Sound of the Underground

Track Listings

1. Work It to the Bone - LNR

2. City Streets - Basil Hardhaus

3. Twilight for Some - Mark Rogers

4. It's Alright - Sterling Void

5. Promiseland - Joe Smooth

6. Partytime - Pal Joey

7. No Way Back - Adonis

8. Can You Party - Royal House

9. Mind Games [Underground Mix] - Quest

10. Your Love

11. Bring Down the Walls - Robert Owens

12. Weekend - Todd Terry

13. Can You Feel It - Fingers Inc., Chuck Roberts

14. House Nation - House Master Boyz,

Sound of the Underground

Average customer rating:

A Classic
Great Stand-Alone Album
Not gonna lie, i love it, but there's a disappointment if u own the orignal... 4.6 stars
The Red & No Games situation
Near flawless re-release. Why remix perfection?

Champion Sound
Jaylib
Manufacturer: Stones Throw
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

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Ruff Draft
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Bumps
Welcome 2 Detroit

ASIN: B000OHZJZK
Release Date: 2007-06-19

Tracks:

L.A. to Detroit
McNasty Filth, feat. Frank-n-Dank
Nowadayz
Champion Sound
The Red
Heavy
Raw Shit, feat. Talib Kweli
The Official
The Heist
The Mission
React, feat. Quasimoto
Strapped, feat. Guilty Simpson
Strip Club
The Exclusive, feat. Percee P
Survival Test
Starz
No Games
Raw Addict - previously unreleased on CD
Pillz - Bonus Track

Tracks:

Da Rawkus (Sir Bang Version) - previously unreleased
The Official (Rap Circle Mix) - previously unreleased
Heavy (Chronic Mix) - previously unreleased
Optimos for Dilla (Interlude) - previously unreleased
Survival Test (Rasta Dub Remix) - previously unreleased
Champion Sound (Remix)- previously unreleased
The Mission (Stringed Out Mix) - previously unreleased
One for Dilla (Interlude) - previously unreleased
Strapped (Four-4 Mix) - previously unreleased
McNasty Filth (Instrumental)- previously unreleased on cd
Nowadayz (Instrumental)- previously unreleased on cd
Champion Sound (Instrumental)- previously unreleased on cd
The Red (Instrumental)- previously unreleased on cd
Heavy (Instrumental)- previously unreleased on cd
Raw Shit (Instrumental) - previously unreleased on cd
The Official (Instrumental) - previously unreleased on cd
The Heist (Instrumental)- previously unreleased on cd
The Mission (Instrumental)- previously unreleased on cd
React (Instrumental)- previously unreleased on cd
Strapped (Instrumental)- previously unreleased on cd
Strip Club (Instrumental)- previously unreleased on cd
The Exclusive (Instrumental)- previously unreleased on cd
Survival Test (Instrumental)- previously unreleased on cd
Starz (Instrumental)- previously unreleased on cd

Album Description

Jaylib consists of J Dilla & Madlib. The Detroit - Los Angeles collab that brought two icon hip-hop MC's & producers together. This deluxe 2-CD reissue features 11 previously unheard bonus-tracks & remixes alongside 15 instrumental tracks never before available on CD. The album features special guests Talib Kweli, Quasimoto, Guilty Simpson, & Percee P.

Customer Reviews:

A Classic.......2007-07-12

This album is a classic. You can listen to it all through. It has the greatest production hip-hop has ever seen.

Great Stand-Alone Album.......2007-07-09

Now like most other reviewers of this re-release, I bought this album cause I loved the original & this release seemed packed with extras. Now naturally I think the whole feel of the album has been drastically changed due to the 2 already mentioned tracks and if you liked letting the original just ride, then this might mess up your listening experience, but without thinking of the beautiful beats of the original cuts, I have to say Madlib does an incredible job of producing something, although not what we were hoping for, beautiful just the same. The remixes are great as well, to be honest I wouldn't have any complaints other then the fact "The Red" is one of my favorite beats of all time in it's original form, In my honest opinion it's a must have.

Not gonna lie, i love it, but there's a disappointment if u own the orignal... 4.6 stars.......2007-06-30

bought for the instrumentals and B-Sides. then i heard they produced a new beat for No Games. I also had heard something about the beat changing on the song "The Red". One of my favorite beats of alll time. one the reasons i got the deluxe edition instrumentals, to hear The Red in it's original glory. now there's a new beat. not even considered a remix. not a bad beat but not at all like the original "Red". but if u don't own the original, this 1 is still good, u'll only b missing the original "No Games" (which is dilla over the "One Beer" (by MF DOOM) beat. this new 1 is one is better in my opinion), and "The Red"(download it off itunes or any P2P software). these b-sides are nasty too!

The Red & No Games situation.......2007-06-25

Stones Throw was served papers over the samples used for "The Red" and "No Games." That is what caused this release to be pushed back once, from May 8th, to June 19th, and the new instrumentals for "The Red" and "No Games." The versions you hear of "The Red" and "No Games" are the new instrumentals. All Jaylib releases except for this one are being recalled, and may be repressed with the new versions.

Near flawless re-release. Why remix perfection?.......2007-06-20

I love most everything that comes out of Stones Throw, but this album is a breakaway standout classic. Two top performers at the height of their game collaborating like Monk and Trane, only you don't need to wait almost fifty years to hear them together (Discovery! doesn't count anymore since the Carnegie Hall concert; I digress). It's great to see this album get much-deserved respect in an extended package, complete with instrumentals and all new remixes from Madlib; at this price you can't afford not to pick this up.

Now the bad news: "The Red" is different - radically different - from the beat to the incredible vocal chorus by Cris Williamson (from "Shine On Straight Arrow"). This new track isn't bad, but it's not the one I loved from the original release. "No Games" also has a new backing track, and this time I might call it an improvement. These differences are also reflected in the instrumentals on the second disc. The initial pressing had a minor track called "Ice" featuring Medaphoar which is not featured here in the original version or the extended (by one verse) version from the 12-inch vinyl of "Ice" b/w "Raw Addict," which thankfully was included. I hate to diss such a great collection, but most anyone picking this version up would want to know what they're missing.

