on his album. His music is so catchy, so smooth, so stylish that it blows most other rap albums out of the water.

I like the cd as a whole very much, but I cannot stop listening to "Here Comes The Fuzz". Nikka Costa is amazing, and I look forward to her upcoming album. But in the meantime, I'll get my fix on this one. ... Read more

Album Description

The incredible DJ Jazzy Jeff presents the second installment of one of the best loved hip hop compilations of all time. The legendary first volume of Hip Hop Forever was mixed by Kenny Dope of Masters At Work fame and now DJ Jazzy Jeff is set to raise the bar with his star-studded collection. Classic hip hop, hard to find jams and new favorites are all represented and mixed as only DJ Jazzy Jeff can. Hip Hop Forever has commanded respect from hip hop heads old and new, the series’ UK launch party in 1998 was hosted by hip hop legends Marley Marl and Pete Rock.

After releasing his amazing artist album The Magnificent in 2002, it was inevitable that we would present to the world DJ Jazzy Jeff’s first official mix CD. Those of you who saw DJ Premier, Grandmaster Flash, Kid Capri and DJ Jazzy Jeff’s tribute to Jam Master Jay at the BET awards last year will remember how Jeff received a standing ovation. It is this uncanny ability to move a crowd coupled with unprecedented turntable wizardry that is captured on volume two of Hip Hop Forever.

For the collectors, this very special installation of Hip Hop Forever will be available as a mixed full-length CD as well as in limited edition, un-mixed 2xCD. Regardless of which format you choose, sit back and enjoy a fine mix by possible the greatest hip hop DJ of all time. A great mix of old, new, classic and fine obscurities from artists including: Nas, Raekwon, Cypress Hill, Pete Rock, Gang Starr, A Tribe Called Quest and Jaylib. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A List of old school artist on this one
This should be an ultimate banger with many slamming tracks by many old school artist and of course Jazz has tons of respect by the rap community this is definantly real rap for the masses
Nas-Main Source with Live at the BBQ-Raekwon-Smif N Wessen-Blackmoon-Asheru-J.Live-O.C.-Pete Rock-Gang Starr-Jeru the Damaja-A Tribe Called Quest-Beatnuts-The Pharcyde-Cypress Hill
That is a list of classic rappers and emcees from the Day.
This album will get 4 stars it should be consumed imediately ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Trying to Please everyone Leaves it Feeling Hollow
The fact that a crew of REAL DJs actually has a major label deal in 2004 (four years after the peak of turntablism) deserves an automatic three stars. But this album is really aimed at the non-DJ heads (even more so than 'Built from Scratch'). Its best to evaluate it in its sections.

The tracks produced by Roc Raida are the most grounded in traditional NYC Hip Hop (Back to Back, Regulators, Live from...). All three tracks feature MCs, and they make or break each track. The best is 'Back to Back' where the MCs really kill it and incorporate the DJs. The disappointment is 'Live..' where the MCs seem uninspired and the 'Daisy Lady' sample is just too familiar.

The tracks produced by Total Eclipse and produciton partner Matt Stein are probably the weakest. C'mon and Ill Bill are just average (disappointing, since Ill Bill starts with a good foundation, but just doesn't go anywhere). And the remake of Rob Zombie's 'More human than human' just doesn't grab me. That may be becuase I'm not a Zombie fan, and I find Slug (who I think is probably the dopest in the independant scene right now) giving his most mediocre performance I know of.

The tracks produced by Rob Swift and Anthony Saffery (The Professionals) are what really tell the story of this album. After getting some airplay with their Linkin Park colabo ('Its Going Down'), Rob Swift must have thought it was only right to go full on rock/scratch/hiphop. When it works, you can only think he's a genius. 'Countdown pt. 2' and 'Space Invader' are incredible tracks for both headbangers and head nodders. 'Like This' is the crown jewel, with its scratchy funk guitar licks and distorted vocals. Where they slip up is on the B Real assisted 'Get With it' (which is even worse than Cypress' recent rock/rap albums) and on 'Let me Rock' which sounds like a song off of H.O.T.'s first album (if you know anything about Korean pop, you know this is not a good thing).

The remaining three tracks are good (Old School Throwdown,) average ('Truth', where Fat Joe says Big Pun was as good as Big and Pac? rapper please), and just plain god awful ('Sucker..' which uses the same bassline as Masta Ace's 'Born to Roll' and shows how wack dead prez are when they aren't talking politics).

