Preemptive Strike

EDITORIAL REVIEWS .COM This set compiles much of DJ Shadow's pre-major label material in one convenient package in an attempt to foil bootleggers and bring new fans up-to-date in the curriculum. The results are naturally varied, but all point to a marvelous evolution of talent. The collection is kept together primarily by its propensity for jazzy beats and psychedelic loops. Shadow (n Josh Davis) moves through everything from old school funk ("In/Flux") to grungy '60s-style guitar raveups ("High Noon"). The centerpiece of the set, however, is a four-part composition called "What Does Your Soul Look Like," which is likely to be the first ever entirely sample-driven rock opera. It's a brilliant piece of work, laced with intriguing sounds, sound bites, and a detectable set of motion. It is also quite possibly better than anything on the critically -acclaimed Entroducing. --Aidin Vaziri REVIEW [T]he weight of these constructions is undeniable. Even if some of Shadow's grooves seem a bit facile, his rich layers of appropriated samples, perfectly pitched and positioned into organic units, eventually draw you in.... Shadow's penchant for rare groove keeps things moving. There are trippy snippets floating up through flute loops or living strings, disembodied voices delivering pseudo-heavy bons mots.... On "Hindsight" and "Organ Donor (Extended Overhaul)" he nearly gives it up, hinting that he could tear up a dancefloor if he wanted. But for now, it seems like his mind is elsewhere conversing with vinyl ghosts, headphones over both ears. -- Option

PREEMPTIVE STRIKE