Still, don't let that stop you from getting this incredible album from Jay Dee and Madlib. If you don't have it already, you're sleeping on a hall of fame release from the underground. Pick up the original "The Red" from the Stones Throw Ten Years compilation (also must-have), and "No Games" from P2P (after you BUY this album), and you're all caught up.

UPDATE: I just found the Stones Throw website lists these two tracks ("The Red," "No Games") as "Remix (Prev. Unreleased)" but this info isn't in the liner notes or here on Amazon. They should have moved these two remixes onto the bonus disc (it's only 66 minutes long), included "Ice" and left the original album intact. Much respect to PB Wolf, but there are enough missed opportunities here to call for a do-over. Oh, and I want a pony.

Average customer rating:

A new leaf
pure energy on stage
strong effort indeed
Sage Francis??
Fascinating...truly unique in both lyrics and beats

As If We Existed
Solillaquists of Sound
Manufacturer: Anti
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Catch as Catch Can
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Zion I & the Grouch Are Heroes in the City of Dope

ASIN: B000HDRB48
Release Date: 2006-09-26

Tracks:

Pledge Of Resonance
Property And Malt Liquor
As If We Existed
Mark It Place
Ask Me If I Care
Black Guy Peace
Choices
Berlin
Beautiful Catasrophe
Ur Turn
All Too Common
Our 2 Cents

Amazon.com

Farther down the road than the "dirty South" of Atlanta lies Orlando, Florida. It's not a known creative center for beats and rhymes, but don't tell the Solillaquists of Sound. The collective creates a hefty-conscience brand of hip hop that's speaker-rattling rich in the deep lows and features a great combo of fury, and sultry, wavy-voiced melody via MCs Swamburger and Alexandrah. As If We Existed comes with some Coup-reminiscent meditations on racism and capitalism ("blacks were promised 40 acres / but only got 40 ounces / no one should own land"), and moreover, the album comes with a dizzying array of musical textures. Super-fast electronica makes for quick carpeting to rhyme against, while a mournful violin might color a vocal segment from Alexandrah, who sounds like a wayward 1920s-trained jazzer let loose in a distant mad decade. As for Swamburger, he's spitting mad in spots, then bluntly frank. It's no coincidence that the group resembles in some ways the Black-Eyed Peas. They scrapped politically once, too. --Andrew Bartlett

Album Description

This is the debut and next link in the chain of cerebral hip-hop by the protÃ©gÃ©s of politically minded rapper Sage Francis. Beat artist DiViNCi plays his MPC with the passion and intensity of a Hendrix or a Townsend, filling the stage with an astonishing sonic landscape. These athletic beats form the perfect setting for MC Swamburger's flow; a tongue-twisting, machine-gunning cadence whose precision is surgical in both rhythm and message. With tough, spiritual tracks that take aim at specific issues like cultural revolution, ethnic alcoholism, and personal wellness,

Customer Reviews:

A new leaf.......2007-04-28

This album is definately a must have for anyone interested in HIPHOP, ground breaking music, or someone who has an interest in learning about the classics of the future. An album to shake your body, mind, and soul to while becoming an active part of a community that will truly bring positive change to the whole world over.

pure energy on stage.......2007-01-10

this cd is a culmination of many other, non-label released cd's best songs. They are all without a doubt, amazing. Alexzandrah, Swamburger, Tanya and DiVinci all come through, as expected with fire-tounged rhymes, futuristic beats, and truly unique content that not only enriches the listener, but enlightens them as well. One song actualy analyzes the relationship between alex and swam in great detail at a fast pace (they're a couple) over top the concept of how personal choices can define or do not define who we are as humans. The range of lyrics is truly depth-defying (new word). The production of DiVinci is complimented well by the deep, layered, ever-changing rythms of on the MPC (he actually plays the MPC, like a keyboard for the beats). But enough of how good this album is. SEE THIS GROUP LIVE! nothing can touch their live shows. period. I've seen the roots, i've seen tribe, i've seen percee p, pharaohe monch, etc. etc. etc. but NOTHING compares to the level of energy, conviction, and true honesty of their live shows. It is something that must be seen to believe. DiVinci alone is worth the price of admission. Please, please, please, if you hear they're coming to your town, GO! i can not stress this enough to you. This group will have you awe-struck. I've seen them 4 times live and each time, i hug each and every one of them after their sets. (they mingle with the crowd after each show) its truly something any hip-hop head needs to see because live hip hop is DYING my friends. it is on its way out, and they're one of the few hopes we have. I hope this has been helpful. please, buy this cd, see them live, and visit the website to buy the un-labeled cd's. they all have solo cd's and they're all amazing. peace.

strong effort indeed.......2006-11-08

These guys performed with Sage and Slug last year in NC. As soon as Swamburger hit the stage I lept into the air. I had randomly picked up his Roots of Kin album out of a used bin the previous year and had been wondering for a while who the hell this unknown, dope, artist was. I recognized his voice emmediately. I don't listen to this album in the same frame of mind that I do when I want to hear Sage, but it's great in its own right/write. His wife does a lot of the vocals and was a wonderful woman when I talked to her after the show. I was glad to see they had a major release because they seem to not only be good artists, but genuine human beings. Pick up this album and be pleased!

Sage Francis??.......2006-11-03

THey are affiliated w/Sage francis?? Francis sux and all his albums do and I'm proud to say I will never buy them. This group has great beats and thought provoking lyrics, lyrics that would make people like Kweli remake their albums. DiViNCi does the production on the album, and learn that name as you will definitely hear more of his beats because they are tight. THey are from Orlando, and like another Orlando group X:144 and SPS this album is a definite must pick up. It is kind of techno-like but not in the sense of wack-bull like most southern crap is, this is great music.