Ultimately, you should pick this up because real Hip Hop DJs deserve to be supported. But, if you know about the skills of the legendary 'X-Men', this album will just make you put on "X-Pressions."

After 2 years of waiting, the X-Men wow us again.
I am a huge fan of the X-Ecutioners, and turntablism in general. Built From Scratch is my favorite CD of all time, and I've been eagerly anticipating this album.

I am not disappointed. Yes, they have lost a member since Built From Scratch (Mista Sinista left the group shortly after the release), but the group has not lost any of its original flavor. GrandMaster Roc Raida, Rob Swift, and Total Eclipse keep it going regardless. Edgier, more hardcore, and more refined techniques are displayed here, displaying that the boys haven't stopped building on their legendary skills.

Some highlights from the album:
the upbeat "Countdown Pt. 2". Awesome beat by the Blue Man Group here.

"Live From The PJ's". Ghostface really shines on this one, and the track ends with a long acapella by Black Thought.

"Back to Back" There's a line in here that's an inside joke for all you DJ's out there... "Finger-f***ed my crossfader, now I bust out crabs..."

"Let Me Rock" is a reworked version of "Body Rock" from Need For Speed: Underground. The new version features rock band Start Trouble.

"(Even)More Human Than Human" I believe this is the first single (not sure), and if the title doesn't give it away, it's a remix of White Zombie's "More Human Than Human." Slug from Atmosphere brings it nice on this track, and the track is awesome as a stand-alone, yet faithful to the original.

"ILL BILL" Interesting track. The scratches actually fit into the melody of the song!

Throw in a few hilarious skits, and this is a worthy follow-up to Built From Scratch(although BFS will always be my favorite). ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Beats of Tomorrow
In the beginning there was beats and lyrics. Then came the turntabalism... Dj logic has helped to redefine a new level of mixing, creating and sampling that parallels a dj shadow or dj krush, however, he brings about an east coast, urban city flavor that none to this day have felt or heard so completly. Hearing Dj Logic in person is a must just as is hearing the ROOTS in concert and I must beg of Dj Logic to come back to slo.

Tomorrow
In the beginning there was beats and lyrics. Then came the turntabalism... Dj logic has helped to redefine a new level of mixing, creating and sampling that parallels a dj shadow or dj krush, however, he brings about an east coast, urban city flavor that none to this day have felt or heard so completly. Hearing Dj Logic in person is a must just as is hearing the ROOTS in concert and I must beg of Dj Logic to come back to slo.

If you're into DJ grounded music, this is the CD for you
Usually, when someone says that some piece of art is pioneering or pushing the envelope, it usually means that it's something that's not been done before. Unfortunately, this doesn't always mean it's good. In Logic's case, while he rolls along the lines that have been done before, he makes music that moves and bumps and, for the most part, is flat-out good music. There are instances that didn't propel me, but for the most part this CD is better than Prince Paul's excursions into similar instrumental hip-hop territory, although it isn't quite Mixmaster Mike's Anti-Theft Device. A solid buy for hip-hop heads who don't mind their beats solo.

funked out futuristic turntable wizardry (with guest stars)
so, the turntable has arrived, and its most melodic and gifted of mercurial messengers is none other than dj logic. this album is crazy. what logic is doing for music, the turntable and the future is powerful, jamming and intelligent. only logical. ... Read more

Album Description

Full title - Demolition Pumpkin Squeeze Musik. This is the paradigm-shifting Japanese only mix tape that Q-Bert unleashed out into the world in 1994. A 60-minute non-stop scratch & breakbeat extravaganza & one of the best pure breaks-and-beats recordings ever made. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Old 45s. Not like the wavetwisters.
This reminds me of Cut Chemist and DJ Shadow's "Brainfreeze Breaks," cutting, mixing and scratching old 45s. Intro opens with scratching and mixing Rush's "Tom Sawyer" to old skool rap, disco, to early funk music, and all kinds of old tunes from the 50s, 60s, and 70s, including, of course, sound bytes from old tv shows and even from the wavetwisters. There are 19 tracks, all untitled. The mixes are not flawless but is forgivable because it is supposedly live. Qbert's track selection is amazingly diverse, and often silly. The last three tracks sound like his usual, sci-fi style, wavetwister-like sound. I thoroughly enjoy listening to this album. ... 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's Best of 1999

With pure, transcendental dance-floor ecstasy, Sasha's patient mixes and cosmic samples on this double-CD set establish him as one of the best DJs on the planet. Finding the twists and turns among the endlessly inventive rhythms and mind-blowing sample transitions here is an essential journey for lovers of trance-techno everywhere. --Matthew Cooke ... Read more

Reviews (88)

Sasha amazes the listener with one of the best sets ever
I bought GU013: IBIZA by Sasha before I heard this San Francisco retrospective and believed wholeheartedly that nothing could approach the divine mixing and superb track selection of IBIZA. Boy was I wrong. Sasha's SAN FRANCISCO Global Underground retrospective is every bit as good as IBIZA, and it tends to reflect a live club performance better than the for-the-headphones design of IBIZA.

