DJ Spooky "Object Unknown" Outpost Recordings/Asphodel OPRDM-38001 1998 (30:09)
Object Unknown (Mothership Connection Mix / Album Version)
(5:21)
Object Unknown (Funky Redneck Mix) (3:46)
Object Unknown (Piano Roll Blue Mix) (5:16)
Object Unknown (The Placebo Effect) (5:13)
Object Unknown (Mothership Connection Instrumental Mix) (5:18)
Object Unknown (Piano Roll Blue Instrumental Mix) (5:15)
Written, composed, performed, and produced by Paul D. Miller aka DJ Spooky That Subliminal Kid with additional vocals by Kool Keith and Sir Menelik
Overall impression: excellent. This single offers up 6 versions of what is in my opinion the premier track from DJ Spooky's latest album, "Riddim Warfare". "Object Unknown" is jazzy, funky, uptempo, textured, in your face hip-hop. Kool Keith (Dr. Octagon) and Sir Menelik (Cyclops 4000) lay down alternating raps over a pumping bass line and backdrop of percussion, keyboard loops, video game sounds and other misc samples. The "Funky Redneck Mix" by Kut Masta Kurt slows the song down and gives it more of an ambient feel with some added scratching by Davey Dave. The "Piano Roll Blue Mix" (by Spooky and Chris Flam) is similar to the album version except that piano rolls and orchestral samples are utilized throughout and the vocals are even more up in front. The "Placebo Effect" mix (also by Spooky/Flam) totally reworks the original with new bass lines and atmospheres and removes most of the vocals. The final two tracks are simply instrumental versions of the album and Piano Roll mixes, but both are rewarding in their own right due to the complexity and downright coolness factor of the musical backing. This is one of those rare singles that can pull off multiple versions of 1 track effectively and not bore me. I'm not normally a Dr. Octagon or DJ Spooky fan, but this track is primo. I wish more hip-hop was as complex and cool as this ...
Where did I get this cd? - mail order via Marie Senese (email her to get the big weekly list of cheap used and new cds ... tell 'em markw@southwind.net sent you!)