9. DJ Shadow: In/Flux
DJ Shadow's Josh Davis, from Hayward, CA, gets credit for establishing the experimental instrumental hip-hop style associated with Mo' Wax records; he first gained wide notice for a 17-minute hip-hop symphony called "Entropy" in 1993. "In/Flux", a 1993 single, originally appeared on a Mo' Wax 1994 sampler, Headz, but didn't appear on a DJ Shadow album until 1998, on the singles collection Preemptive Strike. It progresses from a kinetic, busy opening through up-tempo funky breakbeats and stoned, downbeat hip-hop.
10. Mouse On Mars: Twift Shoeblade
Mouse on Mars is a German post-techno duo whose work touches on ambient, techno, and dub, rock, jazz, and jungle. Formed by Andi Toma and Jan St. Werner in 1993, their debut single, "Frosch", appeared the following year. "Twift Shoeblade" is the standout cut from their 1997 effort, Autoditacker, which sees their essential kraut-rock and dub influences evolving into long, downtempo ambient music, with some occasional drums 'n' bass. Their sound is noteworthy for its intricacy and density; unlike some of the other tracks included here, Modest Mouse isn't spare; their music is densely packed with rhythms, keyboards, and assorted electronic effects.
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Article comments
1 - Scott Butki
That's a great list. The only one I'd dispute would be tricky and that's just because I could never get into him.
2 - Scott Butki
What do you think of DJ Shadow's live album?
3 - Scott Butki
The only one of these I don't own now is Mouse on Mars.
4 - Tina
I have always loved Electronica, but this playlist is awesome!! There are songs that I have never heard of, now Im going to download them and check em out.
5 - uao
Thanks Tina and Scott (Sorry for slow replies; I've been pressed for time at work and haven't been participating here, but will return soon I hope...)
I've not heard all of DJ Shadow's live album, but would like to check it out; live electronica albums are a tricky proposition. Some really are transcendant, and others really flop.
Tricky wasn't so great after Maxinquaye, but I'll still swear by that one.
6 - Steve
Interesting list, uao.
I have -
5 songs by Moby, including the one you mentioned,
4 by Chemical Brothers, including the one you mentioned,
1 by The Orb ("Blue Room"),
3 by The Prodigy, though not the one that you mentioned,
2 by Underworld, including the one you mentioned,
5 by Massive Attack, not including the one that you mentioned.
I've heard of the rest of the artists except for Mouse On Mars.
Massive Attack or Moby would be my faves on that list.
7 - Scott Butki
I'm going to pull out my cds with these songs and get a copy of Mouse on Mars and will return with thoughts.
The DJ shadow live album comes with a dvd of the show live and he's pretty entertaining.
I think Orbital was one of the funniest live shows I saw. They put on goggles with lights in the front - the kind I think miners use - and so as they played and bounced you'd see these tiny lights bouncing around.
8 - Scott Butki
I have to challenge this assertion in the piece, though:
"Underworld is arguably the most essential 1990's electronica unit."
I only recall Underworld having one or two hits.
Chemical Brothers had more quality hits. Moby had even more hits though he got a little too poppy for my tastes.
9 - Scott Butki
I wrote a review of the Fatboy Slim greatest hits album and used the opportunity to
talk about the artist himself:
I linked to your piece from my piece.