Opening with a sampled conversation with some half-insane street bums, the first disc moves into the quiet, sly groove that is stereotypical for the first CD of any GU release. Here, however, Sasha's mood-creation is so effective that I cannot pick out highlights, because he brings you into his world with his enchanting track selection.

Disc Two, however, is nothing short of explosive. Opening with another conversation with street bums, Sasha pounds the bass with Narcotik's "Blue" and lifts the listener to a new level of awareness with Illuminatus' "Hope." The highest point of the album is tracks 8-10, Paraglider's "Change Me" sandwiched between two Breeder tracks, the screaming "The Chain" and the epitome of trance "Twilo Thunder." When the bass suddenly falls away about 1/3 of the way through "Twilo Thunder" and there is nothing by spacey sounds in an immediate emotional blow, I'm always can appreciate why trance and progressive house form the best music on Earth. And why Sasha is without a doubt the best DJ on Earth.

GU009: SAN FRANCISCO. Sasha shines again. Get it now!

Sasha is God!
I'll tell you straight off, this is probably my favourite CD of all time! Although now over a year old, this CD still sounds as fresh and exciting as the day I bought it. Virtually every tune on this album was unheard of before its release, but each one has slowly become a classic over the last year or so. Sasha not only displays his awe-inspiring mixing talents but also sets a precedent by which all mix compilations should be judged. He shows that a great track needn't be an obvious one and this way of thinking has really pioneered the deep trance sound which is going to dominate the next 12 months. The highlight for me has to be the track 'Hale Bopp' by Der Dritte Raum, closely followed by the mind-blowing mix into Stoneproof's 'Everything's Not You'. If you enjoy this, check out all other Global Underground compilations. They really are the world's greatest series of mix CDs. Other DJs to look out for include John Digweed, Lee Burridge and Danny Howells.

It is 2004 and I still listen to it
Years later, and a fairly large House music collection built up with me since then, Sasha's GU San Fran is one of the compilations I still love listening to every now and then. Just love everything about it, what else can I say?

Incredible. A must-own.
Quite often, you see loads of hype around GU CDs (or, heck, almost any series of DJ mixes) because, for the most part, if the CD rocks, maintains it's pace, and is danceable, people will enjoy. I tend to think of myself as a more discerning dance music fan in that I prefer mixes and overall DJ performances to showcase more than just a repetitive beat but also a sense of passion for electronic music itself. I want to feel power and passion in the mix and a sense of stream-of-conciousness. Not just "here's another dance song hit played loudly." GU's San Francisco was heard by my ears just as I was about ready to never listen to another DJ mix ever again, having tired from the scene and loads of mediocre CDs. Sasha has done some hit-and-miss things, and I can't say I really enjoy a lot of his self-made material, but this particular mix is astounding, I don't give a crap if it WAS mixed by computer or what. (for the record, GU DJs always have input into the final CD..it isn't just randomly put together by some nobody) It restored my faith in good DJ compilations (and since then I've gone on to find some of the real gems in the GU series) and techno/dance music in general; that when you're in the mood for something very dancy and rhythmic, there IS stuff out there that's both visceral yet artistic and pays attention to the music itself, and not just a relentless beat. Hold this CD set on a pedestal for it is one of the best out there.

i'm a bit biased but....
i have to say, (as i was entering new preferences for my amazon account) i was looking through the recommendations that amazon pulled up for my friend sasha and the GU09 came up. it brings back such happy memories as this cd was a landmark and cornerstone all in one, as i am MANA (not the latin group, and i no longer produce under this name) and this comp. was a huge thing for me. i love the way sash has put each and every track together as a whole. i had seen him several times while he was working out the track listing in the clubs he played and when i heard the final edit i cried. i knew this was going to be a timeless classic, and almost 5 years later i still listen to this every now and again and it's like the first time i heard it, even if it must be the millionth time! i highly recommend this as a totally essential cd to get if you love any of the electronica genres, as this is how good music - no matter what its classed as - should sound like. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

