Reviews (page 11 of 14)
Interesting Trip Hop. More instrumental than anything yet interesting enough to revisit.
"Building Steam with a Grain of Salt", "Stem / Long Stem - Medley" and "Mutual Slump" are the standout tracks.
nein danke
A better album than I expected (based on what I read about it). Most of this album was incredibly groovy, laid-back, relaxing, and an easy-going experience. A couple of tracks would have made excellent horror movie themes/soundtracks (e.g., Stem/Long Stem and Organ Donor). Not everything was great for me, but an overall enjoyable experience. Favorite tracks: Building Steam with a Grain of Salt, What Does Your Soul Look Like (Part 4), Stem/Long Stem / Transmission 2, Organ Donor, Midnight in a Perfect World.
Building Steam With A Grain Of Salt // Stem / Long Stem - Medley // Transmission 2 // Organ Donor // Midnight in a Perfect World //
Es una base de rap sin el fraseo. Todo consola.
A shining example of limitations breeding creativity. A sonic odyssey that, unlike many of its contemporaries, never drags or feels uninspired.
I liked this more than I expected to. Cool concepts and production.
Good
No thanks, I’ll take DJ Premier
cool
Enjoyed
Wanted to like it but apart from Midnight in a Perfect world I was a bit underwhelmed. Loud beats. Some not v interesting dominates too much.
Wasn't sure what to expect with a hip-hop instrumental album, but came out pleasantly surprised. The samples and genre fusing across this thing create some incredible beats that easily stand on their own without lyrics. It felt very Portishead at times, and old school at others. It really felt like an album that actually belongs on this list.
Good and interesting one for a listen, don’t need to hear it again. But it sent me down a rabbit hole of similar music, which was a good time.
Monotonous uninspiring rubbish. Like I’d expect to hear in a wanky London restaurant or hotel lobby.
Made entirely from samples? Very good, very clever. Is it any good? Pleasant enough mood music when you are enjoying a nice ride.... in a lift. I'm being a bit disingenuous here. It wasn't too bad, just a tad bland. It doesn’t deserve a 1 as it wasnt crap, so low 2.
Not a lot of experience with listening to full-length albums by DJs. I guess I view them as a completely separate category in music since they are creating a collage rather than strictly brand new material. But I guess the same could be argued for all music? It's all recycled, built on previous artists, using the same sounds and instruments... Anyways this guy was fine.
Dit album is lastig te beoordelen vind ik. Ik kende het album al en ik vind het een iconisch album. 'Building Steam With A Grain of Salt', 'Stem/Long Stem', 'Transmission 2, 'Midnight In A Perfect World'... Wat er op dit album gebouwd wordt met vrijwel alleen maar samples is ongelofelijk. Maar het is geen makkelijke luisterervaring. Dit album klinkt eng. Ik doe graag grappig, maar dit meen ik echt: Ik krijg een enorm gevoel van onbehagen bij dit album. Ik zou dit album niet in het donker kunnen luisteren. Een combinatie van kil, surrealistisch, manisch en schizofreen. Die fucking stemmen steeds. Horen jullie die ook? Wat als je zometeen wakker wordt en blijkt dat je pas 6 jaar oud bent en je door een extreme koortaanval gek hebt liggen dromen? Dat alles wat je mee hebt gemaakt dus alleen in je hoofd heeft afgespeeld. Zo'n album is het. Dit werd niet voor niks gebruikt in de Gothika trailer. Maar toch ga ik lekker op de 5 rammen, want dit is iconisch. Hier is er maar één van. Wat een ervaring, wat een reis. Je moet dit een keer geluisterd hebben voor je definitief stopt met roken. Wel overdag dus, als je slim bent.
When this came out I avoided it for lost ideological reasons that would’ve been fed by the era’s wash of tepid trip-hop. Big beats, soft beats, dead beats, sugar beats, ubiquitous in every other stoner’s college latte lounge, utterly vile. A couple of years on, Simon and I attended an UNKLE set for free, and had a lovely conversation, only mentioning the music when I asked if the gig had started and was told Lavelle sans Shadow had been playing for half an hour. Thank goodness we had seats and each other’s sparkling company, otherwise blood would’ve been glugged by the goblet. 26 years later, I like this! Thoughtful splashes of big drums Pollock’d with drama and intent, the best tracks reminiscent of Morricone and Carpenter soundtracks. I also belong to the same vintage cycle club as the The Herbaliser. What was the prime of your youth like?
Yet another I was puzzled by when it came out. It's built entirely from samples - great, but why? Dull as ditchwater, highlight is Organ Donor but when you're relying on Bach for a tune you're pretty low on ideas. Could be entirely AI-generated these days. Rubbish
A great album to serve as background soundtrack while working or reading a book. With a relaxing and pleasant atmosphere. I will definitely listen to it again. Best Track: What does your soul look like pt. 1
DJ Shadow is absolute fire! I really love Nobody Speak (collab with RTJ who are also fire) so my eyes widened when I saw this album come up. Really enjoyed the album and look forward to more.
Will I listen to an hour and three minutes? Not likely, but not what I was expecting at all. What genre is this? Trance? Trip Hop? I'm thinking it's it's own genre. Just read that this is composed almost entirely of samples - interesting challenge to compile it all into an organic whole. Let's see if DJ Shadow can actually do it. The whole issue of sampling... especially if it's ALL samples, who gets credit for the compositions? Is this the same question of AI using art already in existence to create something new? Is ANY piece of art new, or is everything influenced by what came before that then gets built upon? I honestly don't know what to think of this album. I mostly enjoyed listening to it, and I think I comprehend the amount of work required to pull and put together enough samples to fill 63 minutes. But if every beat, every note, every riff, and every word is taken from someone else.....🙃. Would Andy Warhol even have existed if somebody hadn't designed the Campbell's Soup label first? Is it 63 minutes of some radical new fusion or 63 minutes of shit? Can't decide so it gets ⭐⭐⭐ __________________________________ 🎧 LPs reviewed: 36 🎧 LPs left to review: 965 🎧 LPs I found great/relevant enough to be mandatory listens (5): 9 🎧 LPs I *might* include in my own list (4): 12 🎧 LPs I will certainly *not* include in mine (1-2): 10
A bit of DJ Rekluse vibe.
