Are You Ready To Party? Brainfreeze

To my mind, there are two types of DJ in this world. On the one hand, you have your crate diggers who rely on exceptional and original musical selections, and then on the other, you have those whose technical skill and dexterity is their defining feature. I love both with equal measure, but there are few that manage to combine the two roles with as much flava as DJ Shadow and his wild-haired partner in crime, Cut Chemist. Both are prime examples of DJs whose knowledge and material ownership of music is staggering, as well as the fact that they both possess top level skills on the cut (those sessions around Q Bert's house obviously did the trick).

The premise behind the 'Brainfreeze' release was simple. Shadow and Cut were rehearsing a 7'' only set (although a few 12''s were used as well) that was due to debut at the legendary hip hop fiesta in L.A. known as 'Future Primitive', and decided that they might as well hit the 'record' switch whilst doing so. 'Brainfreeze' is the result of two takes of rehearsal sessions, and it is a fantastic mix of soul, funk and a little hip hop (they drop 'I'm Not Playin'' in the first half of the mix) with a chunky slice of turntablism thrown in for good measure. My knowledge of the selections made is limited, but this a good times party mix that can't fail to put a smile on your face and a wiggle in that ass.

It's a shame that part of the enjoyment of this release, and those in Shadow's wider discography, are now somewhat tainted for me by the direction which he has taken in recent times. To be honest, I'm not even as bothered by the shift in musical orientation as much as I am by the attitude that he had towards it at the time of the release of 'The Outsider'. He seemed very defensive of the record, and even went as far as to suggest that he really didn't care about how existing fans felt about his new sound. I'm sure this wasn't the intention, and I can understand a knee-jerk reaction to criticism, but it leaves a slightly sour taste in my mouth when I consider the fact that Josh Davis essentially dissed some of his most long-standing followers. Maybe I'm just sore that the brilliantly atmospheric and dark, moody vibe of 'Endtroducing...' is unlikely to ever see the light of day again.

Back to the matter at hand. Amazingly, I didn't buy this when it was released as I was in a phase where myself and a friend bought a lot of music on trips out together, and this just happened to be one of the CDs that he copped and I didn't. I'm kicking myself about it now, because it's limited release and cult status mean that it is now worth a nice wad of cash, so adding it to my collection will be a struggle.

With the summer rapidly approaching, my advice is as follows. Get some friends around, bust open a crate of beers, fire up the barbeque and enjoy 'Brainfreeze' in the true context in which it was meant to be appreciated: a party.

Brainfreeze

[Shouts to my mate Tim for lending me a copy]