Who this is…
It’s Ninja Tune beyatch, back with their one and only brand of instrumental hip-hop, trip-hop, techno, psyche-jazz rock or whatever the hell you choose to call it for your sake of categorization.
What this is…
For years Ninja Tune has put together yearly of bi-yearly samplers of upcoming or very recent work from artists on the label. You know, a little something tasty to show people what they were all about. Fans were paying crazy prices for said samplers on Ebay, so naturally, Ninja Tune is now selling the samplers as any right-minded business person would. “Zentertainment 2004” is eleven tracks from eleven artists; Blockhead, Sixtoo, cLOUDEAD and Infinite Livez to name a few.
Why you should listen…
Blockhead – “Insomniac Olympics”…if you don’t know yet, well damn
Diplo – “Don’t Fall”…very nice
Lotek HiFi – “Ram Dancehall”…reggae+hip-hop+dancehall = ill
Infinite Livez – “Worchestershire Sauce”
Sixtoo “Boxcutter Emporium”…what can I say? I’m a sucker for his mind-warping beats.
Skalpel – “1958”…great fusion of jazz, plus he is from Poland, which is wacky
Loka – “Beginningless”
Why you shouldn’t listen…
cLOUDEAD – “Rifle Eyes”…never could get into their soundtracks to hallucinations in space
Wagon Chist – “Saddic Gladdic”…meh
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All in all…
If you don’t know Ninja Tune and are into genre-bending, experimental music then I say hop right on board. Those who prefer to stay in their box and hardcore traditionalists probably would be wise to keep it moving though, this is certainly not for all comers. “Zentertainment 2004” is a good representation of what Ninja Tune offers, your personal mileage on this release really depends on whether or not you like Ninja Tune. Simple huh?
Rating 7/10