Matig 90s albumpje, bij sommige nummers droomde ik wel lekker weg, vooral What Does Your Soul Look Like. Echter kwamen die luie, slepende drums me na een paar nummers wel de neus uit. Hier en daar wat herrie is DJ Shadow ook niet vies van.
Waar ik aanvankelijk goed geproduceerde old skool hip hop beats verwachtte, werd ik toch aardig teleurgesteld. Zeer vreemde nietszeggende tunes. Dit was m weer eens niet
Echt van die old skool hip hop. Redelijk experimenteel. Vet dat t van bijna allemaal vinyl samples gemaakt is. Verder niet echt de behoefte om deze hierna nog eens te luisteren geloof ik
Needs more lyrics was just beats
If you can sample a song and add to it to create something transcendent, you are an artist. If you create something dull and mediocre, throw it on the pile with this album.
Not really my vibe, but some of the songs that slowed down and just leaned into a relaxed, smooth pace were enjoyable.
When I’m in the mood, I’ll return to this.
There's definitely a place in history for all music ideas. And this is no exception. A hour of mainly instrumental beats, scratches, and samples. It sounds pretty cool, to be honest. An hour of it though? Not sure I want to sit through something like that again. As background noise to something I am doing? Sure. That's probably more what this is geared towards any way. There are some familiar samples on here. Production wise, it sounds like every other Soundcloud DJ in the world. There isn't one thing on here that stands out that would make me think "hey, this is DJ Shadow!" on listen, I would never be able to pin point it. Unlike rock music. If I hear David Gilmour playing a solo, I know for sure that it's him. If I hear Danny Carey playing Drums, I know it's Danny Carey. Sure, I'm more versed in the latter genre, but I have heard a plethora of various DJ's in my life time... And if you don't have a "signature" - you blend in. That's my hot take. Was this album bad? Nope. But it was forgetable.
Hip-hop/Rap... not my cup of tea.
Music sounds good but album has very little substance to me. Boring listen especially since it's an hour long.
Love this album. Endlessly listenable.
This album is sick. Its like mobi - absolute vibes
Nope - uninteresting, same old same old.
Not my bag, but I was and am determined to listen to whatever comes my way. I believe this is where 'trip hop' had some of its beginnings? Really enjoyed this album and will be revisiting.
A complete surprise and delight to me—I’ll be listening to this frequently.
I get it that this album is important in the way it was made and the craft involved but its not something I would listen to again.
3.4 - It was good, but not sure how much it did for me. Maybe I'm being a little bit snobby
I’ve tried to get into DJ Shadow before and not really managed it, but this album listening experience was great to me. The first few tracks are a bit of a slow burn to me, but once the mood is established I feel totally immersed. The album is the soundtrack to walking through a bright but seedy urban landscape at night. It reminds me of Tokyo or Hong Kong. I love the way the Organ Donor motif is teased throughout the album, it’s eerie. This album really won me over. I see why it’s a classic, it’s groundbreaking and influential and a really interesting listen. Fave Tracks: Changeling, What Does Your Soul Look Like pt 4, Transmission 2, Midnight in a Perfect World, Scatter Brain 4.6/5
Another album full of instrumentals. No groove, no melodies. A DJ with nothing to dance to. This is the closest for sure I would give a 2 star review to. The guy must be doing something right though. Not for me.
Very 90s cybercafe
very good production but dragged on a little bit some filler songs favourite song was organ donor
Really liked this. Makes me want to research how people compare him to Dilla
bored me a little. definitely groovy, good for studying i’d say
When the mind is scattered and the heart has stormy mixed emotions. Groovy noisey drums sound
Awesome album. The drumming beats make this a great listen.
Very different songs. Sometimes a little bit too much experimental.
I didnt think I'd like this when I got it, but Midnight in a perfect world specifically is hauntingly beautiful. That hooked me and I ended up delightfully surprised by the entire album. A surprise to be certain!
Great discovery some pieces really good.
Not my thing but I enjoyed this album.
Five star classic, everything you want in an instrumental hip hop record!
a very fine example of what this is
I'm not really a rap/hiphop fan, but this was surprisingly enjoyable. Nice variety and a tongue in cheek vibe.
Not good
I'm going with a solid 4.5. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would it just drug on a little bit in the middle for a few songs
Remember the album well. Very good.
No me ha gustado mucho...
Just absolutely horrible.
Did not expect to like it, was actually surprisingly decent.
Not bad
确实是不错的采样主义
Nicht ganz meine Linie, aber definitiv gut zu hören.
nicht mein Geschmack, als Hintergrungmusik ganz gut
Did not care for this in anyway. Couldn't finish a song.
Amusant et cool mais fort répétitif au final
Pretty good
I wanted to like this, but I really didn't. It didn't pass the headache test. I was very glad when it was over.
I kept asking myself why I liked this one, I don’t have an answer, but I did like it.
The vibes were perfect for the day.
Such interesting sound, very cool
Too much investment in time until you find small moments of enjoyment... It's hard for me to understand that this is an excellent LP. Maybe I lack snobbery...
Very EDM-ish, not my style
Banal, talentless, drivel, as bad as it gets, and those are compliments, its actually a thousand times worse. Not sure who gets suckered in to buying this redundant filth, they really do need to check in for help. Would give it minus stars, it is just awful.