Fascinating...truly unique in both lyrics and beats.......2006-10-30

I came across this CD because I am a huge Sage Francis fan and I heard that this CD was the debut of his proteges. Very impressive debut I must say. MC Swamburger can tear it up on the mike and his clear and precise voice combined with the sing-songy rhythm of Alexandrah makes for a head nodding extravaganza. Both artists stay within their respective limits and conform their rhymes seamlessly to dAVINCi's beats. Actually, the most impressive piece of the puzzle may just be dAVINCi who comes up with some of the most unique techno/soul/hiphop beats that I've ever heard. Pick this up if you're trying to hear something you've never heard before...you'll be as happy as you are impressed

Average customer rating:

One of the half dozen best albums of the 90s
Best Fanclub Album
Best Band - You Don't Know!
One of my all time faves
Say Yes And Play Grand Prix

Grand Prix
Teenage Fanclub
Manufacturer: Geffen Gold Line Sp.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Bandwagonesque
Songs from Northern Britain
Thirteen
Howdy!
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ASIN: B000003TBH
Release Date: 1998-11-17

Tracks:

About You
Sparky's Dream
Mellow Doubt
Don't Look Back
Verisimilitude
Neil Jung
Tears
Discolite
Say No
Going Places
I'll Make It Clear
I Gotta Know
Hardcore/Ballad

Amazon.com

Armed with a sharp new drummer and outside producer David Bianco (Pixies, Tom Petty), the three veteran members of Glasgow, Scotland's Teenage Fanclub were determined to redeem themselves after 1993's wretched flop, Thirteen. Grand Prix, the group's fourth full album, is fresher, more direct and less cluttered than its predecessor, but it fails to match the grungy exuberance of the band's debut or the Big Star jangle of 1991's Bandwagonesque, which remains its best effort. --Jim DeRogatis

Album Description

Tour edition of their 1997 Creation album coupled with afive track bonus CD featuring 'About You' (Acoustic),'Between Us', 'For You', 'Try And Stop Me' & 'Who Loves TheSun'. All tracks on the bonus CD are non-album cuts. Doubleslimline jewel case. 1995 Gef

Customer Reviews:

One of the half dozen best albums of the 90s.......2007-03-17

There's already a couple of well-written reviews here and there's not a lot I can add, except to say that this album is special to me and it's always one you can come back to whenever you feel you feel you're losing your faith in music to make you FEEL something. It's not quite perfect, but it's not far short. And when it peaks with About You, Sparky's Dream and Don't Look Back, it's simply gorgeous. It's an album that has enough power to define certain times and places when you listened to it. It reminds me most of walking across the small island where I live in Hong Kong a couple of years ago: a warm, sunny Sunday morning, sea all around, other islands dotted around in the South China Sea, on my way to meet some friends. When music can preserve a moment in time, it's priceless. This is priceless. It's beautiful.

Best Fanclub Album.......2006-11-10

I was first turned on to these guys when I was in middle school (over 10 years ago) and I love them as much today. This is by far their best album for listen ability throughout. I love 'Bandwagonesque' as well, but there are a few throwaways on that album. This is easy-listening rock at it's best. I recommend this album if you know anything about rock.

Best Band - You Don't Know!.......2006-08-11

This album is great. From beginning to end. If you don't know now you know. Listen to all the other great reviews for more confirmation! It's great mix of music you recognize, and songs that will have you listening to more. If you don't own a Teenage Fanclub album, this should be your first. You'll be going back for more. While other albums may be hits and misses. This one is a deff. HIT!

One of my all time faves.......2006-03-02

This is a fantastic album. The fact that 5 star reviews are still being submitted over 10 years after its release (and they're not the beatles or u2 or anything) should speak volumes. I have played this CD countless times over the years and I am amazed that I am not sick of it. I am a pretty constant consumer of new music. Get this CD - you won't regret it! (PS I've never done an Amazon review before, but the fact that this has had only 22 motivated me). It is melodic, catchy, uplifting and cheeky - in short, a little piece of musical bliss.

Say Yes And Play Grand Prix.......2005-10-29

Kao sto su The Smiths obelezili tokom '80. alternativnu pop scenu, tako su Teenage Fanclub obelezili '90. Odlican pop album koji sada vec spada u pop klasiku.
Vredno svake paznje i obavezno za ozbiljniju kolekciju.

Average customer rating:

The Sound Bites Just as Good
Hats off to dub-masters Joshua Elrod and Craig Allen!
Worthy companion of the Hi-Fidelity Dub Sessions
The Best Dub Yet.
peacemaker

Disassemble Dub
Phase Selector Sound
Manufacturer: Roir
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000JMKI
Release Date: 1999-08-03

Tracks:

Sinewave
MSP 2004
Sci Fi Dub
LK Pryr
Lefty's Choice
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Factory Preset
Subpart J.
Refraction
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Jackson Park
Moving Coil
Meditation
Halo and Snake
Version

Album Description

As most rock & roll bands started in someone's garage or basement or living room, Phase Selector Sound are two (ex?) punk rockers working out of their ad hoc home studios (heavily influenced by Radio Shack equipment). They create a powerful roots dub that is hypnotic, mesmerizing and trance-inducing. Very much in keeping with ROIR's long history of releasing the absolute best in dub by such artists as Lee Perry, Niney The Observer, Mikey Dread, Mad Professor, Black Uhuru, Badawi, Bill Laswell, Dub Syndicate, Ras Michael, Scientist, Yabby You, Oku Onuora --- and the list goes on! Produced arranged and mixed by Phase Selector Sound.

Customer Reviews:

The Sound Bites Just as Good.......2007-03-10

Pleasant background cocktail party music with reggae/dub beats, I purchased it liking the sound bites, but there is nothing more to the album than the soundbites. Never does it get dense or goes anyplace surprising. Cover is better than music. Groups like St. Germain, or the various Parisian club mix albums, like Paris Under a Groove or Hotel Costas series are far better, and I wouldn't really recommend those either,unless you want "chill" coctail party music. Still I don't regret purchase becasue sometimes I just want a groove and to otherwise basically ignore kind of hip "muzak" while I do something else than listen, which is what I would consider this good for. I love that Summer in Paris, Hotel Costas, thing, but much prefer Orb to any of this to fill a similar need in my music. Actually, Orb can be brilliant at times. A couple maybe three Orb albums are superb. I took best tracks from three of them and made one great burned CD. Truth is for "chill" purpose,not that that expression conveys very much to me,I've never heard anything in 30 years that comes close to Discrete Music by Eno or Evening Star by Fripp and Eno. Compared to greats like those ... Well for a "chill" relaxing, after work space, they've never been touched to my knowledge. Sorry if lumping them in with this offends anybody. "Chill" never really made all that much sense to me as a label for music anyway. Sorry if this isnt' what you're looking for.