As impeccable as the previous two ¿Solid Steel" Releases....
The third in the "Solid Steel" mix series is easily as accomplished as "DJ Food & Dk's - Now Listen" & "Hexstatic's - Listen & Learn" exceptional mixes, with each episode in the series re-establishing itself as amongst the premier league in terms of broad appeal, but cutting and splicing together genres of music that (in theory) shouldn't work on a mix album. Cutting up the leftfield Trip-hop of: (Dj Food, The Herbaliser, Steinski), to the glorious funk/Hip-hop/Soul mash ups (Easy Access Orchestra, Carol Kaye, Peter Thomas Sound Orchestra), to the wonderfully bizarre (DeeeLite - Groove is in the Heart remix, Timezone - feat. John Lydon), this is the third in the "Solid Steel" mix that isn't afraid of 'Genre Hopping' and so long as you have a fairly eclectic ear (with this release especially focusing on 70's spy movie sound tracking and contemporary orchestra arrangements), this is easily as astonishing & Jaw dropping as previous efforts. And through the sheer quality & range of music on offer here...the Solid Steel series now possibly, has the honour of being amongst the finest series of mix albums within the Trip-hop genre, unquestionably recommended. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Underground Airplay (DJ Spinbad)
DJ Spinbad is dope with the 1 and 2. The scratches & songs are ill but some songs don't mix together. Oh well, but the emcees on this collaboration are phat. Some you recognize (Killah Priest, Mos Def, Casual, Bahamadia, Cali Agents, Punch & Words, Masta Ace, Lord Have Mercy, Jane Doe, X-men, Unspoken Heard, Quasimoto) but also some new comers (Skeme Team, Maspyke, Invincable, Mystic, D-Troy, The Bad Seed, Hemisphere, Tahir, Obie Trice, Rise & Shine). But all the emcees have skill. Someday I bet the new comers will be regular names in hip-hop. I respect Spinbad, X-men, Premo, Beat Junkies (to name a few) for keeping it real to hip-hop. No jiggyness, no bling-bling, all natural.

31 shots to the dome! Guaranteed head banga'
Lyricist Lounge and Ecko has teamed up to drop a compilation of hip-hop bombs master minded into a mix tape by DJ SpinBad. There hasn't been a more true hip-hop release this year until this one. Pure mic skills and beat creativity to the fullest. The allstar cast includes: Killah Priest, Casual, Bahamadia, Mos Def, Punch & Words, Mystic, Phil The Agony and many more MC's giving you serious tongue lashings. Favorite tracks are: Jane Doe - Bisexual, Zion I - Boom Bip, Kardinal Offishall - Ol' Time Killin', Phil The Agony - Clear The Lane and pretty much the entire CD. a REAL must have for all underground hip-hop headz.

oNe

pure underground goodness
Mixtapes tend to be a hit and miss thing/ You have some songs you don't like, but it's usually just snippets, so it's cool. Then you have songs you love, but the snippet factor makes it less appealing. The album starts rightfully with a DJ Spinbad intro, he is a good, underrated DJ. Then it goes into a Killa Priest song, I tend to usually not like him, but out of the WU people he is easily the best. This song is nice, the beat thumps and the lyrics are saying something. Next it goes into this cat HOM, who drops a 16 bar Lyricist Lounge Promo. All I can say is this kid is rediculiously sick on the mic. The track is butter without him, he kills it. I hadn't heard of HOM before this, but I will be checking for him indeed. Scheme Team blesses next, the track is above avarage, and Gean Gray sounds lovely as always. There are simply too many songs on here to break them all down. But it has a lot of definite stand outs, there are some snoozers, but what can you expect? "Rise & Shine" have one of the most buttery songs I've ever heard, too bad it's only a small portion. Mystic's track is incredible, it should have been on her album. Something I found interesting about this release,
it doesn't have too many of the super abstract emcees usually thought of when you think "underground" it's a nice collection of skilled cats. Some you probably never heard of, with 30 tracks you'll find something here you love, probably most of it (I know I did) Marc Ecko is known for having one of the freshest clothing lines ever, and since day one of Ecko Unlimited he has combined urban music to complement his urban cloths. A perfect blend. I can't wait for Underground Airplay version 2.0

this is def. the stuff for my earzs
first of all this is fulla too many hot tracks that i am just lovin. rise & shine is on there also with probably my favorite cut that ive heard in years. thats hella hard to find around in the nw... i suggest you buy this cd

The 'Bomb'
I live in England and found this c.d in a small record shop.This is without doubt the best Hip-Hop Album I have ever listened to,every tune is spot on, my favourites are the tracks by Mystic,Hieroglyphics and Moss-Def but they all rock...Big time. Every single tune is a party song so without question this is a must have for any Hip-Hop fan. ... Read more

Album Description

Craze is the world’s greatest turntablist. Period.