This album is unlike any DJ album I've ever heard. DJ Shadow creates an intense aura here. Love the drumming too. All around incredibly record, though a bit too long, but not long enough to dock any stars
What a master peace of sampling and producing
Not a lot there. Too low key for me.
Kinda interesting.
Wel oke, beetje chaotisch
I never thought i would like this kinda shit but its crazy good and innovative, i've never heard anything like it. For non vocal driven music its great
Awesome! Voll meins, kenne ich aber schon.
Sample-based, but often not all that interesting. Cheapest sounding drum machine under moody strings, Songs don’t go anywhere.
DJ Shadow's "Endtroducing....." is not just an album; it's a testament to the artistry and ingenuity of sampling as a musical practice. Joshua Davis, known as DJ Shadow, approaches sampling with a reverence akin to a spiritual ritual, crafting a sonic masterpiece that reflects a lifetime of devotion to Hip-Hop and the history of recorded music. From the opening chimes of "Big Exit," the album unveils a rich tapestry of sound, blurring the boundaries between genres and deconstructing the notion of musical categorisation. Endtroducing..... challenges the misconception that sampling lacks skill, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship required to seamlessly blend disparate elements into a cohesive whole. The album not only redefined Hip-Hop but also paved the way for instrumental works, challenging the role of producers as mere composers for rappers. The impact of Endtroducing..... echoes in subsequent works like J Dilla's "Donuts," influencing the emergence of the Los Angeles Beat Scene and shaping the trajectory of Hip-Hop and electronic music. Each track on the album is a sonic journey, from the haunting "Building Steam With a Grain of Salt" to the hypnotic organ loop of "Organ Donor" and the expansive ambient suite of "Midnight in a Perfect World." The album's ability to seamlessly transition between diverse sounds reflects DJ Shadow's unparalleled skill in curating a musical odyssey. Endtroducing..... not only captures the essence of countless influences but also remains a timeless exploration of sonic collage, offering a glimpse into both the past and present. In its limitlessness, vitality, and energy, the album stands as a groundbreaking work that defies convention and continues to resonate as a beacon of innovation in the realm of electronic music.
You know, I wasn't that excited to listen to this album. Instrumental hip-hop made entirely from samples didn't really interest me at all. However, upon listening to this album, I discovered that it's actually really good. This wasn't just an album made from samples. Apparently, it was the first album to be made entirely from samples, so it has a reason to be on this list, alongside my opinion that the musical contents of this album are also quite good. The sample usage is quite impressive and it pulls from a variety of songs from artists like Metallica, Bjork, and some band called Nirvana that isn't actually the Nirvana you think it is, but rather a 1960s British rock band. The whole sound of this album is quite nice to listen to. The vibes are absolutely immaculate. There's also quite a bit of variety in the sound. My one problem with this album is that some songs go on for far too long, but with some of those basically being two songs in one, I can excuse that. Overall, this is quite an impressive album that absolutely deserves to be listened to before you die. Light 5/5.
Lofi
Technisch vielleicht gut, aber für mich Gesample im Jazz-Modus... I don't get it!
I already knew and loved this album. But I haven't heard it in a long time and I was curious to see how well it holds up. Really well! I spotify-liked 4 tracks from the album, but I think the entire album has a great sound.
Even though I've listened to this album dozens of times, it's raw density makes it always feel new.
Rises above so many other DJ albums with each song feeling like a complete piece vs a mash-up of disparate parts. Very few came close to how good this is.
2/5
Boom Bappy Basement indie/r&b/rock/hip hop? Chill beat driven grooves. Lots of experimental sounds. Jazz undertones. Giving off Moby Vibes -What Does Your Soul Look Like Pt1 ... and Pt4 -Midnight In A Perfect World
All over the place in a good(?) way. Artists pulls you into beats and allows you to get lost in the groove before abruptly pulling you out like a splash of cold water to the face.
Not really my thing. Appreciate that it is analog sounds.
easy to listen to. hypnotic
Building Steam with a grain of salt is good, but not incredible music I was promised. otherwise genuinely pretty boring.
Really liked the concept, songs were unique and interesting
Meh. Good house music for background noise.
I could have sworn I’d listened to this before. I’m quite familiar with the album cover, and its existence, but I don’t believe I’ve listened to this before. I’d say I’m a fan of hip hop, but beats albums are rarely something I like to listen to - Dilla, Nujabes, Oddissee, Karriem Riggins notwithstanding. I can’t say this one is really doing it for me, either. I appreciate its significance and quality. It’s definitely well crafted, but as far as wanting to put this on… it’s not chill for any significant length of time, and I’m not much of a partier these days. I don’t hate it but I just don’t think I’ll come back to it.
Spectacular masterpiece
Super cool vibe, like being in a 90s hip hop time capsule
Not my style
Ok nice hip hop å ha som bakgrunnsmusikk. Er dette tidlig lo-fi hiphop??
Synes sangene var ålreit, men ble litt kjedelig i lengden. Hørtes ut som noen bare hadde laget masse sanger, uten å ha funnet noen til å rappe over dem.
Fantastic!
Not familiar with him. Music was not really my thing but couple of songs were good.
Aika hyvä 3.5/5 Oli kylll 3.75/5 Diggasin 🤌🏼
Since long time HipHop again. Nice album.
This album will forever remind me of the movie Dark Days. This is the perfect gritty urban soundtrack. The sampling is so seamless, it’s effortless. This was a landmark in instrumental hip hop and its impact is still felt.
Didn’t enjoy this group’s style of music. Admit that I only listed to a bit of a few cuts but that was enough.
Moody, Atmospheric chopped up! Some of it was ok.
Ziemlich cool eigentlich, könnte man öfter mal hören
Might be good if that's what you're into. Not my thing.
