Endtroducing.....

Oh nice

Mint album

I'm surprised at how much I loved this. I heard this when it first came out and struggled to connect with it. But today, boy, it swept me away. Fantastic grooves.

Astounding. This is one hell of a trip !

Fuckin love this album, lots of memories here. It's a vibe, tho. Little dark, little uncomfortable; mesmerizing soundscapes.

Perfect album

fav hip-hop album

Listened on my CD version - bought the day it was released in the UK! Stills sounds great - esp organ donor.

"Endtroducing....." to jak muzyczny Frankenstein – DJ Shadow wziął kawałki zapomnianych płyt winylowych, posklejał je z chirurgiczną precyzją i stworzył coś, co zamiast straszyć, zachwyca. To album, który z sampli zrobił sztukę, a Shadowa koronował na króla gramofonowej alchemii. 5

One of my favorite albums in high school. Still holds up.

A hip-hop and electronic music classic. So many breaks and so many samples that is instantly identifiable because of the number of times I've heard this album. It's a timeless album really. It could have been released yesterday.

One of the best records you can listen to if you like underground music. The album that started/popularized plunderphonics (I think). A beautiful fusion of samples that give an eerie electronic and hip hop blend of music. Raucous / jazzy and hip hop style drums, weird vocal/spoken world snippets and some very unique blending of electronic samples. A true one of a kind record. Hear all the main singles (the number song, building steam from a grain of salt, midnight in a perfect world). stay for deeper cuts (stem/long stem, what does your soul look like, organ donor, mutual slump, changeling and napalm brain/scatter brain).

I actually recognise a few tracks. Back when I was watching old VHS skate videos. Gave me a bit of nostalgia. I enjoy

I was waiting for this record to show up; I knew it had to. This album has carried me through several years and is a staple in my hip hop collection. This master class in sampling is something to be in awe of, and always will be. This record is timeless and portrays such a fluid movement through music. His knowledge of music and the vinyl collection he has amassed is on full display when listening to this album. His wizardry to blend and collaborate samples that wouldn't otherwise have been thought of. This is a mainstay in my collection and easily a Top 25 record of all time for me.

Another one that I expected to write off, but which will now get five stars from me. I liked it a lot.

one of those albums that’s so good that i don’t even need to say anything about it

Sarò pazzo ma mi è piaciuto un sacco

yeah, I can listen to this no prob

Sisisi bello

Guess my A/S/L in 1996 ;)

Also know this one already and love it.

What a corker! I had to relisten to this to make sure it is as good as I remember... and it is! I was surprised to find it came out in the mid-nineties. I thought it was older than that for some reason. Did DJ Shadow ever do anything as good as this? I tried to keep an ear out but nothing hit me to the same degree. Anyway... Five stars!

I’d take this to the desert island it’s so good…. Completely biased 5 stars for this gem….. my generations Tubular Bells, though unfortunately I doubt it sold as many…

So much quality and depth, every listen reveals. Cool name, cool album cover, top 10 album you hope not everyone knows

A little backloaded but otherwise phenomenal album 9/10 Fav tracks - building a stream with a grain of salt, Changeling, Stem/Long Stem, Mutual Slump, Napalm Brain / Scatter Brain, What does you soul look like pt. 1 Least Fav - none

Truly something I would not have listened to if not for this list. Looked at the length at first and rolled my eyes at another album that goes for over an hour. I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this. Multiple listens, no skips here at all. As someone who is not familiar with the genre at all, I don't know how monumental this album is in its production and style. From the little reading I did, it seems this album's was very influential in music. For me, this album feels like the precursor to the endless waves of lo-fi slop study music on youtube (not a bad thing at all!). Not many albums have piqued my interest this much to go and explore more of the genre, so for that and how much I enjoyed it I can't give it anything lower than a 5. Highlights: Changeling, Stem/Long Stem, Napalm Brain/Scatter Brain

Putting this album contextually in its place in history. It is a true masterpiece. It's not a perfect album for me because I have a little bit of trouble with instrumentals and personal relation. I have no criticisms of the type of material or the way it's deployed. I simply wasn't as moved by it as lyrical or narrative musical pieces. Not to say some of that isn't there or that it isn't evocative. Just not what I am into.

Really sick album

Didn’t even bother to listen. This is still a 5. Ground-breaking!

Very cool stuff. Makes me want to find more instrumental hip hop.

Gotta appreciate an album that ends with Lynch.

a glorious album

Reminiscent of lots of 90s electronica/DJs. Might not be for everyone, but it hits my sentimental button even if I never listened to it before.

An immaculate vibe.

Alright

One of the greatest albums of the 90s. So good. So innovative. Incredible vision, crafted over a 2 year period.

Pretty good however boring in some parts. Would definitely listen again. Hot girl mental health walking music

Oh goodie, another super long electronic album. -_- Hey, at least this guy actually put in real effort to make this, combing through and cutting snippets of vinyl instead of just making digital loops in GarageBand. Though I’m not sure how he makes any money off of it with all the royalties he probably has to pay. There’s an interesting mix of influences on here. Obviously, he owes everything to old school hip hop. But there’s also plenty of soul, jazz, classical, rock, metal, and even shoegaze influence on these tracks. And it’s fascinating how someone who doesn’t truly make his own music can influence future artists. I can hear a direct line from this to Linkin Park on several tracks (Mike Shinoda has confirmed him as an influence), especially on the beginning of “The Number Song” and “Stem.” Parts of it also remind me of the Gorillaz and that “Frontier Psychiatrist” song by the Avalanches that was everywhere in 2000. I didn’t hate this as much as I wanted to. I actually kind of really liked it, as much as it annoys me to admit that. It’s very atmospheric and immersive while at the same time being able to function as background music when you’re busy with other things. There’s also something oddly nostalgic about it, even though I’ve never listened to it before. It brings back memories of playing Tony Hawk Pro-Skater on Playstation and hearing song like “Kick, Push.” It’s very evocative of the late 90s. I can see myself listening to this again. Shit, am I going to give a 5 to an electronic album? What’s happening to me? Favorite tracks: “Building Steam with a Grain of Salt” “Stem/Long Stem” “Organ Donor” “Midnight in a Perfect World” 5/5

An absolute classic, and incredibly layered -- a musical journey.

I should have taken the weekend to write a treatise on why this record is so important to me, but then I just listened to it over and over again and forgot to write anything. This album redefines what an album can be when the music is consider more as movements in a symphony. Obviously your mileage may vary so I would recommend a few test drives before making your decision.

Wow amazing album. Chilled. Definitely a 5/5!

Legendary album. You must hear this one.

This album feels like something out of a dream. The amount of creativity in each and every song feels exciting and every aspect feels deliberate and planned. The heart that DJ Shadow pours out of it like a waterfall. Favorite tracks were The Number Song, Building Steam With A Grain of Salt, and Midnight In A Perfect World

They say the best music can transport you. This album smells like carpet and wood veneer. This, along with Donuts by J Dilla, Modal Soul by Nujabes, and Deadringer by RJD2 helped me through my freshman year of college. Listening to this again now just sends me back to the library for better and worse. Fantastic record.

Awesome!!!!

