Customer Reviews

DJ Kicks

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Smith & Mighty date back before Massive Attack diaspora and are probably just as valuable. This DJ Kicks installment starts with reggae/trip-hop aesthetic and flows into bouncy dub-hop and finally slides into smooth, soulful jungle. Easily, one of the best DJ Kicks collections. It's a shame that they fell out with their record company and have subsequently missed the trip-hop renaissance/gravy-train. For any listener who wants accessible, diverse bass 'n beats--this album will not disappoint.

I bought this CD a few months ago, gave it a couple of spins and put it away. Recently I put it in again, and haven't taken it out since! It took a few listens for me to catch it, but this CD is a fantastic blend of trip hop and D&B, with smooth vocals placed perfectly...even a taste of hip hop to top it off. If you're into electronic beats, get this disc, you will not be disappointed. Enjoy!

The first time I heard this CD was when a friend put it on while I was outrageously baked. I must say that the next day I ran to the record store like a mutha . . . You don't have to be stoned to enjoy how beautiful and transcendent this album is. It fits almost everyone of my moods and is perfect on a rainy or sunny day. This disc has gotten me through those days which I thought I wouldn't make it out alive and soothed any pain that the world can dish out. Honestly one of the best DJ Kicks! ever released. I recommend it for those looking for something different in their traditional likings or any fans of hip-hop, jungle, dub, or leftfield. It will move you in ways that words cannot describe. Peace out and let the vibes move you.

The late 80s was an era of house, groove, reggae and hip hop dominating the urban scene. In 1989, Smith and Mighty joined these genres, basically inventing the concept of "trip hop". Along with other Bristol natives like Massive Attack and Tricky. There own dubbed out trip hop sound was not on lp until 1995's "Bass is Maternal". However, under the More Rockers guise they also produced other tracks. This 1998 mix features their early works as well as newer drum n'bass material. Though most of these tracks are Smith and Mighty related in some way or another, there are a few other tracks from other artists, such as DJ Krust.

The mix begins almost like an evolution of the music...first we are presented with some of the best dub reggae I've ever heard until the tracks evolve into trip hop and hip hop, then almost majestically transforms into the complex drum patterns of drum n' bass, which carries the last half of the album. The Dnb is mostly rapid breakbeats over an atmosphere of jazzy funk, like alot of Bristol DnB. It even features a Dnb version of Roberta Flack's "The First Time". The amount of soul poured into this album is unbelievable. Possibly the best mix CD ever in my opinion and a document of the British Urban sound. Essential album for anyone into progressive music. For those who believe the last innovative music existed in the mid 70s this is evidence that good original music is still being produced. Big up to the ones known as Smith and Mighty.

This is fast becoming one of my favorite Trip-hop/Dub/Jungle mix albums. Neat blend of styles that will first seep into your skull with the 1st half of the album then jolt you out of your skin with rapid drum and bass tracks in the 2nd half.

The other reviewers are right, This Smith and Mighty record is better than their recent Big Word, Small World and their 1st Bass is Maternal album. I think this should be credited also to the several guest musicians (More Rockers, Flynn&Flora, etc) and vocalist that appear on this DJ Kicks collection. S&M are exclusively on 8 or 9 of the 24 tracks on this album.

I was curious about S&M after becoming a fan of the Trip-Hop/ Bristol Sound through Massive Attack and Portishead then learning that they were actually influenced by Smith & Mighty. So I gave them a shot with Big World, Small World and was only impressed with a few great tracks. But this Dj Kicks album is much more interesting all round.

But S&M's deep influence in Dub and Reggae sets them apart from their other well known Trip-Hop counterparts. This is an excellent mixed CD featuring the pioneers of the Bristol sound that should not be missed.

I consider myself a very pesemistic music listener, in that I don't find much music that is truly creative, unique and totally amazing. I can describe Smith & Mighty's music as 80's retro combined with hip hop, drum & bass, orbish soundscapes at times, and nothing EVER dull or boring. The whole album has become one of my favorites in a matter of days. Smoke a big fat joint and play this CD, you won't regret it.

of the several dj kicks series albums i have heard, this is by far my favorite. it's funny how well these songs have aged. i couldn't believe that the early smith and mighty bacharach remixes ("walk on by" and "anyone who had a heart") were released in the late 80's! although it would have been great to continue that sort of groove, the drum and bass is not disappointing at all, and it's pretty fine dance music... these guys do a great job and deserve a listen. incidentally, this one is better than Big World Small World.

..... it is amazing. Seriously, perhaps the most wonderful blend of all styles which I admire. downtempo, hip-hop, reggae, jungle/dnb .. some nice female vocals scattered about .. all I gotta say is .... The first time I heard it, I knew it was an instant classic. There should be no debating whether or not to buy this CD .. if you're reading this right now, and you don't own it, then for the sake of all that is good in this world, BUY THIS. Humanity would be a better place of all people would sit back and listen to this. Perfection.

This is like the Nightmares on Wax DJ kicks album. Shet is gold. The mix works as a whole, like one piece of music. Very happy with it. I put it on and get of the spaceship and reach the echos on my mind.

From the first song to the last song this blend of beats is a must have!