Honestly great vibes
I liked some of it. I hated some of it. Some songs I would be enjoying and suddenly he mixed something in that threw off the whole vibe of the song. It got worse at it progressed. I was initially around a 3, but that score dropped as I kept listening. 2
Damn this album was cool, amazing production
Loved!
i can imagine that breakcore originated from this genre. it sounds like a slower, calmer version of breakcore. i love it, but it feels like it's missing an element in some songs. after reading other reviews i could see my opinion was somewhat shared too.
expected a lot less going in, this was definitely an experience. i'm going have to rate it 5 just for just how hypnotised i was to these beats, even though part of me would say this is not 'complete' music without vocals and is just sampling. addictive and well produced.
I'll often see praise for this being the greatest instrumental hip hop album of all time, and perhaps for good reason. DJ Shadow has an impressive ability for taking a typical sample and utilizing extensive production techniques at his disposal. To this extent, Endtroducing is like a bag of tricks that just keep coming. Where the UK was heavily invested in the world of trip hop during the 90's, America had DJ Shadow. And while not every track is the most impressive or mind-blowing, it displays a certain creative energy necessary to elevate the genre and industry practices as a whole.
- [ ] Album: Endtroducing….. Artist: DJ Shadow Year: 1996 Genre: Instrumental Hip-Hop, Trap Hop, Lo-Fi Hip-Hop Number on list: 827 Rating: ⭐️⭐️ While some songs are relaxing to listen to, I don’t know how you can curate a 16 song long album full of songs that sound exactly the same as the last. I didn’t know where they started and ended. I’m not even sure how it made this list… Favourite song: Stem/Long Stem Medley Would I listen again? Probably not
Fascinating. Enjoyed it and exactly the kind of thing I would never know was out there without this list. 3.5 stars
I used to hate the way this album sounded so rough and underproduced, but I think it's part of the charm now and it adds authenticity.
not really my thing, but has 1 or 2 cool songs
Had not heard this album before or this artist (unless it was mixed into a compilation I am unaware of). I enjoyed it and saved one song to a playlist. And i want to listen to it again, which is always a good sign. I think i’ll need some time to have it seep in, but might, in time, be an even bigger fan. Great to have on while working.
Some great instrumental soundtracks I am certain have been sampled in other artists I like. The more industrial tracks were a bit too intense for me though, bringing the rating down. Favorite track was what does your soul look like part one
It's decent studying/relaxing music but not much more than that
Seemed ok. Did not listen to a ton
good, innovative stuff that still sounds good in 2024, but quite long
Fun!
I like the style but the result is not really that great. Stem/Long stem medley would really fit for a DOOM 2 MIDIs Organ donor is a favorite of mine.
Before yesterday I had no idea who DJ Shadow is and that the album Endtroducing..... exitst. I had no idea what to expect, but I was surprised with mellow, laid back, and sometimes lovely melodies. Some of the songs, like "Midnight In A Perfect World" had strong Trip Hop vibes, which I liked. On the other hand, I felt that some of the songs are too long and repetetive. This clearly isn't my genre, but I enjoyed listening to it, however, I don't think I'll pick it up ever again. Hence my rating.
Interesting and groovy at first, boring at last.
I usually dislike hip hop but enjoyed dj Shadow. It was good chill music to have one while working
This one wasn’t really for me. It’s pretty good if I just want background music when I work or do other things, but I can’t say it that it touched me in any deeper way. There are many other electronic albums that, to me, are way better - even as background music! Maybe it’s an interesting work from a technical standpoint, but that’s about it for me. I didn’t find it exciting or meaningful. Next!
I’m rating this 3 stars due to its historical significance and place in the evolution of hiphop and electronic music. But personally I could never truly get into it and at times it feels like a pretty sonic wallpaper, almost a collection of radio jingles. But it would be a very cool radio station.
Woah, interesting! Never heard of DJ Shadow, I don’t think I ever listened to anything by him. Is it like Proggy HipHop? HipHoppy Electronica? MAD Genius soundscaping! I’m the 4th track in and it’s keeping my interest and not annoying me. So far ‘Building Steam With A Grain Of Salt’ is the track that stood out for me. Mmmmh, ‘Stem/Long Stem’ is yummy. … dang, I fell asleep. I was just really tired and this album really relaxing. Psst, I can relax/ fall asleep to the right kind of GrindCore Metal too. Anyhu, this was a sweet surprise and most welcome new discovery. I’ll gladly re-listen to it in a more fully conscious state of awareness. Loved it very hard! 🎶🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🎶
For me this is overrated, I recognise the innovation but personally don't find that it leads to something that is particularly easy to listen to.
A solid chillout/triphop album - personal faves are Stem/Long Stem and What Does Your Soul Look Like. An excellent one to unwind after a long and stressful day.
Such a wide and wild mix of styles and genres! This album contained a lot of elements which I heard from Bonobo, Tycho and such. So Downtempo, Chillwave. I thought these things came up around 10 years later or so.
Not my style...
A lil bit like Hello Nasty and Fates Warning
It is great as a background music, but in my opinion is missing some catchy melody or progression, and it feels a bit flat throughout its length.
Gibt mir absolut nichts. Tut nicht weh, wenn es im Hintergrund läuft, aber beim aktiven Zuhören hat es mich nur gelangweilt. Einzige Ausnahme: "Stem/Long Stem" - sehr spannungsreich und düster, interessanter Drumeinsatz, könnte gut bei American Horror Story laufen.
This is a remarkable album that rewards repeated listens. It’s complex, layered, playful and chilled at the same time. The samples are eclectic drawing from ambient, jazz, funk and film scores combined in sometimes surprising and unexpected ways. Definitely one to listen to on headphones!
Enjoyed this!