Disco esencial. Tuvo enorme éxito de crítica, estatus que mantiene hoy en día, además muy merecidamente. Es una influencia para decenas de artistas y géneros: el debut de The Avalanches no hubiera sido posible sin este obvio precursor, Portishead resuenan en cada surco... más allá de ser reconocido en el Libro Guinness de los Récords como el primer álbum completamente sampleado (algo no del todo cierto). La portada define el disco, aunque hay mucho más de lo que aparenta... La intro con Best Foot Forward no hace presagiar lo que vendrá después. Building Steam With a Grain of Salt (con un exquisito sample de Jeremy Storch – I Feel A New Shadow), ya pone las cosas en su sitio y The Number Song eleva el nivel aun más (mete trozos de Metallica – Orion además de fragentos de A Tribe Called Quest, Pink Floyd, Grandmaster Flash, T La Rock, entre otros). Changeling cabalga sobre un bajo y percusión que te llevan a lo largo de más de 7 minutos que se te quedan cortos (aquí se nota la mano de Tangerine Dream o Shoft Shell). What Does Your Soul Look Like (Part 4) resuena a Bristol y soul denso. La racha sigue con sample de Giorgio Moroder – Tears en una de las gemas del álbum: Stem/Long Stem (con Nirvana, los otros, los psicodélicos – Love Suite) y, tras otro interludio mete mano al Possibly Maybe de Björk en Mutual Slamp (además de Roger Waters y otros). Vuelve en Organ Donor a samplear a Giorgio con absoluta maestría (poco más se puede hacer en apenas minuto y medio) y proclama Why Hip-Hop Sucks In '96 (It´s the money, It´s a fact) para pasar a otra de los mejores momentos del disco en Midnight In A Perfect World con sample de David Axelrod – The Human Abstract y los inconfundibles Rotary Connection- Life Could. Napalm Brain/Scatter Brain con guitarras y pedales donde mete samples a cascoporro, entre ellos Tyrannosaurus Rex – Pon A Hill. La pluscuamperfecta What Does Your Soul Look Like (Part 1 – Blue Sky Revisit) con base en Alan Parsons Project – Nucleus. El final no es cosa menor a pesar de su corta duración: Transmission 3 está basada en la banda sonora de John Carpenter -Prince of Darkness (El príncipe de las tinieblas) y en la serie Twin Peaks... Aquí la lista completa de samples: https://www.musicismysanctuary.com/dj-shadows-endtroducing-sample-list Junto con J Dilla y A Tribe Called Quest uno de los imprescindibles del Hip-Hop. En total, poco más de una hora que redefinió y amplió el género hacia vías insospechadas. En 1996 se publicaron otros buenos discos: The Score de The Fugees, Odelay de Beck, ambos con excelentes sampleados y resultados. También Coming up de Suede, Being there de Wilco, Murder balladas de Nick Cave, Black love de Afghan Whigs, Emperor tomato ketchup de Stereolab, Harmacy de Sebadoh, Millions now living will never die de Tortoise, If your´re feeling sinister de Belle and Sebastian, Amazing disgrace de The Posies, Take it from the man! de The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Dust de Screaming Trees, 1977 de Ash... incluso New adventures in Hi-Fi de REM, el debut de Placebo, Everything must go de Manic Street Preachers, Pre-millenium tension de Tricky, Now I Got Worry de jon Spencer Blues Explosion, High/Low de Nada Surf, First Band on the Moon de The Cardigans, How I quite smoking de Lambchop, Walking Wounded de EBTG

Very interesting 90's hiphop!

Classic and groundbreaking, what a crazy perfect sonic journey.

Very influencial album on both me and a lot of the music I've come to like. The John Carpenter samples, the comedy routine samples and just all of stem/long stem have a real haunting mystic that first captured my attention years ago and continues to on repeat listens.

An unbelievable album that frankly stretches the boundary of its legacy as an experimental hip hop album. Don't get me wrong, many songs on here are undoubtedly hip hop beats, but for a lot of them it's hard to imagine someone rapping over them. Some songs I outright don't consider to be hip hop at all, and fit in more broadly with a sort of trip hoppy ambient electronic genre. However you describe it, this album is astonishing.

Legendary

All timer

One of the greatest plunderphonics/instrumental hip-hop albums ever made. Hugely influential on basically all music around the turn of the millennium. So glad to have an excuse to revisit it.

Conceptually brilliant and a masterpiece of technical prowess. An album that consistently challenges you and subverts expectations, while also spitting out some damn danceable beats. Some would call this gimmicky but there’s a clear attempt at elevated artistry here that shouldn’t be ignored. Listened to: at home. Favorite tracks: Building Steam with a Grain of Salt, Why Hip Hop Sucks in ‘96

This album was a bit of a staple for me. It's up there as a great album. I'm very happy I have been able to listen to this on many occassions whilst I'm alive.

Knew the three "hits" from back then respectively rediscovered "Midnight In A Perfect World" the other day - strange how I'd slept on this album for so long. Just great. Very fine example of that time's instrumental hip hop slash electronica and a stellar masterpiece in sampler music. Special mention to how it secures a tiny spot for Björk's Post in this compilation. Easy 5 stars.

A landmark, perfection.

I have revisited this album many times over the years. From a first listen in a Tower Records listening booth back in the mid 90s to my son's discovery of unique offerings over a decade later - there is just nothing quite like this album. Experimental but highly listenable. Of its time but only because it was released today it would still be of its time. Though not without precedent it is a wholly unique offering. Crate digging pushed to a spiritual level. You feel this album. Not a weak track in the bunch. All have unexpected turns even as they settle into a groove that feels like it could go on forever. It is a great concept that is expertly delivered. An album that would be difficult to produce today feels unfathomable in 1996. But that wouldn't matter if the songs didn't deliver. A true master class.

Building Steam with a Grain of Salt Stem/Long Stem Midnight in a Perfect World

A 90's sampling bit of genius.

A really good album with a different type of music. I'll definitely check out more of DJ Shadow's stuff. I liked Building Steam With a Grain of Salt, Stem/Long Stem, Transmission 2 and Organ Donor.

Drum breaks of mass destruction

A ideia de compor um álbum inteiro sem propriamente tocar um instrumento ou cantar, com equipamentos limitados e sem um estúdio profissional é impressionante por si e já mereceria 5 estrelas. Somado a isso, foi o primeiro álbum inteiro feito de samples e é musicalmente muito bom.

God tier drums. Atmospheric, with interesting samples. Really makes you wonder what makes hip hop "hip hop". Twin peaks sample right at the end. This album is an absolute treat listen after re-listen.

It’s been a long time coming for this one. I hold this album close to my heart, it was a big revelation for me as a listener/consumer who was growing in and out of certain music tastes about 8ish years ago when I finally heard it. This album helped me realize that a record can be greater than just the sum of its parts. On their own, many of these tracks are just fuzzy, hypnotic trip-hop, with strange samples going in and out of phase. But as a whole, this album sounds just like the title of one of its best tracks: Midnight In A Perfect World. This record manages to establish an atmosphere thats both liminal, AND blissful. So many odds and ends have been stitched together perfectly here. A haunting organ soloist sample. A vintage scifi movie clip. Or those lush, beautiful organ chords at the beginning of the aforementioned Midnight In A Perfect World! I can’t completely put proper words together to describe the aura of Endtroducing. I’m convinced this album was conceived in its entirety under a full moon summer night. So please do yourself a favor and save Endtroducing for those long summer months coming up (June 2024 as of writing this). Bring your headphones and go for a walk on that next full moon night. Listen to this front to back, your human experience will be enhanced for doing so!

