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 Various Artists Xen Cuts 3xCD 5xLP Ninja Tune |
They really are spoiling us you know. A triple CD compilation of the finest cuts from a decades worth of supermodified, scratchological flexistentialism courtesy of Ninja Tune. The first disc (my favourite) showcases the Hip-Hop side of this versatile and eclectic label. Featuring the audacious lyrical skillz of Latyrx, Blade, Quannum Mcs, and Sarah "your revolution will not happen between these thighs" Jones, this disk is fucking incredible! The beats are sometimes dark, occasionally soulful but always On Point and mixed together with that unique ninja velvet touch. Stand-out tracks are Luke Viberts "I hear the Drummer", the jumpster mix of The Irresistable Force's succulent "Nepalese Bliss" and the jazzy Tribe called Quest vibes of Dynamic Syncopation feat Mass Influence on "2 Tha Left." I can't pass this disk without paying a special mention to Roots Manuva who destroys the field here, further emphasizing his position as one of the most criminally underated Mcs around. Disk Two demonstrates the pioneering instrumental jazz-brakes and experimental break-beats to which Ninja tune have become Royal ambassadors. Again the quality of artists on display here is intimidating: Chris Bowden, Amon Tobin, Funki Porcini, Dj Food e.t.c e.t.c. However its the all-out blaxploitation funk of Clifford Gilberto which gets things going in glorious fashion with wah wah pedals , enchanting flute lines and syncopated percussion to the fore. Mark my words, this guy is a precocious talent and I eagerly anticipate some new material from him along with the Cinematic Orchestra for 2001. Other highlights on Disk 2 include the wonderful maudlin jazzy excursions of Loka, the soothing celestial grace of Max & Harvey and the multi-layered intricate soundscapes of "Build A Church with your fear" courtesy of Animals On Wheels. Disk 3 is a compilation of rarities and previously unreleased mixes and its testamount to the quality of Xen Cuts that it stands up pretty much to the high standard we expect from Ninja Tune. There's a strange Tortoise mix of a Coldcut trackon here, a live mix of Kid Koala's sensuous Drunk Trumpet and another amazing track from Dj Vadim to satisfy the most demanding of ears. My only criticism here (and its a very slight one) is that some tracks seem to abide by the formula that a weird funky sample plus incongrous french monologue equals a ninja tune classic. Not so! However the Process mix of Hexstatic is worth the money it costs to purchase Xen Cuts alone and the other two disks are simply mandatory listening. So what are you waiting for? Beg, borrow, blag or plain karate chop your way to owning this compilation. Steven Hutchins (thanks to our guest reviewer from the UK for providing this one!) |
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