Gave this album a fair listen but nothing really does it for me. I love a good instrumental/beat album but nothing really stood out to me... I will give props where they are due though because DJ Shadows ability to mix, sample and produce a track are top notch.
Great album; stumbled across it almost 20 years ago and I'm still hooked in the first seconds. The composition and ambiance work on this album are noteworthy, it takes you to a journey with ups and downs, and I find the whole pretty coherent. There are obvious bangers (Stem/Long Stem for starters) and chiller parts that lean to trip-hop (and that the main clue that gives away the age of the record, you hear that you can smell the mid-'90s). The composition makes me think of progressive stuff I usually encounter in rock-related genres. And I can't imagine the work required to chisel such a record. Great work!
Weird mix. In one moment it's boring elevator music, then I got surprised with some great drum fills and a change of rhythm. Then it's jazzy, then hip-hop, then elevator music again. Sometimes just a sequence of unrelated samples. Technically not bad, but I am missing a central theme.
I really enjoyed it at first, it totally wasn't what I was expecting. Was some nice chill background music but then I found the really short tracks to be a bit jarring, made me want to not keep listening to it.
Atmospheric in places
A true classic. Ignore the reviews from grumpy middle-aged men, who only like what they listened to 40+ years ago, this is great.
Went to college listening to it, I already knew one of the songs on it. Great album ! 7/10 based on what I like and enjoy.
Super great
ooooo nice! Super Lo Fi and chill. Really dug it
Not my favorite. A sleepy and repetitive version of 90's hip hop.
Really interesting album.
Never listened to this before. Cool sound collages, reminded me of Chemical Brothers. Good music for background, much like when I listen to Explosions in the Sky. I like track 2, “Building Steam with a Grain…” and track 7, “Untitled.” **1/2
Great, first time i hear electronic music with a Metallica base.
Not a fan. The beat was very basic, and a lot of it all sounded alike.
daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaamn
Isn't this supposed to be... danceable? I like the fact that he mixed a lot of hip hop beats to it, but it doesn't... groove at a decent pace. It's all at a middling tempo. The guy's genre is dance, and the music is not fast enough to dance to. It's more... shoegaze tempo. What's the fun in THAT?
Wasn't sure what to think of this album. It is cool. How cool? Still thinking about that. But the first song that came up randomly after the album ended was by Run the Jewels and those guys kick serious ass. So if DJ Shadow's weird brand of hip hop from the 90's helped clear a path for Killer Mike and El-P then that is a big deal. His sampling doesn't feel like sampling, it feels natural. And it's 100% sampling! I really enjoyed his songs with a harrowing or ominous sound - Building Steam with a Grain of Salt (that heavy but simple piano presence), What Does Your Soul Look Like Pt. 4 (that funky bass and weird vocal), Stem / Long Stem (that soft and heavy percussion along with different strings), Organ Donor (that organ - watch your back!), Midnight in a Perfect World (the gloomy vocals and piano). Not a perfect album by any means, but not average either. Feels like a 3.5 is in order but since I can't give that rating and I don't want to give it a 3, I rounded up.
Some very cool grooves and incredibly smooth samples - a great example of someone taking samples and making them sound like completely new songs. Favorite tracks: Building Steam With a Grain of Salt, The Number Song, Midnight in a Perfect World, Napalm Brain/Scatter Brain (Medley). Not rating it a 5 because it's basically high quality background music - plus there are a few samples I dislike (like the weird bullfrog vocal thing in What Does Your Soul Look Like, Pt 4), but it's a very good album that I can see revisiting.
Great start. I love instrumental music and have been trying to listen to more hip-hop this year. Took a couple tracks to get into what was being laid down, but I especially love the chill cosmic hang-out vibes of the second half. Can definitely see myself relistening to this album.
Cool, mellow, easy listen.
I'm checking the book out from the library to try and figure out why this album is on the list. I get that it was unique by only using tracksvalready recorded, but it was painful to listen to at times. Did he use a sound effects album on this?
An incredible soundscape....Not heard anything like this before... very engaging
Groundbreaking sampling masterwork still ahead of it’s time nearly thirty years on…as the NME once stated, DJ Shadow is the Jimi Hendrix or Jimmy Page of the sampler
I’ve never heard of this artist or album before, but it was really nice. Well-created mix of samples.
Lots of horror-movie sounds and soundtrack samples worked into the beats give most of this album a wonderfully creepy vibe. “Midnight in a Perfect World” is, in my opinion, a respite from the gloom (and “Why Hip Hop Sucks in ‘96,” but that’s only 44 seconds long). I remember buying this when it first came out - don’t remember how I heard about it - but I was not prepared for its overall ominous tone. I came to love it and it holds up today.
Not what I'd have chosen for myself. That said, this was an album ahead of its time. I enjoyed several songs immensely; the rest was decent background music. Nice to stretch some boundaries with this.
Good eclectic mix
One of those albums that I've been meaning to listen to for a long time. Honestly, it's strange that I haven't as I've spent a lot of time with other sample based instrumental albums, e.g. Kid Koala, Avalanches, Girl Talk and I enjoyed the David Holmes album from earlier in this project. This is so fucking good. Put on headphones and walk around cranking this and try not to feel like you're the coolest character. It's atmospheric, cinematic, jazzy, rich, and groove-forward. It's thorough. Shadow is an obsessive master, reading about how he made this was fascinating, spending days and days in record stores hunting obscure samples to process and stitch together. I'd like to check out the documentary referenced in the wiki. Coincidentally, this is the second appearance by Björk in my overall 1001 project as one of the only contemporary pop samples in the mix is the use of her song "Possibly Maybe" in the track "Mutual Slump".
Pretty basic instrumentals. Not for me.
Such a cool album. The vibe is consistent throughout and sounds great. The whole thing almost works for me, but sometimes the every-beat drumming can get a little grating. Otherwise though, can totally see playing this album on a day where the mood matches.