Instant five stars.

A beautiful collection of samples painstakingly stitched together into an awe-inspiring sonic dreamscape. DJ Shadow pioneered a whole genre with this album, yet it’s still among the best examples of trip hop and sample based production. Just a cool record!!

DJ Shadow is basically Fatboy Slim but better. I love the hip-hop beats that populate the album. The samples are very good. This is another fantastic electronic album. I must be really lucky, considering I had 2 great albums in a row. 5 stars for "Endroducing..."

I’ve been listening to this on a weekly basis since it came out for the most part. Absolutely timeless. I think the best part of this record is the recurring themes in the music (very similar to orchestral composition) but this is just an incredibly good album. I think it can be hard for some people to get into instrumental music, which is what this is, but each track is unique. The hip hop influence makes this interesting and it’s extremely obvious that this is more than just beats. Anyway just listen to this at some point in your life because it rules, almost 30 years after it was released.

Masterpiece.

I have been eagerly awaiting this album. I’ll never understand the disdain some have towards sampling in music. Particularly in hip hop. I think that can often stem from the general distaste that many continue to have towards the genre as a whole, considering how engrained sampling has been to hip hop production since the 90s. I personally believe sampling is as much an art form as the lyricism and songwriting that often goes over it. It’s unfair to discredit it. Some of the sampling work I’ve heard in my life has really made me rethink hip hop production as a whole. And it has me wondering how a person’s brain can work in such a way that allows them to piece those things together. I think that summarizes my feelings towards this album right here. Plunderphonics is a really unique genre, and one I love. But it does often face the most criticism when it comes to sampling. Because it’s built entirely on it. Every single aspect of this album is sampled from something else. DJ Shadow did not create a single second of what you are actually hearing. He just completed the puzzle. Some people might scoff at that method of creation, but I am beyond inspired by it. The fact that one man sat down and created songs such as Stem / Long Stem and Napalm Brain / Scatter Brain purely through samples blows my fucking mind. They had websites dedicated to hunting down all of the samples he used on this, and they still don’t know all of them, even after nearly 30 years. It’s like Face to Face by Daft Punk but on a much larger scale. And Shadow’s openness and inclusivity to music is so wonderful. The samples he uses here are not restricted to what hip hop producers usually target for good picks. The best samplers are ones that embrace all types of sound. The mix of funk, rock, soul, and even orchestral elements on this album make it a melting pot of sounds that somehow fit together perfectly. Dude sampled fucking Orion on The Number Song for god’s sake. Plus, as a drummer at heart, I respect how much the drums take the forefront here. This, to me, is the essence of hip hop as a medium. Rarely does my attachment for a song lean more towards the lyrics. The production is what draws me in. And this album needs no proper lyrics to feel fulfilling and enjoyable. It’s a listening experience that anyone who claims to be a fan of hip hop owes themselves, even if instrumental music isn’t their thing. I marvel at this album’s greatness, and how much influence it has had on how we regard sampling in mainstream music. The closest anyone has ever gotten to rivaling that is with Paul's Boutique and Donuts. This album continues to amaze me, and the feeling I had when it finally clicked is the same feeling I felt when the latter of those two albums I just mentioned also clicked for me. This is one of the best albums of the 90s, and arguably the greatest collection of instrumental hip hop music ever released. Rating: 10/10!

4.5

It's insane how you can create so much from chopped up parts of songs from bargain bin vinyl. Really good music to work/study with

ну я за чистый эксперимент и то как это получилось ставлю 5 алкоальбом: в стакане с виски уже тусит вино, кола, пиво и все что осталось в 5 утра

Very nice album.

I didn’t have high hopes for this. I was so wrong. Just awesome.

Such a great album. Once the album is finished it is time to play it again.

One of the first albums on the list that I've previously listened through multiple times. Been a big fan of Endtroducing for years but haven't given it a full spin for quite a while. It still stands up for me. No doubt it's a wierd one that will turn off some people but it just hits a lot of points. Love the sampling, the weird, random voice-samples. Favourite tracks: Building Steam with a Grain of Sand, Napalm / Scatter Brain.

"Endtroducing....." by DJ Shadow is a groundbreaking album that revolutionized the world of instrumental hip-hop upon its release in 1996. With its meticulous production, innovative sampling techniques, and rich thematic depth, the album has left an indelible mark on the music landscape. **Lyrics:** One of the most unique aspects of "Endtroducing....." is its lack of traditional lyrics. Instead, DJ Shadow relies solely on samples from various sources such as movies, documentaries, and interviews to convey meaning. These samples are expertly curated and arranged, creating a narrative arc that unfolds throughout the album. From the haunting vocal snippets in "Building Steam With a Grain of Salt" to the dystopian dialogue in "Mutual Slump," the lyrics (or lack thereof) serve to enhance the atmospheric and conceptual elements of the music. **Music:** DJ Shadow's musical prowess is on full display in "Endtroducing....." The album is a sonic collage of diverse influences, ranging from jazz and funk to experimental electronica and ambient music. Tracks like "Stem/Long Stem" showcase his ability to blend intricate drum patterns with haunting melodies, while "Midnight in a Perfect World" demonstrates his skill in crafting lush, atmospheric soundscapes. Each track is meticulously crafted, with layers of samples and instrumentation seamlessly woven together to create a dense and immersive listening experience. **Production:** Arguably the most impressive aspect of "Endtroducing....." is its groundbreaking production. DJ Shadow's use of sampling is nothing short of revolutionary, as he deftly manipulates snippets of existing recordings to create entirely new musical compositions. The album is a masterclass in the art of sampling, with each track featuring a multitude of carefully selected and intricately arranged samples. From obscure jazz records to obscure movie dialogue, DJ Shadow leaves no stone unturned in his quest for sonic perfection. The result is a dense, multi-layered tapestry of sound that rewards repeated listens with new discoveries each time. **Themes:** Thematically, "Endtroducing....." is a meditation on the nature of sound and the power of music to evoke emotion and meaning. Through his use of samples, DJ Shadow explores a wide range of themes, including nostalgia, isolation, and the passage of time. The album has a distinctly cinematic quality, with each track unfolding like a scene from a film, complete with its own unique mood and atmosphere. From the eerie, otherworldly vibe of "Changeling" to the frenetic energy of "The Number Song," "Endtroducing....." takes listeners on a journey through the depths of DJ Shadow's imagination, inviting them to explore the vast sonic landscapes he has created. **Influence:** "Endtroducing....." has had a profound influence on the music industry, inspiring countless artists and producers to experiment with sampling and push the boundaries of what is possible in hip-hop and electronic music. Its innovative production techniques and groundbreaking use of sampling have cemented its status as a landmark album in the history of hip-hop, and its influence can be heard in everything from underground experimental music to mainstream pop. **Pros:** 1. Innovative use of sampling 2. Meticulous production 3. Rich thematic depth 4. Diverse range of musical influences 5. Lasting influence on the music industry **Cons:** 1. Lack of traditional lyrics may not appeal to all listeners 2. Some tracks may feel overly dense or complex for casual listeners 3. Limited mainstream commercial appeal due to its experimental nature 4. Some listeners may find the album's length (over an hour) to be daunting In conclusion, "Endtroducing....." is a masterpiece of instrumental hip-hop that continues to captivate listeners with its innovative production, rich thematic depth, and lasting influence on the music industry. With its meticulous attention to detail and boundless creativity, DJ Shadow has crafted an album that transcends genre boundaries and stands as a testament to the power of music to inspire, provoke, and move us.