He holds five titles - 3 DMC (Disco Mix Club) World Championship Titles (the only one to win three years in a row – ‘98, ‘99 & 2000), 1998 ITF (International Turntablist Federation) scratching championship, 2000 DMC World Team Championship (with A-Trak).

When he’s on stage, your eyes can’t keep up with his hands and your feet won’t keep still. Recorded live at a rave in the remote mountains of Puerto Rico, DJ Craze takes the revelers even higher with a supreme mash-up of underground hip-hop beats and ruff in the jungle drum-n-bass, cut, scratched, sliced, and diced on two turntables. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

To me it's all the same (...) Street Music
DJ Craze is a man who needs no introduction. Holding 5 titles, including an unprecedented 3x back-to-back-to-back DMC reign, he has taken Turntablism to a whole other level. This live recording from the "Ibiza of Drum and Bass" is a culmination of the five biggest weapons in Craze's arsenal: energy, originality, virtuosity, street-knowledge, and a killa' crate of wax.

The attentive lister will find that the first half focuses strictly on rap with street cred. With tracks ranging from such underground hip-hoppers as Bad Seed and Saukrates to more established acts like The X-Ecutioners' Roc Raida, his blend of real-deal, no-bubblegum tunes and flawless performance dominates the decks. The Intro mix is compelling enough on its own.

Moving into the drum 'n bass side of things, Craze maintains the flow of a prime selekta' and dedicated mixologist. Invoking the dark side for a couple tracks, he slides effortlessly into more pop-oriented, progressive (read: no cheese) tracks by DJ Marky, High Contrast, and Concord Dawn. He pushes forward on the ragga tip, ending his set by revisiting another man whose producing cred precedes him, Dillinja.

This is music that anyone with an appreciation for turntablism and breakbeats could get into. If you have any inkling of curiosity as to what turntablism, hip-hop, or drum 'n bass has to offer, do yourself a favor: own this record. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is possibly one of the most self-referential turntablist releases of all time; one kaleidoscopic track segues into another, punctuated with sampled spoken phrases such as "those crazy sound-effects records you like to show off," "stacks of wax," and "they don't even have any instruments, just two record players." But Kid Koala doesn't just drop in a spoken tidbit like "we're nothing but the nerds they say we are" for a quick laugh. Rather, he lingers lovingly over it, back-spinning with such minute precision that he isolates and reorders every phoneme in a technical tour de force that transcends its own virtuosity when it transmutes seamlessly into an equally chopped-up bebop drum solo. This short (38 minutes) but dense release pulls together an astonishing variety of source material and is consistently engaging and technically impressive, although many tracks revolve around comedic elements (like slightly surreal extracts from an interview with a broadcast sound-effects expert and dating how-tos) that may not stand up to repeated listening. In the same way that Eddie Van Halen is not a better guitarist than Jeff Beck simply because he plays faster, Kid Koala and his contemporaries might not strike everyone as an improvement on the innovations of Grandmaster Flash. --Bob Bannister ... Read more

Reviews (29)

Amazon's review here irks me....
This is a really good album.

First, to people who are new to the genres of turntablism, avantish jazz, trip hop, hip hop, electronica-- or-- by the big people's words 'music concrete' and 'music electronic' (with some French accents added in) it is a safe bet that any CD that comes out on Ninja Tune (or its affiliated labels 'N-tone' and 'Big Dada') is a safe bet and won't be a waste of your money. Kid Koala is a DJ who was said to idolize the label's founders-- soon enough, he was signed and putting forward some of its strongest releases (though points should probably go to Amon Tobin on this last point....)

This is a 'whimsical' album, but not one on which Koala's talent is either hidden or hindered: he is one of the best DJs that exist-- and (some may think this blasphemous) is as entertaining to listen to as are any of the ex-Invizible Skratch Pickles....