I was first Entroduced to this album by my old pal Fletch who sadly passed away last year. This (I think) was in the late 90s or 2000 when we were in high school. He pretty much said we need to get as stoned as possible and listen to this. So we did and that will always be the optimal way to experience this crazy, ground breaking sample Fiesta. Around 2008 when we all lived in Chicago we saw DJ Shadow at the Vic Theater and took Molly and smoked a bunch of green. That also was a great time. So I love this album and miss ya Fletch RIP
Amazing album.
Bit of an odd one. Pretty good quality. I can see this being a good album for when your life is in turmoil. More of an ambient album than something I would seek out.
What a cool album, I love the vibe and the musical expression! This is a great listen and one that I will be listening to for some time. Far from other sampling I have heard in different songs this puts sampling a level above as a creative art form. My first thought was to place this in the category of hip-hop but listening through the album that seems a bit to simple as I hear a lot of jazz and funk influence as well as touching on ambient music. Great music, great vibe and great piece of art. Favorite Songs: Building Steam with a Grain of Salt, Organ Donor, The Number Song, What Does Your Soul Look Like Pt 1.
This album brings up so many strange emotions for me. It's kind of a "found-sound" record, remixing beats, samples and spoken word from so many sources that it would be near-impossible to track all of them. And with it, DJ Shadow creates something that feels like a revival, a second life for all of these samples. Great addition to the list. Fav tracks: Transmission 2, Organ Donor, Midnight in a Perfect World, What Does Your Soul Look Like? Pt 1
An absolute classic. The masterful layering of diverse samples cultivates this ethereal atmosphere. It feels like entering the mind and living room of a deeply knowledgeable and eclectic music lover eager to showcase remarkable moments rendered in a new way. I feel like this is going to stay in rotation for a while! Rating: 4.5/5 Favourite tracks: Organ Donor, Building Steam with a Grain of Salt, Mutual Slump, Midnight in a Perfect World
Remarkably pleasant instrumental hip-hop. Not boring and not intrusive and great music for just hanging out or doing work. I don't generally enjoy instrumental music like this, but this does feel different. Would I turn it on again? Quite possibly not, but it deserves a place on this list and I am happy I heard it.
Boring ...
Me veo muriendo antes de escuchar esto...noves para mi.
good reading music
not my music
I don’t know how to explain this other than…. Vibes
2.5
not usually one for instrumental hip hop but this is obviously a beautiful example it. still, I don't think this would ever be a repeated active listen for me, but i can certainly appreciate it. midnight in a perfect world is a banger though
WHAT I ENJOYED: vibey, trip hop beats that (mostly) sound fresh even 20 years later; really layered, rich soundscapes that make me want to look up the sample tracks. Some of it is a little out there but...I respect it (organ donor.) GRIPES: I don't know if I really have any??? I guess I wish this were a more popular record and I'd discovered it sooner? RECCOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Lofi beats, curating perfect playlists for listening to while riding public transit after dark #380 revealed / #500 rated
The crowning achievement of a massive crate digging undertaking. 3 vinyl discs out of 5 📀📀📀
If I could give the album 6 out of 5 stars I would. So ahead of its time as well as an encapsulation of the the late 90s.
90s techno teance feel
He was good at duel on Gladiators
3.5
Amazing album!!!
Unusually for an album of this length, this got better as it went along. By the end I was very into it indeed. This was the kind of thing that the Indie Kid of the 90s shunned, while the more out-there types got bang into it. Well I can see why now. It's superb working music, which, as mentioned previously, may not be a total compliment, but is extremely useful.
This reminds me of that time my little brother got an electric piano for his birthday, which had a setting that made each key sound like a different shitty drum sample, and that's all he did the whole day
I wanted to like this more than I did (my hs bestie was obsessed with DJS), it just got too experimental and weird at some points and I didn't really enjoy listening to it. 2.5
Like a weird hip hop jazz type electronic album. One of those late 90's albums that maybe helped grow the genre. I'm not sure, I thought it was fine.
This one I know to be a classic, though I'm not really familiar with it or DJ Shadow. I think I listened once, expecting a cool hip hop beat tape, and was disappointed. The reality is, I don't think I understood it. This isn't really a "hip hop" project in that sense at all. Sure, it's a lot of sample-based beat making, and a few of these beats could work on a hip hop album, but as a whole this doesn't strike me as hip hop. Wikipedia says things like "trip hop" or "plunderphonics," which makes me think of The Avalanches or The Books. For me, taking away that genre expectation significantly improved the listening experience. I do really like this, the sample work is pretty impressive and enjoyable. Not something I personally would annoint as classic or essential based on my listen, but I have no awareness of the scene or context surrounding it, so I won't doubt it. And even without that awareness, it's a pretty great ride. Really enjoy the long tracks that just let the instrumental breathe. Favorite tracks: Best Foot Forward, Building Steam, Changeling, What Does Your Soul Look Like, Organ Donor, Napalm Brain. Album art: Definitely a classic cover, the kind I've seen a hundred times. Couple guys digging through crates at a record store, who can relate? Captures the spirit of sample-based work like this, and the blur and anonymity of the shot gives this an air of mystery. 4/5
Interesting sound. This definitely defined the genre for DJ sounds and sampling. I like to only listen this in background while doing something.
This wasn't bad by any means, but I'm also not really sure what this was supposed to be. Most of the tracks didn't sound like songs, just a beat to rap over. Maybe that was the point, I don't know
Definitely an interesting project, but it didn't really appeal to me.
Also ahead of its time. He also puts on an amazing live show
Pas fan
2,5,
C'était sympa, mais j'ai pas tellement accroché.
Gear: Meze 109 PRO Artwork: 🫨💿🏪 Production: 🥁🎚️🧹 Music: 🧠🎛️🏆 Rating: 👤👤👤👤👤/5
Unique and interesting. I’m here for it.