Hats off to dub-masters Joshua Elrod and Craig Allen!.......2005-09-29

I can only agree with previous reviewers, this is the best dub album I've ever heard, all categories... The coolest thing is that it bridges roots dub with modern dub like no other. The great Hi-fidelity dub series, for example, does on occasions reach the level of Phase Selector Sound. At the same time this album would easily match any dub release blood&fire could possibly throw at you! These guys takes dub to the next level. The production has a fantastic old-school feel to it, with a setup that is simple yet profound. This is truly beautiful music and the album doesn't contain one single tedious moment, every track stands out against the others. Phase Selector Sound kicks off at the highest possible level and stay there throughout the entire album. There's no end to the superlatives this album merits.

Worthy companion of the Hi-Fidelity Dub Sessions.......2005-07-20

This is, without a doubt, the best original dub offering I've purchased - online or off - bar none.

In the tradition of the kings of dub (like Augustus Pablo, Mad Scientist, Lee Perry, or the Professor), this album retains very strong ties to its roots (you'll hear snatches of old Upsetter tracks, along with some other nods to those old school influential artists).

At the same time, the album has a very modern feel to it, along the lines of the excellent Hi-Fidelity Dub releases (1-4). There's no question that this album is strictly roots, but the tracks all feel like they have had updating for the downbeat era.

The most shocking thing to me is that this album was released 6 years ago, and I've only discovered it in 2005! Do yourself a favour and purchase it straight away...before it goes out of print (come on...how many other products can you find that have ALL customer reviews giving it 5 out of 5 stars? ;).

The Best Dub Yet........2003-04-01

I've heard a lot of dub, and I own a lot of dub, but I've got to say that this is the best dub yet, I mean the entire CD. Personally this CD is #1 in my book so far. It's worth buying at almost any price. So if you like dub this is the one for you. I can't wait to see what he put out next.

peacemaker.......2001-11-14

Ideal proportion of "ridim", bass and sounds of mind and heart.

Average customer rating:

"Try Again"
Ugh
The album title says it all
R.I.P. Dilla, If you want ill Beats, and dope rhymes cop it!!!
Piggy Back

Champion Sound
Jaylib
Manufacturer: Stones Throw
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000CC87O
Release Date: 2003-10-07

Tracks:

L.A. To Detroit
McNasty Filth
Nowadayz
Champion Sound
The Red
Heavy
Raw Shit
The Official
The Heist
The Mission
React
Strapped
Strip Club
The Exclusive
Survival Test
Starz
No Games

Amazon.com

Most rap producers and their Roland keyboard mama's wish they could ply their verbal wares on the mic, while their emcee counterparts often jones to twiddle a knob or two (or 24). So what happens when two of rap's most renegade producers flip rhymes over each other's beats for a full album? For starters, you get a whole heap of possibilities as to where hip hop can go sonically. On the Madlib-laced "The Official," the distorted bass lines and grimy drums are sure to make the jiggy, jaded, and conscious bob their head unremittingly. While Jay Dee (Dilla) rhetorically raps "and who says producers ain't s'posed to rap?" on "The Mission," he doesn't exactly do a great job disproving this theory on "Heavy" or "Mcnasty Filth" alongside his more talented Motown protégés Frank and Dank. Madlib is arguably the better emcee of the two, but not by much, as he's just had more time to practice honing his mic skill with his numerous alter egos like the helium-voiced Quasimoto who appears on "Re act." Beats-wise, the album is borderline first-rate as Madlib and Dilla appear to be digging heavily in the Classical Indian music crates for inspiration. The sounds of Bollywood (Bolly'hood?) weave their way in and out of the title track and "Survival Test." No one wants to hear an album mostly filled with half-baked boasts and largely forgettable tales of female seduction. Thus, conceptually this dream project would have been even dreamier if they had enlisted the talents of Mos Def, Black Thought, or Pharoahe Monch. Yes, the sounds are of a champion, but the rhymes are more like the Los Angeles Clippers. --Dalton Higgins

Customer Reviews:

"Try Again".......2007-01-21

Hey, Red Ant-I dont know what hood UR from but you better check your ears for excess wax-kid. I agree this album aint that great and I agree on your selections but YO! how did you not like "Nasty Mcfilth"? Ya'll betta do your homework and dig deep cause that shhhh right there is fire. The beat is sick and J.Ds flow is crazy on this joint. My opion, "Nasty Mcfilth" is the illest track on the album. You betta listen again. R.I.P J-Dilla, your a god with the beats, definitely up there with Primo,Pete Rock and the rest. OUT!

Ugh.......2006-05-11

Wow, I was really disappointed with this album.
Unfortunately, Dilla (R.I.P.) can't rap. Production, hell yeah, he can really bring the noise, but he can't rap well at all. Madlib is a decent rapper, but again, not that good. The production sounds like mainstream gangsta rap on 75% of the tracks, and that is NEVER good. Just not a good album overall, but there are a couple songs worth listening to. I would pass on this one if I were you.

The album title says it all.......2006-04-01

I'm gonna get right to the point, This CD is amazing. It is a CD put together by two producers, so everyone saying how bad the lyrics are, its not really about the lyrics. The Beats are sick, nuff said. This CD, production wise, blows anything away. No matter what kind of Rap/Hiphop fan you are, I'm sure you will like this CD. But I do have to say this CD has grown on me, if you are a first time listener, be aware. It could give you a weird vibe at first. Check it out.

R.I.P. Dilla, If you want ill Beats, and dope rhymes cop it!!!.......2006-02-22

First off iv'e been seeing lots of negative vibes twords this album.Real "reconize" real. And Dilla and Lib Are definatly real. These beats are so good you can really hear Lib hittin those drums hard. This is true hip hop not that lolipop garbage that you hear on Hot97. I usually pick out the best tracks but for "Champion Sound" you really don't need to. The whole album is dope!

Piggy Back.......2005-12-08

First of all I dont really do the review thing but maybe it need to start. Im so late on this because i was just surfin around and saw people, who seem to be down with the BBE/ST movement, dissin this album. WTF!!! Are u that ignorant that u cant see that these are two of the best producers in the " real Game " havin some fun. These cats got together and was like yo, u hot, im hot, lets make it hot. Mcnasty filth was one of the hottest songs performed live at the shows ive been to. And the official is beyond hot. Yall who dissin this album need to stop tryin to get a job with the SOURCE and come back to the real hip hop. its LOVE. and my man who said to pick up that j-88. "U know what love is" so start spreadin some.