This album would be a must-buy just based around the songs 'Like Irregular Chickens' and the two songs focused on pick-up lines. Sure it relies on humor; I'm not so sure that he was pulling Hawaiian guitar licks anyplace; it sounds more to me like old jazz guitarists like Django Reinhardt if I am thinking of the right place. The thing about music collage-- or, DJing to use the term the kids'll relate to-- is that it makes one think. And this album makes one think. And then just sit and wonder....

I like the Deltron album too though this album and that are about as different as too come (sorta like how DJ Spooky's stuff with Kool Keith and Sir Menelik on 'Riddim Warfare' is oodles different than his weird stuff like 'Viral Sonata' (recorded as Paul D. Miller) or the stuff with Scanner (which is a definate must buy). People would dig this and hate that; a lot of people might not like that because Del has a tendency to be loved or hated. Whatever-- I've written enough. Hit the buy button and spend your cash. You'll be happy.... and laughing....

The Muppet of Hip-hop
Everytime I listen to Kid Koala's work, I'm always struck by how well he exhibits what's missing from hip-hop today: irrelevence. No, I'm not talking about the "funny-guy," Colt 45-drunken gangsta-mack who pays thong-clad ladies to let him harass them in his $2 million videos, I'll taking about a DJ who actually found and samples Winnie the Pooh asking, "How would you like to spank somebody?"("Barhopper 1").

What's so great about Kid Koala is that he takes hip-hop back to its roots, with funky but innocent humor to crack at block parties, with a "what the hell was that?" class. I'd agree with the previous reviewers, in that the Kid is best seen, not heard on tape. But then again, turntablism itself is essentially a visual artform.

As for the music, compared to the so-so album excursions of Mixmaster Mike, Dj Qbert and Rob Swift, the mood of "Carpal" coheres and swings with genuine chupatz. The best tracks seem like previews of 21st hip-hop with their almost avant-garde approachs to vinyl. One example would be "Drunken Trumpet" where the Kid uses the diffrent arm weights on the turntable to make tones out of a bassline. Unlike his "scratch masterbating" peers, he actually uses his truntable as a real instrament.

However, I can't say that "Carpal" is the best exhibition of his work, since it's mixed in a rough 'n tumble pace with samples and beats thrown together like an amateur's basement tape.

While I have yet to hear the now legendary "Scratchsctrachscratch" demo tape, I believe that it's always a great pleasure to see DJs like Kid Koala revealing the fantastic possiblities of what hip-hop can be.

5 stars for chops, minus one for all the noise
I like Kid Koala, but I would probably hate him if I was a DJ, in the same way that a marginally talented musician would hate a criminally gifted child prodigy. He did everything on this record by hand, i.e., no samplers or loops, which makes an additional testament to the incredible technical skill displayed in this album (which barely lasts longer than a sitcom). In an interview he said that this cd was his place to put all the stuff he couldn't use at parties, which is evidently a whole friggin lot of stuff. I guess you could sum this album up by noting three things: obscure vocal samples and such, feverish scratching and manual looping chops that make my non dj wrists hurt, and enough strong head bobbing beats to fill...something small. It has a good sense of humor and a fiercely unique sound which may grow thin with repeated listening, but the gimmick is welcome if you approach it wanting to be amazed by the unusual showoff stylings of one of the world's best djs. But if you want the usual fast rhythmic stuff over loud hip hop beats listen to Q-Bert.

...
After listening to this record the 3rd time, it dawned on me that every noise, every bustle, every tweet and buzz I hear in my head, is so perfectly organized into a grand orchestra and put on CD. The beat is solid, and the music seems to be composed with such abandon.

For the geek in all of us
Kid Koala, who is also a member of the band Bullfrog, is simply one of the most creative DJs spinning today. This is an esoteric little record, for those of us who can appreciate the nuances of the turntables. The record is a slew of inside jokes and innuendos. Regardless, it really is a fun listen for just about anyone, but especially geeks of all ilk.

