 DJ Shadow's The Private Press is an anachronism. It comes from a time when Fatboy Slim, Bentley Rhythm Ace and The Crystal Method were the names to drop.
In fact Walkie Talkie is a prime slice of big beat: "I'm a bad . . . bad motherfuckin' DJ" loops over a 303-style fuzzed up bass and Shadow's trademark scratching. Yes it's good, but there's no doubt it belongs to a different era.
Giving Up The Ghost is a different beast entirely. It's dark, almost malevolent beats wouldn't be out of place on Death In Vegas' awesome Contino Sesssions. It doesn't particularly go anywhere, but its lethargy sure sounds good.
New single Six Days is one of the weaker tracks here, but at least the female vocal sample gives something you'll recognise when you here it again. If there's one criticism to level at The Private Press, it's that none of the tracks are particularly memorable. It's a great CD to listen to, but none of it stays in your head 'til the next day.
Album highlight Mashin' On The Motorway bleeds into the sombre piano-led Blood On The Motorway before first single You Can't Go Home Again and a reworked version of Giving Up The Ghost wrap up proceedings.
The Private Press only works as a whole. Sit down in a darkened room and give in your attention from start to finish and you'll be very impressed. Skip through the tracks looking for potential hit singles and you'll be disappointed. If the former approach sounds like you, DJ Shadow's The Private Press comes highly recommended. :: Rowan Shaeffer |