Average customer rating:

Fertile Ground is one of the best soul jazz spirtual groups today!!!!!!
DAMN!
Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!
big props for being original AND good...
Absolutely peerless

Black Is...
Fertile Ground
Manufacturer: Blackout Studios
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

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Seasons Change
Spiritual War CD2
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ASIN: B0002ZAZGC
Release Date: 2004-08-24

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Spirit World
Light Shed'n
Live in the Light
Another Day
An Artist Prayer
Shout
Changing Woman
A Blues for me
Yellow Daises
Black Is
Naked
You
On this day
Reprise

Album Description

Still ironically considered new artists, Fertile Ground has seven years, countless performances, and dozens of recordings to their credit. After 2 years of extensive touring, writing and recording, the group has unveiled their fourth full-length masterpiece, simply entitled Black Is… the highly-anticipated CD, is the sequel to the acclaimed 2002 release Seasons Change. This fourth full-length album, which will be internationally released and supported by an extensive world tour, contains a range of ethereal classics such as the title track, Black Is…, a soulful jazz waltz ballad full of affirmation, the joyful noise of Live In the Light; and the introspectively revealing song Naked, which gives us an example of how to truly connect with and reflect each other.

Customer Reviews:

Fertile Ground is one of the best soul jazz spirtual groups today!!!!!!.......2007-02-15

Believe the hype, this is a masterpiece true soul for the lovers of soul music. Thoughtful lyric's Wonderful sound from start to finish. Will not disappoint.

DAMN!.......2006-08-08

FERTILE GROUND IS THE QUINTESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE OF ALL THAT HAS LIVED AND THRIVED BEFORE IT...A COSMIC BLEND OF JAZZ, R&B, HIP HOP, BLUES, SOUL, FUNK FUSION...DAMN!! AND WHAT DISTINGUISHES FG FROM SO MANY OTHERS PAST AND PRESENT IS ITS PURITY AND WHOLESOMENESS...CLEAN AND UNTAINTED, UNCOMPROMISED, FREE SPIRITED AND CONVICTED, COMMITTED TO EXPRESSING THE GREATNESS OF THE ONE, THE ALL AND NOTHING, THE MOTHER, FATHER, SON, DAUGHTER ENERGY OF THIS GREAT METAVERSE AND BEYOND...DAMN!!! GET ALL OF THEIR CD'S...ALL OF THEM!!! AND PREPARE FOR SELF EXPLORATION...EACH AND EVERY CUT HAS DIFFERENT MEANINGS AT DIFFERENT TIMES...YOUR FAVORITES WILL CHANGE FROM WEEK TO WEEK...DAY TO DAY...DAMN!! FG REIGNS RIGHTEOUSLY!!!

Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!.......2006-03-17

Fertile Ground is outstanding and uplifting. I went to one of their live concerts without knowing too much about them. I am forever more a fan. "Black is" is a CD that will make you move and drift into meditation all at the same time. Awesome, Awesome, Awesome! Spiritual War is also good as well; I haven't purchased yet, BUT I WILL!!!!

big props for being original AND good..........2005-07-26

i love these folks.
pointblank.

no sexually suggestive lyrics over-scored by gratuitous production work...

no pre-teen/pop-minded/filthy-fleen-flarth... (sorry... channelin a lil bill cosby. my bad/wont happen again, i swair!)

but this is just a good, grownfolk's album...

equal parts billy holiday, earthwind&fire and curtis mayfield...

if you're here, readin this, then you already know or have already heard a little bit about them... dont be scurred now...

commit yourself...

...fulfill your 'rite of passage' into adulthood.

Absolutely peerless.......2005-06-03

I bought this CD after having seen Fertile Ground perform live in April. All I can say is Wow! Their music is spiritual, yet fun and lively -- they had people dancing in the crowded aisles of the theater. This is real music folks.

Fertile Ground's style encompasses jazz, reggae, samba with a little hip hop for good measure. And what can I say about Navasha Daya's voice? This vocalist sounds a lot like Phyllis Hyman to me, but far from being a soundalike, Daya is definitely a unique talent. She is a commanding presence not just because of her powerful set of pipes, but she has a way of engaging the audience that makes you want to watch this group all night. And the band does not play second fiddle to her voice because they can all hold their own. That is the hallmark of a good group -- when the musicians get to shine as much as the vocalist. As good their live show is, the CD is even better because you get to hit repeat as often as you like.

"Black Is" features 10 tracks along with some interludes and an instrumental. The title song is a love song to Black people that speaks to inner beauty and strength and exhorts the listener to remain steadfast. "Changing Woman" is a song that upholds the woman's various roles in life and is billed as a tribute to a native spirit. This is a balanced CD with some uptempo music that will make you groove, as well as some slower thought-provoking tracks.

This is definitely music for those of us with more on our minds than the latest dance step and material goods. I recommend it.

Average customer rating:

one of my fav albums
Not what I was expecting but still a dope album
Classic!!!
dope!
Back to the roots of hiphop

An Evening With the Sound Providers
Sound Providers
Manufacturer: Abb Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Looking Backwards: 2001-1998
...As Iron Sharpens Iron
True Indeed
5 Sparrows for 2 Cents
Elevator Music

ASIN: B0001BS3UC
Release Date: 2004-03-16

Tracks:

Intro
Live At the Spot #1
For Old Time's Sake feat. Asheru of Unspoken Heard
Night Steps
5 Minutes feat. The Procussions
Only Moments Ago
Autumns Evening Breeze
Live At the Spot #2
It's Gonna Bee (Alright) feat. Wee Bee Foolish
Jazz At the Cove
The Throwback feat. Maspyke
Live At the Spot #3
The Prodigal Return
Live At the Spot #4
Pacific Vibrations
Live At the Spot #5
Braggin & Boastin feat. Little Brother
Never Judge feat. Soulo
Live At the Spot #6
Outro
The Throwback Remix feat. Maspyke