Good
pretty cool but
Totally amazing. I was under the impression DJ Shadow was an UK act, lol. This is something extraordinary.
this is the perfect album for doing background stuff. it meanders a little from time to time but overall I found myself vibing to this whole album as I worked through my day, good stuff
Oh what’s this? One of the best examples of sampling ever?!? I used to love this album back in the day so it was very nice to return to it. Drags a little in the middle but overall it’s terrific
First time listening to a full DJ Shadow album and really enjoyed this. Guessing it’s more hiphop than anything else, but way more experimental to just sit in one category. So many layers to it too, and it often flirts with other genres (I write that as a nice little sax piece plays over a nice hip hop beat). Moody and atmospheric at times, upbeat at others. Even though I liked that Massive Attack record on the list, this is like taking that sound to a new level. Sounds more fresh, more modern. Already had it on 3 or 4 times so will definitely be returning again.
I only know DJ Shadow through Nobody Speak by RTJ, which is such a good beat I was really excited for this. He's been around a long time! There were some good beats here and there but it was largely quite restrained, didn't have as much swagger as I expected. There were a few parts that even reminded me of tubular bells, why does everything sound like Mike Oldfield? Maybe with some rappers/singers this could have been better but as is I wasn't fussed.
Quite enjoyed this - still very fresh-sounding despite being nearly 20 years old. Like the repeated themes throughout. Will happily listen again.
Was fine to have in the background but I wouldn't be interested in listening to it again.
Thought I would enjoy this more than I did. Got pretty repetitive. Could've been held the length with the same impact. Needs some good lyrics on top of it too make it more interesting. Ok though
Some of the tracks are nice and chill, others are annoying af. Not my cup of tea.
still holds up
Favorite Song: Midnight in a Perfect World Album Notes: Sampled hip-hop instrumental album with heavy drum beats. A classic.
Too low-tempo for me
Very eh... Not awful but nothing that would bring me back to listen again.
I unfairly judged the cover and didn't think I'd like this album but there was a lot to like about it and some of the tracks were very much my vibe.
I feel bad but I couldn’t get into this at all. Like not even slightly. Maybe back when I was into stuff like Girl Talk I would’ve been able to appreciate the technical aspect of the sampling and everything like that, but trying a few times over the weekend I couldn’t get interested in it at all. I’m sorry, I really did give it a shot.
Honestly a great album, but it felt like it was missing something. It makes sense given how influential it was and the year it came out. Maybe if a rapper was paired with DJ Shadow or the songs were a little more complex like the Avalanches. Great homework album though
Enjoyed. 7/10
Funnily enough, I also already listened to this album a few days ago. Happy to relisten. It's really trippy, and I love that, What Does Your Soul Look Like Pt. 4 immediately struck me, it hits just right. Wouldn't say it's a really consistent and/or coherent experience listening back to back. Some of the tracks are simply too noisy, overwhelming and a little too striking. But based on the musical gems this album has, I'm giving it a full star rating.
Tecnicamente muito bom, porém muito longo cada track
Tô me sentindo ouvindo rádio no GTA.
Trip Hop master class
This holds up.
Yes, I like it. 90s
Some cool beats on here. I enjoyed this album although its probably not one i would revisit
3/10, didn't like it at all
THIS ALBUM Two years ago I travelled for 4 months on my own, and this album was one of the ones that followed me everywhere The story behind it, the production, the memories, everything is perfect It was thanks to this album that I got interested in Trip Hop and then ambient Midnight in a perfect world and stem make me cry of joy
The album is actually more interesting than I thought it would be. But with that being said, a lot of it still all runs together for me. Electronic music without lyrics still feels like half a song for the most part to me. Also...the songs are just entirely too long. Favorite track: Building Steam with a Grain of Salt
Started listening, probably need to give it another shot but not fully my cup of tea.
This was not completely terrible but not my thing. Did not mind it was mostly instrumental some of the intro tracks were annoying if you were driving.
I really expected to not like this when I saw it based on the title and artist alone even though I had never heard of it. While I wasn't completely off, it wasn't nearly as bad as I expected it to be. As more of an instrumental hip hop album, I was surprised to find it more chill and interesting. It wasn't really my thing and I don't see myself returning to it, but I got through the entire thing without hating it or regretting trying. 2/5
This album deserves samples of a bunch of my other reviews - expertly put together! I don't get it. I don't get it. I don't get it. Sometimes sounds obnoxious... most of the time simply not my taste. But then gets real boring real fast. boring real fast fast fast fast fast All in all subpar. Yes, that's it. Gives me nothing. The only question that remains is The only question that remains is The only question that remains is why?
Ik vind het wel grappig maar niet mijn ding. Het is cool dat het allemaal samples zijn en dat hij daarvan nieuwe muziek heeft gemaakt maar daardoor klinkt het ook wel een beetje ongeorganiseerd en bij elkaar geraapt haha, niet perse leuk om naar te luisteren.. Would not buy
Dit album is een constante trip. Het feit dat het compleet gesampled is en dat er eigenlijk vrijwel geen origineel geluid in zit draagt naar mijn mening zo erg bij aan wat het vet maakt. Dit is dus echt een album waarvan ik meteen begrijp waarom het in de lijst staat. Het is vernieuwend voor de tijd, er zijn weinig albums die hier op lijken en het is muzikaal ook gewoon een ijzersterk album! Organ Donor is zeeeeeeeer herkenbaar - Camelo's Christening van Vilchezz pakt dat sampletje ook volgens mij. God, wat is dit toch een lekker album. Toch denk ik dat het voor mij een 4 sterren album is, ik zou het 4,5 geven als dat kon maar ik neig eerder naar de 4 dan naar de 5. Er zit toch te veel filler tussen en niet elk nummer is voor mij even speciaal. 4 sterren is wel ontzettend hoog though!