DJ Shadow is so awesome. This is one of my favorite albums

Instrumental/experimental hip hop, plunderphonics. What a beautiful masterpiece. I'll just start by saying this album kicked ass front to back. So rhythmic and hypnotic, amazing production and mixing. I was so immersed in this album, listening at work in a mostly empty building. The drums to me is the true star of this album, dictating the feel of every song. Then the bass and piano fully flesh the songs out. There's even some saxophone that blows my mind, and I love the samples all throughout. I could gush on and on about this album, use every adjective in the book. It was one hell of an experience, and one I am assured to visit again. Definitely will revisit. 5/5

listened while walking around manchester in the sun. had an orange calippo. and a greggs.

there we go. Easy listen. A stressful day, but one that was easier by this and similar music. Not what I want to listen every day, but I'm feeling grateful for this project.

Bättre än donats

The best instrumental hip hop album ever.

this album got me more into hip hop DJs. Midnight in a Perfect World is one of my favorites.

Reminds me of my misspent youth working in record shops- an absolutely seminal album and fully deserving of its place on the list

Huge hype

Game changing. Literally the first commercial album comprised entirely of samples. You couldn't even buy anything like this at the record store until DJ Shadow came around

This is totally dope. Caught me entirely off guard.

Such a momentous leap in turntable culture.

I listened to this so much back in the day, and even went to a note-by-note reproduction thing by an ensemble at an arts center. Listening again now, it's a strange mix of absolute familiarity and bits I'd forgotten. Still great though. Overall, an easy five stars.

Having only heard about DJ Shadow before from his appearance in the DJ Hero video game, I can say this was an eye-opener. The way he weaves sampled words and instrumentals in new and meaningful ways, such as Cliff Burton's bass intro from Metallica's "Orion" as a backdrop for a beat on "The Number Song," makes for an intriguing listen. Other cuts like "Organ Donor", "Midnight in a Perfect World", "Stem / Long Stem / Transmission 2", and the medley of "Napalm Brain" and "Scatter Brain" add to the wide range of tone and timbre Shadow can pull off. Granted, this album is not for everyone, as it's an instrumental album running a little over an hour, comprised heavily of samples, and has a few interlude tracks that don't add much to the overall package. But it is highly recommended for those who are into this style of music. Update 2/16/2026: I ended up revisiting Endtroducing..... over 450 albums later, having reviewed a lot more electronica and hip hop records since. At this point, I can safely say that my original review of this record does not do it enough justice. For sure, the album does run a little over an hour and is comprised almost entirely of samples, but I wouldn't call that a detriment. If anything, the fact that DJ Shadow was able to compose a wide variety of both atmospheric and hard-hitting instrumental soundscapes that are engaging all the way through is quite impressive. From the opening introduction of "Best Foot Forward" with some cleverly-chopped sampling and record-scratching, down to the jazz-funk cerebral trip of "What Does Your Soul Look Like, Pt. 1 (Blue Sky Revisit)" with the unsettling vocal snippets, to moments of crescendoing drum loops and lush string samples on cuts like "Stem/Long Stem (Medley)" and "Napalm Brain/Scatter Brain (Medley)", even to erratic beat assaults on "Mutual Slump" while quieting down for softer, soulful introspection on the likes of "Building Steam with a Grain of Salt" and "Midnight in a Perfect World", there is a great deal of command in the sounds and recordings that DJ Shadow tapped into in the construction of this record. As for my other complaint regarding the interlude tracks on this record, for the most part, I feel they serve their purpose in cleansing one's palette while transitioning from one scene to the next. Maybe the only ones that struck as odd were "Why Hip Hop Sucks in '96" as a bit of snide commentary towards the commercialization of the genre, and "Untitled" with a man's observations on a woman and her sisters' physical appearances, but they never truly felt damaging to the overall product. I'm glad to have come back to Endtroducing..... with a greater appreciation for how DJ Shadow reinvented sample-based music with such an eclectic, moody experience.

I can't see what's not to like about this. A perfect album, especially when placed in context with it's release. This has been in steady rotation for me since I first heard it. It's usually something I listen to in private so I can really focus on it. If you can't appreciate this, you don't like music.

Loved this. Did not expect to vibe with it the way I did but halfway through it all clicked.

Really vibey, love the concept. I wish I’d known about this album in 96!

It's the gold standard of this sort of record bin dumpster diving sample-driven electronic music.

Ambient hip-hop trip-hop soul. Surely one of the best albums of the nineties. A debut so perfect he's never really got out of its Shadow.

As someone who dabble in beat making, this is more interesting than more rap focused albums for me. I have listened to some of the tracks before and the sampling is on point. Some tracks are more uppfront and others are floating away in the background but i get why allot of people don't find it interesting.

Impressive. Stunning. Biased because I already knew this one

Un excelente álbum de electrónica con ritmos de Hip-hop. La ingeniosa mezcla de samples funciona de maravilla, construyendo un LP atmosférico que nos transporta a paisajes urbanos llenos de neblina. Sus beats sumamente hipnóticos pueden ser considerados como "influyentes" en el campo del Hip-hop alternativo, lo que más adelante se podrá ver en colaboraciones de DJ Shadow con, incluso, Danny Brow. Sumamente recomendado.

I have clear memories of this album being released. It was an absolute revolution- and still holds up in 2024. Love the breakbeats. Need this on vinyl

Masterpiece

A hip hop classic! "Building Stream with a Grain of salt" is one of my favourites song for going out for a run 🏃

This album was new to me, and I loved it!

Endtroducing… It’s a five before I even listen to it. I still listen to it regularly and I haven’t forgotten how good it is. On my first listen today I really tried to listen objectively and try and remove the knowledge/nostalgia. That was hard but it’s clear it’s a fantastic album on its own terms. It sounds fresh and exciting. Then listening again and thinking about it as being nearly 30 years old, it is of it’s time but doesn’t sound dated or or specifically of 1996, it just reconfirms how good it still sounds. It’s also then fun thinking about the memories of listening to it a lot at uni and when I first moved to Japan. Great times. It’s hard to pick out individual tracks as the whole thing is l one suite of music with the repeating lines and motifs, but I’ve always loved Best Foot Forward, The Number Song, Organ Donor and Midnight in a Perfect World. Not sure I can say anything we already don’t know or think about it how good it is or how it was built but as an hourlong sonic landscape it’s just so good. It’s 5 for its innovativeness. It’s a 5 for its quality as an album in this genre. It’s a 5 for it’s quality as an album in its own right It’s s 5 for the memories. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Ps, Maureen has five sisters, they all got ass

SOI GOOD

Agilidad

Probably my favorite smooth jazz album.

I wasn't aware of this when I started listening to this today, but my first exposure to DJ Shadow was when I was a teen watching adult swim back in the early 2000's. This album has sent me on a nostalgia trip that I wasn't expecting. Excellent record, it will be added to regular rotation, and I'm adding it to my vinyl list.