Amazon.com

The Sound Providers' production team of Soulo and DJ J-Skills has shown a love for jazz aesthetics throughout the group's career, but on An Evening with the Sound Providers, they've managed to create music of such soothing beauty that it's impossibly easy to melt into the album's hepcat vibe. Just to let their tracks shine, a full third of the songs here are purely instrumental, few better than the playful "Autumns Evening Breeze" or "Jazz at the Cove," a melancholy but sublime blend of subtle bass lines and sparkling piano chords. Elsewhere, fellow undergrounders like Asheru ("For Old Time's Sake"), Little Brother ("Braggin' and Boastin'"), and Maspyke ("The Throwback") join the soiree. While other artists may only want to tear up the club, San Diego's Sound Providers retune your state of mind with a mood as cool and deep as the Pacific. --Oliver Wang

Album Description

With the original emcee gone in search of a solo career, the now two-man group hit the lab and did not emerge until recently. The end result is the highly anticipated, 21-track debut album which features instrumentals by the duo, and guest appearances from some of their favorite artists including Little Brother (ABB Records), Asheru of Unspoken Heard (7 Heads), and Maspyke. "We are big fans of all of the artists featured on the album," says Jason Skills. "It's nice to hear your favorite emcees on your tracks. It takes the music to a place that you might not normally take it." A portion of the album was recorded by the artists' who made special guest appearances on it with the exception of The Procussions track, "5 Minutes." That song was recorded at a well-known studio in Los Angeles where Jason is a freelance engineer. "We wanted to cut the vocals for `5 Minutes' so I waited for a session to get done early, called The Procussions, snuck them in and hooked it up! while none of the other engineers were around," said Jason. "We knocked out the whole thing in one night!" The remaining tracks on the album, mainly the instrumentals and interludes, were recorded at both Soulo and Jason's respective studios.

Part hip-hop, part jazz, the duo draw from the music that influenced them while growing up to create a soulful vibe infused with bebop, funk, and everything in between.

Customer Reviews:

one of my fav albums.......2006-10-18

First came across SP on this underground radio stream and had to get their music. Got it and it continues to be one of my fav group to this day. Their music is more of a jazz/hip hop mix but they pull it off really well. Really chill music that helps you relax or uplift your mood. Great for whenever you need to relax, calm down, or a rainy day. I recommend this album to anyone.

Not what I was expecting but still a dope album.......2005-11-05

I picked this up at the local record store after I saw that it had Asheru on one of the tracks I popped it in my CD player in the car and as I was skimming through the tracks I noticed that over half of the album was instrumentals and only a small fraction of the beats had actual rapping. At first I was dissapointed but the instrumentals are done so well on this disc that they quickly grew on me and this CD has now reached a classic status with me like few other albums do. The music is a mixture of Pete Rock era Funk and jazz and soulful moody sound scapes that are perfect for listening to on a rainy day. The MCs are all on point and all have some very intereting and dope lines for you to listen to repeatedly I was so happy After hearing this album it is the perfect mixture of Hiphop and jazz styles it makes the perfect soundtrack for relaxing around the house or cruising in your ride. SP Have not put anything out for a minute, I hope that we see something from them in the near future Because we definitely need more talented hard working crews like this rocking the tables and the mic. P.S. If you are a fan of the sound providers be sure to check out the new Procussions album "As Iron Sharpens Iron"

Classic!!!.......2005-10-14

Dope album, beats are sick Nice instrumentals if you like to freestyle. Lyrics are tight featuring some dope mc's Little brother, Asheru, Maspyke. Definite buy

dope!.......2005-07-03

this is true hiphop!

if you are looking for the jazzy sound....this is the one!

Sound provider knows wut hiphop is about!

Back to the roots of hiphop.......2004-08-27

The soundproviders, where do I start? This is THE ALBUM if you love those boom bap beats 'n jazzy vibes, that gives you the real hiphop feeling back from back in the days when pete rock,CL Smooth, De La Soul, ATCQ were doing there thing.

With 21 songs on it, 7 of them are skits with lovely beats on the background, another 7 are instrumentals with the same recept (with scratches and cuts in it), and another 7 songs are collaborations with emcees that are in my opinion very talented rappers who don't have to speak about bling bling, ca$h, cars and ho's to rap. ALL the songs on the album are great! I can tell you that it's not only the 5 samples that sounds great. The entire album includes that perfect music.
The album includes 59:30 minutes of pure pleasure music!

If there is coming up a spontaneous smile on your face when you here a boom bap beat show up after a little intro, hearing talented emcees over perfect beats, you HAVE TO buy this album. I think this is the best album that is released in 2004 so far.
GET IT NOW!

Average customer rating:

sophomore jinx indeed..
sohpmore slump yes indeed
Various Stylie Hears God Sound
Good sound
Vankleezee

God Sound
Boogiemonsters
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

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Beginning of the End
Gravity
Doom
A Tear for the Ghetto
Hold It Down

ASIN: B000002UL6
Release Date: 1997-06-17

Tracks:

Intro
The Beginning Of The End
God Sound
...And Then What?
Say Word
Mark Of The Beast II (R.S.V.)
Hot Water In The Wilderness
M.C.
Bodya
Behold A Pale Horse
Photographic Memory
Sodom & Gomorrah
The Lunchroom Table
Whoever You Ar (Wherever You Ar)
Whistles In The Wind
Warning

Customer Reviews:

sophomore jinx indeed.........2006-07-09

-
-
i agree with the other guy- that every several months,
i pop in this cd to let it grow on me, but it just won't happen!
for me, stand outs are AND THEN WHAT?, SAW WHAT, BODYA,
and THE LUNCHROOM TABLE. there is maybe 1 or 2 more
that i used to hum to, but i can't recall..

BUT i don't agree with the other guy about that 1st album.
that S#!T was/is on my top 5 since i copped it in the 90s.

so, this GOD SOUND cd is aiight, but a let-down compared to
THE UNDERWATER ALBUM: RIDERS OF THE STORM.
i think i'll write a reveiw on that now!
-
-

sohpmore slump yes indeed.......2006-05-17

After a downsizing of crew, only two remained and from that came this LP. "Godsound" picks up on many of the topics that were from the 1st LP: religion, the last days, 1984 etc.

Unfortunately, all of the songs that reflected these topics on the 1st LP were wack... so basically the entire 2nd LP reflects this. I received an advanced promo copy of this when it first came out and as the years have gone by I've tried to force myself to dig deeper into this album and let it grow on me. It still hasn't.

If you can get the 1st LP... DO IT. The 1st album is dope, but not 5 stars dope as people make it out to be, but no doubt a dope CD.