But beware, this is bad background music. If you're looking for some DJ music that you can put on and ignore move on to something else, something by Amon Tobin perhaps, because the beats and sample on this record grab the attention and need to be listened to carefully to be appreciated. ... Read more

Amazon.com

As his alter-ego, "Kid Koala," might suggest, Eric San applies a joyous childlike vision to his music on Some of My Best Friends Are DJs. Following turns with Money Mark, Deltron 3030, and Lovage, Canada's cheekiest mixologist defied weighty expectations with his beguiling debut album, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Three years later, and Kid Koala has retained his youthful verve. Packaged with a 52-page, self-penned comic and a travel chess kit, Some of My Best Friends Are DJs offers less in the way of music, with the 35-minute running time meaning the restless sonic snippets wisely end before his humor has a chance to grate. Mixing sleazy whisky-bar vibes with adolescent antics, his second album never allows the listener to settle. Moments of playful mixing magic are at times followed by baffling inanity as "Skanky Panky"--with its wonderfully shattered Ska rhythm and frantic scratches--runs into "Flu Season", ostensibly a series of beat-accompanied coughs, sneezes, and sniffs. Blending blues, jazz, and funk with a myriad of bizarre samples, moments of pure eccentric genius such as "Robochacha" and "More Dance Music" make this a flawed yet fascinating slice of beat-driven bravura. --Christopher Barrett ... Read more

Reviews (8)

kind of like the last one...maybe a little better
Those who became acquainted with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome will buy this album and be pleased, but not surprised. This one comes through with more beats and more layered work, especially the innovative MASTERPIECE of Basin Street Blues. Anyone who complains about this cd just because it's weird and silly should really listen to that song and realize that behind all the jokery, Kid Koala is a serious artists who is pushing the bounds of turnablism and truly using the machine as an instrument, as fluidly as a voice. There are lots of funny vocal samples like the first cd, and although the format is simillar, this one is more fun and accessible than the other one. Hats off to him for making songs like Basin Street Blues and More Dance Music that build and climax like real songs by using music instead of just loud drums...this kid is going places. No one else is doing this stuff.

Underrated
The work of Kid Koala is so impressive and creative that I can't give less than 5 stars...this album is a masterpiece because it does not look like any other album...it's a mix between jazz, blues, scratch with hip hop beats...
The real plus for kid koala is the spirit of the album, exclusively positive...
True fans of hip hop don't miss it

REALLY NOT THAT IMPRESSED!!!
Since the Ninja Tunes Record label is known for putting out incredible artists such as Amon Tobin, Mr. Scruff and Bonobo, I thought I'd try Kid Koala. He is indeed a turntablist, maybe too much of one, which to me makes "Some of My Best Friends are DJs" sound too choppy and incomplete. Unlike others of his ilk who actually compose full-length songs through scratching, sampling and mixing, I found Kid Koala to be a tease and slightly unimpressive. IMO there's no consistency in his songs and just when you think you're gonna get a jamfest from KK he throws in some dumb samples from God knows where that destroys the entire song...buy only if you're totally into the whole turntablism thing.

Some of My Best Friends Are DJ's
If your looking for something different then this is a must have CD. Its a combination of well, all sorts - a sort of raw mixed funky jazz flavour - I think!

By far my favorite track on the CD is Skanky Panky, with a sort of really heavy Ska-style bass rythm and twisted trumpet effects its deffinately a must-listen. Unfortunately not all the tracks do it for me, infact only a couple do, and its a bit short at just 35:07.

However, as far as 'something different' goes, this is a must have album and it has a certain honesty that many superstar DJ albums don't have, a sort of charming neivety, almost as if you are in the room having a laugh with the DJ himself. Try it, it can't hurt!

everyone needs to know about Kid Koala
Kid Koala has the best sense of the turntable as a tool. He morphes deep smooth beats with fun transition clips. This cd goes really well with his past cd carpel tunnel syndrome. It is too much fun to hear scratching mimic waves on a beach or resemble a blues trumpeter in outer space. I saw him please the crowds in Detroit as well as my friends saw him tour with Radiohead, so he definetely is as awesome live as he is on this cd. I highly suggest that you mute the tv and play kid koala music in the background to different channels, such as the history channel. I cannot express in words the hilarity of armies marching to More Dance Music or Elevator Hopper while watching a soap opera.

I describe him to others as this: An ingenuitive asian-quebecian weilding turntables, pen, and paper. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

KIck ass CD
If u like turntablisim this is the album for u....
if u like turntablists but dont know any....this is the album to listen to if u wanna get to know lots of great turntablists.
just think of the beset DJ's u know and than pack them all in to one CD.....that is waht u have in this album...no need for words... a single track equals 10,000 words.
of course the first 4 ROTDJ albums are great too but this is the newest so of course scratching like wine becomes better with time ... Read more

Amazon.com

Countless copycats have landed on the bandwagon since Josh Davis's debut, Endtroducing..., wreaked havoc in the dance and hip-hop world. But Davis, a.k.a. DJ Shadow, kept on top of his game with various collaborations--Blackalicious, U.N.K.L.E., Cut Chemist--and superlative 12-inches like "High Noon" and "Pre-Emptive Strike."

