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DJ Shadow |
| The Outsider |
| Universal Motown | 2006 | Album |
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What seems surprising on DJ Shadows newest album actually isn't. From creating some of the most influential instrumental hip-hop beats to actually working with hip-hop artists, The Outsider, Shadow's first new album in four years is a schizophrenic mix of what's old and new. Featuring an abundance of rappers on tracks like "3 Freaks" featuring Keak Da Sneak and Turf Talk, to some more uptempo instrumental tracks, the album is more of an evolution of his styles and interests than a continuation of what came before.
While evolving is just what artists do, good or bad, the album swerves between mainstream hip-hop and his unending search for interesting beats. And what would a DJ Shadow album be without his signature mix of old school breaks, rare gems, and drums from out of this world? Speaking of drums "Artifact (Instrumental)" plays like a hardcore solo on an old jazz record, and when I mean solo I mean a 2:55 minute drum exploration. Though Shadow's fascination with drums is a well-founded fact (see any of his previous albums for a clue) this seems more like time filler than concept. But to his credit, it's something you don't hear everyday from a DJ. That is the one problem I have with this album is that there are obvious time-fillers here. The first track, "Outsider Intro" is a 2:20 minute story that really serves no purpose. If I wanted a story I'd read Harry Potter, not buy a DJ Shadow record. Fortunately, it gets better, much better. The album is a hodge-podge of retro-sounding soulful old school gems like "This Time (I'm gonna try it my way)" to hip-hop anthems like "Seein Thangs" with David Banner. Not surprisingly, DJ Shadow's turn as a backup to guest rappers pays off as most of the songs perfectly blend his skills with those he chose to work with.
If you love hip-hop there's something for you here. If you don't like hip-hop, don't worry, there's enough variety on this album without it becoming overbearing. Is it a return to form for DJ Shadow? I would say no. For some reason I don't get the impression he is trying to fit into any category. Though that might sound like a cliché every artist is going for, he actually does a good job of avoiding categorization, or at least attempts it, and that in itself is always a reason to listen to a DJ Shadow album. |
| DaVe Lipp |
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