Instrumental hip hoptrip hopplunderphonics, sampledelia.
Impressive, but I can't say I enjoyed it.
This is an old favorite - I love this album. Great to have this turn up after so much sixties psychedelia
I used to listen to this album regularly. I still enjoyed it very much, especially good as background work music, but it didn't age as well as I expected. I would give it 3.5 if there were half stars, but downgrading to a three as it's not as good as the last album I rated a 4 (Radiohead - Hail to the Thief).
Interesting, not interesting enough to actively listen again
Experimental: the different sounds made it a very unique listen which I was slightly digging. Like nothing I have really listened to before which was I was wanting smth different to enjoy. Overall a solid listen and would recommend.
Smooth and pretty much perfect. I could listen to this all day.
Fine
When this album hits it's right on point but when it misses it's several miles off. Right down the middle it is.
Sick beats & heady samples.
I’ve always wanted this to be a five star album for me. It’s got a such a mythic reputation, a great cover, and the first three tracks are such bangers. But there’s a long section in the middle where it always fails to hold my attention. My mind begins to wander and I can never remember what the tracks were when I think back on them. Sure, the last three or four tracks are strong closers, but that middle section drags me down. Some of it may be the sequencing, starting off with the heavy hitters and getting me all amped up before quickly dropping into it a series of long, moody pieces. (And then a series of short clips? Strange.) To me Entroducing is more a showcase for the breadth of DJ Shadow’s tremendous skill rather than a cohesive album. It’s astonishing on a technical level but it doesn’t always flow for me. And I could really use some rap on some of the tracks. (Which may be missing the point… oh well.) That said, the tracks I like are amazing. The way the drums are sequence or programmed or whatever blows my mind. I’m not sure how he does it, but nobody does it like he can. And the scratching, though not as prominent, is always impressive. One also has to be wowed by the way he seamlessly weaves all the disparate parts together so that the end result appears to be an organic whole. Anyway, I’d probably give this 3.5 if we had half star ratings. This is probably heresy, but I’m just being honest.
One of the albums that got me into instrumental hip-hop. I enjoy most of the album throughout and don't think there's much filler.
Very cool melodic rap with interesting sound bites. Not a fun of the crazy drums though...
Pretty decent album. Unique hip-hop mix.
I think many who hear this in 2024, take this for granted because technology has come so far that you can produce this on your home computer. The painstaking detail and time used to layer and create on this is incredible. Smoke a joint, put your headphones on and sit back and enjoy this.
parking tickets listen to 2021 re-release tho; it's better
Pretty boring, particularly for a 1hr record.
The definitive lesson in Trip-Hop perfection. Has influenced my own work in countless ways and will always have a special place in my heart.
Really good instrumental hiphop album. It is a bit long, but the songs are pretty much all good, so its not to big of an issue. Works best in the background.
Hele domme mixup tussen Aphex Twin en grandmaster flash
blijkbaar het eerste volledig gesamplede album, maakt het niet beter.
Classic
Pioneering
mágico misterioso divino
Instrumental hip hoptrip hopplunderphonics, sampledelia.
Nothing for me to connect with, really.
interessante
I should look into his catalog!
It was ok. I usually need vocals to keep my attention.
My first five star rating since starting this project. Close to a perfect album. A cohesive whole from start to finish. So great.
Very interesting one
I had so much sex to this album when I was in my early twenties.
I listened to the entire album and it sounds very smooth. It's just not my type of music and I can't really get into it. I saved it to my second chance list and plan on listening to it again at a later time.
I come back to this one every few years and really like it. It's not my normal style of music but this one really stands out.
hot af
Whole array of different vibes, amazing scratching, but more if a background noice, than anything to fall into completely
It's alright, doesn't seem to stand out much, but good background music. Not quite sure what the artist is going for here.
Instrumental hip hoptrip hopplunderphonics, sampledelia.
Very good!!! The best way to describe it is if your friend hands you a flip camera and asks you to record some skate tricks. It’s ephemeral and has solid rhythm; each song has buildup. It’s just good music imo
Very DJish
Nice. Will listen to again.
Some really great sampling work. Found myself noticing a pretty big range including some Yes. I'm really glad I listened to this one. Growing up this wasn't my style at all but it was so easy to sit back and vibe to. May give it a second listen today on a train
Oh come on! Let’s go! I almost teared up. Going on a more steady rotation.
Familiar with this album and always love anything triphop.
Jaren 90 dance/electronisch
The music was fine, but not very diverse.
Wanted to like this a bit more than I did; some interesting textures and I appreciate the production using samples, I always found that cool with older hip hop. ‘Number Song’ has some drive to it, cool breakdown and beats. ‘Napalm Brain’ also had a good sound to it. Wasn’t a huge fan of much else on it. Cool listen though and glad I gave it a rip.
didnt give it a fair shot because i wasn't really keen on instrumental only music at the time of its suggestion
Listened to this while playing Tapestry. It took til the 10th album into this journey...but it is finally an album I know quite well. I first started listening to DJ Shadow back in my early college years (2001-2002). I had only listened to Christian, Classical, Country, and Phantom of the Opera til I left the comfort of home. College led to all kinds of experimentation, and DJ Shadow was one of our group go-tos when in altered states. I was particularly a fan of a compilation he made of marching band music from the 70s and 80s (i think.) Listening to this album takes right back to that time in my life. I actually listened to this album with my partner a little over a month ago while we played Frosthaven.
Fun at times but all over the place.
Enjoyable but maybe I'm biased towards hip-hop. I feel like sampling with vocals would have been more engaging maybe
Pretty neat, interesting mystery sounds. Not a pleaser, but a provoker.