Now, a full six years later, he's back with a follow-up that is every bit as impressive as his debut, albeit in a different way. Once again, the producer has pushed his sampler to the limits, but this time he's brought with it a deeper, hungrier, more bad-ass spirit that's rarely found in modern dance music. There's a fabulous '80s vibe throughout (principally on tracks like "Monosylabik" and "You Can't Go Home Again"), along with the expected forays into b-boy culture (check the growling, massive "Treach Battle Break" and the funky-ass "Mashin' on the Motorway"). While it's identifiably Shadow, it ain't Endtroducing...Part 2. It is, however, a worthy and imaginative follow-up, with humor, wisdom, and musical understanding aplenty. (NOTE: This limited-edition version contains special packaging and a second CD that includes a 17-minute remix of the track "Pushin' Buttons.") --Paul Sullivan ... Read more

Reviews (14)

...good slice of artistic sampladelica
I was tempted to give this 4 stars, but only because I gave Endtroducing...5 stars and this one is just not quite as good. Then I realized that Endtroducing...was so incredible it deserves 6 stars. And compared with a lot of the DJ-based garbage that's out there, Private Press really is worthy of the highest rating.

This album is quite different from Endtroducing...,with an 80's vibe and more samples of vocals and mechanical-sounding synths. Already, some fans expecting Entroducing...Part 2 have expressed disappointment, but all great artists refine their technique and approach, and that's just what DJ Shadow is--a great artist. Forget your rigidly defined notions of what hip hop is, or what techno is, or what rock is. This is simply brilliant, modern music that transcends all genre conventions.

Note: the bonus disc is worth having if you're already a committed DJ Shadow fan...but it's hardly essential.

Not Endtroducing But Still A Great Album
This cd isn't Endtroducing, but any true hardcore Shadow fan will appreciate this album for its uniqueness. I bought the special edition with 2 cds (the first one had the original version of giving up the ghost and the second was "pushin' buttons with DJ Numark and Cut Chemist.) To me the best tracks are "You Can't Go Home Again" within the song contains a segment where it goes of something similar to Endtroducing. "Walkie Talkie" is also good because he has a hell of a knack for sampling dialogue, and uses it very well here. "Fixed Income" is also an awesome track, and on "Mongrel..." & "...Meets His Maker" there are the drums people are looking for. I have almost everything Shadow has released on cd incuding his work with the Quannum Collective and Solesides Greatest Bumps. Anybody who has ever read his interviews knows that he is true to himself and that's all that matters.
One said that certain songs or certain parts of them happen or coincide with things that happen in life, such as the phone ringing or the way things move around on a drive through the city. Music is life and life is music.
Also check out the "pusin' Buttons" track, it is one of the best collaborations ever if DJ History and has this awesome section that has drums, congas and a mean...bassline.

Not worth the extra $$.
DJ Shadow's rising fame hasn't gotten to him... yet. It's fairly different than his previous music; it's an entirely different album than Entroducing. 'Fixed Income' sounds like something that might have been on earlier albums, but the similarities basically end there. The rest of the songs still have great flow with a lot of strange samples, but they're all great. He says that his music is hip-hop on the inside cover, and although I wouldn't quite call it that, but it has a much heavier influence in this album than in his previous ones.

The Limited Edition version is not really worth the extra [money] in my opinion. You get the "original version" of giving up the ghost which sounds pretty much the same. The 'Bonus CD' is a 12-minute long live performance by Shadow, Cut Chemist, and some other DJ. Yeah, its pretty good, but for almost double the price I want twice the music; in this case, you get an extra 16 minutes. You're better off getting it online, but hey, the lemur on the cover makes it all worth it.

Oh boy, I love this album..
Most "DJ" albums are pretty [bad], filled with repetitive, boring nonsense. Not this album! I must have listened to this CD about 20 times, every track on the CD is different. DJ Shadow is a true artist, this stuff is amazing. Buy this CD, support good music.

if you're looking for...
squips and bleeps... listen to aphex twin instead

if you can't truly appreciate the direction in which shadow's music is moving, then you're truly missing out. this is not music for any old dance-head. if you like shadow's style, you know how fantastic and significant this album is.

and, if you don't get it... well... you just don't get it. find some bleeps or booms and go make yourself happy :) ...