Various Stylie Hears God Sound.......2003-01-14

This is by far the best evidence that God sends us messengers of all kinds. "The Mark of the Beast" remix and, I think it was "Livin' In These Last Days", were as true and as real as it comes. There is a shortage of this rhyme style, and that's sad. And the "God Sound" single let these fake style wanna-be gangsta rappers know that the real mc's are hip to the "big booties in the video" stunts. QUOTE: Have you ever seen those videos with the naked big-booty girls, and the mc be rhymin, and you be like "YO! That joint is ill"! But chill, for the rapper think he's slick. He can't rhyme a lick, so he presents a naked chic to cover up his lack of skill. END QUOTE> So true. Look at MTV, BET, and any other video station. I am with these guys all the way. I, too, am a true mc. This whole album is a must have, and so is the album before this one. It also touched a lot of subjects that the average rapper is scared to confront. I'll just say this: You are either with Him, or against Him. Feel that, because it's real. This album is real. I would like to wish them well and cheer them on because I am on the same journey as they are. I definately can't wait to hear what's next.

Good sound.......2002-10-03

good old hip hop cd, I loved it, but after this many years it has just simply grown out of date , bottom line.

Vankleezee.......2002-08-01

On the real, I think that the boogieminsters are one of the hottest christian hip hop artist out there. On the CD they just continue to bring hit after hit. For the most part all of the songs have hot beats. But its not even about the beats, its about how they presented the word in a cool laid back stlye and still kept it bangin...now thats hot! big ups to boogiemonsters, keep doin yall thing cuz heads aint ready.

Average customer rating:

This album bored me
Sweet son of a bee sting...
Yup, I was fooled.
Speechless... after witnessing the birth of a new art form!
strictly for scratch addicts

Live at Future Primitive Sound Session
Cut Chemist , and Shortkut
Manufacturer: Future Primitive
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Turntablists | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

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Live at the Future Primitive Soundsession, Vol. 2
The Litmus Test
Wave Twisters, Episode 7 Million: Sonic Wars Within the Protons
Hands On
The Audience's Listening

ASIN: B000006EQ2
Release Date: 1998-04-07

Tracks:

70-minute continuous mix
Tiny Bells
Life As a Shorty Shouldn't Be So Rough
Open/Close
No Mistakes In This Number Song [Remix]
Lesson 6: The Lecture
Fats Comet's Tackhead Beat
Chuck D Counts Down to Armageddon
King Kumoniwanaleia
Ready on the Right
Solid Squealer
Biggety Balls - Monkey = The Real Deal
Let's Dance on Planet Rock
Werd!
Moon Base Alpha
Prince of the Beats
You Are Getting Scratchy
Cak Ca Ba Ba
Slow Fresh
Are You Ready?
You Don't Stop
Who Rocks the House?
Flight of the Bumblebee

Amazon.com's Best of 1998

In a year in which DJs asserted that, yes, they too are musicians, it was the duo of Cut Chemist (a turntablist in Jurassic 5 and Ozomatli) and Shortkut (a member, along with DJ Qbert and Mix Master Mike, of the Invisibl Skratch Piklz), spinning live at a San Francisco party that put the proof in the pudding. Mixing albums from across the decades, some familiar and some obscure, the duo create something entirely--and undeniably--their own. --Randy Silver

Amazon.com

In the beginning, hip-hop was all about the DJ. The DJ rocked the party, keeping the flow going, and to help raise the level of excitement, he--and, back then, it was always he--might employ an MC to shout some catch phrases over the music. But for hip-hop to become pop and rock & roll, a frontman was needed, and the MC became dominant. Not so anymore, as an underground school of self-styled turntablists--DJs with a fancy name for themselves--eschew the MCs and rock the party themselves. Recorded live at San Francisco's Future Primitive Soundsession party, DJs Shortkut (one of the Invisibl Skratch Piklz, along with Mix Master Mike) and Cut Chemist (of Jurassic 5 and Ozomatli) let loose on this disc: two DJs, five turntables, 70 minutes, and no overdubs. It's an astounding display both of their own technical skills and of their ability to keep a party grooving; it's amazingly danceable but punctuated with moments of jaw-dropping virtuosity. May the party never end. --Randy Silver

Album Description

This is the one that started it all! The first officially released recordings from the legendary Future Primitive sessions in San Francisco, which later gave birth to 'Brainfreeze' & everything that followed. Here Cut Chemist battles Shortkut in a ferocious non-stop attack of vintage 45 funk, hip hop classics & undiscovered breaks, beats & dialogue (much of which was later to find it's way onto Jurassic 5's early releases via Cut's production, particularly in the monumental 'Lesson 5'). This is a landmark recording in the history of turntablism. 70 minutes, 23 tracks.

Customer Reviews:

This album bored me.......2006-01-13

Unless you are really into turntablism and samples, don't bother with this album. This album is best for DJ's and music nerds.

I found it a little boring.

Sweet son of a bee sting..........2005-08-11

A truly amazing cd. I have a hip-hop/ turntablism/ soulful jazz/ deep house/ downtempo/ weird foreign stuff radio show and this is my favorite cd. I just start giggling like a little girl when I hear their eclectic selections. They don't let up through this whole cd and other than Q-Bert these guys have some of the best samples around. Hell, I just finished listening to it, straight through and I've had it for years. Worth the price of admission.

Yup, I was fooled........2003-10-09

This set sounded so perfect that I figured it HAD to be rehearsed. The transitions are too smooth, the mixes too perfect, the skratchin' too ill. But according to another reviewer, these two had never worked together, or even MET, prior to this encounter. That makes it all the sweeter. It's one of the best examples out there of just what DJs can do. Seventy minutes of nonstop scratching, ingenious samples, and unbeatable party beats-- this is the album I always reach for when I'm trying to convince unbelievers of the power of the DJ. And more often than not, they're sold on the idea.

With a little more lift and a little more thrust on the marketing side, this series could have taken off in a big way. As it is, we've got two incredible albums of hip-hop goodness that're going to age incredibly well, no question about it. If you don't have them already, what the hell are you waiting for?

