IDS CLASSIC ALBUMS

For the last decade, audiences have been mesmerized by what most consider the forefather of instrumental hip-hop, DJ Shadow's 1996 masterpiece Endtroducing. It's the kind of album you fall in love with while driving through the White Mountains of New Hampshire, its soundscapes larger than the panorama ahead, its vibe more modern than the sun setting behind the pines.\nEndtroducing has the uncanny ability to take the listener on a voyage to, as one trademark sample states, "the inner juices of human beings." These inner juices allow the album to resonate amongst all those who listen. It's haunting, ethereal and reflective, a heavily layered mix of vinyl from yesteryear, phased-out samples and gritty hip-hop. Flawless in technique, the album flows perfectly from start to finish. No artist in hip-hop, not even Shadow himself, has ever topped it. \nThe recently released 10th anniversary edition of Endtroducing features a bonus disc of alternate takes, remixes by fellow turntable guru Cut Chemist and singles by Shadow. The alternate takes give valuable insight into the finer detail of the album, as classic tracks such as "Building Steam with a Grain of Salt" appear without trademark samples, stripping them of much of their character. Cut Chemist's remix of "Number Song" rivals the original and the completely revamped "Midnight in a Perfect World" features some choice verse by Gift of Gab. \nThe original disc has not been re-mastered in any way, preserving a muddy warmth that reminds bedroom producers that they too can change music with an MPC, and a 'do-it-yourself' attitude. The epic opener, "Building Steam," is a testament to Shadow's knack for vocal overdubs as a man states: "I'd like for what's inside of me to come out." The flashy "Number Song," complete with children counting a la Sesame Street, stands in stark contrast to the slow roll of down-tempo highlight "Changeling." \nJust like the vocal sample in the satirical "Why Hip-Hop Sucks in '96", Endtroducing is the "money." As one of the most important albums in the history of hip-hop and electronic music, I recommend Endtroducing to anyone that believes that music is art.