Great album. Enjoyed it for study/work. Lots of familiar ones in there

Building Steam With A Grain Of Salt // Stem / Long Stem - Medley // Transmission 2 // Organ Donor // Midnight in a Perfect World //

A shining example of limitations breeding creativity. A sonic odyssey that, unlike many of its contemporaries, never drags or feels uninspired.

Good

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.

Love this album. Endlessly listenable.

This album is sick. Its like mobi - absolute vibes

A complete surprise and delight to me—I’ll be listening to this frequently.

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

Awesome album. The drumming beats make this a great listen.

Great discovery some pieces really good.

Five star classic, everything you want in an instrumental hip hop record!

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

Awesome! Voll meins, kenne ich aber schon.

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.

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.

Spectacular masterpiece

Super cool vibe, like being in a 90s hip hop time capsule

Fantastic!

Damn this album was cool, amazing production

Loved!

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.

Fun!

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! 🎶🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🎶

Enjoyed this!

A true classic. Ignore the reviews from grumpy middle-aged men, who only like what they listened to 40+ years ago, this is great.

Super great

ooooo nice! Super Lo Fi and chill. Really dug it

Great, first time i hear electronic music with a Metallica base.

daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaamn

Cool, mellow, easy listen.

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

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".

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.

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

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

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.

Amazing album!!!

Gear: Meze 109 PRO Artwork: 🫨💿🏪 Production: 🥁🎚️🧹 Music: 🧠🎛️🏆 Rating: 👤👤👤👤👤/5

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.

still holds up

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.

Trip Hop master class

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

This is an old favorite - I love this album. Great to have this turn up after so much sixties psychedelia

Smooth and pretty much perfect. I could listen to this all day.

Sick beats & heady samples.

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.

Hele domme mixup tussen Aphex Twin en grandmaster flash

Classic

Pioneering

My first five star rating since starting this project. Close to a perfect album. A cohesive whole from start to finish. So great.

hot af

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.

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.

Heard a lot about it, listened to a few tracks here and there, but now the whole album, just wow. Amazing and experimental from front to back

This album arrived exactly when I needed it, amazed I've never heard it before. Thoroughly enjoyed it, will definitely put it into regular rotation

This is stuff I could hear playing in a lounge to relax / do work in. I want to be in that lounge. The songs are fun while still not needing all of your attention. Production is wonderful as well, the sampling is crazy on this thing. Great album, perfect study music.

atmospheric and very massive attack-esque, nice :D

Hip hop instrumental, love it!

Very chill but not boring, perfect for traveling by train in the morning and start the day happy. A bit of happy vibes and nice lyrics.

Incredible

Damn this was a good ass album. The only problem I had was some tracks went on a little to hard. The most experimental rap album I have ever heard, and I think Ill round it from a 4.5 to a 5. I am that pleasantly surprised

This was an old favourite back in the day, so glad to see it come up today. The album has some stand out tracks, Midnight in a Perfect World for example, but there's also some weaker tracks mixed in like Napalm Brain, that never seems to go anywhere. I love the feeling of a movie soundtrack here, lots of interesting sounds, ambient one minute, hip-hop another, even elements of jazz, funk, rock from time to time. I'm probably going off nostalgia slightly, but I feel this still deserves a full 5-stars, mainly for the sheer effort of taking so many samples and making them into something that sounds seamless.

9/10 crazy good hip hop I really loved just about every song

Already listened to this one before. I think it's a phenomenal album.

absolutely wonderful, especially at night, has a vaporwave-like quality to it, and the chords and melodies evoke so much, you dont need anything else than that and those sick drums

Great workout music!

It's a real testament to how well this was put together, that listening to it almost 30 years later it still sounds kind of fresh. Aside from one or two tracks, I can't put a tune to a title, and when it comes on it always pleases me. So much of 90s music has aged pretty terribly, especially hip hop tinged stuff of the time. But this stands as a somewhat timeless classic. Easily one of the top ten albums of its era.

I've always been a big fan of this album and it was a joy to listen to for this exercise. Fave tracks are many but probably Building Steam With A Grain Of Salt and Midnight In A Perfect World are stand outs.

Taint my fave DJ Shadow album (Hello "The Private Press"!) or my fave work by him (Hello "Psyence Fiction"! Wait..... there's no Unkle on this list?! Harrumph!) but it's still plenty solid. Really dig his cinematic sound. Fave tracks - "Building Steam With a Grain of Salt" and "The Number Song" are 🤯

One of my favs, mellow trip hop thats both calming and intense.

my kind of music.

I originally listened to this album for a school project. I had looked at a list of electronic music artists and picked dj shadow because the name sounded funny. After writing about the track "changeling", I decided to listen to the rest of the album and fell in love with it. mastapiece.

This one is a grower. I definitely didn't appreciate it the first time I heard it, now I hear it as a trip-hop masterpiece and one of the most influential albums in electronic music. Do I like some of the things this influenced more than this? Yes, absolutely. It's still great though. 🤷

classic

I love this album, I’d give it 10 stars if I could. There’s just something that hits different about these 90’s dj’s before everything was done digitally. Dude took a basement full of vinyl and an mpc and changed music as we know it. Shadows sampling is super clean, and his catalogue is crazy dense, but when he strips everything back on napalm brain for a high hat solo… this dudes cut from a different cloth. Also: what does your soul look like pt 1 is one of the greatest acid jazz tracks ever produced. Those drums!

A "no instruments" album. The samples are arranged perfectly. You'd think the samples had been made to fit together.

a seminal work. absolutely incredible tribute to DJs and a next step in hip hop. best tracks: midnight in a perfect world, building steam with a grain of salt, changeling

I really liked this. Entirely made up of samples, with beats over the top, but the samples chosen are great, so it works. Sampling generally masks a lack of talent, but in this case, I'll let that pass. It's great to work to.

Love that, dig that

Super chill, complex and pure hip hop. Great for getting in the Zone.

really cool early beats with esoteric samples

Musically perfect.

One of the best beatmaker records. I will always remember how blown away I was when I first listened to it

Probably a tad too long, but still legitimately excellent, ‘Endtroducing…..’ evokes serious feelings of melancholy. Constructed and pieced together from snippets of often long forgotten records found in bargain bins consigned to the dark corners of dusty old record stores, it’s one long rumination about broken dreams, loss and mortality. Quite depressing then, and yet hopeful at the same time, as it offers us the possibility of being found again, picked out, and resurrected so to speak, in the same way Shadow resurrected all these samples and used them to create something vital and new. Death and rebirth then. The circle of life.

Been a while since I listened to this one... Building Steam With A Grain Of Salt has an epic-level intro: a tense key loop, repeating low-end key slam (like the intro to Top Gun), and an earnest vocal sample. Once the drums drop this song just bounces so effortlessly. Dope song. The Number Song picks up with some boom-bap. Bass drone with a snare-heavy beat over top and scratched in samples. What Does Your Soul Look Like, Pt. 4 is a low-key jam. The same up and down bass line persist the track with various elements thrown in throughout its sprawling runtime. Very groovy start to finish with some weird vocodor type of thing going on around the 4 minute mark. Organ Donor is another standout jam. Simple, but effective. As a whole, I really enjoy this album start to finish. This is an exercise in highly effective crate digging to produce a (lengthy) album of songs built on loops and samples. DJ Shadow does a great job of creating atmospheres and layering concepts on top of one another. There are many different emotions throughout, and several long-slogs of songs that IMO never get tiring. This album makes me think of Deadringer by RJD2 in some sense, but with even more depth of technique and form. 4.5 / 5 -- giving a nudge to 5/5.

Instrumental Hip Hop? Sampledelia? Plunderphonics? Masterwork of production technique? Soundscape collaging? I don't know at all, but it's there. And hey, is this " avant-garde" somehow? Perhaps it's more pop, but who will waste time to notice since most importantly, Endtroducing... is surprisingly soulful with various vibes & moods. Fav Track: Midnight in a Perfect World.

Just lay back and the music take you over. What always amazes me about albums like these is how easy is is for critics to dismiss the creativity going on behind the result because, “Oh he didn’t write any of this. It’s all just samples.” Can you IMAGINE sitting for HOURS, WEEKS, MONTHS, just listening to music of a thousand varieties and thinking of new ways to combine it that have never been thought of? This takes so much time and dedication, and for being one of the first shining examples of master sampling work, I give Endtroducing 5 stars.

A mind-boggling masterpiece from a true pioneer serving as a towering testament to the unique ways in which a producer can transcend the sum of their samples.

Benger sitter på toget opp til trd nå og bare zona helt ut

Classic

great album very sonically cohesive. Wish there was words on some tracks

The production is amazing. Every single song has something that catches your ear. It was difficult to put this on in the background like other instrumentals it demanded my undivided attention. The drums are extremely creative and inspired me to get into hip hop drumming.

Psychotic, psychedelic 94-6 instrumental hip hop

I'm a sucker for albums using samplers

Amaze amaze amaze. Legendary. Did I say amazing?!

LP

I would argue that this is the best hip hop album ever produced. I do not believe this album has ever been rivaled-- and if it has, I impatiently wait for the day when I will hear its successor. For me, this album is musically perfect. Each carefully timed track, and all of its samples are elegant and magnificent. Every time I hear it, it's new, and I'm careful not to listen to it that often because I don't want to ruin it. If I was forced to pick a favorite track, it would be Organ Donor. In that track, Shadow samples and reorganizes organ sounds making them so far out beyond the churchy instrument that it's shocking. As an aside, I once played that track to a British church organist in his 90's. Unsurprisingly, he hated it and it did not translate well. In summary, greatest hiphop album of all time. Unparalleled.

Required listening.

This was really good actually.

Tragically, I’ve got to start this review by referencing the Nostalgia Critic. I didn’t want to, but I’ve got to be a fair ref. Anyway, once upon a time, before Channel Awesome shotgunned its reputation to pieces by gross mismanagement and the attendant mass realisation that, outside of one or two reviewers who’d already fucked off long ago (Todd in the Shadows is genuinely brilliant), the actual meat of the brand was banal and pisspoor, Doug Walker did an episode asking the question of whether, if some films can be so bad it’s good, can a film be so good that it’s bad. Well, it’s easy to answer that question in the affirmative regarding music: much music demanding technical expertise often alienates. Guitarists generally look down at shredders, and non-guitarists look down even more steeply. Jazz as a whole suffers especially from this virtuosic disaffection: even the people who like jazz fusion don’t really like jazz fusion. But empty virtuosity (as we traditionally define it) is not the element at play regarding Endtroducing…… Indeed, DJ Shadow didn’t play a single note on the album. Armed with a sampler, a turntable and a stack of vinyl from the reduced pile, DJ Shadow assembled the album Endtroducing….. from a multitude of samples ranging from Moroder to Metallica. So this experimental hip-hop album and exercise in testing the limits of turntablism is clearly a very cool record. But it may be the kind of coolness aspired for by someone who’s been to public school, if you follow (to explain to non-Britishers, public schools are the most established private schools in the UK, and yes, we Britishers all chafe at the irony there). Being able to afford whatever obscure import vinyl you think will open a random trustafarian’s legs because Daddy sells landmines under the table to the Saudi royal family does not make you cool, no matter what vinyl you purchase. Not that your public schoolboy won’t try to become cool: my God, how he’ll try. He’ll get a tape of that Wu-Tang album that only had one printing. He’ll get every artist mentioned on LCD Soundsystem’s Losing My Edge. Hell, he’ll get the phone number of LCD Soundsystem. And he’ll definitely get Endtroducing….., along with his own set of decks to practice his own scratching. And all this will make him as cool as a dung-brown nylon sock worn with a sandal. So this is my perhaps unfair issue with Endtroducing…..: it may have that problem afflicting several innovative albums of the 90s, in that the listener feels it just tried too hard to be innovative. You can detect a similar synaptic twinge whenever you play, say, Portishead’s Dummy or Beck’s Odelay. It sold itself partly on its innovation, but how can that be a factor two decades into the 21st century? With Dummy, Odelay and Endtroducing….. (I should explain that the title comes with 5 dots; should I deduct a point for that?), are they possibly so good, so slick and so visionary that the listener simply becomes bored with all the sparkle? Because Endtroducing does sound very good. It’s a clearly intelligent work that evokes that mid-90s aesthetic of Gen X blasé drift (end of history, man! Take a chill pill!). But does this lead to a paradox? Is this a focused, well-crafted work that only conveys that it is a focused, well crafted work? Is it an intelligent work which ultimately uses that intelligence to say nothing noteworthy? I’m asking these questions because I’m currently wondering what the answer is. I’m not sure. I’m marvelling at all the magical instances, yet I’m hesitating. Is that hesitation my fault? I suppose I’ve approached this album in in a critical mood (in the original, neutral reading of the word “critical”). Large portions of the album scream at me to award it 5 stars. I have no moral objection to awarding this 5 stars. But any sense of yearned-for coolness still has the potential to dissuade. Actually, there is a message. The 44-second track, Why Hip-Hop Sucks in ‘96, contains the line “It’s the money”. Would anyone disagree with that message? The grasping mindset of hip-hop has driven off so many who’d otherwise appreciate it less reservedly. Everyone (and that’s literally everyone who’d ever had to wonder how they’d sort out that month’s rent or tomorrow’s dinner) despised everything about bling bling, from the concept to the syllables. I’m not a socialist, but hearing of McDonald’s paying for a rapper to namedrop their brand just depresses (also, as a brag it doesn’t work; since when was McDonald’s aspirational?). So, with those three words, all my doubts regarding Endtroducing….. evaporated, and I just enjoyed the fuck out of it. Endtroducing….. can’t escape the stigma of being a cool album, but it manages to be a great album regardless. NoRadio, signing out.

This is an album which I’ve listened to probably a dozen times s year or more for every year since it was released. Easily one of my desert island discs. It’s as emotional and moving of an experience now as it was back in 97. Rare are the truly perfect albums, but this is one of them.

This is what it would sound like if Dark Side of the Moon was a hip hop record based entirely on samples. Every single track perfectly blends perfectly into the next. What a mood.

Endtroducing… contains a song called “Why Hip-Hop Sucks In ‘96”. Endtroducing… sure as hell isn’t why.

Great album to vibe to

This is a really great album. If you're in the right mood, it's perfect.

Solid album

Very nice reconstruction of hip hop

Håller fortfarande.

Amazing beats

Excellent instrumental hip hop with great sampling. I've listened to this before and it's a nice revisit.

Avoir été introduite à cet album par quelqu'un et un documentaire sur l'échantillonnage et le hip-hop m'aide vraiment à apprécier tout le travail de construction et de composition derrière ces pièces. Stem (la portion courte du medley) est ma pièce préférée, avec cette finale...

The first album which was entirely created from samples, and it had so much influence on hip-hop/electronica. A relaxing, hypnotic and atmospheric record.

BEATS

No me esperaba darle esta calificación. Pero se la merece.

Le pongo las 5 porque no me esperaba encontrar con algo de hip-hop con samples y que sobretodo me haya gustado. Primer escucha más que sastisfecha

Amazing soundscapes. The drums are the key to keeping the beat going.

A record which completely changed the way music could be used for artistic expression and challenged preconceptions about ownership and legitimacy in popular. The sum total is also an extremely engaging, powerful record which never drags across its hour run time. It’s remarkable to look at the primitive sampling and beats which supplement Run DMC’s first record and compare it to this - a record in which hip-hop literally eats itself, so to speak. Not only did it reappropriate the music being sampled, it made sampling the sole basis for the music to exist. Instrumental works which eschew traditional song structures can often be hard for me to digest, but this record is never too abstract for its own good. An absolute game-changing masterpiece.

Listening through this album I can really hear what an influence he had on some of the sample artists that followed later on. Incredibly smooth mixing. This album gets close to the idea that if you didn't know you were listening to samples you would have a hard time picking them out.

Incredible album, well deserving of the praise it gets. Fun to just listen to on its own, but doubly fun to look up the samples and see what you recognize. Also, extra respect for the Twin Peaks references.

I loved this album. I had never heard of DJ Shadow. It's impressive how the album was made. It sounds so cohesive despite the potential chaos of such heavy sampling. I don't have any songs to call out by name because the album was excellent from front to back.

A glorious lucky dip of an album. Whilst some tracks made me feel like I was in year 9 at school, set loose with an imagination and a Yamaha keyboard but this time, joined by an orchestra for good measure... Others transported me to a sunny rooftop at a boujee cocktail bar, next to the River Thames... When I was young, and had money to be drinking at boujee cocktail bars next to the River Thames.

didn't expect to love this as much as i did! so, so 90's but in the best way, excellent range of sounds and love the experimentation throughout.

This album brings a lot of memories back on listening to it, both from high school and college, and not to mention it is masterfully executed. This is one of the greats, for sure.

I mean, lofi hip hop owes its existence to artists like DJ Shadow. Respect where respect is due.

I'm not new to this album, but it is an album that has taken a considerable time to grow on me. This time listening has been far and away my favorite. Halfway through it's easily a 5-star album. A remarkable piece that slides uniquely into some unclaimed space between hip-hop, sampledelia, and IDM. As indebted to Grandmaster Flash and Public Enemy as it is to Brian Eno and Aphex Twin. The only post-1990, sample-based album I can think of that touches this in terms of influence and importance is J. Dilla's Donuts or Danger Mouse's Grey Album, but those are each wholly different affairs, unique and influential for entirely different reasons. Endtroducing... plays like THE essential piece on sampling. It's like a history of sampling. Obsessed with its own art form it manages to work as simultaneously as a critique of itself and an oral history. Its a haunted record too, as any sample-based record should be. Its legacy continues to haunt me today. I get chills thinking about DJ Shadow in the basement of some Sacramento record store cataloguing moments that might someday collage into the songs featured here. It's a masterclass in the artform. Perhaps the definitive piece. I've reached the end without noting a single dull moment. Maybe one...maybe by the time we get to the 9-minute-and-21-second "Napalm Brain / Scatter Brain - Medley" the album runs a little long. But I hate to criticize an album for being too long. Especially one whose catalogued exhaustion is its greatest strength. Plus the meandering rhythm of that song is a unique highlight that allows the previously pumping album a bit of time to drift and settle somewhere beneath its own weight before signing off. So, 5 stars.

Seems incredible to me this one is from the mid nineties. Rich and intense sound, I will start searching for some vinyl to add to my electronic music collection.

IN THE BEGINNING, THERE WAS BEATS.

"Maureen's got five sisters, they all got ass. One of them has eyes as big as Jolly Ranchers. Beautiful girl, she's a beautiful girl. Mhm." To say this album was foundational to my understanding and eventual love for hip-hop would be an understatement. For a little over an hour, DJ Shadow crafted a atmosphere that weaved quotes from television shows and obscure films with the trip-hop and downbeat/breakbeat sounds that were popular for the time. Even twenty-five plus years on, Endtroducing..... remains a pivotal moment in a time where hip-hop was not just fractured amongst territorial forces but also commercially motivated for crossover appeal. A sensational turning up the nose and a magnificent tribute to what once was.

Live even more amazing, long live DJ Shadow

I've listened to this many times before but it never gets old for me. The sampling and mixing here are absolutely brilliant, proving beyond a (DJ) shadow of a doubt that DJ'ing is an art. Endtroducing... is a masterwork in a craft that goes consistently underrated and stays understated.

Finally!!! Yes. Just a stunning album

A phenomenal album. So, so good with such a strong sense of theme and flow. One of trip-hop's finest albums.

This album changed my life.

una joyita

This was a very cool listen! I can definitely hear the mixes that inspired other artists (beastie boys, fatboyslim) from around this time.

Wall to wall genius

idk yet

One of my favourite albums and an incredibly important album in the development of modern music. "Endtroducing....." was the first album comprised entirely of samples and set the template for much of the way we produce today as well as being a huge influence on my music in general. Highlight Track: Stem/Long Stem - this track has some great memorable vocal sample moments "Waiting to be heard on my traffic offenses"! And some gnarly processed distorted breakbeats in the first half.

Best album to run to in a long time, unexpectedly brilliant

Utter classic, brilliant from start to finish.

Cool album made with only samples. Smooth.

Ovaj obožavam

Slick mixing

Changed my life back in 2000. The mushrooms helped, but still.

Holds up to repeated listening. Great beats and rhythms. Scratching not annoying or ridiculous. One for the ages.

The production on this is still inventive, atmospheric, and entrancing. I love the mysterious and esoteric vibe it has to it. Even the cover art lends it this underground, music-nerd, crate-digging, polyglot panache. Building Steam With A Grain of Salt is an all time song title.

Blown away with this. Inventive use of samples and an experimental treatment of them - this must be a very early example of using glitches, preceded only by Aphex twin i'd imagine. He creates an incredible mood and the tunes are really original (for the time at least).

Classic, essential album for sampling

love this. but a slight quibble w/ the book.. > it paved the way for the continued success of experimentally-minded artists as diverse as Massive Attack, Radiohead, and Björk, to name just a few lol this is such a weird way to put it, when these bands — exempting radiohead, who wouldn't put out anything like this until kid a and amnesiac in 2000 & 2001 — paved the way for dj shadow's initial success with albums like: - tricky, maxinquaye, 1995 - massive attack, blue lines, 1991 - bjørk, post, 1995 - portishead, dummy, 1994 (edited)

I remember reading an article when this was released that DJ Shadow would go to record stores and move the CD album from the electronic section to the hip-hop section. I was amused. I would argue that this fits in no single section and all sections at once. There are layers and layers of samples that comprise this release, many of them forgotten bits that somehow form a cohesive mood. This is mood music of the highest caliber.

DJ Shadow might as well be a drummer so perfectly crafted his drum loops are. What is certain is that he is a virtuoso in turntablism.  This record is fantastic start to finish, plenty of surprising twists and turns, and lots of creativity going on. The only issue I have is, as with most albums from the CD era, its length. Also, for some reason, my mind doesn't seem to be willing to "stay" on it, but that I think it's because I need to spend more time with the album in order to tame the bugger monkey. I surely recommend this one. 

Genre defining album. Such a brilliant record from start to finish!

Stone cold classic.

I really like this album.

Amazing album

Love this album. Having just listened to Violator by Depeche Mode and thinking about how far synth pop came from 1980-1990, it's very interesting to think about the fact that this album was made only 6 years after Violator. It feels like all the rules changed in the intervening years. The mixture of hip-hop with electronic music creates the real power of this album. The drums bang hard on most of the tracks. The rest of the musical score feels like flavor added to the rhythm section. It's a much different approach to electronic music than was prominent before this time, but it really works and it had a massive impact on the future of electronic music and hip-hop 5/5

OMG I FREAKING LOVE THIS ALBUM <3

Phenomenal album

Absolutely brilliant album. For me, the album of the decade. So innovative, so painstaking in its approach. So many imitators (Avalanches etc.)

I can't say enough good things about it. Not a single piece of original music on it yet it's completely unique. Possibly the best hip-hop album ever despite not featuring any rapping

Five stars all day everyday and it's not even my favourite DJ Shadow album. I listened twice just to prove a point to you all. I'm not sure what that point was, may be that I'm a dick, but that's for you to decide.

Really cool jazz-hiphop-electronic mash up

This album was so pivotal for me. It was instrumental in moving away from indie in the mid 90s to trip hop and turntablism in the late 90s. I don’t think any other record will ever have that much of an influence on my musical tastes and cause such a seismic shift in on of the major passions in my life. Listen back now, it is kind of boring at times but I can’t really go anything other than 5 stars.

The GOAT. 5

4.5

Game changer! Still holds up well too, doesn't sound dated.

Excelente! No lo había escuchado jamás

FIVE STARS An all-time classic and a personal favorite of mine. This is the seminal album of the "Jimmy Page of the sampler". Put your earbuds on and play this wonder as you're walking or driving through a big city at night. Urban heaven. Sublime and enticing. A feeling of eternity. It's *this* good. As is usually the case with those five-stars albums, I won't write a full-blown review about this particular record, because others have already written wonderful stuff about it and there's not much I can add that I feel could be relevant and interesting. It's just a gem. Go and listen to it a.s.a.p. Number of albums left to review or just listen to:  more than 900, I've temporarily lost count here Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens:  approximately a half so far (including this one) Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: a quarter Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more important): the last quarter

DJ Shadow never raps a single line but is one of the most consequential hip hop producers ever. He builds long contemplative beats featuring unusual instrumentation with virtually everything being sampled. This album, typically regarded as his best might best be described as trip hop though I hear some industrial sounds that would later be incorporated into hip hop. DJ Shadow is a master of layering and composition. He strips other music for parts and when he’s finished, the whole is certainly greater than the sum.

This just really really good. Never listened before but yum.

Absolute classic.

‘All my life,’ remarks one among the hundreds, maybe thousands of samples on 'Endtroducing…..'- samples as numberless as the stars in the sky- ‘I felt content to stargaze… Now I only want to melt.’ I feel like I’ve experienced both on this amazing LP. If I’m not mistaken, this is a bit of conceptual downtempo, trance electronica composed around the general theme of extraterrestrials broadcasting from the future, ‘using you brain’s electrical system as a receiver… in order to alter the events you are seeing.’ The aliens continue, ‘Our technology has not developed a transmitter strong enough to reach your conscious state of awareness, but this is not a dream. You are seeing what is actually occurring for the purpose of causality violation.’ This is a direct quote from the final track, that completes the story line parceled out over the length of the LP. I’m purposefully avoiding the use of the term ‘lyric’ because these are not really songs in any conventional sense. Rather, they (several at a time) are deconstructed from their original recordings and then reassembled, repurposed really, into something new, something quite beautiful actually- ‘Midnight in a Perfect World’ being one perfect example. 'Endtroducing…..' delivers deep, rich and steady funky bass lines around which synthesized sounds swirl, samples rise and fall, and seriously syncopated drums dazzle. Undergirding the whole thing is that nostalgic crackle and pop of old school vinyl being caressed by a diamond needle as it spins away on the turntable. Never was techno more seductive, not to mention creative. DJ Shadow offers an unexpected 7/4 prog rock time signature on ‘Changeling/Transmission 1,’ and ‘Stem/Long Stem/Transmission 2’ features enough tempo and melodic changes to keep the listener entranced. Perhaps enchanted might be more appropriate, finding myself, often, on the borderline of falling into a meditative state. To be honest, I embarked on this listening mission with a negative bias, informed that DJ Shadow had composed this mostly instrumental work almost entirely of samples, and exclusively on one machine. I’ve listened to other similar works and quickly grew weary of the redundancy and lack of creativity. Not so on 'Endtroducing…..' Not so at all. I was hoping at the End it was only just Beginning.

Took me by complete surprise. There's something really pleasurable about this music. Ambient-ish in nature, combined with very interesting sampling it created a specific vibe which I really enjoyed. Overall a worthwhile experience. I feel this album definitely inspired many later artists. I may have found a new album friend :) Highlight: What Does Your Soul Look Like (Pt. 1 / Blue Sky Revisit)

Szok. Nie znam dobrze trip hopu, ale wszystkie klasyczne albumy, jakie z tego gatunku słuchałem bardzo mi się podobały. A tutaj mamy właściwie gościa, który wymyślił nazwę i w dużej mierze wymyślił brzmienie! I to brzmi dobrze, a nie sztampowo. Atmosfera jest niesamowita. Tempo jest tak zróżnicowane, że właściwie się w żadnym momencie nie znudziłem. Nie ma tragicznych utworów ani zapychaczy. Parę jest po prostu fenomenalnych - Building Steam With A Grain of Salt czy Stem / Long Stem (Medley). Ale gość osiągnął tu idealny balans między posiadaniem charakterystycznego brzmienia i posiadaniem unikalnych piosenek, niezlewających się tak jedna w drugą. Z tego co widzę album był przyjęty bardzo dobrze i zupełnie ma swoje miejsce tutaj, biorąc pod uwagę opinie publiczności i krytyków. No i stworzył podwaliny dla instrumentalnego hip hopu. Ja sam uczciwie daję 5. I to mocne 5.

Greatest damn thing ever

Rad. An old classic

Cracking album. Holds up well today.

Elevates the skill of sampling to the highest art form, Shadow brings a chill out hip hop vibe from classic vinyl and has the heads bopping in the room. It’s such a well crafted album - the entirety sounds like movements from a symphony, so brilliantly is it assembled. Above all else it pushes the boundaries of what sampling is and can do and shows the world this ain’t just stealing from the work of other artists (all artists steal all the time - that’s how you make something new) but is homage, tribute - that Shadow’s instruments are turntables and samplers and hooks and riffs makes him no less a musician. A five star classic.

Brilliant album, Stem/Long Stem is genius and the rest is varied enough to keep you interested and high quality throughout