Speechless... after witnessing the birth of a new art form!.......2002-04-03

Okay, everybody, I was skeptical when this CD was put in my hand. I grew up listening to old school rap (Run-DMC, the Beasties, LL,) and thought that DJ-ing was just a beat for the MCs. Then, of course, I was disgusted by Puffy and all that "sampling" of the 90s. I thought to myself before I put this CD on: "Well, this can't possibly be art, or even innovative or interesting. I mean, all the guys are doing is mixing other people's music, just like Puffy... and that stuff was so WEAK."

Let me just say: I was never more wrong.

This CD is a work of genius. I can't believe I am saying that, but truth is truth.

True, these guys are taking music other people made, but they are putting it together in totally new ways. As one reviewer said before-- and he was right on the money-- this is a new form of art much like Jazz. They are using other music as their paint, but making totally new canvasses with it. And, it is listenable, not just academic! This CD is both humbling and inspiring.

Words fail me.

Why?

Because my jaw is still dragging on the floor!!

strictly for scratch addicts.......2002-02-17

I was at the 'Bronx To Brixton' event at the Brixton Academy sometime in 98, when some little American dude who had a stall set up pressed this CD on me. [...]. I somehow managed not to lose it that night, took it home, fired up a zoobie and slapped it on. And?...let me first say this is the probably the most innovative mix CD I've ever heard. Chemist and Shortkut throw together such an amazingly diverse mixture of obscure samples, bizzare skits and classic tracks that it's impossible not to be blown away initially. Featuring instrumentals from the likes of Group Home, J5, Beatnuts, KRS, and some cool stuff I've never heard before, this would be the ultimate mix album were it not for one glaring downside...THERE'S TOO MUCH [...] SCRATCHING!.It does not let up ONCE during the entire 70 mins. It gets to the point where you wish they'd give it a rest just so you can enjoy the fantastic tracks they're scratching over. Don't get me wrong, I love scratching, but when you hear it continously for 70 mins you just want to scream and kick your stereo. If Chemist and Shortkut can somehow curb their scratch tendencies, I'd definately buy something else by them, but this is strictly for scratch addicts.

Better Living Through Circuitry: A Digital Odyssey into the Electronic Dance Underground

Average customer rating:

decent
Great music, so-so sound bytes
A perfect look into the Digital Underground.
A great techno compilation!

Better Living Through Circuitry: A Digital Odyssey into the Electronic Dance Underground
Spaceship , Future Sound of London (FSOL) , Crystal Method , Roni Size , Meat Beat Manifesto , Atomic Babies , Uberzone , Keoki , Electric Skychurch , and Psychic TV
Manufacturer: Moonshine Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Better Living Through Circuitry
Better Living Through Chemistry
Year Zero

ASIN: B00004SBZM
Release Date: 2000-04-25

Tracks:

Truth In The Eyes Of A Spaceship (Edit) - Spaceship Eyes
Expander (Remix) - Future Sound Of London
Now Is The Time (Millenium Remix) - Crystal Method
Endor Fun (Edit) - LCD
Money For E - Psychic TV
Peace In Zaire - DJ Spooky
Brown Paper Bag - Roni Size
Parts 1-4 - Meat Beat Manifesto
Cetch Da Monkey - Atomic Babies
Pts. 1-4 - Meat Beat Manifesto
Caterpillar - Keoki
Deus - Electric Skychurch

Amazon.com

The effort to categorize and document the history of electronic dance music has intensified over the past few years, resulting in countless CD compilations and several cinematic documentaries. The latest is Better Living Through Circuitry, and the soundtrack suggests an attempt to link the current sounds to the industrial music movement of the 1980s. Representing the old school are Psychic TV and Meat Beat Manifesto, the latter of which shows up with "Money for E," a 1987 track from their prolific (and arguably most interesting) foray into acid-house dance music. Although the disc is weighted down with label-affiliated B-list tracks from Keoki and Electric Skychurch, the inclusion of Roni Size's revolutionary "Brown Paper Bag" and Future Sound of London's classic "Expander (Remix)" lend the collection a solid air of credibility. Although trying to capture the essence of the electronic dance underground in a mere 70 minutes is an impossible task, Better Living Through Circuitry makes an enjoyable and interesting introduction. --David Prince

Album Details

Soundtrack to the First Major Release About the Development of the Us Rave Scene.

Customer Reviews:

decent.......2003-06-30

Decent compilation. Nothing groundbreaking. Your typical techno dance stuff. The annoying sound clips between songs brings this one star down. Not everyone is into the whole silly rave scene.

Great music, so-so sound bytes.......2001-05-05

I love the music they selected for this compilation, but I do have one complaint... At the end of a track, you'll find yourself listening to someone talking about the type of music or the scene... It can really throw you if you aren't ready for it, and doesn't work well when you've got a bunch of tracks from various CDs randomly cycling through.

A perfect look into the Digital Underground........2000-05-22

It's almost a shame that such increadible artists go unrecognized (with the possible exceptions of Crystal Method and Roni Size). Moonshine Music's compliation CD, Better living through circuitry, absolutely brings together some of the best dance artists out there and packages them all onto one CD. It's tough to pick stand out tracks, but the following are probably the most exciting to listen to:

Keoki's "Caterpillar" DJ Spooky's "Peace in Zaire." This is actually a remix of Sublime's "Doin' Time," created into a dance beat. Roni Size's "Brown Paper Bag" Electric Skychurch, "Deus" and of course, Crystal Method's "Now is the time"

If you do NOT know all too much about dance music, specifically electronica and techno, this CD is a must. Even for those of us who know this genre fairly well, it's an ideal compilation to bring some of the best artists together.

A great techno compilation!.......2000-05-05

I, once again, bought this album for Meat Beat Manifesto's new track, "Parts 1-4". While MBM proves to be outstanding once more, the other tracks on this CD are addicting. The same thing happened with the CD compilation Earthdance -- bought it for MBM, got a lot more out of it! I especially like others such as "Freaks" by Uberzone and "Endor Fun" by LCD (especially the little Speak & Spell effect at the beginning). And if you listen closely to the beginning of "Peace in Zaire by DJ Spooky, it sounds like a garbled Sublime track ("Doin' Time"). This is a great compilation for techno freaks or someone who wants to throw a great dance party. If I get a chance, I am also going to see the film that this soundtrack comes from, "Better Living Through Circuitry".

P.S. MBM RULES!

Rap Music: